Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is for many the most complete, varied and cosmopolitan island of the archipelago, not in vain it is known as "The Miniature Continent". In it you can find samples of almost all the Canarian landscapes: cities, beaches, desert dunes with an oasis and its palm grove, cliffs or crags on the sea, a peninsula, ravines, volcanic cones, calderas, lava malpais, rocks, forests laurisilva or pinares ... It is also one of the hardest hit by overcrowding, urban development and tourism business speculation. But it is sure that this hospitable island offers visitors a little bit of everything they expect to find in the Canary Islands.

General information

Gran Canaria -which was incorporated into the Crown of Castile in 1483 and whose first inhabitants were called Canarii-, is located almost in the center of the Canary archipelago, between the islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura. It is shaped like a circle, with a diameter of 48-49 km. long, and its surface is 1,523 km².
With 236 km. of coast, the island relief is increasing towards the center, where the highest points are: the Pico de las Nieves (1,950 m.) and the Roque Nublo (1,813 m.), of great sentimental value for the people of Gran Canaria. The coastline is varied, predominantly low and sandy beaches in the SE - from Punta de Gando to Meloneras, where Playa del Inglés and the dunes of Maspalomas, tourist places par excellence, stand out for their length and beauty; in the SW and W -from Las Meloneras to Puerto de las Nieves- cliffs predominate, although stony beaches can also be found at the mouth of the ravines, this being a more solitary and unknown landscape, even for the natives themselves; in the N and NE the two types of coast alternate, highlighting the area of ​​San Felipe, with its natural rock pools, and of course, the two capital beaches: Las Canteras -the jewel of the city- and Las Alcaravaneras.

The island, together with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, is part of the eastern province of Las Palmas and, with 745,812 inhabitants, it is the most populated and densest - of population, of course - in the archipelago, as well as the third largest, after Tenerife. and Fuerteventura. Administratively it is divided into 21 municipalities.
The economic activity of Gran Canaria is concentrated in sectors such as agriculture, industry, commerce and, especially, in the port - being that of La Luz and Las Palmas, in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, one of the most important of the world- and tourism, which is, in fact, the great engine of the Gran Canaria economy. Our wonderful climate -with mild temperatures all year round-, the offers at low prices and the good communications of the island -just a few hours by plane from the main European airports- have made tourism not a seasonal activity, but to remain constant throughout the year, which has also boosted other sectors such as construction and the food industry.

Leisure and tourism

Gran Canaria is more than just sun and beaches. If you come from abroad, you will probably stay in the capital -which will allow you to enjoy a wide cultural offer and a truly cosmopolitan and mestizo atmosphere- or in any of the southern beaches -with more fun and touristy airs-. Wherever you are, do not stop making trips to the interior of the island, which will undoubtedly offer you a great variety of landscapes and a wonderful natural environment: of the 500 plant endemic species in the Canary Islands, almost half of them are found in Gran Canaria. . If you are one of those who enjoy peace, tranquility and the contemplation of unique ecosystems, you will surely find rural accommodation to your liking in several of the towns of the interior or the North coast, which lately have been adding to the already wide offer island tourist.


Apart from its magnificent beaches, the constant sun and its varied landscapes, Gran Canaria offers the possibility of practicing any outdoor sport throughout the year: golf, tennis, swimming, volleyball and, of course, water sports: diving, surfing, windsurfing; Gran Canaria is considered the second best place to practice the latter, on the Pozo Izquierdo beach. Every year more international regattas choose our marinas as a starting point for their competitions, adorning the docks with a range of colors that make them more impressive. Enjoy a complete vacation and practice your favorite sport in Gran Canaria.
Due to its special tax regime and despite belonging to the European Union, Gran Canaria is still a shopping paradise. All kinds of electronic, perfumery and beauty products can still be found at reduced prices. In the capital there are two main commercial areas: Triana and Mesa y López, with specialized stores and boutiques, as well as department stores and modern commercial areas. With respect to the enclaves of the South, San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico, there are large shopping centers with shops of all kinds.

Weather

The wind, the sea currents, the relief and its geographical latitude - at the 28th parallel and about 100 km from the African coast - determine the climate of Gran Canaria, an island of volcanic origin and rich in contrasts. The "Miniature Continent" is the nickname that best reflects the wide variety of landscapes that the island offers, complemented by a superior infrastructure that makes Gran Canaria an ideal place for leisure and holidays at any time of year with its always spring weather.

Orography

The orography of Gran Canaria increases from the coast towards the center and summit, where the highest points are found: Pico de las Nieves (1950m) and Roque Nublo (1813m). The summit is surrounded by a series of erosion craters that form the headwaters of the ravines. Gran Canaria has 236 km of coastline, with sandy beaches predominantly in the Southeast. Here we can find the exceptional Playa del Ingles and the Dunes of Maspalomas. Cliffs dominate the West and Southwest, while the two types of coast alternate in the North and Northeast, offering a wide variety of beaches and coves. Mother Nature has been generous to Gran Canaria, endowing it with the most diverse types of landscapes, thus allowing a very varied tourism.

Gastronomy

The gastronomy, although not very varied, is unique and healthy. The spartan but natural diet of the original inhabitants of Gran Canaria was replaced by the Spanish conquerors and can still be seen in gofio (roasted corn), fish, meat and especially in rabbits, goats and vegetables. However, the variety of restaurants is so wide that, apart from local food, you can enjoy dishes from any country in the world.

The Gran Canarian palms

The capital of the island is located to the north in a magnificent enclave formed by two bays and their beaches - Playa de Las Canteras and Playa de Las Alcaravaneras. Founded on June 23, 1478, it has an important historical and cultural base, centered above all in the historic and colonial district of Vegueta. The city has a good infrastructure of hotels and apartments and excellent communications with the other main popular areas of the Island. The port of Las Palmas (Puerto de La Luz) is one of the most important in Spain and gives the city that character cosmopolitan that distinguishes it from the other cities of the archipelago.