Canary Islands – part 1 The Southern Resort Towns
December 11, 2017 – Leaving
This was a big one, Terri-Lynn is turning 50. I had to think of something and Terri-Lynn has decided she Loves to go on a cruise. So we found a great deal on a 7 night cruise on the Canary Islands. Not a place that was ever on my radar as we usually prefer off the beaten path zero tourist destinations. But it was her Birthday, and I would find out that I really enjoyed the Canary Islands.
December 12, 2017 Taurito, Gran Canaria
The Canary Islands lie about 100 miles off the coast of West Africa. The islands are geographically closer to Africa than Spain and with a distinct culture a bit different from the mainland. Gran Canaria is a large island with diverse regions we decided to stay in three different Air BnB type rentals in three very different parts of the island. The first would be in one of the southern resort towns called Taurito. Jumping right into the tourist thing seemed like a reasonable way to begin.
We found our flat and it was even better than the photos online. Many of these towns are “seasonal” towns meaning they are all vacation rentals without a local population. Taurito did not even have a store so we had to do our shopping about ten minutes away in Puerto Rico which seemed to be a bit more of a real town. Luckily we have a car for our first week.
It was a big travel day and tomorrow our plan is to hike to the next town so we enjoyed a simple tuna dinner and watched the sunset.
December 13, 2017 Puerto de Mogan
The next morning we woke to a beautiful day on the Canary islands.
We set off on our hike towards Puerto de Mogan the next town on the coast.
Road is closed, currently a hiking trail 
Looking down on the town
Bougainvillea lined streets
Puerto de Mogan has a small harbor
Puerto de Mogan has a nice beach and busy promenade. There was live music in the courtyard and people were dancing. We eventually walked back to our flat for happy hour.
December 14, 2017 Maspalomas
One of the more popular towns on the southern coast is Maspalomas which is well known for the sand dunes and clothing optional beaches.
We made a day trip out to see the dunes and lay around on the beach. Sorry, but I think Terri-Lynn will kill me if I post any clothing optional pictures of her sun bathing.
That afternoon we returned back to Taurito for our last night on the southern coast.
We checked out the nightlife. It is off season in December so not much was going on. We had a sugary cocktail and watched a Michael Jackson impersonator. The next morning we would drive across the island for a very different experience. Three nights in the small hill town of Moya.
Continue reading Canary Islands: part 2 Moya
