Our remote work experience in Gran Canaria (Las Palmas & Maspalomas)

It’s March 2021. Coronavirus had been running rampant in the last 6 months and people were forced to be indoors for most of the long winter. Like millions of others, we were tired of the pandemic and craved something that would bring some joy and excitement to our lives. Since all of us were working remotely anyway at that point, going to a sunny and warm place for a couple of months seemed like a no-brainer!

There weren’t many places available to visit at this point. Mexico, Italy or Spain were the ones that caught our eye. We heard that Gran Canaria is nice and without much hesitation, we decided to go for it!

We didn’t have many expectations as the Canary Islands and especially Tenerife had a very certain perception in our heads (we pictured a lot of drunken British and German tourists having loud parties and all the attractions being catered towards such visitors). Luckily, we were proven wrong. We had an amazing time working remotely from the islands, and we want to share our experience with you.

Why we loved traveling during Covid

One of the things we loved about our trip was the fact that there weren't many tourists around. This made for a more relaxed and calmer experience compared to the normal touristic parts of the islands. It was great to be able to enjoy the islands without the crowds that normally fill the streets and beaches.

Accommodation and car rental prices were quite low, which was a big plus for us. We were able to find very nice accommodations that didn’t break the bank but felt super cozy.

Where to stay in Gran Canaria - our itinerary

The first week of our trip was spent in the capital Las Palmas. The city was beautiful and super lively. We expected to see hordes of German and English tourists but in reality, most people were locals or mainland Spaniards coming to the Canaries for their holiday. The city has a lot to offer to digital nomads, especially those who prefer to have access to great infrastructure and vibrant culture.

We stayed near Playa de las Canteras, a beautiful beach that stretches for over three kilometers (link to the apartment: https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/las-canteras-seaview-v-by-canary365.en-gb.html?aid=304142). Next to the beach, there is a long promenade where locals and tourists alike were exercising, strolling around or just casually eating in the restaurants. When the sun was out, the beaches were filled with people sunbathing or playing beach tennis or volleyball. The water can be quite cold unless you go during the summer so you don’t see many people in the water except the surfers.

We had a lovely Paella for lunch on the promenade

Overall we liked our week in Las Palmas. Since we were there in March, the weather wasn’t that warm yet and was quite unpredictable - it’s super warm when the sun is out but can get cold when it’s cloudy. Oh, and there’s lots of wind normally as well.

After Las Palmas, it was time to head south to Maspalomas. Maspalomas is a city that has a mixture of tourists and locals. It’s known for its beautiful sand dunes and beaches, as well as its lively nightlife. Although there was very little nightlife when we visited. Overall, we really liked this mixture of tourists and locals. It was super laid back. The weather was much sunnier and a few degrees warmer than in Las Palmas.

Maspalomas

We had a super nice and a cozy apartment through Airbnb and everything seemed pretty amazing at first glance. Unfortunately, during our first working day in the apartment, we found out that there was a construction project going on in the apartments next door which definitely killed the vibe a bit. (Link for the apartment: https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/comfortabel-appartement-iguazu-3.en-gb.html?aid=304142#tab-main)

The second apartment we had was very pleasant as well with its indoor garden and pool (Here’s the link for it: https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/apartamentos-nara.en-gb.html).

Climate of Gran Canaria

The climate of Gran Canaria is subtropical, which means that it's warm and sunny all year round. The average temperature ranges from 20°C to 26°C, making it the perfect place to escape from colder climates. However, be aware that the weather can be quite windy and unpredictable, especially during the winter months. Also keep in mind that the north (Las Palmas) is usually a few degrees colder, and cloudier than the south (Maspalomas, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria etc.).

Average temperatures in Maspalomas

Transport and getting around

We didn’t have a rental car for the whole of our trip but we did get it for the weekends when we wanted to do day trips around the island. We mostly used Cicar for car rentals, which was affordable and convenient. They have offices in most cities and airports, so it was easy to pick up and drop off the cars. Renting from the airports were much cheaper compared to the office locations, so keep that in mind.

The roads in Gran Canaria are well maintained but be prepared for some winding mountain roads. We didn’t use public transport that much but fellow travelers have said that it’s pretty good, especially in Las Palmas.

Most popular daytrips

In addition to Maspalomas and Las Palmas, we highly recommend taking some day trips while visiting Gran Canaria.

Puerto de Mogan

Puerto de Mogán: We loved visiting this charming fishing village, also known as "Little Venice," located on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. We enjoyed exploring the colorful houses and canals, and we also spent time at the beautiful beach which had a lot less wind than the ones in Maspalomas.

Pico de las Nieves is the highest peak in Gran Canaria, and it offers stunning views of the island. We took a day trip to the top of the mountain, where we enjoyed a picnic while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Roque Nublo is a natural rock formation located in the center of the island close to Pico de las Nieves. It’s a popular spot for hiking and enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Tejeda: This picturesque village is located in the center of Gran Canaria and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We spent couple of hours exploring the village and its surroundings.

Agaete is a small town located in the northwest of Gran Canaria. It's known for its natural pools, which are formed by volcanic rocks and filled with crystal-clear water from the Atlantic Ocean. The town also has a beautiful waterfront promenade and a charming old town with narrow streets and traditional Canarian architecture.

Teror is a small town located in the interior of Gran Canaria, known for its traditional architecture and charming streets. The city had an amazing view that we enjoyed while eating ice cream.

We highly recommend taking some day trips while visiting Gran Canaria. There's so much to see and explore.

Best activities in Gran Canaria

Surfing - Las Palmas is a popular destination for surfers. The beaches have consistent waves and there are plenty of surf schools to choose from. I had a go myself a few times but couldn’t catch that many waves as they broke a bit quicker than I was used to :)

Hiking - there are plenty of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the island. We recommend checking out Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo.

Playing Tennis - There are plenty of tennis courts available to rent in Gran Canaria. I played a lot of tennis while there. If you are in Maspalomas, I seriously recommend checking out Darrod’s Tennis Academy. I had lessons there a couple of times per week and the weather was just perfect in the evenings for it.

Playing Golf - Lots of options. You can find golf clubs pretty much everywhere around the island. With the weather being so nice most of the time, it’s a perfect destination if you love golf!

Wrapping it up

Overall, we had an amazing time working remotely from Gran Canaria. If you're looking for a budget-friendly and relaxing place to work remotely, we highly recommend it!