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Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria is one of the seven larger islands in the Spanish archipelago called the 'Canary Islands'. In total the island spans 969 miles², which is separated into twenty one municipalities. The capital city of Gran Canaria is 'Las Palmas de Gran Canaria' with almost 400,000 inhabitants and is the largest city in the whole of the Canary Islands (or 'Canaries' as they are also known).

This island sees over two million visitors each year, who come to experience the beautiful weather, bustling nightlife, shops, beach resorts and history which dates back to 500 B.C and includes the travels of Christopher Columbus. Even though Gran Canaria is just 50km in diameter, the climate varies greatly from North (cooler) to South (warmer), and the land differs from East (flat beaches and coastline) to West (mountainous). This difference in climate and land makes it the ideal holiday destination, for a visitor could have experiences in four very different environments in just one day.

Gran Canaria has some of the most popular tourist sights and activities packed into one of the smallest areas in the Atlantic Ocean. It's possible to travel from the north to the south in around just one hour if driving at 35mph so in a one or two week stay it's certainly possible to see a lot! As both a nightlife Mecca and a sunny getaway, there's a lot to see and do on this island so a week or two in Gran Canaria could never get boring.

Areas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria's capital city has a lot to offer its visitors including a sea port, an annual carnival, the Museo Canario archaeological museum and the Las Palmas Cathedral. This City makes a great day out for those looking to see the sights and sample a little of the history attached to Gran Canaria.

The South-Eastern Coast

The top holiday resorts, hotels, beaches and entertainment venues are found on the south-eastern coast of the Island, centered around the area of Maspolamas.

Playa Del Ingles

As well as being Gran Canaria's longest beach, Playa Del Ingles is also home to some of the islands best nightlife. Simply grabbing a taxi and asking to be taken to 'Kasbah' will set you off on a whirlwind night in some 50 clubs and bars. With the 'English' and 'Irish' centers people from the UK and USA will feel more at home. The atmosphere here is party, party, party, with things kicking off at around midnight and some staying open as late as 7am. 24/7 mini-golf and a heap of different hotels between here and Maspolamas are just some examples of what you can look forward to in Playa Del Ingles.

Weather

Northern Gran Canaria is generally cooler and sees more rain that its Southern counterpart which is usually always warm and sunny. In summer temperatures can go over 30ºC although they usually gravitate around 28ºC. The best months to visit Gran Canaria are between June and July.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	64	64	65	66	68	71	74	75	75	73	69	65
C	18	18	18	19	20	22	23	24	24	23	21	18

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	1.1	0.8	0.6	0.4	0.1	0	0	0	0.2	0.7	1.4	1.3
CM	2.8	2	1.5	1	0.3	0	0	0	0.5	1.8	3.6	3.3

Getting There

By Plane

One of the largest airports in Spain is located on Gran Canaria, known as the International Airport of Gran Canaria-Gando. While this is Gran Canaria's only airport, it is a very large one with transport links coming to and from it at all times (buses, taxis, hire car companies).

By Boat

Because Gran Canaria is an island, there are several harbours and ports dotted along its coastline. This makes arriving by boat not only incredibly easy by incredibly enjoyable and from the harbours in the major towns there are great transport links which will take you to where you want to be. Ferries and boats leave from Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Puerto Rico to arrive at Gran Canaria several times a day.

Getting Around

Depending on where you are staying in Gran Canaria, you may choose to get around by foot. Certainly if you are taking a holiday which mainly involves clubs, bars and relaxing by the pool during the day then you will not need to go for and can walk. If you are looking to sightsee however, you have the choice of hiring a car, taking a taxi or making your way around using the great public bus service available as there are no trains on the island.

By Car

The cities and towns near the main motorways (GC1, GC2 and GC31) in Gran Canaria all offer car rental companies such as Hertz, CICAR and Avis. These motorways link the whole of the island together so there isn't any area that can't be reached by driving.

By Bus

Guaguas Municipales and GLOBAL are the two main bus companies who operate a service on the island of Gran Canaria. This is a great way to travel around because many of the buses go directly to the best tourist destinations and sights. They are comfortable, air conditioned and full of like-minded travelers.

Food & Dining

The Canary Islands are known for many dining delights including their fish, plantains, and different flours that all contribute to the fine cuisine that you will enjoy on your visit to Gran Canaria. Fish is fresh and you can often choose it yourself. Being the only exporter of plantain bananas in Europe, they are known for being some of the most delicious plantains in the world! Breakfast generally consists of foods such as grain flour, which is often served with a local stew called potaje. Arepas is another main course dish in the Islands and this is prepared by stuffing a corn flour torta with minced meat, cheese, or sweet mango. Tapas are also very common here and one of the main courses with tapas is papa sancochada. This dish uses salty black potatoes that are boiled until they are very wrinkly and then a cold sauce made with chili and garlic is served over it in the tapas.

Beaches

Playa de las Canteras (Sand beach) Location: Near Puerto de la Luz This may be your first stop when looking for a beach in Gran Canaria as it is one of the most popular among tourists because of everything that it has to offer. This three kilometer beach holds a lagoon, a natural reef which is 200 meters long, a promenade, beach buskers and vendors, an area especially for surfers because of its great wave conditions, and that's not to mention the many shops bordering the beach or the beautiful sand and water! You'll definitely get your fill here, making it known as a one-stop beach!

Playa del Ingles (Sand beach) Location: Situated between the beach of San Agustin and the Maspalomas Beach Playa del Ingles is the most famous beach in all of Europe and visitors flock to this area with the sole intention of lounging on this beach. Here you will find everything you will need for the perfect vacation as this is the largest tourist area in all of Spain! One of the most interesting things about this beach is that there are areas for enjoying the sea and sand and when you need a break from people-watching, you can walk along the promenade and check out some true Spanish culture!

Playa de los Amadores (Sand beach) Location: Lies between Puerto Rico and Puerto Mogan This man-made beach is half a mile long and is known to be the beach for lovers but it is also popular among families that are visiting because it is quieter than the more populated beaches in Gran Canaria and because it offers more room to roam and enjoy the beauty of the water and the sand. To keep out the noise, radios aren't allowed here nor are ball games so be sure you come here when you're in the mood to unwind and aren't looking for more adventurous beach activities!

Playa de Puerto Rico (Sand beach) Location: Beside Playa de los Amadores This beach is extremely crowded during peak tourist season and you may want to get there early to ensure that you get one of the many beach chairs that are available but fill up quickly! Equipped with two pools, opportunities for any water activity that you could imagine, boat trips, dolphin watching, beautiful landscapes filled with exotic flowers, you are sure to find it all here! You'll definitely want to visit for a taste of the excitement but when you want some down-time, a quieter beach in the area may be better suited.

Laem Ka (Rock beach) Location: To the south of the Phuket Island Resort Hotel and to the north of Rawai Beach This is a small beach set within a bay and is mostly popular with families. Locals really enjoy this beach as well.

Sights & Activities

The Shopping Centers

If you're looking to splash a little cash when on holiday in Gran Canaria then look to the capital city where shopping centers La Ballena, Las Arenas and Avenida Mesa y Lopez are found. Here you can find anything from large international shopping outlets to small independent boutiques, tobacconists and gift shops.

Crocodile Park

The Parque de los Cocodrilos (Crocodile Park) located in San Nicolas de Tolentino is Gran Canaria's only zoo. It is an ideal day out for the family, where visitors can see the monkeys, birds, chimps and of course crocodiles which have undergone a lot of care and rehabilitation here.

Palmitos Park

Palmitos Park near Playa de Ingles is where visitors can come and see various species of tropical and exotic birds. It's like being in a subtropical jungle with thousands of palm trees, an island with monkeys, several live bird shows, crocodiles and an aquarium.

Rancho Park

This is where both children and adults can get to grips with a totally new way of travel; on horseback. Rancho Park is on the road to Palmitos Park and upon arrival you will be kitted out, given lessons if you would like them and treks can be arranged. Also available are rides for young children and spectacular night-time treks under the stars.

Aquasur Water Park

In the heart of Maspolamas lies Gran Canaria's most famous water park. With 33 slides, 5,300 square meters of swimming pools and features such as rapids and the 'Congo River'. Along with mini golf and restaurants, this amusement park couldn't get any better as a family day out.