Dubbed the Miniature Continent of Spain, Gran 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The modern hotel Dunas Mirador Maspalomas is located in Maspalomas, in the southern part of Gran Canaria. In the vicinity of the there are numerous bars, restaurants, shops and other…
The Club Calimera Esplendido is situated close to the dunes of Maspalomas in the southern part of Gran Canaria. The complex comprises 162 bungalows with 1 separate bedroom, 20 bungalows…
The hotel Iberostar Costa Canaria is situated near Playa de San Augustin beach, in south of Gran Canaria island. The 250 rooms and bungalows re equipped with a telephone, piped music,…
The modern hotel Dunas Mirador Maspalomas is located in Maspalomas, in the southern part of Gran Canaria. In the vicinity of the there are numerous bars, restaurants, shops and other…
Suite Hotel Jardin Dorado is a charming 4 star hotel situated in Maspalomas, on the southern part of Gran Canaria. The 114 suites and apartments have a lounge area with a flat screen…
Roca Negra Hotel & Spa is situated in Agaete, in the northern part of Gran Canaria island. The hotel has 87 rooms elegantly furnished and provided with every comfort. Services…
Atalanta hotel is situated at 50 meters from Las Canteras, near the leisure and business area of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The 47 rooms and 20 apartments are equipped with bathroom,…
The IFA Faro Hotel is ideally situated close to the sea, a very short distance from the very south beach of Maspalomas and its lighthouse, on the island of Gran Canaria. The IFA Faro…
The apartments Dragon Club 2 is situated in Playa del Ingles, the most popular resort on Gran Canaria. The apartments are equipped with a bathroom, safety deposit box, kitchen with…
The complex Norcopia Apartments is located in San Agustin, on the southeastern coast of Gran Canaria island. The complex is located at 300 meters from the beach and 400 meters from…
La Montaña is situated in the center of Gran Canaria in Santa Lucia. The villa is equipped with a complete bathroom, coffee maker, microwave oven, toaster, satellite TV, swimming…
Horse riding in Gran Canaria is ideal for discovering the island in a less mainstream manner. It accommodates very well with rural tourism, but not only.
For a spectacular array of species of reptiles, arachnids, birds and mammals alike, tourists should visit Reptilandia Park, a venue located in Galdar.
The Antonio Padron House Museum was founded in the honor of Antonio Padron, an artist who has created and worked in sundry fields of art.
The Museum of History of Aguimes displays, by the exhibits it shelters, the local history as from the 15th century. It is hosted by the Bishop's Palace.