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.
Best Western Hotel Cantur is situated in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria Island, at just 40 meters from the famous Las Canteras beach. The 114 rooms are equipped with cable…
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…
The IFA Beach Hotel, is a 3 star category hotel situated on the beach of San Agustin, in the south of Gran Canaria, very near to the International Casino and shopping area. The IFA…
Dunas Suites & Villas Resort is a comfortable 4 star hotel situated in Maspalomas, on the southern part of Gran Canaria. Each one of the 302 apartments are equipped with air conditioning,…
Terrazamar Sun Suite is an elegant apartment complex situated in Puerto Rico, one of the most famous resorts in Gran Canaria. The 306 apartments with one bedroom have a kitchen with…
San Valentin & Terraflor Park bungalows are situated in the center of the residential area of Playa del Ingles, the most popular resort on the southern coast of Gran Canaria island.…
Hotasa Beverly Park is set just 300 meters from the beach, in Maspalomas, one of the most popular tourist resorts on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. The 481 rooms are equipped…
Hotel San Agustín Beach Club is an elegant 4 star hotel situated in the tranquil area of San Agustin, on the southern part of Gran Canaria. The hotel offers 57 comfortable rooms,…
Casa El Borbullón is situated in Teror, a resort situated in the center of Gran Canaria. The villa has satellite TV, bathroom with shower, a kitchen equipped with a coffee maker,…
The complex Apartamentos Tindaya is situated in Puerto Rico, one of the most popular resorts on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. The complex is within 10 minutes from the center…
Casa Rural El Lirón is situated near the village of Ingenio and is surrounded by contrasting scenery with both arid and fertile zones. The villa has 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, living…
Both the means and the reasons for making trips from Gran Canaria to Tenerife, the largest island of the archipelago, are solidly reliable and grounded.
Fishing and deep sea fishing in Gran Canaria is always a prospect no tourist should pass up, all of the Canary Islands being ideal for such leisure.
The Guigui Nature Reserve in Gran Canaria features undeniable biological assets. Its appeal is enhanced by the few archeological sites within the reserve.
Located only a short distance from Maspalomas, Puerto Rico is a notable destination in south Gran Canaria. It is also an important leisure port.