Gran Canaria

A miniature-continent with contrasting scenery, beaches and mountains

The island of Gran Canaria encompasses such a variety of landscapes and climatic conditions, it is often referred to as a veritable 'miniature continent'. Gran Canaria offers so much variety that rather than simply exploring one resort you can sample the rich variety of different areas on the island in one holiday.

Gran Canaria - Geography:

Gran Canaria's central band of mountains (known as 'La Cumbre') can be snowcapped during the winter and the area is dotted with aromatic pine forests. Gran Canaria's north has a lush green landscape with an abundance of banana plantations whilst along the south coast you will find desert-like sand dunes and a wealth of sun-drenched beaches.

Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, is the largest city in the Canaries with a unique combination of a lovely old quarter and cathedral, busy port and marvellous beach.

A few designated areas of natural park are located inland near Gran Canaria's northern towns of Santa Brigida and Cruz de Tejeda. Here the diverse and beautiful Canarian countryside has verdant valleys set within impressive mountains providing a stunning landscape to photograph and remember.

Gran Canaria - Activities:

A range of walking trails, using the 'Caminos Reales' (Royal Paths) criss-cross the Gran Canaria. A favoured base for walking, cycling and trekking is the area around San Bartolome and Fataga in the southern mountain region, and the valley of Agaete in the northwest. From the south of the island you can take jeep safaris to further explore Gran Canaria's rugged interior or even take a camel ride in the valley of Fataga. Numerous boat and fishing excursions are available from the harbours at Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan.

Gran Canaria - Beaches:

The south of Gran Canaria has many golden beaches, whereas the beaches in the north tend to be more shingle than sandy and the slightly rougher sea makes them a favourite for surfing. There is however a charming little beach on Gran Canaria's north coast at Sardina where Christopher Columbus briefly docked to mend his mast en-route to America, not forgetting Las Palmas' superb 3-mile sandy beach, 'Playa de las Canteras'.

Gran Canaria - Climate:

The sheltered southwest corner of Gran Canaria, from Arguineguin to Puerto de Mogan, has reputedly one of the best climates in Europe with dry, sunny weather all year round.

The agricultural north has a little more rainfall and therefore more vegetation and the south-east of the island, being flat, can be very windy. Gran Canaria's mountainous interior, particularly in the north, can be cold at night in the winter.

Gran Canaria - Gastronomy:

The food in Gran Canaria is a mix of traditional Spanish favourites such as Paella and local Canarian specialities. There is also a large range of international dishes all of which can be sampled in Gran Canaria's restaurants and at tapas bars throughout the island. The local island drink is dark rum which is mainly produced in Arucas and the Canarian combination of this rum with honey is delicious.

Gran Canaria - Getting there:

There is a large choice of charter flights to Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) from both main and regional airports in the UK. These are normally on Mondays.

Gran Canaria - Our Secret Destinations:

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