Gran Canaria Tourism - Hotel reservations and accommodation guid

Dubbed the Miniature Continent of Spain, Gran CanariaGran Canaria is rich in assets able to entice the taste for serious tourist experiences of visitors around the world. Being the third largest land formation in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria features, at the same time, a further tourist incentive: it has perfect surfing conditions, which is way it was often compared to Hawaii.

Eventually, the island is a UNESCO treasure, being declared a Biosphere Reserve. It's obvious that tourists in search of nature unadulterated by the work of man are very likely to be satisfied by a stay in Gran Canaria.

Short History of Gran Canaria

The name with which the island started off in its historic trajectory has been the Island of the Brave, a surname given by its first alleged inhabitants, namely, the Canarii (Guanches), who established here around 500 BC. The history of Gran Canaria intermingles with the one of Spain, since the Kingdom of Castile managed to enforce dominion over the island in 1483. The island was subsequently dubbed The Circle, due to its obvious round shape. Christopher Columbus and Paul C. Reilly are among the most illustrious visitors of Gran Canaria.

Accommodation in Gran Canaria

The resorts located in the southern part of Gran Canaria are more popular with tourists who expect noting more than sun, beaches, sand and waves from their stay on the island. However, the capital of Gran Canaria, namely, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is located in the northeastern region of the island, is just as preferred as the south, but it is recommendable for visitors with more various expectations. Mainstream hotels are available throughout the resorts of Gran Canaria (Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, etc.), featuring all the high quality services typical of any given hotel. But if in search of something rather specific and traditional, tourists should resort to the more traditional Spanish establishments which are to be found especially within the inland villages.

Spanish Gastronomy in Gran Canaria

There is nothing in Spain which can not be found in Gran Canaria in terms of cuisine. International specialties are fairly well represented on the island by the many restaurants and eating venues the resorts are replete with. Traditional English and Chinese food, for instance, are extremely popular with both locals and tourists. The ever present tapas lack nothing of their mainland counterparts; on the contrary, they are somewhat richer in taste and seasoning, and represent more than a snack. Fish restaurants are said to be extremely recommendable in Las Palmas, but local cuisine, represented by certain dishes, like gofio, squid rings, grilled meat and papas arrugadas (with mojo, a traditional Canary Islands sauce) should not be overlooked.

Tourist Attractions and Objectives in Gran Canaria

The first thing coming in mind with respect to the tourist attractions in Gran Canaria refers to its beaches. However, the historic background of the island, which is quite consistent, is epitomized by the Las Palmas Cathedral (one of the oldest structures on the island), the Las Palmas City Hall, the Santa Ana Square, the Witches' Plain and by the Bishop's House, most of them having been built in the 15th or the 16th century. The island also host a series of museums and galleries, of which the Canary Museum (El Museo Canario), the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, as well as the Columbus Museum, the Nestor Museum and the Atlantic Center of Modern Art are worth noting. The Tara y Cendro caves and the Rock Cloud count as the more significant natural attractions, but one should always want to tick off the Holiday World and the Crocodile Park once in Gran Canaria.

Events and Festivals in Gran Canaria

The Carnival of Gran Canaria (Carnaval de Las Palmas) held in February is, perhaps, the most popular event with the locals. Musical festivals tend to dominate the eventful atmosphere of Gran Canaria, of which the Canary Music Festival, the International Folk Music Festival, the Opera Festival, WOMAD, the International Jazz Festival and the International Folklore Festival are worth mentioning. However, the picture is complemented (without, on the other hand, being complete) by the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, by the International Film Festival of Las Palmas, the Marine Festival, or by the Water Fight, near the city of Telde.

Other Tourist Hotspots within the Canary Islands

A stay in Gran Canaria is highly likely to furnish incomparable thrills to tourists who choose to visit the island. Yet, Gran Canaria does not exhaust the beauty and the tourist resources of all of the Canary Islands.

Thus, Lanzarote should definitely be ticked off on the tourist circuit of the Canary Islands. The main reasons for visiting Lanzarote refer to its natural wealth and diversity, but also to its abundant tourist opportunities which, amazingly, do not come down to beaches exclusively.

Fuerteventura, on the other hand, is the second largest island of the archipelago, and allegedly the oldest of all. In a few words, Fuerteventura should be explored since it stands as a variation of the successful tourist destination theme.

Finally, Tenerife should be searched out at least by title of getting to know how and why this island formerly dubbed the Island of Hell managed to become a tourist paradise.

Hotels in Gran Canaria

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Las Walkirias

Las Walkirias

The complex Las Walkirias Resort is situated in Playa del Ingles, on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. Yumbo Shopping center, the beach as well as a series of shops, restaurants…

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Lti Paradise Valle Taurito

Lti Paradise Valle Taurito

LTI Paradise Valle Taurito is a 4 stars plus hotel in a picturesque valley to the south-west of the island of Gran Canaria, in a natural setting of incomparable beauty in the charming…

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Marina Suites

Marina Suites

The aparthotel Marina Suites is situated on the southern part of Gran Canaria, in the Puerto Rico resort. The complex is just a few footsteps from the beach and the yacht harbor. All…

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Bungalows Adonis

Bungalows Adonis

Bungalows Adonis is situated at 400 meters from the beach, the commercial center Yumbo, restaurants, bars and night clubs in Playa del Ingles, on the southern coast of Gran Canaria.…

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Cordial Mogán Valle

Cordial Mogán Valle

The Apartamentos Cordial Mogán Valle is a comfortable 3 star aparthotel situated in Puerto de Morgan, just meters from the beach, in the south-western part of Gran Canaria Island.…

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Rural Paradise Las Tirajanas

Rural Paradise Las Tirajanas

Hotel Rural Paradise Las Tirajanas is situated in the mountains in southern Gran Canaria. The 60 rooms have air conditioning, a private balcony and a fridge. The hotel offers its guests…

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Lucana

Lucana

Hotel Lucana is a comfortable 4 star hotel situated in Playa del Ingles, on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. Near the hotel there are numerous tourist attractions such as the famous…

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Vista Serena

Vista Serena

The complex Vista Serena is situated in the peaceful resort of Maspalomas, in the south of Gran Canaria. The complex has 12 spacious and comfortable apartments with one or two bedrooms,…

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Residences in Gran Canaria


Bungalows Grimanesa

Bungalows Grimanesa

The complex Grimanesa Bungalows is situated in Maspalomas, on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. The bungalows have a bedroom, kitchen, complete bathroom, satellite TV and a balcony…

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Apartments Las Gacelas

Apartments Las Gacelas

The complex Las Gacelas is situated in the center of Playa del Ingles, the most popular resort on Gran Canaria island. Numerous leisure centers and the beach are located at just 800…

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Bungalows Betancuria

Bungalows Betancuria

The Betancuria Bungalows are situated at 300 meters from the beach, in Playa del Ingles, the most popular resort on Gran Canaria island. The complex is located near numerous bars,…

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Attractions in Gran Canaria

Palmitos Park

Palmitos Park is both a zoological and a botanical garden, the largest of its kind in Gran Canaria. It is located in the popular resort of Maspalomas.

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Basilica and Royal Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora del Pino

The Basilica and Royal Sanctuary of Nuestra Senora del Pino is a must-see objective in Gran Canaria. It is both a place of worship and national monument.

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Trip destinations within the Canary Islands

Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura count as chief trip destinations within the Canary Islands for visitors of Gran Canaria.

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Cycling in Gran Canaria

Tourists who want to get around and keep fit at the same time should opt for cycling in Gran Canaria. There are plenty of cycling centers on the island.

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