Gran Canaria: The Perfect Place To Blend Golf Tours and Wine Tours!

Gran Canaria: The Perfect Place To Blend Golf Tours and Wine Tours!

31 October, 2023

Are you looking for the perfect getaway? Gran Canaria is the jewel in the crown of the Canary Islands, blending beautiful landscapes with a huge variety of outdoor activities. Golf is one of the most popular activities for locals and tourists alike, thanks to the wonderful range of courses on the island, each offering a unique challenge to beginners and experienced golfers alike. 

In this latest blog, we thought we would explore some of the world-class courses available as well as some of the other fun things to do in Gran Canaria when you’re not treading the fairway! 

Exploring a golfer’s paradise

If you are a golfing fan, then Gran Canaria is a wonderful destination, no matter your skill level. The unique topography of the island, with its rolling hills and stunning coastline, makes for the perfect canvas for a golf course, with each club offering players a truly exclusive experience. 

There is a huge range of courses on offer, but some of our favorites include:

  1. Anfi Tauro

When it comes to Gran Canaria golf, the Anfi Tauro Golf and Luxury Resort is often one of the first to be named. Located in the heart of the island, this is a stunning course for those who love year-round golf and offers both a 9-hole and an 18-hole course. 

Designed by the renowned golf course architect Robert von Hague, Anfi Tauro is recognized as one of the world’s leaders, and it offers a truly picturesque landscape while playing. Both courses are surrounded by volcanic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, ensuring a challenging and enjoyable round. 

2. Salobre

Another very popular option is the Salobre Golf and Resort complex. A fantastic choice for those looking for exciting outdoor activities in the southern part of the island, it offers two challenging 18-hole courses. 

The Old Course offers a desert-style layout, packed with cacti and unique plants while the New Course faces the Atlantic, providing breathtaking views on every hole. 

3. Real Club de Golf Las Palmas 

Founded back in 1891, the Real Club de Golf Las Palmas is the oldest golf clubs in the whole of Spain. Nestled within the Bandama Natural Monument, the course requires careful strokes to avoid the many plants and fauna that surround the narrow fairways.

The challenging terrain and the rich century make this a must-visit option for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels looking for challenging outdoor activities. 

4. Maspalomas 

Located in the southeast of the island, the Maspalomas course offers a unique Gran Canaria golf experience as golfers play around the sandy Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve. Offering spectacular views over the coastline, the Mackenzie Ross-designed course is a challenging but highly rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. 

The 18-hole course is flat and extensively laid out, but its long and broad fairways make for a wonderful day exploring this 73-par course. 

5. Meloneras 

Finally, no Gran Canara golf list would be complete without mentioning the magnificent Meloneras Golf Course. This challenging 18-hole Championship course is based in the south of the island and provides nine holes of spectacular mountain views and nine holes of stunning beach and ocean views. 

If all of that wasn’t enough, players will also work their way through lakes and trees, making it one of the best options for golfers looking to play a little of everything Gran Canaria has to offer. 

Things to do in Gran Canaria beyond the fairway 

Of course, Gran Canaria offers far more than just world-leading golf courses! There is a huge choice of outdoor activities and trips that you can enjoy on the days you’re not exploring the fairways. The island’s diverse landscape makes it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the many hiking trails that span the island, while those looking to hit the water can enjoy windsurfing, scuba diving, and more. 

Yet, one of the best Gran Canaria trips you can do is explore one of the many superb vineyards and wineries that call the island home. The island has a long history of winemaking that dates all the way back to the 15th century, and thanks to its unique climate and volcanic soil, the grapes grown here are fantastic for producing delicious wine. 

After some adventurous excursions exploring all of the outdoor activities that Gran Canaria has to offer, a visit to a vineyard is the ultimate way to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones or friends. Here at Handmade Tours, we proudly offer a wide range of private wine tours, taking care of everything for you so you can sit back and discover the unique taste and stunning views.

Each of these private tours are created bespoke to you, allowing you to discover the allure and charm of the island. We are experts in Gran Canaria wine tourism, and our friendly and knowledgeable team are here to create a truly unforgettable and unique trip around these captivating vineyards and wineries. 

 

Our mission is to provide our wonderful guests with a gastronomical delight, combining delicious food with some of the finest Gran Canaria wine available. Whether you are looking to combine fun outdoor activities with beautiful landscapes or relax after a busy day exploring one of the incredible golf courses the region has to offer, our private wine tours are created around your interests. We break away from the rigidity of conventional tours, ensuring you will never feel rushed or stuck to strict time schedules!  

We love this island and are dedicated to giving visitors the very bet experiences possible. That is why we are proud to work with the finest local producers, enjoying strong relationships that ensures you will enjoy a truly unforgettable moment. We believe in sustainable tourism, which is why on our private 

Gran Canaria wine tours, you will always be visiting producers using 100% local products. 

Start your adventure today!! 

If you are looking for things to do in Gran Canaria and want to combine your next golfing adventure with a visit to one of the many incredible vineyards to discover some truly stunning wine and food, then our team is here to help you! 

We pride ourselves on delivering the very finest private wine tours in Gran Canaria, so get in touch today to find out more! 

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Wine Tasting Gran Canaria: Everything You Need To Know!

Wine Tasting Gran Canaria: Everything You Need To Know!

9 October, 2023

When it comes to things to do in Gran Canaria, wine tasting and food tours are some of the most popular outdoor activities you can do. Sipping and swirling your way through vineyards is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of this stunning location.

While wine tasting might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Canary Islands, the region is home to some truly fantastic hidden gems. From the rugged landscapes to the lush green vineyards, Gran Canaria offers a unique and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.

This island also has a long and fascinating history of winemaking, dating back to the 15th century, and today, it’s home to some of the most impressive vineyards in Spain. So, get ready to explore this wine region, taste the unique flavours of the local wines, and get lost in the stunning vineyards of Gran Canaria.

Join us as we journey through the wineries and vineyards of this beautiful island and discover why they should be on the bucket list for anyone looking to travel to Gran Canaria.

The History of Winemaking in Gran Canaria

The history of Canary wine dates back to around the 15th century when Spanish conquerors introduced grapevines to the island. The unique climate, with its hot and dry summers and mild winters, combined with the volcanic soil, provided the perfect conditions for growing grapes, and Gran Canaria wine quickly became a popular export. These traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, and today, it’s still a vital part of Gran Canaria’s cultural heritage.

In the 19th century, Europe was hit by a phylloxera epidemic that devastated the vineyards, and it wasn’t until the 20th century that the industry began to recover. However, due to its amazing volcanic soil, the Canary Islands never suffered phylloxera, allowing the region to grow an abundance of varieties that disappeared from Europe during the epidemic. 

That’s why Gran Canaria grows ungrafted vines across the island’s nearly 11,000 hectares of vineyards, with the wines produced here being known for their unique flavour and character.

Vineyards of Gran Canaria

A trip to one of the many vineyards is a worthy excursion for those looking for outdoor activities and things to do in Gran Canaria. These vineyards are scattered throughout the island, from the rugged mountains to the coastal regions, but the most famous wine, the Monte Lentiscal, comes from the Northeast of the island. This region is where you’ll find some of the very best vineyards and wineries, thanks to the varieties of grapes grown here, including Listan Negro, Tintilla, and Listán Blanco.

In the south of the island, you’ll find the region of Santa Lucía, known for its stunning landscapes and unique wine production. The vineyards here are planted on steep slopes, and the grapes are grown using traditional methods without the use of chemicals or pesticides. This region of old basalt terroir is known for its white wines in altitude, which have a distinct aroma and flavour.

Wine Tasting Experiences in Gran Canaria

One thing is for sure: a wine tour in Gran Canaria is a unique and unforgettable experience. The island’s wineries and vineyards offer a variety of trips and tastings, allowing you to learn all about the winemaking process and taste some of the delicious local Canary wines. Most wineries require reservations in advance, so be sure to book your tour ahead of time.

One of the most popular wineries in Gran Canaria is Bodega Las Tirajanas, located at around 1,000m above sea level. Alongside tasting the fantastic Canary wine, we love a visit to this vineyard as it offers spectacular views over the whole of the island.

Food Pairings with Gran Canarian Wines

Of course, every wine enthusiast knows that good wine requires good food. Thanks to their unique flavors and aromas, Gran Canaria wines pair well with a wide variety of foods. One of the most popular dishes is the local goat cheese, which has a tangy flavor that complements the wine’s acidity. Another popular pairing is the traditional Canarian dish of papas arrugadas, which are small, salted potatoes served with a spicy mojo sauce.

If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, many of the island’s wineries offer food pairing menus, where you can taste a range of wines paired with local dishes. These menus are a great way to experience the unique flavors of Gran Canarian cuisine and wine.

Gran Canaria is a hidden gem in the world of wine tourism, offering stunning landscapes, unique wines, and a rich history of winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, a trip to the island is an unforgettable experience. So, if you are looking for things to do in Gran Canaria, be sure to visit some of the island’s top wineries, try the local food pairings, and take in the beauty of the vineyards – just make sure you book your tour in advance!

Further info about our wine adventures

Handmade tours have been running wine and gastronomy trips since 2014. 

Check our amazing itineraries, and when you find your perfect wine match, contact us for further information. 

Now you know, Gran Canaria is also a destination to drink and eat until you have to go. 

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Best weather in Gran Canaria for a wine tour

Best weather in Gran Canaria for a wine tour

12 June, 2023

Gran Canaria weather is very popular for the amazing spring temperature the island has all year round. However, It’s very unknown for most people the varieties of climates all over the island. It’s hard to believe in such a territory you can be sunbathing while is snowing on the top of its mountains.  

Gran Canaria weather is very popular for the island’s amazing spring temperature all year round, making it a popular destination for a raft of outdoor activities. However, it’s also known for its unique microclimate, where it’s possible to be sunbathing in one region and snowing on the top of the mountains!

Talking about Gran Canaria’s weather is much like discussing our grape varieties or local wines. We have as many different temperatures and weather conditions as we do wines! Now that Autumn has arrived, most of Europe begins to get colder, but here on the islands, we remain above 20 degrees throughout the season. However, as you climb the mountains, the temperature dips and snow can be expected.

Experiencing the weather on a tour

Last January, my dear customers Hans and his lovely wife Esther, called me again for a private custom tour. From Playa del Inglés I drove them to Tejeda, we took the road from Mogán through La Presa de las niñas. The road is scary, super winding and gorgeous. If you are highsick I wouldn’t recommend it. My dearest clients are from Switzerland, but they do trust me when I tell them, it’s going to be cold. To be honest, you never know on the top of the island. Even the summit has south orientation and north. The mountains are high enough to get stuck at north of the island, leaving the south clear. However, that wasn’t the case. That day we got cold, foggy, a bit of sunny a load of rainbows. It was so much fun, and cold and intrepid. We visited a cave at 1300m above the ocean level, a cave winery, with the most stunning views of Tejeda crater. In such an altitude the grapes get very extreme temperatures, both summer and winter.

Last January, some dear customers of mine, Hans and his lovely wife Esther, called me for a private custom tour. From Playa del Inglés, I drove them to Tejeda; we took the road from Mogán through La Presa de las niñas. The road is scary, super winding, and utterly gorgeous, although if you suffer from altitude sickness, I wouldn’t recommend it! 

Hans and Esther are from Switzerland, and they have taken a few Gran Canaria trips with me before, so they trusted me when I said it was likely going to be cold. That’s not always the case, as the mountains are high enough for weather systems to get stuck at the north of the island, leaving the south clear. However, on this particular tour, that wasn’t the case, and the day we got was cold and foggy with glimpses of sunlight that created beautiful rainbows.

It was a day filled with fun, first visiting a cave winery that sits at 1,300m above sea level, offering delicious Canary wine and stunning views of Tejeda crater. At such an altitude, the grapes get very extreme temperatures, both summer and winter. To give you a quick idea, that day, we left Playa del Inglés with 21ºC to arrive in Tejeda with 6ºC – despite being only a one-hour driving distance!

The constantly changing scenery and amazing weather make outdoor activities a wonderful experience for holidaymakers looking for things to do in Gran Canaria. That day with my clients, we ended with a drive toward Las Palmas through San Mateo Village. Not only was it a beautiful way to end the day, but temperatures climbed back to 19ºC in the afternoon, making for a very pleasant finish.

Gran Canaria weather offers a real mix of hot and cold temperatures, which, when combined with the extreme altitude and volcanic soil, makes for some very special wines. Some of the vineyards in Gran Canaria are the highest in Spain, and it’s hard to beat the incredible views and delicious Canary wines!

This cave winery is one of our favorite locations for a wine tour in Gran Canaria. Facing south, it receives ten hours of light during the spring and summer months, while in the winter, it can drop to as low as zero degrees, making it a truly one-of-a-kind winery! 

Recommendation: where to stay in Gran Canaria

If you want to escape the colder autumn weather, the best places to stay in Gran Canaria are along the east and south coasts. This is where you’ll find the best weather, but if you want to experience everything the island has in store, a Gran Canaria wine tour will take you from slope to slope, revealing a diverse landscape.

If the stunning views and changing weather were not enough, you’ll also love our Canary wines and the experience of meeting our one-of-a-kind winemakers. The island truly is a hidden gem in the world of wine tourism, offering stunning landscapes, unique wines, and a rich history of winemaking. So, no matter whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, a trip to Gran Canaria is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

 

When looking for things to do in Gran Canaria, make sure you visit some of the island’s top wineries, try the local food pairings, and take in the beauty of the vineyards – just don’t forget to book your tours in advance to make the most of your experience.

Further info about our wine adventures

Handmade tours have been running wine and gastronomy trips since 2014. 

Check our amazing itineraries, and when you find your perfect wine match, contact us for further information. 

Now you know, Gran Canaria is also a destination to drink and eat until you have to go. 

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Wine Tasting Gran Canaria: Everything You Need To Know!

Wine tourism in Gran Canaria

31 May, 2023

Welcome to the world of wine tourism, where sipping and swirling your way through vineyards is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of a destination. And when it comes to wine tourism, Gran Canaria might not be the first place that comes to mind, but believe us, this hidden gem in the Canary Islands is a wine lover’s paradise. From the rugged landscapes to the lush green vineyards, Gran Canaria offers a unique and unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts. This island has a long and fascinating history of winemaking, dating back to the 15th century, and today, it’s home to some of the most impressive vineyards in Spain. So, get ready to explore this wine region, taste the unique flavors of the local wines, and get lost in the stunning vineyards of Gran Canaria. Join us as we take a journey through the wineries and vineyards of this beautiful island, and discover why Gran Canaria should be on every wine lover’s bucket list.

The History of Winemaking in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has a long and fascinating history of winemaking, dating back to the 15th century when the Spanish conquerors introduced grapevines to the island. The unique climate, with its hot and dry summers and mild winters, combined with the volcanic soil, creates the perfect conditions for growing grapes. The winemaking tradition on the island has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, it’s still a vital part of Gran Canaria’s cultural heritage.

In the 19th century, Europe was hit by a phylloxera epidemic that devastated the vineyards in the whole continent, and it wasn’t until the 20th century that the industry began to recover. Due to its amazing volcanic soil, the Canary Islands never suffered phyloxera. We grow  many varieties that disappears in Europe during the epidemic. That’s the reason why Gran Canaria grow ungrafted vines. This could help to understand the character of our Atlantic Ocean volcanic wines. There are around 11,000 hectares of vineyards on the island, and the wines produced here are known for their unique flavor and character. 

Vineyards of Gran Canaria

The vineyards of Gran Canaria are scattered throughout the island, from the rugged mountains to the coastal regions. The most famous wine region on the island is the Monte Lentiscal, located in the northeast of the island, where you’ll find some of the best vineyards and wineries. The region is home to several grape varieties, including Listan Negro, Tintilla, and Listán blanco, which are used to produce some of the island’s most famous wines.

In the south of the island, you’ll find the region of Santa Lucía, known for its stunning landscapes and unique wine production. The vineyards here are planted on steep slopes, and the grapes are grown using traditional methods, without the use of chemicals or pesticides. This region of old basalt terroir is known for its white wines in altitude, which has a distinct aroma and flavor.

Wine Tasting Experiences in Gran Canaria

Wine tasting in Gran Canaria is a unique and unforgettable experience. The island’s wineries and vineyards offer a variety of tours and tastings, where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste some of the local wines. Most wineries require reservations in advance, so be sure to book your tour ahead of time.

One of the most popular wineries in Gran Canaria is Bodega Las Tirajanas, located in the mountains of Gran Canaria above 1000m from sea level. The winery offers stunning views of the island and a range of wines to taste. 

Gran Canaria presents many microclimates, soil or altitude, giving as a results so many spectacular wines and overwhelming landscapes. Every vineyard is a different bottle of wine. 

Food Pairings with Gran Canarian Wines

Gran Canarian wines are known for their unique flavors and aromas, and they pair well with a variety of foods. One of the most popular dishes to pair with Gran Canarian wines is the local goat cheese, which has a tangy flavor that complements the wine’s acidity. Another popular pairing is the traditional Canarian dish of papas arrugadas, which are small, salted potatoes served with a spicy mojo sauce.

If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, many of the island’s wineries offer food pairing menus, where you can taste a range of wines paired with local dishes. These menus are a great way to experience the unique flavors of Gran Canarian cuisine and wine.

Gran Canaria is a hidden gem in the world of wine tourism, offering stunning landscapes, unique wines, and a rich history of winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, a trip to Gran Canaria is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to visit some of the island’s top wineries, try the local food pairings, and take in the beauty of the vineyards. And don’t forget to book your tours in advance to make the most of your wine tourism experience in Gran Canaria and forget about everything else but enjoying your wine adventure.

Further info about our wine adventures

Handmade tours have been running wine and gastronomy trips since 2014. 

Check our amazing itineraries, and when you find your perfect wine match, contact us for further information. 

Now you know, Gran Canaria is also a destination to drink and eat until you have to go. 

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