Gran Canaria is often referred to as a "continent in miniature" for its variety of landscapes and vegetation, ranging from snow-capped mountains to sandy deserts, from coffee plantations to mango tree plantations.
The capital, Las Palmas, is the most historic, attractive and liveable city in the Canary Islands. In addition to hosting the university, it is also filled with trendy bars filled with lively Spaniards and foreign visitors.
The island is surrounded by excellent beaches, and the tourist resorts along the coast are able to satisfy every tourist need. The interior of the island is a beautiful space littered with mountain villages, sub-tropical plants and trails ready for exploration.
When to go
The climate of Gran Canaria is good all year round. The north is slightly cooler, the middle colder due to the mountains, while the south is the warmest region. In other words, the south is recommended in winter, while in summer the north and the center can also be a great choice to stay.
Some specialists claim that the climate of Las Palmas in Grana Canaria is the best climate in the world, with average temperatures in January ranging from 15 ° to 22 °, and with a maximum in August of around 28 °.
To see
In addition to beautiful cities, there are many places in Gran Canaria that are worth visiting, such as its museums, amusement parks and various attractions.
City to see
Las Palmas
Capital of the Canary Islands along with Santa Cruz, it is a historic city with colonial architecture, home to a 500-year-old cathedral and castle, several brilliant museums, numerous shops and excellent shopping malls.
Playa del Ingles
It is the most important tourist resort in Gran Canaria, with a wide range of activities and entertainment available to a young crowd. The main promenade offers all services, and the sand of the beach merges with the beautiful dunes of Maspalomas. Playa del Ingles is also the main gay district in the Canaries and each year hosts one of the largest gay pride festivals in Europe.
Maspalomas
The beach is part of a Dune Nature Reserve that extends to the shining sea. Tourists must choose the beaches well, because there are those reserved for nudists and those reserved for gays.
Puerto Mogan
It is among the prettiest cities on the island, with many areas where you can walk among bougainvillea flowers, with a small protected beach and with a beautiful harbor.
Museums to see
Gran Canaria has the best museums in the Canary Islands, ranging from modern art (Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno) to 15th-century art, which can be admired in a splendid 500-year-old house that once housed Christopher Columbus (Casa de Colon) . The Museum of Sacred Art in the Cathedral of Santa Ana houses artifacts dating from 500 BC up to the 15th century.
Amusement parks to visit
For all lovers of amusement parks there are various alternatives. The Palmitos Park is a large zoo and botanical garden that houses all kinds of mammals, reptiles and exotic birds in a natural environment.
A lush oasis of plants from all over the world along with an aquarium, orchid house and butterfly house. In addition, a mandatory stop for children and families is Aqualand Maspalomas, the main water park on the island about 25 minutes by car or bus from Maspalomas.
To do
The island is a paradise for lovers of cycling, hiking, adrenaline-filled activities, such as climbing, sky diving, diving, wind-surfing and kite-surfing.
With good weather practically all year round, there are a lot of outdoor activities you can do.
