Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands but the largest in population. It is often referred to as a mini continent because it is situated between three continents Africa, Europe and America and this location provides the island with extremely varied landscapes and vegetation. Gran Canaria is blessed with a wealth of natural resources, the most notable of these being the numerous and exquisite beaches of the island. Another of the island's main attractions is to be found in its geomorphological configuration due to its volcanic origin. Plantations of papayas, avocados, coffee and bananas can be seen all over this island that is an absolute paradise for devotees of sand and sea.

The landscape of Gran Canaria

Due to the geological formation of the interior of the island, the landscapes of the interior are very different from those of the coast, originating many and varied ecosystems on the island. An immense, deep crater dominates the centre of the island crowned by Las Nieves peak (1,949 meters); the southern part is made up of sandy coastal flats and dunes like Maspalomas and the north is rugged with cliffs, that rise up to 1,000 meters.

Large cities on Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, situated in the north-eastern part of the island, surprises the visitor with its highly original and individual architecture showing influences of all three continents, its colourfully painted houses and the gothic and neoclassical style Cathedral. Its well-defined history, culture and tradition are concentrated in the very famous district of Vegueta (the oldest quarter of the town), which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of the most beautiful towns at the island are Arucas, Telde, Mogan and Teror.

Tourist attractions on Gran Canaria

A large variety of leisure activities are offered and you can choose from lovely botanical gardens, to zoos, exciting water parks, woodlands with exotic birds flying free, underwater spectacles, yacht marinas, golf courses and relaxing recreational areas.

The Jardín Canario, the "Canarian Garden" shows the incredible variety of plants at the islands, with no fewer than 500 species existing exclusively here.

Maspalomas beach, the most beautiful among the fantastic beaches of this island with fine white sand at a length of 6 kilometres and a width of up to 1 kilometre, and intensely blue sea. 

Sports activities on Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a veritable paradise for lovers of the sea. Favourable wind conditions, water temperature, sea currents, 236 kilometers of coastline and the harbour infrastructure make this island the perfect getaway. These optimal natural conditions make Gran Canaria the ideal place for sailing and other water sports like diving, swimming, surfing or windsurfing. The island has become a winter training centre for many European sports clubs in recent years.

Of course golf, tennis, paddling or volleyball can also be practiced.

Gastronomic characteristics of Gran Canaria

The primary produce of the island includes bananas, tomatoes, olives, oranges, fish and pork. However, the core of the typical Gran Canaria cuisine is a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish.

The climate of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria enjoys one of the nicest weathers in the world, a glorious spring season almost all year round with average annual temperatures that don’t go beyond 18 and 25 degrees centigrade. However, the unusual relief of the island has given rise to a great variety of microclimates within the island. The north is usually cooler than the south, which can get pretty warm sometimes. Inner regions, due to its mountains, are cloudier and colder, with more rainfall.