2026 Comarca Este Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

We’ve been visiting GF Gran Costa Adeje for around 15 years now, probably our seventh stay, and there’s a reason we keep coming back despite trying other hotels, including the big Lopesan resorts in Gran Canaria. What truly sets this hotel apart is simple: the staff. They genuinely seem pleased to see you, always polite, friendly, and incredibly helpful. It makes such a positive difference. This visit was no exception. Every staff member we interacted with was wonderful (except for one slightly grumpy lady at the pool bar), always ready to assist. A small example: my little girl got stung by a wasp by the pool, and later that day, the hotel sent a Goofy soft toy and some sweets to our room. When I mentioned the wasps possibly nesting to the reception, they took it seriously and followed up. Special recognition goes to Alessandra from Guest Relations, who is honestly one of the kindest and most genuinely caring people you’ll encounter in a hotel. She took care of any request we had — room preferences, replenishing tea and coffee, and other little details — with warmth and efficiency. This personal touch is exactly why the Gran stands out compared to places like the Lopesan hotels, where you don’t get the same level of attention. At Gran Costa Adeje, you feel cared for. This was our first visit since the refurbishment. While it’s still inherently an older hotel, and you can see that in its design compared to newer spots like the Victoria down the street, everything they offer is done well and consistently. The new bathrooms are excellent; I didn’t miss having a bath at all. The shower is powerful and refreshing after a sunny day. The beds are incredibly comfortable, with lovely bedding. Regarding tea and coffee, I’ve never understood the complaints. Instead of stocking rooms with excessive sachets, you can simply ask reception to note on your booking to have them replenished daily, which is exactly what they did for me. Sometimes, asking politely goes a long way. The pool temperatures were pleasant, sunbeds comfortable, and while I do miss being able to use the top pool, I completely understand it being designated for adults only. Families still have plenty of space to enjoy elsewhere. Food and drink on the all-inclusive package were absolutely fine. Most cocktails are included, though people need to remember that in the Canaries, all-inclusive doesn’t mean absolutely everything like in some other countries. It’s similar to Gran Canaria in that way. Breakfast remains the highlight — hot, varied, and consistently good. I did miss some older options, like the pre-prepared tortellini they used to offer, and paella seemed less frequent this time, but overall, the food was plentiful and warm. Entertainment varied. We had two truly great evenings with Johnny Circus and the disco, but other nights featured the usual hotel programme fare. It wouldn’t be a reason to stay in, but with so much to do in the surrounding area, I don’t think it can really be faulted. One piece of constructive feedback would be the €10 charge to use the electronic VR-style bike in the gym; for a five-star hotel, that felt a bit unnecessary. Lastly, I’d like to highlight the staff at the new children’s slide park. They were incredibly kind, making me a chicken burger without cheese every day, remembering me, and always being friendly. I miss them already, and if you can pass along my thanks, they’ll know who I am. The area around the hotel is safe, clean, and brimming with activities, making it an excellent base for families. Ultimately, the reason we keep returning is because the hotel consistently gets the essentials right: kindness, comfort, reliability, and staff who genuinely care. That’s what brings us back time and again.

#itinerarycheck Roque Nublo (1,813 m) is the granite tooth of Gran Canaria’s interior, a 65 m monolith perched on a lava dome. I approached from Ayacata village (1,330 m) on the GC-60 road, parked at the Mirador de Ayacata lot (free, no permit needed—this is public forest track, not a paid park). The trail is signed "Roque Nublo – 1.5 h" but that is optimistic. From Ayacata, walk 400 m downhill to the signed fork, then climb steadily through retama broom and pine (Pinus canariensis) for 50 minutes to the base slabs. The final 15 m to the monolith base is a scramble on coarse basalt—grade I-II, no rope, but exposure on the right side drops 200 m. I wore approach shoes; sneakers slipped on the lichen. No water sources en route—carry 2 L. Wind at the top hits 40 km/h; I saw a German tourist’s hat vanish toward Tejeda. The view spans Tenerife’s Teide on clear days, and the caldera rim of Bandama to the north. Transport: Global bus 18 from Las Palmas to Ayacata runs twice daily (€4.50, cash on board, no card), last return 18:15. A rental car is easier—parking fills by 10:00 on weekends. No entrance fee, no guide required, but the Cabildo asks you not to stack cairns (people keep doing it anyway). Common error: starting at noon in August. The rock radiates heat; I went in March at 08:00 and still sweated. Another: trying to "climb" the monolith itself—it is protected, roped off, and a local fines offenders via the Guardia Civil. Opinion: Roque Nublo is a 2-hour workout with a postcard top. Better than Teide for solitude. But the island markets it as mystical—New Age tours chant at dawn—which cheapens the volcanic geology. Is commercializing a volcanic monolith as a "energy vortex" helpful for conservation or just noise?

#travelwithramonessa🌍 #GranCanaria🌵🌊🏔️🌴 #spain🇪🇸 #Tufia 🏄♀️ #AtlanticVibes🌊🌎 We spent our last hours in Gran Canaria exactly the way they should be spent: eyes on the Atlantic Ocean and sun on our skin 🌊☀️😍🌵🌴🇪🇸 Tufia is the kind of village that captures you instantly. White houses, blue accents, and a sea that’s always in motion. Surfers everywhere, boards leaning against walls, people in wetsuits ready to dive — pure ocean energy 🏄♂️🤿🏄🏻♀️🏝️☀️🌊🏔️🌎 Gran Canaria surprises you precisely because of this: wild mountains and an adrenaline-filled ocean, two completely different energies, the same day — leaving you with the feeling that you’ve seen many worlds, not just one island 💙🌵🏔️🌊🌎🇪🇸 That’s why we promise we’ll be back 😍😍

Rent a car in Spain with the lowest proce on this app

#hellohalloween Cuatro Puertas in Telde, Gran Canaria, Spain, is an intriguing archaeological site that sparks curiosity and wonder. The site features a series of four large rock-carved chambers whose exact purpose remains a mystery, hinting at the island’s rich pre-Hispanic history. Each doorway and interior passage is precisely cut into volcanic rock, showcasing the remarkable skill of the indigenous Canarian people. Visitors can wander through the chambers, imagining ancient rituals or daily life that might have taken place here. The surrounding landscape is rugged yet striking, offering panoramic views of the hills and valleys of eastern Gran Canaria. Sunlight filtering through the stone openings creates shifting patterns on the walls, adding to the sense of mystique. Cuatro Puertas is a fascinating blend of history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty, inviting exploration and reflection on the island’s past.

#holidayitinerary Santa Lucia de Tirajana in Las Palmas Gran Canaria is a charming town nestled in the island’s mountainous interior, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning natural surroundings. The area is known for its scenic valleys, rugged landscapes, and panoramic views that attract hikers and nature enthusiasts. The historic town center features quaint streets, traditional Canarian architecture, and local markets where visitors can experience regional cuisine and crafts. Cultural landmarks, including churches and small museums, showcase the area’s rich heritage and community spirit. Outdoor adventures abound, from hiking trails that wind through volcanic terrain to exploring nearby natural parks and viewpoints. With its blend of serene landscapes, cultural experiences, and authentic village life, Santa Lucia de Tirajana provides a memorable escape in Las Palmas Gran Canaria for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

It's warm in the Canary Islands, Spain, even in December. Gran Canaria Airport is small, but it has a very nice lounge, Sala Galdos. The spacious lounge has terrace seating, where you can see the planes and the sea! Of course, the sea isn't right in front of you, but the terrace has a sense of openness and is very pleasant. There is local food such as ham, pasta, and Spanish omelettes, and as you would expect from Spain, there is also a wide selection of wine. There is also a space for children to play, so it seems like it would be fun to go with the whole family. It's a place where you can spend a wonderful time at the airport at the end of your trip. #Fritaviwinter