Gran Canaria probably offers the best example in just one island of what the Canary islands archipelago is all about. Despite its beaches are not as good as the ones in Fuerteventura, its mountains not as high as the Teide in Tenerife, its villages not as quaint as those in la Gomera, its hikes not as those in La Palma, or its craters cannot be compared to the ones in Lanzarote, Gran Canaria offers still a great mix of it all: good hiking, world-class windsurfing, plenty of charming villages or some “Roques” (the way locals in the Canary islands refer to peaks) with breath-taking views.
Gran Canaria lies 100 kilometers south-east of Tenerife and 100 kilometers to the south-west of Fuerteventura. The weather is a mixture of both other islands: cloudy and rainy in the north and sunny and hot in the south.
Like Tenerife, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria is also a paradise for holidaymakers who want to relax and enjoy some “easy-going and sunny days”. The Gran Canaria all-inclusive hotels offer exactly that, with many options to enjoy in different areas of the island and with different prices.
We could start with the Capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which boasts a fantastic old quarter (Vegueta). There are many natural areas; the most famous one is Las Dunas de Maspalomas, where you could easily believe you are in the desert. At Ventanas del Nublo you will get one of the most impressive pictures you could think of, with Roque Nublo and the magnificent Teide far away in Tenerife. Quaint villages like Tejeda, Fataga, Teror and many others. If you enjoy walking Gran Canaria offers good hiking opportunities including the increasingly popular Barranco de las Vacas which could have been used on any Western movie. Excellent scuba diving opportunities, helicopter rides, or some of the best windsurfing in the Canary islands are some of the many activities you will be able to enjoy in Gran Canaria in case relaxing at one of its beaches or fantastic hotels is not enough!
With some 850,000 inhabitants, Gran Canaria is the second most populated island in the archipelago after Tenerife. It is the third largest island in the archipelago, with 1,523 square kilometers. Gran Canaria emerged almost completely 15 million years ago. The economy of Gran Canaria is more diversified than in the rest of the islands, but tourism, as in all other cases, is on number one. There are 80 species of flora that are endemic to the island!, a laurel forest in the north (Los Tilos de Moya). As it is the case in all islands, water supply is a major concern. Gran Canaria is one of the major centers in Europe for gay tourism and it has been like this for decades.
Lanzarote offers excellent snorkel and scuba diving opportunities, the most famous area is located around Charco del Palo, where visibility is high due to the white sands. A good number of caves and wrecks (in the area of Puerto del Carmen) are good attractions. This is also the case of the Atlantic Museum, a very special place that can be visited diving!
Lanzarote is also a fantastic destination for surfers with good schools to get initiated.
Some of Lanzarote´s small towns and villages are proof that the island is more than beaches and volcanic landscapes. Teguise is a beautiful town with restored buildings and cobbled stones. It was the capital of Lanzarote till Arrecife took over in 1852. Its fantastic Sunday market or monuments like the Castillo de Santa Barbara are worth visiting. Haria and its valley of palm trees provide with good green contrast to the black landscapes in Lanzarote, whilst Yaiza (named after a Guanche princess) offers white houses, squares, and clean streets with flowers and is worth a visit.
Our favorite villages, towns, and cities in Tenerife. Discover traditions and hardly accessible places in one of the most tourist islands int he world. Interesting places where traditions remain and natural areas that will make you feel like in paradise. Discvoer in this guide with the best places to visit i Tenerife a very complete world from the touristic resorts in the island.
Las Palmas is the capital and largest city of Gran Canaria, and the co-capital of the Canary Islands. Las Palmas is the perfect combination of natural beauty, history and modern amenities.
The ultimate guide to snorkeling and scuba diving in Gran Canaria. The waters surrounding the Canary Islands in general is warm, calm and teaming with life. Gran Canaria in particular is an excellent place to explore beneath the waves.
The ultimate guide to whale watching in Gran Canarias. the Canary Islands in general are an excellent place for whale watching, one of the best in the world in fact. In this article you will find all the best tips, and information for planning the perfect whale watching outing during your visit to the tropical island of Gran Canaria.
The best way to explore the mysterious Maspalomas Dunes Camel ride Maspalomas dunes, one of the best ways to experience this ecosystem. The dunes are located in the southern region of the island of Gran Canaria, about an hour’s drive from the capital, Las Palmas. The dunes lead to one of
The best Aquarium on the Island of Gran Canaria The Poema del Mar aquarium located in Las Palmas, the largest city and capital of the island of Gran Canaria. It was inaugurated on December 17, 2017. The aquarium is located within the Puerto de la Luz of Las Palmas. Poema
Spectacular family beach in the south of Gran Canaria Playa del Inglés is one of the most famous tourist beaches on the island of Gran Canaria. Located in the south of the island, La Playa del Inglés spans over almost three kilometers of golden sand and calm warm waters. La
Sandy dunes in the south of Gran Canaria Maspalomas is located in the south of Gran Canaria, in the heart of one of the most visited coastlines in Europe. The beaches of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Meloneras are home to a large number of hotels, tourist apartments, many leisure
El Hierro is the smallest island in the Canary islands and the least known of them all. This makes of el Hierro the island where things have stayed more unchanged. Eco-friendly, home of the giant lizard and of fantastic juniper trees, el Hierro offers the best scubadiving in the iCanary slands and a a very relaxing, tourist free atmosphere where you can enjoy the real Canarian islands
La Gomera is the second smalles island in the Canary islands but with no doubt one of the most beautiful islands. The Garajonay national park boasts the most impressive laurel forest in the archipelago. Locals from La Gomera have managed to keep some of its ancient traditions and culture. These include the Silvo, a way to communicate which is unique to La Gomera.
La Palma, known as “La Isla bonita” as the beautiful island is the second highest island in the Canary islands and a hikers heaven. La Palma offers spectacular star-gazing opportunities and a stress-free destination for nature lovers
La Palma, known as “La Isla bonita” as the beautiful island is the second highest island in the Canary islands and a hikers heaven. La Palma offers spectacular star-gazing opportunities and a stress-free destination for nature lovers
Lanzarote is an amazing place. Its dark soils and blue waters contrast with white houses and vineyards caved in the ground. Learn more about this magical gift of nature and how to spend a superb holiday riding camels, enjoying art, fantastic hotels and the best waves in the Canary islands
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands with over 2,0oo square kilometers. km². Tenerife is probably the best-known island in the archipelago, but also the biggest victims of misconceptions. Tenerife offers much more than what the mass-tourist destination portrait suggests.
