Fed up with the winter freeze? Just fly south for some sun in Gran Canaria
The ball-shaped isle, just 75 miles off the African coast, is renowned as a winter sun destination
FROM the comfort of my sunlounger, I snapped a picture of the cloudless blue sky above.
"Awful here," I tapped out in a text message to my friend. "Only 26C."
It was four days before Christmas. I couldn't wait to escape the chilly weather back home and hop on a plane to Gran Canaria, shedding my winter coat like a skin.
The ball-shaped isle, just 75 miles off the African coast, is renowned for being a winter sun destination and, thanks to easyJet's new four-hour flight from London Southend, it's more accessible than ever.
Many visitors flock to the south of the island for its sandy beaches, such as Playa de Amadores, and its nightlife.
But I headed to the bustling capital of Las Palmas, which is also the ideal gateway for exploring the natural beauty of the north.
My central hotel — the 4* Cantur City — was just a two-minute walk from Playa de las Canteras, a 1.9-mile stretch of sand that's a real Las Palmas landmark. It's where both locals and tourists go to sunbathe, shop, sip coffee overlooking the Atlantic or take a stroll along the promenade.
It's always busy but if the crowds get a bit much, retreat to Talasoterapia Las Canteras () to get some spa therapy.
The massages are excellent and the hour-long thalasso circuit, in which you go from warm ocean water pools to dry saunas and ice caves, will set you back just £13. Bargain.
Alternatively, you can head back to Cantur City's cool cruise ship-themed "top deck" where you can take a dip, grab a bar snack or simply relax and take in the rooftop views.
There are lots of authentic tapas restaurants close to Playa de las Canteras.
You can't visit the Canaries without trying papas arrugadas — a traditional boiled potato dish served with mojo rojo, a chilli-pepper garlic sauce — while the local cheese platters at La Bellota Extremena are to die for and the eye-wateringly strong cocktails at El Rinconcito are great.
But Gran Canaria has more to offer than just £3 margaritas. Locals say the island is like a miniature continent, humid in the north and dry in the south with everything from rainforests and ravines to ancient towns and tranquil valleys in between. Indeed, for somewhere that's only 31 miles in diameter, there's a lot to explore.
Keen to see the real Gran Canaria, I signed up for a day trip to take me to the mountainous regions at its heart. And within 15 minutes of leaving Las Palmas, the scenery around me had dramatically changed.
My Gran Tour took me along tiny, twisting roads that would have been a test for even Lewis Hamilton.
Having experienced some of the white-knuckle corners, it came as no surprise to discover the island has its own car rally which, impressively, is now in its 40th year.
Our brave minibus driver skirted many more cliff edges to get us to the beautiful but unfortunately-named religious centre of Teror and the pretty village of Tejeda, which is famed for its almonds.
Sampling some nutty sweets or cake from Dulceria Nublo is an absolute must and if you visit on a clear day, keep your eyes peeled for Tenerife, some 39 miles in the distance.
The highlight of my trip, however, was the 1.5-hour hike to Roque Nublo — a 67 metre-high rock formation that sticks out of the skyline like a sore thumb.
Just make sure you've packed your walking boots because it's a challenging climb — but you can reward yourself with a coffee or honey rum from the food truck by the car park afterwards.
The Canaries have always been hugely popular with Brits but it seems we're not the only ones chasing the warmer weather in winter.
On my tour, I was joined by people from Italy, France, Iceland, Australia, Poland and Canada, among others, making it the most multicultural tour I've ever been on.
It's hardly surprising, though — I think I might ask Santa for a suntan every year now.
GO: GRAN CANARIA GETTING/STAYING THERE:
Seven nights' B&B at the 4* Cantur City Hotel in Las Palmas is from £331pp, including flights from London Southend to Gran Canaria on March 8.
Or take a three-night break from £175pp, departing on March 12. Both prices are based on two sharing. Transfers available for an additional fee.
To book, visit or call 020 3499 5232.