With around 850,000 inhabitants and an area of 1560 m², Gran Canaria is, along with Tenerife and Fuerteventura, the third largest of the seven Canary Islands. The island with the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria lies 210 kilometers off the south Moroccan coast in the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to the warm climate, the numerous beaches and coastal areas, but also because of the traditional Spanish architecture, which can still be found in many cities, Gran Canaria attracts around 2.8 million tourists every year. Temperatures average between 18 and 24 degrees throughout the year, and a holiday in Gran Canaria can be especially appealing to those who like it warm and quiet. But besides sun, sandy beaches and fresh fish, Gran Canaria has much more to offer.
Means of transport
With so much water around it is understandable that fishing and boatbuilding play an important role in many cities of the island. So the most important port of the island is the Puerto de la Luz in the capital Las Palmas. From here you can also reach Tenerife, Furteventura, La Palma, Madeira and Lanzarote.
However, if you prefer to travel by plane, you will find the international airport of Gran Canaria just 20 minutes south of Las Palmas. In general, the roads are very well developed, but one should keep in mind that there are many hilly areas, especially in the interior of the country. If you do not want to drive yourself, you can also use regular buses.
Hotels and gastronomy
In Gran Canaria, especially in the south, many tourists are to be found, with the north almost untouched. However, this also generally affects prices. The best rated hotels are, among others, the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia in Maspalomas or the Casa Léon in Monte Léon.
However, if you would like something a bit cheaper, you will very quickly find what you are looking for in the north. For example, near Fataga there are many great offers for apartments and fincas.
Understandably, fresh fish or seafood are on the menu in many restaurants on the island. Depending on the area, stews or grilled meat are also very popular with tourists and locals. Here, the location plays a role in the prices as well, as in the tourist south everything is a bit more expensive on average. Especially popular for the evening are the tapas bars, which can be found all around the island.
Beaches
Gran Canaria offers tourists and locals plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach with sangria in the sun or to practice a variety of water sports. Playa del Ingles has a sandy beach that stretches from Maspalomas to San Agustin. For water rats, there are many sports activities, such as diving or jet skiing.
The beach of Maspalomas is also popular because here you especially find hobby divers. There are several diving clubs and you can participate in supervised dives.
Points of interest
Gran Canaria offers countless attractions and it is sure to find something for everyone. When you’re there, be sure to check out the dunes of Maspalomas.
If you are interested in the architecture or history of the island, you should definitely make a detour to Teror. The entire city center consists of listed buildings and seems like a glimpse into the past and history of the city.
The cave village of Barranco de Guayadeque near Agüimes is also worth a visit and the archaeological open-air museum Mundo Aborigen in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana tells of the life of the inhabitants of Gran Canaria before the Spanish conquest.
In the historic district of Las Palmas you can also find the Museo Canario, which regularly holds exhibitions about the indigenous people of the island.
In Santa Lucia you will find colorful villages and relaxed boat trips, as well as a tropical rainforest and the Pitons, the twin volcanic mountains that, as landmarks of the city, can challenge even experienced hikers.
Shopping
In many cities of Gran Canaria weekly markets are held, where you can buy fresh food, such as fruits, vegetables and fish. In these markets also very often accessories, hand-made pieces or clothes, among other things in the fashionable batik look, are offered.
Especially in the capital Las Palmas you will find many shopping possibilities. For example, there are three huge shopping malls and countless smaller boutiques and shops that frequently sell pieces of Spanish fashion labels.
In the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana there is the Centro Comercial El Tablero and also in Maspalomas you will find restaurants and bars as well as a really great shopping center with international and local shops.
If you are interested in more information on the individual areas, you should also check out the other articles on the most beautiful cities in Gran Canaria.
