Spirit of Discovery blog

Safely docked on a pier with – in my opinion at least – an unnecessarily lengthy Spanish name (10 syllables the last time I counted) located in the centre of the large harbour of Las Palmas. At 08:00 our more eager guests flocked ashore to enjoy a full day and evening on the island of Gran Canaria.

Like the rest of the Canary Islands, it’s difficult not to notice their volcanic origins as one makes their way around. Impressive views can be gained at the summit of Bandama crater, (the volcano is extinct, according to Google…) if you fancy a meander some 2000ft skyward on one of our tour options.

A little village called ‘Teror’ (fear not – it’s a single ‘r’) is well worth a visit too, littered with cobbled streets and rustic looking white houses with wooden balconies. If you’re desperate for a pint of English beer, then you could always head further south to Playa del Ingles – the island’s main resort.

Maspalomas sand dunes are a fine sight as well as providing potential for a bit of fun for the more adventurous. Puerto Mogan is also a pretty resort town, with its backdrop of hills and charming white houses festooned with Bougainvillea and a beachside promenade, offering an ideal spot to enjoy some free time.

I took the chance for a wander ashore at sunset to enjoy a refreshment in a rooftop bar overlooking the harbour and our ship, prior to exploring the town for tapas potential. I am therefore pleased to report that there is plenty on offer to fill a hungry man’s stomach here.

Late into the evening, it was once again time to head back out to sea in the general direction of our next and final Canary Island for this trip: Lanzarote.

Kind Regards
Captain Kim Tanner

Written by Captain Kim Tanner