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Find Work And Work Exchanges In Gran Canaria
Guest Post
Gran Canaria is one of the prettiest places in the world, and as such has no shortage of visitors. There are so many things to do and see in this small island, that a weekend really doesn’t do it justice. That’s why it can be a perfect place to have a working holiday. You can enjoy more time in this paradise while making money at the same time. Here are just a few of the many pastimes to do in Gran Canaria, along with working opportunities to help pay for all those activities.
For fans of the outdoors
Away from the sand and large resorts, Gran Canaria has a wide variety of terrain, from the greenery of the north to the mountains and desert of the south. This diverse terrain lends to a diverse range of outdoor activities, from horse trekking to hiking to mountain biking. It’s pretty neat to be able to say you went hiking in the mountains in the morning, then cooled off in the ocean in the afternoon.
Culture buffs paradise
The best place to start in Gran Canaria is at Las Palmas, the cultural center of it all. In fact, flights to Gran Canaria airport end up only 30 minutes away from this historic city. Once there, visitors can experience everything from the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art, centuries old architecture, and one of the best urban beaches in the world: Playa de Las Canteras. It also gives an impressive view of the terrain, where you can look at the surrounding mountains and think you’re in the Swiss Alps, rather than staying on a Canary Island.
Work opportunities
Due to the economic climate in Spain, work opportunities in Gran Canaria are a bit harder to come by. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t jobs to be had, only that you might have to dig a bit deeper to find one. If you have any sort of sales ability, there are jobs available for promoting restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Think stopping people on the streets to convince them to come in.
Keep in mind you would be paid on a commission basis only. If you happen to speak Spanish, you’ve got a leg up on the competition. Many of the foreigners working on the island do not speak Spanish. You can get a job in administration or reception work, mostly at resorts that cater to tourists.
SpainMadeSimple has a useful guide to working in Gran Canaria and elsewhere in the Canary Islands.
Above all else, Gran Canaria is a beautiful place. Even if you get a job there that barely covers your expenses, at the end of the day, you’re still living in one of the best looking places in the world.
Work exchanges
These hosts are looking for volunteers in the coming months. Membership of the work exchange website is required to access the contact details of the hosts below:
Help with carpentry, art and marketing
https://www.workaway.info/en/host/521678123197
Volunteers with maintenance skills, carpentry, masonry, or electricity are sought by Alejandra, who wants to develop her house for rural tourism. She is a glass artisan who sells her products locally. Volunteers who can help with sales and artists with drawing skills are also made welcome.
Help at our mountain hut
https://www.workaway.info/en/host/472761583725
Nicola came to Gran Canaria from Switzerland as a volunteer himself, working in a hostel and then as a hiking guide. One volunteer at a time is offered a dorm bed and three meals a day in return for helping to develop a mountain hut into a tourism facility. Two weeks is the preferred minimum but a paid job may be an option if staying long term.
Hands-on help in a non profit animal charity
https://www.workaway.info/en/host/216761342678
Over the years volunteers have helped to build, and maintain many aspects of this animal rescue, learning a lot about the day to day struggles of running an animal charity in Spain. There is still much more to do and people with building skills, even basic ones, are welcome to come, stay, and get their hands dirty.
Volunteers to help on a farm
https://www.workaway.info/en/host/592615979929
Armando bought a farmhouse to grow ecological food. With a lot of work to do about the place he welcomes hard working and positive minded people to help out, earn a bed and food, and practice their Spanish.
About the author
Mags Coleman moved from Ireland to teach English in Barcelona nearly a year ago. She loves exploring this country and is particularly fond of the north.
Images by El Coleccionista de Instantes and dmytrok, used under the Creative Commons license.
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This piece was first published in an older version of our blog
