Gran Canaria's March Escape: 22C Sun, 85p Pints, and £25 Flights
For Brits craving sunshine before summer, Gran Canaria offers an irresistible March getaway with 22C daily highs, affordable pints from just 85p, and flights starting at a mere £24.99. This Canary Island, often overshadowed by Tenerife, is gaining popularity as a winter sun destination, boasting stunning unspoilt beaches and a short-haul flight time averaging four-and-a-half hours from the UK.
Sunshine and Savings: Weather and Flight Deals
In March, Gran Canaria enjoys seven to eight hours of daily sunshine, a stark contrast to the UK's three to four hours in early spring. Temperatures reach a pleasant 22C, making it ideal for beach visits and outdoor activities. Flights are remarkably cheap, with Ryanair offering routes from London-Stansted from £24.99. EasyJet provides year-round services from Bristol, London Luton, and Manchester, plus seasonal options from regional airports. Jet2 flies from Belfast, Birmingham, and Glasgow, with a new London-Gatwick service launching in late March, while TUI operates from Cardiff and Newcastle upon Tyne.
Exploring the Island: Beaches, Dunes, and Nightlife
Most visitors head to the warmer south of the island, where Maspalomas is famous for its protected sand dunes spanning 1.5 miles. The Dunas de Maspalomas nature area features hiking trails through desert landscapes with palm trees and a natural lagoon. Nearby, the Playa del Inglés neighbourhood offers lively bars, restaurants, and nightlife with live music and shopping centres. The Yumbo Centre in Maspalomas is a hub for LGBT+ friendly venues, known for colourful drag shows and bustling Pride celebrations in May.
Affordable Pints and Family Fun
Pint prices in Gran Canaria are generally inexpensive, ranging from €2 to €3 (about £1.74 to £2.60), with some bars offering happy hour deals from €1 (approximately 85p). Beyond the beaches, the island offers diverse activities:
- Hiking: The Roque Nublo trail, a relatively easy hour-long hike, leads to one of the island's highest points with breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, especially lush in spring.
- Family Attractions: Palmitos Park in the mountains features nature walks, exotic reptiles, and dolphin shows, while the Angry Birds Activity Park is a colourful playground for kids.
- Cultural Visits: Puerto de Mogán, dubbed the 'Venice of the Canary Islands', has a sheltered beach, stylish marina, and canals for boat rides past whitewashed houses. The capital, Las Palmas, offers day trips to the historic Vegueta old town with museums, art galleries, and historic sites.
With its combination of warm weather, budget-friendly pints, and cheap flights, Gran Canaria is a top choice for a March escape, providing ample sunshine and activities without the long-haul travel hassle.
