9 Days in Gran Canaria

It wasn't simply a trip for me to one of the several islands in Spain. Gran Canaria is where Héctor comes from, which means most of his family members and friends are there, and I got to be ready for meeting them in this trip too. Actually I still feel amazed about the fact that I met his family after we only dated for 2.5 months at that time, but both of us were so comfortable about this, so was his family.

Before flying to the island, I knew that I had to improve my Spanish for having some "conversations" with Héctor's family. They are not really able to speak English, and I feel it's mandatary for me to learn more Spanish in order to blend into his family and Spanish culture.

Anyway, here I am going to write down the places I visited (these I really adore), and they are totally worth visiting if you are planning to see Gran Canaria. Honestly speaking, 4 days visiting a Canary island would be sufficient for most of the people.

• Roque Nublo

A giant volcanic rock with 80 meters tall, located in the center of the island that takes you around 1 hour drive from the city center and then 30 mins walk to the view point. I was told that during the winter time, you could see the clouds around.

• Playa Amadores

I feel it is the most crystal-clear-green beach comparing with another beaches in the island and great spot for snorkeling.

• Amadores Beach Club

Héctor's mom invited us to chill at this beach club, and we did have a great time over there. Great cocktails, beachfront pool, Spa are perfect combo for afternoon.

• Agaete

Agaete is a city of northern Gran Canaria. There are harbors and ships near to the beach, the locals told us their seafood is super fresh but we recommend everyone not to consider the restaurants at harbor front because the food was not good for us (even though the view is pleasant). The sea water was kinda cold, it took a while for me to soak myself into the water.

• Dunas de Maspalomas

Dunas means dune in English, but it actually looks like desert when you get to Dunas de Maspalomas. It is amazing to see a place contains both ocean and desert, and you can definitely make a great picture over there.

And these food typically from Canary Islands will be my favorite forever:

• Mojo Picon

It's a sauce very famous in Canary Islands. You apply some to the cooked potatoes or meat such as the one I mentioned below (Pata de cerdo). Héctor's father really makes the best mojo, and I couldn't steal the recipe from their family at all.

• Pata De Cerdo

You can buy pata de cerdo in every restaurant bar, just tell the barman "bocadillo de pata, con queso". It's like a sandwich, and you would see locals bring this food to the beach and have a beach picnic.

Héctor's family left the whole house for both of us during these 9 days, which gave us such a great privacy and I am super thankful for their kindness. Before we left for Madrid, Nany (Héctor's grandma) said to me "I love you because you love my grandson.". It was really lovely and I realized how strong the connection of Spanish family is.