Follow me on my journeys and creative getaways
Madeira does not have many beaches, even these are narrow or difficult to access from the cliffs. Not to mention that the water can be quite cold. Most of the coast are cliffs, but these cliffs… oh, they do offer divine panoramic views. Nature and …
Though it’s the smallest of southern Utah’s national parks, Bryce Canyon stands among the most prized. But despite its name, is not a canyon, but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Repeated freezes and thaws have eroded …
If you are traveling to Las Vegas or maybe visiting some of the National Parks in the area, like Grand Canyon and Zion Park, you would probably want to stop by in the Valley of Fire State Park. It is a public recreation and nature preservation area located 80 km northeast of Las Vegas. This is just 1-hour driving. The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features often appear to be on fire because of reflecting the sun’s rays.
It is definitely a great experience to see this park, whether you go hiking or just passing through it. It is also the oldest and largest state park in Nevada.
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Entrance fee is 10$ per vehicle.
This is a State Park, not a National park, so the annual pass America the Beautiful doesn’t count here.
The Valley of Fire State Park has a dry and warm climate typical of the Mojave Desert in which it lies. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures from 12 to 24 °C and overnight lows around 3-8°C. Storms moving east from the Pacific Ocean occasionally bring rain during winter months. Daily summer highs usually range from 38 °C to 46 °C and on occasion may reach near 49 °C. Thunderstorms from the Southwestern Monsoon can produce heavy showers during summer.
In late spring and early summer can get really too hot to hike around especially the long and strenuous hikes. But you can still drive through the park and visit the nearest points of interest.
So the best time to hike is from fall to early spring. To see the most famous spots one day is enough, but to explore more it’s best to stay in one of the two park’s campgrounds, or somewhere around the park.
This is an easily reachable sight, there is a parking right below the rock, and you can climb the stairs. An atlatl is a device used for launching a spear. The ancient Indians used these weapons and they are depicted in the petroglyphs (rock carvings) located at Atlatl Rock. This area has outstanding petroglyphs that should not be missed. Sadly some of the petroglyphs here have been ruined by vandals, and I really don’t understand what is going on in the head of those people, it makes me really sad.
This is an iconic spot of Valley of fire, similar to the Wave in Page, AZ, but much more easy to reach. The swirl of color on the surface resembles a sea wave. It’s a relatively flat and easy hike, around an hour round trip. But in summer still might get too hot to hike. Bring plenty of water.
The Beehives are sandstone formations that resemble a structure bees make to keep their honey in. They are caused by wind erosion when sand is removed by wind and transported across the desert to form sand dunes. The results are sculpted rocks with unusual shapes. This is also an easily accessible site with parking on the spot.
If you have more time, maybe spending a night or two, and the temperatures are pleasable, you might not want to miss some other sights.
An Elephant Rock is an arch in the shape of, of course, an elephant. The rock is right next to the road. But as parking is limited it is best to park in the nearby parking lot and take the trail to reach the formation. The Fire Cave is really a small cave, a rock formation where erosion removed the rock base. Very photogenic, but you might want to use a tripod for taking photos. Arch Rock is a must see and a great photo opportunity. The sandstone formations that are so prominent in the Valley of Fire are made of sand grains that are almost pure silica. Silica Dome is the finest example in the area of such a deposit. The Visitor’s Center is opened from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. There you can find information, books, souvenirs, and exhibits on Valley of Fire and the surrounding area.
Many unhappy visitors would say ”nothing but desert, sand, and salt”, but Death Valley is so much more than that. Most definitely not as dead as it sounds. In this below sea level basin, you can find a lot of extremes, especially the summer heat. …
If you are visiting Yosemite National Park, you might as well want to visit the nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Although administered as a single unit by the National Park Service, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon are actually two national parks. Together they …
Gran Canaria, the third largest island in the Canary Islands, is a true tiny universe of experiences that are sure to make every day memorable. This African archipelago, which is part of Spain, boasts a variety of stunning landscapes, golden beaches, and a bustling city full of exciting activities. Discovering the Best Beaches of Gran Canaria can take some time. With almost 60 kilometers of beach along its 236 kilometers of coastline, Gran Canaria offers visitors a vast array of activities to enjoy. Take a leisurely sail to watch whales, stroll through the lush Canary pine forests, spend an exciting day at a water park, explore its lively shopping streets, visit world-class museums, or simply unwind on one of its picturesque beaches.
In this post, I’ll take you on a tour of some of the best beaches in Gran Canaria – the ones that will make you want to pack your bags and head straight there. So grab your sunscreen, put on your shades, and let’s go!
There are so many beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria that it’s impossible to see them all – unless, of course, you want to swim and soak up the sun simply all day long. However, we had heard that Playa de Guigui (pronounced weewee) was an absolute must-see, so we made it our mission to visit this stunning beach on the very next day of our trip.
Located on the remote southwestern coast of Gran Canaria, Playa de Guigui is only accessible by boat or foot, requiring a 4.5 km hike through rugged mountain terrain. While I personally enjoy hiking, the burning midday heat made the hike quite challenging.
After an invigorating one-and-a-half-hour hike, we finally reached the top, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. However, as luck would have it, we realized that we were running out of time because we came there really late in the afternoon. According to some more organized hikers we encountered on the way, we learned that the descent to the beach would take an additional hour. With this information, we took a few photos and finished the remainder of our water (a mere 1.5 liters, in this unforgiving heat), before retracing our steps back to the Tasartico valley.
Those who were actually there say: if you’re looking for an adventure and a chance to see one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria, Playa de Guigui is a must-visit destination that you won’t soon forget.
After our trek to Playa de Guigui, we decided to head to Veneguera beach, which is easily accessible by car. Located in one of the most tranquil parts of the island, this secluded beach offers a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds. With no buildings in sight and limited tourist activity, Veneguera beach is a hidden gem on Gran Canaria. The beach is composed of black volcanic stones and fine dark sand, creating a unique and serene atmosphere. You can enjoy the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore while basking in the warm sunshine. It’s the perfect spot for relaxation and unwinding.
Located in the northern part of Gran Canaria, close to Galdar, lies the stunning Bocabarranco beach. This hidden gem spans approximately 260 meters in length and is adorned with small sand particles, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxation. However, this beach is not just for sunbathers and swimmers, as it also boasts some of the biggest waves in the area, attracting numerous surfing enthusiasts. The north-facing coast is known for its impressive waves, making it a popular destination for surfers looking for a thrilling experience. Whether you are a pro surfer or just looking for some fun in the waves, Bocabarranco beach is the perfect spot for you. After a long day of surfing or soaking up the sun, you can also explore the charming town of Galdar and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the area.
Located in the charming town of La Aldea de San Nicolás, in the north-western part of Gran Canaria, lies the picturesque Playa de la Aldea beach. This long stretch of pebbled beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful and relaxing escape from bustling city life. The crystal-clear waters and gentle waves make it an ideal place for swimming, while the nearby lagoon, known as El Charco, adds a unique charm to the beach.
El Charco, also known as The Lagoon, is a small natural pool situated right next to the beach. The lagoon is home to an abundance of marine life, including various fish species, crabs, and sea urchins, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Every year on September 11th, the locals of La Aldea de San Nicolás celebrate the Fiesta del Charco, where they try to catch fish with their bare hands and splash each other with water.
In addition to its natural beauty and festive traditions, Playa de la Aldea is also a great place to try out some water sports activities, such as windsurfing and paddleboarding. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the beach or indulge in some delicious seafood at one of the nearby restaurants. With its stunning scenery and laid-back atmosphere, Playa de la Aldea is definitely worth a visit for anyone exploring the island of Gran Canaria.
Playa de Amadores on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, situated between Puerto Rico and Puerto Mogán, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a little bit of paradise on their vacation. While it is a popular tourist spot, there are still plenty of reasons to visit this picturesque beach. The white sand of the beach is man-made and imported, but the beauty of the location is undeniable. The softness of the sand is like no other, and its color gives the illusion of an even clearer sea.
If you’re not in the mood for a swim, you can relax on the comfortable sun loungers and watch the world go by. The beach is surrounded by a stunning landscape of cliffs and hills that give it a unique charm. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby that serve delicious local cuisine, as well as a range of international dishes.
Additionally, there are plenty of water sports and activities available at Playa de Amadores. You can take a paddleboat or kayak out onto the calm, clear waters or go snorkeling to explore the underwater world of the beach. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or looking for a peaceful day out, Playa de Amadores has something to offer everyone.
Located in the northern part of Gran Canaria, specifically in Arucas, is the beautiful and scenic Playa de San Andres. As a well-known surf spot, it attracts many surfers and beach lovers alike who are looking for a perfect spot to catch some waves or simply soak up the sun. The beach is a combination of both sand and pebbles, creating a unique texture underfoot. When the tide is high, the waves splash against the shoreline, covering the entire beach in a stunning display of nature’s power. The stunning surroundings of Playa de San Andres make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the island’s northern coastline. Whether you are a surfer or simply someone who loves to enjoy the beach and its natural beauty, Playa de San Andres is the perfect spot for you.
Located in the southern part of Gran Canaria, Playa de Maspalomas is a must-visit beach for those who want to enjoy a long stretch of sandy beach. This 5-6 kilometer long and up to 100 meters wide sandy beach is one of the most popular and busiest beaches on the island. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing with its crystal clear water and a gentle sea breeze.
However, the real gem of Playa de Maspalomas is the stunning desert landscape of Dunas de Maspalomas. This natural wonder is located just next to the beach and offers a unique experience for visitors. The golden sand dunes that stretch for miles are a sight to behold, especially during sunrise and sunset when the colors of the sky reflect on the sand.
Although there are plenty of other beaches on the island, we simply didn’t have enough time to visit them all. Perhaps we’ll just have to make another trip to Gran Canaria in the future to explore more of its hidden corners. One of the best ways to discover the secret beaches of Gran Canaria is by boat, as many of them are only accessible by water. Nevertheless, even without a boat, the island offers plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are numerous spots to discover, each with its unique charm, whether you’re looking for a secluded cove or a lively beach with plenty of activities. And if you’re interested in exploring more of what Gran Canaria has to offer, be sure to check out my other blog posts.
What are your favorite beaches in Gran Canaria? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
