(Gran Canaria) is one of the most visited islands of the archipelago. More than three million tourists visit it every year. The island lies in the very center of the archipelago and is shaped like a circle with a diameter of 50 kilometers and a circumference of 237 kilometers.
The island ranks third in area (1533 sq. km.). The island's population is more than 800 thousand people, which is about 45% of the total population Canary Islands.
The island owes its name to the mighty aborigines who lived on it before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. The Aborigines were tall, physically developed people. Gran means "big" in Spanish. The final conquest of the island by the Spanish crown took place in 1483. The island's real economic prosperity and population growth became possible in the mid-19th century thanks to the development of tourism throughout the Canary archipelago. The first plane with tourists on board landed on the island in 1957.
Holidays on the island are relatively calm and measured; there are few museums, various architectural monuments, and parks.
The main tourist areas are located in the south of Gran Canaria. Precipitation is rare here. Gran Canaria is divided into two climatic zones by a mountain range: the fairly dry and warm south and the cool, humid north.
The sun shines 350 days or 2700 hours a year. The temperature on the island ranges from 18-30C, depending on the time of year. The hottest month here is August; during the day the air warms up to more than 30C. But there is no unbearable heat here. The breeze from the ocean is refreshing, even on hot days the rest here is quite comfortable. All the islands of the archipelago are washed by a cold current from the Gulf of Mexico. To a large extent, this is why there is no sweltering heat here.
The fauna of Gran Canaria is diverse; there are no poisonous snakes and insects on the island, as well as animals that can harm humans. Of the wild mammals, you can only find rabbits and eared hedgehogs. The island's marine fauna includes more than 550 species of fish, 24 species of marine mammals and about 5 species of marine reptiles. Once visiting this amazing island, you will have some left unforgettable experience for life! 
Cities:
Las Palmas(Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) is the capital of Gran Canaria and the administrative center of the province, a crowded, noisy city located in the northeast of the island. The city was founded in 1478 by conquistador Juan Rejon, at the very beginning of the conquest of the Canary Islands. From point of view resort holiday, this city is not the best the best option. It’s worth coming here on an excursion or just for a walk.
Attractions and entertainment:
On South Gran Canaria, located amazing place- a piece of the Sahara, located on the ocean shore - this is dunesMaspalomasa(Dunas de Maspalomas). Currently this is national park 403 hectares with a salt water lake and palm grove. The park area is closed to cars and you can only move around on foot or on camels.
In addition to beaches, dunes and resort areas Excursions to the center of the island in National parks and protected natural areas, the territory of which makes up 40% of the area of Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria, like other islands, has its own volcanic attractions. One of them is Bandama peak and crater ( Caldera de Bandama) with a diameter of 1 km and a depth of 200 m. observation deck next to the crater there is a magnificent view of the capital and the central mountainous part of the island.
In the northern part of the island is the highest point of Gran Canaria - ( Pico de las Nieves) or “snow peak” (1949 meters), from here you can see the famous landscape - rock Nublo(Roque Nublo) and its surroundings. Nowadays the outlines of this mountain landscape are a symbol of the island. 
Tourists are recommended to visit such places on the island as Aqualand Maspalomas- biggest aquapark in the Canary Islands, Holiday World is an amusement park, health center and the most popular discotheque.
Among other things, Gran Canaria offers sea and 
helicopter rides, fishing, parachute jumping, golf, scuba diving, various evening shows and casino.
Beaches:
Total length of all beaches Gran Canaria is more than 60 kilometers. It is easy for any tourist to choose a beach to suit their taste. The island has more than 50 beaches of varying lengths (from 15 to 3000 meters), location and sand quality. All beaches on the island are public, entry is free and free. Hotels do not have their own beaches. The island also has several nudist beaches for those who like an even tan.
Maspalomas beach(Maspalomas) - the most popular and famous beach throughout Gran Canaria. Its length is 2710 meters and width 77 meters. The beach consists of different zones: a zone for lovers water sports, sunbathing and a special nudist beach located in the La Punta area.
El Inglés beach(El Inglés) is the second most popular beach of the island, which, together with Maspalomas beach constitute the main tourist and entertainment center in the south of Gran Canaria. The beach promenade is more than 2500 meters long and is full of restaurants, cafes with terraces and shopping centers. Day and night, everything here sparkles with fun and carefreeness. The most popular discos and nightclubs on the island are also located here. 
(Las Canteras) - the city beach of the island's capital stretches over more than 3 km in the western part of Lamamas de Gran Canaria. A special feature of the beach is the natural protection in the form of a barrier (barra), which protects the beach from strong ocean waves. Here you can observe unique marine fauna and swim in any weather. 
(Puerto Rico) - A small, artificial beach in the southwest of the island is, at the same time, the capital of water activities of Gran Canaria. Here, tourists can enjoy any kind of water activities, from fishing to diving in a submarine. Conveniently located here a large number of restaurants, shopping mall, a water park and the main sports port (puerto deportivo) of the island.
In addition to the well-known main beaches, the island has several “wild” beaches, lost between the rocks. Some of them are very picturesque, but difficult to access.
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Gran Canaria is the most popular island among tourists in the Canary archipelago and the third largest after Tenerife and Fuerteventura.
Large tourist centers have a developed infrastructure, many hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and attractions; people come here for beach holiday and vibrant nightlife. Small resorts specialize in aquatic species sports, there you can do sea excursions, windsurfing, fishing in the open ocean, skydiving - in general, have active fun. The real pearl of the island is its famous Dunas de Maspalomas, which tourists from all over the world come to see.
The most popular place Gran Canaria - a huge 8 km beach - is occupied by three resorts: San Agustin, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Here all year round many tourists and the widest choice of entertainment, including camel rides along the dunes of Maspalomas. More small resorts concentrated on the west coast, including the fishing port of Puerto de Mogán - where the best fish restaurants, and secluded Playa de Guigui.
Entertainment and attractions of Gran Canaria
The main attraction of Gran Canaria is its nature. First of all, the dunes of Maspalomas are a must-see. About origins sand dunes There are several versions in these parts - it is not entirely known where the huge mass of white sand came from here, but scientists are of the opinion that they were “blown in” by winds from Africa, from the Sahara Desert. The dunes are known for their beautiful sunsets and camel rides.
Another natural attraction of the island is the caldera of the ancient Bandama volcano. There are several routes to its crater walking routes, and you can also appreciate its beauty from above - from the observation deck of Pico de Bandama. Near the volcano there is a village of potters, where you can walk along the ancient streets and buy unusual handmade souvenirs.
25 km from Maspalomas is the Crocodile Park, which was opened by the Balzer family, first taking a couple of reptiles into their care, and then the farm grew to a whole park. Today, not only crocodiles live here, but also pythons, parrots, monkeys, Siberian tigers and other animals. In the park you can watch the crocodile lunch show or feed the predators yourself.
Architecture and museums
Behind beautiful architecture and culture is worth going to the capital - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This is the most Big City on the island, the Chapel of San Antonio, Santa Ana Square and the church of the same name, the Regental and Consistorial palaces, as well as one of the main attractions of Gran Canaria - the Columbus House Museum have been preserved. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Las Palmas, the former residence of the island's governor, and today it houses the Museum of Geographical Discoveries. This house is directly connected with the name of Columbus - he lived here in 1492 while his ship was being repaired.
There are discos on the island, concert halls, casinos, gyms, tennis courts, golf courses, etc. All trade, restaurants, bars, discos and other entertainment are concentrated in shopping centers or on the way to them.
Next door to Bahia Feliz and Playa del Aguila, there is the largest karting track in the Canaries, 1650 m long. There is also an Aeroclub de Gran Canaria, where you can book a ten-minute or half-hour helicopter ride over the most beautiful places islands, and, if desired, jump with a parachute.
In San Agustin there is a variety show and the only casino in Maspalomas (Casino Gran Canaria) at the Melia Tamarindos Hotel. The largest thalassotherapy center in Europe (Thalasoterapia Canarias) is also located here.
The resort of Playa del Inglés attracts young tourists with the Kasbah center, where all the popular pubs and discos Chic and Joy are concentrated, as well as the Cita center with the Pasha discotheque.
In the Campo International area there is Entertainment Center Faro II, a huge golf course, Holiday World amusement park with roller coaster, Ferris wheel and bowling alley, Ocean Park water park. Next door there is another water park, no less inventively named Aqualand.
Discos open no earlier than 23:00.
Weather in Gran Canaria
Most of the island has a mild climate. Winters are warm (+19...+23 °C), summers are hot (+24...+30 °C). average temperature water in summer +20...+23 °C, in winter +17...+20 °C. A special feature of the island is the sharp change in natural areas: from high, forested mountains, on the tops of which there is almost always snow, to sunny beaches. Mountain peaks make it difficult for cold northern winds to penetrate into the southern part of the island, so a warm and dry climate prevails there. That's why the most popular beach resorts are located in the south, and the north is characterized by windy weather, which is why it is chosen by surfers.
A continent in miniature - this is the name of the Canary island of Gran Canaria. There's plenty to do here, with great golden sand beaches, stunning natural scenery and plenty of theme parks to keep you entertained. family vacation. The hallmark of Gran Canaria is the Maspalomas mini desert, located in the south of the island.
Gran Canaria (photo: Ghis-URbqho)
Gran Canaria is the third largest island, with an area of 1560.1 km². The island is round in shape and reaches about 50 km in diameter. All the islands of the Canary archipelago were formed as a result of volcanic activity, and Gran Canaria is no exception.
The extinct volcano Pico de las Nieves, located in the central part of the island, is the most high point– 1949 m. The capital of the island is the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (this is also the second capital of the Canary Islands).
Gran Canaria is distinguished by such a rich flora and fauna, diversity of geographical and climatic zones that it has been called a “continent in miniature”. The mountainous landscape of the central part of the island is crossed by arid gorges leading to the coast. Since strong water flows form in the gorges during heavy rainfalls, the inhabited parts of the valley are usually well fortified.
Gran Canaria (photo: Kyle Smith)
Gran Canaria's competitor in the fight for the title of the most popular island of the Canary archipelago is. Although the number of tourists visiting these islands annually is approximately the same, the island of Gran Canaria, well known to Europeans, is almost unknown to tourists from Russia.
Climate of Gran Canaria
The climatic features of the island include a sharp change in natural zones: high, forested mountains with snowy peaks are replaced sunny beaches. Cold northern winds do not penetrate into the southern part of the island due to the mountain peaks, so the climate of the southern part of Gran Canaria is dry and warm. In winter, the main part of the island is warm (+19...+23 °C), and in summer it is hot (+24...+30 °C). The water temperature throughout the year is suitable for swimming (17 – 23 °C).
Map of attractions of Gran Canaria
Telde city
Museum of the Canary Islands
Vegeta Market
Nestor Museum
Las Canteras Beach
City of Arucas
Telde city
Vegueta Quarter (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
Museum of the Canary Islands
Vegeta Market
Calle Triana (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
Nestor Museum
Capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Canteras Beach
City of Arucas
Los Charcones Natural Pool
Natural pool of San Lorenzo
Cheese factory "Cortijo de Caideros"
Museum and viewpoint of Cenobio de Valeron
Natural pools of Roque Prieto
Natural pools of Las Salinas de Agaete
Port of Las Nieves
Agaete village
Guaedra Beach
Archaeological Park of Maipes de Agaete
Los Berrazales Winery
Farenoke Beach
Tamadaba – Faneke Slope
Tamadaba Natural Park
Observation deck Del Balcony
Las Niñas Dam
Cactualdea Park
Gui Gui Beach
Mogan Beach
Waterpark Oasis Lago Taurito
Amadores Beach
Puerto Rico Resort
Puerto Rico beach
A park active rest Angry Birds
Anfi del Mar beach
Port Pasito Blanco
Amusement park World of Amusement
Resort Maspalomas
Resort Playa del Inglés
Ingles Beach
San Agustin Beach
Wild West theme park
Aqualand water park
Mundo Aborigen Park
Viewpoint of Degollada de las Yeguas
Palmitos Park
Temisas village
Guayadeque Gorge
Route Ruta de la Plata
Winery "Las Tirajanas"
Nieves Peak observation deck
La Silla Lookout
Cheese factory "Cortijo de Pavón"
Beaches of Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria (photo: JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA)
Gran Canaria has a coastline of 236 km, but the length of developed beaches, located mainly in the southern part of the island, is only 15 km. Absolutely all beaches on the island are municipal property and therefore free. Payment is charged only for the rental of sun loungers and parasols. The beaches of Gran Canaria are impressive in their range of colors - the golden sands of Playa Del Inglés and the snow-white sands of Anfi del Mar and Amadores alternate with the dark sands of the volcanic coast.
The visiting card of the island is the most spectacular and largest beach of Maspalomas, located in the southern part of the island. Is different nice beach 4 km long and the capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. On southwest coast tourists will be delighted by the light sands of Puerto Rico and Puerto Mogan, imported from the Sahara. In picturesque and often hard-to-reach places on the island you can find many small “wild” beaches with gray volcanic sand.
Resorts of Gran Canaria
The tourism business on the island began its development from the capital, but now the crowded and noisy Las Palmas has lost its attractiveness as a resort, although there are famous beaches Las Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras. Residents of the capital prefer to spend their weekends in the south of the island, where the tourist centers of Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogan and Puerto Rico are located.
Maspalomas
Maspalomas, with its developed infrastructure, differs significantly from other resorts in the Canary archipelago and is therefore considered the main resort of Gran Canaria. This tourist city has local and foreign educational institutions (English, Spanish and Swedish schools), a Summer University that specializes mainly in tourism, shopping centers, 2 hospitals and private clinics. Vacationers have 2 casinos, theme parks, sports centers and golf courses, as well as hotels of different levels (3 *, 4 *, 5 *).
Maspalomas, which unites 5 resorts (San Agustin, Campo Internacional, Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras), is located on a 17 km long coastline. Here everyone can choose a resort that suits their personal taste.
Playa del Inglés
Playa del Ingles (photo: Randi J.)
The heart of Maspalomas is the democratic and constantly bustling Playa del Ingles, consisting of a triangle hotel complexes, discos, bars, restaurants and shops – perfect place for people hungry for fun.
Campo International
Campo Internacional (photo: stefanis)
Solid, calm and full of greenery, Campo Internacional is located west of Playa del Inglés. This resort is one of the most respectable resorts in Maspalomas - the most expensive hotels in Gran Canaria are located next to the ocean in a natural palm oasis.
Meloneras
The new resort of Meloneras, located next to the Pasito Blanco lighthouse, does not have its own sandy beach, as it is designed to open a port for pleasure boats in the future. However, this won't stop you from soaking up the sun, as Playa de Maspalomas beach is nearby.
Bahia Feliz
Bahia Feliz (photo: johannes)
Bahia Feliz - favorite place windsurfers. There are 2 surf centers here, and one of these centers is run by a multiple world champion Björn Dankenberk. This resort is located very close to the airport, but is not suitable for sunbathers, as strong winds blow on this part of the coast.
San Agustin
San Agustin (photo: JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA)
San Agustin is a place that locals love for its hotels located on the first line, silence and a good beach with dark sand. The beach is protected from the winds by small mountains. This resort is preferred by a respectable public, as this resort is famous for the best private medical clinics in the Canary Islands and one of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. San Agustina's prices are more affordable than the resorts of Campo Internacional and Playa del Inglés.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico (photo: riosolhotel)
Puerto Rico is the second most important resort on the island. A couple of decades ago this resort was a small fishing port, and today it is a favorite vacation spot for tourists with children. Currently, the port is divided into two parts by the beach, and on the rocky slopes there are several dozen hotels and apartments that look similar to each other. In the port you can see many catamarans, yachts and boats, but big ships they don't enter the port.
This resort is the southern center of water activities of Gran Canaria, so here you can rent a yacht, go diving or windsurfing, boat trip on a glass bottom boat, water skiing and even fishing.
Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogan (photo: Anne Roberts)
Puerto de Mogan – small resort in Andalusian style, allowing you to immerse yourself in the romantic setting of southern Spain. West of Puerto de Mogán are located inaccessible mountains which can be admired from the observation deck. Since the resort has a yacht port, you can also explore the coastline during a boat trip.
Sights of Gran Canaria
Garden Botanico Viera and Clavijo
Caldera de Bandama (photo: David Kaiser)
Crocodile Park (Cocodrilo Park) (photo: Miodrag Radosavljevic)
Columbus House (Casa de Colón) (photo: Rolf Bach)
Canary Cathedral (Catedral de Canarias) (photo: EJC01)
Gran Canaria (photo: Jerome Daly)
Bus – main public transport islands. Gasket issue railway on the island is still at the discussion stage. Global buses, known locally as “guaguas,” run throughout the island. And in the capital of the island, in addition to municipal buses, you can use by tourist bus. You can also get around Gran Canaria by taxi. Payment is made according to the meter, and tariffs are set by the Autonomous Government of the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are connected by air and sea.
How to get to Gran Canaria?
The island has international Airport– Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria However, there are no direct flights from Russia to Gran Canaria, and you have to get there with transfers. Here are the main flight routes:
- Moscow→Tenerife→Gran Canaria.
Tenerife - for now the only island Canary archipelago, to which there are direct flights from Russia. - Moscow→Tenerife, and then on the sea ferry Tenerife→Gran Canaria.
- Moscow → →Gran Canaria.
When making a transfer in Madrid, you can stay there for a couple of days, thereby getting to know the capital of Spain;
Ferry Tenerife→Gran Canaria
The ferry sails from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to the port of Agaete, in the north-west of Gran Canaria. Travel time is 70 minutes. From the port of Agaete there is a free bus to Las Palmas.
- Ferry
- Ferry
My selection of hotels in Gran Canaria
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Gran Canaria (Spanish) is the third largest island of the Canary archipelago. From a distance the island looks like big mountain, in the center of which rises Pico de Las Nieves, its height is 2 thousand meters. The island is all dotted deep ravines, stretching from the top of the peak to the ocean coast. The capital of the island, Las Palmas, is located in the northeast. It is the largest city in the Canary Islands and every four years it replaces Santa Cruz de Tenerife as the capital of the Canary Islands.
The climate of Gran Canaria is tropical trade wind, moderately dry and hot. The comfortable climate of Gran Canaria is determined by the ocean, the cold Canary Current and the proximity of Africa. The climate is also influenced by the mountain range that divides the island of Gran Canaria into south and north. In one day you can travel around the entire island, visiting different microclimatic zones. On south coast Gran Canaria is sunny and hot, but there may be snow on the mountain top. The maximum temperature in August and June reaches 30°C. These are the hottest months in the Canary Islands. In April, May, September and October, the air temperature does not fall below 27°C.
Among the resorts of the island of Gran Canaria, Maspalomas stands out especially. This is the most popular and most famous resort islands. Maspalomas is able to satisfy the needs of any tourist. From almost every hotel you can get to the fashionable promenade, where the calm atmosphere encourages a quiet walk and solitude. The resort has a huge number of various restaurants and bars offering dishes for every taste.
Puerto Rico. A small tourist town in the southwest of the island, located in a valley surrounded by gardens. Puerto Rico has long been famous for attracting lovers of sea sports. There is also a huge number of different shopping centers and a lot of entertainment, and night life boils until the morning.
Puerto de Mogán. Port Mogan is considered the best tourist city Gran Canaria. It is built in the style of folk architecture and combines the port and the typical character of a fishing village. The houses, located along the cliff sides, are built based on local traditions: white walls and straight shapes and colored windows and doors. Puerto Mogán is so quiet and calm that it is... best place for couples in love who want to be together. Only here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and the crazy pace.
San Agustin is a quiet town with hotels on the first line and a good gray sand beach. It is believed that San Agustin has the best private medical clinics in the Canary Islands and one of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. This resort may be of interest to those tourists who find Playa del Inglés too crowded. This tourist town is perfect for a leisurely beach holiday.
Playa del Inglés is a place for those who are not tired of life. After all, life is in full swing here both day and night. Playa del Inglés has several times more hotels and apartments than the rest of the coastal resorts combined. On the resort’s three-kilometer beach of the same name there is the Anexo II shopping center, where you can dine at one of the many restaurants and buy all sorts of small things; next to it there are water activities.
On the island you can not only relax on magnificent beaches, but also take exciting trips to local attractions. These include botanical gardens, historical complexes, and traditional villages and settlements.
The Botanical Garden of Jardín Canario is one of the main natural attractions of Gran Canaria. The garden is located near the settlement of Tafira. There are more than 5,000 species of plants found in the local nature.
Bandama Peak. This is a volcanic crater, the diameter of which reaches one kilometer and the depth of more than two hundred meters. From the top of the crater there is an amazing view of the capital of the island of Gran Canaria and central part islands.
Artenara is a mountain village located at an altitude of 1270 m above sea level. Artenara is one of the oldest villages on the island and is an architectural phenomenon: most of the old houses here are built into the rocks and yet equipped with all modern amenities. Of particular interest is the village church of La Ermita de la Cuevita, built in a mountain cave.
Cueva Pintada. This archaeological complex is the largest in the Canary archipelago. The Cueva Pintada cave is located in the archaeological park and consists of six interconnecting caves, decorated with drawings of the primitive people who lived in these places.
We already clearly associate the Canary Islands with an elite and comfortable holiday, with gorgeous beaches and expensive parties. Typically, celebrities and people with above-average incomes like to relax here. But besides them, anyone who learns more about these paradise islands strives with all his might to get here. And this is not without reason. The island of Gran Canaria is one of three islands in the Canary archipelago, famous for its unique natural landscape. The island is known as a “continent in miniature” - here everyone will find something to their liking. This feature makes it different from the other 2 islands.
Gran Canaria is one of three islands in the Canary archipelago, located in the Kingdom of Spain. Third largest, after the islands of Tenerife and Fuertoventura, with with total area 1560.1 sq. km. The island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the center of the island's cultural and commercial life and the largest city in the Canaries.
There are numerous attractions here that preserve incredible Spanish history and architecture to this day. Some of them are over 500 years old. For example, one of the main architectural creations in the city is the Christopher Columbus Museum, which contains unique historical value. The Canario Museum amazes with its diverse collection of exhibits from different eras and times. And the Canary Cathedral, made in a mixed architectural style, surprises with its interior and exterior richness.
One of the main reasons for the large influx of merchants, traders and all those who formed the main population of local residents is one of the most famous ports in the world - Puerto de la Luz, which has been allowing for centuries to regulate the work of merchant ships between Africa, Europe and America .
Another reason why everyone wants to go to this island is undoubtedly its ideal climate. The director of climatology at a university in the United States conducted a study according to which the weather in the city of Las Palmas is the best in the world. Although the climate here is tropical desert, it is also very mild and dry, without sudden temperature changes throughout the year. The average temperature in winter is +19…+22 °C, in summer +24…+30 °C. This natural phenomenon is possible due to its favorable location mountain peaks protecting the city and the southern territory with beaches from cold northern winds; and the cold Canary Current, cooling the city, during the period of influence of hot air from the Sahara.
The unique natural landscape of Gran Canaria is also interesting, for which the island is nicknamed “a continent in miniature”. After all, you can find up to 14 microclimatic zones on it: here are mountain ranges with snow on the tops, lush tropical vegetation at the foot of the mountains, and desert areas.
Beaches and main resorts of Gran Canaria
Tourism in Gran Canaria is the main economic sector that brings constant income to the island. Every year the mild climate attracts millions of tourists, mainly Europeans. For a long time, beach tourism was considered the main type of recreation, but now water sports such as windsurfing, rural and cycling tourism, and golf clubs are becoming increasingly popular (the island has 8 golf clubs).
The south of the island is 5 km of pristine long beaches located in the famous tourist center Maspalomas. A unique spectacle here is the Dunes with golden sand, reminiscent of a miniature version of the Sahara Desert. General beach line on the island is 50 km.
Interesting! Near Maspalomas there are beaches for nudists. And next to the Dunes, near Bar 7, there is a place popular among homosexuals.
There are 6 resort areas in Maspalomas:
- Playa del Inglés. Popular among Europeans active species recreation, entertainment center and active nightlife, sand beach;
- Playa del Aguila. Popular with Germans, mostly pebble beach, budget type of accommodation, relaxing holiday;
- Bahia Feliz. Popular among surfers, located close to the airport, strong currents, pebble beach;
- San Agustin. Popular among couples and surfers, no strong winds, gray sandy beach, relaxing holiday;
- Meloneras. Popular with golfers luxury resort with 5-star hotels and many shops and restaurants, a relaxing holiday, but without your own beach;
- Campo International. Popular with golf lovers, relaxing and expensive holidays, prestigious resort with first class 5 star hotels and dense vegetation, located next to the dunes and sandy beach.
Also, the beaches of Puerto de Mogan and Puerto Rico are very popular. These are small tourist areas specializing in yachting and water sports. On the territory of Puerto Rico there is a small sandy beach from which excursions by sea depart and where windsurfing is especially popular. Puerto de Mogán is a former fishermen's village with historical architecture.
The main attractions of Gran Canaria
Famous towns and areas that represent the cultural and architectural significance of the island: Las Palmas, Galdar, Teror, Arucas, Telde, Fataga, La Atalaya. Numerous Canarian streets with local architecture, churches and famous cathedrals, houses of historical significance, local folk culture - all this annually attracts tourists from different countries.
Interesting! The most exciting walking path is located in La Aldea de San Nicolás. Walking along it, you can enjoy the beauty of the artificial lakes of the island.
Famous museum located in the old district of Vegueta, the city of Las Palmas. It includes 11 large rooms containing a diverse historical collection of objects from throughout the Spanish archipelago. The museum's exhibits include: ceramics, divine figurines of antiquity, mummies, and building models. Different eras are represented here: from 500 BC. e. until the 15th century. Of greater interest may be the remains of Cro-Magnons and objects belonging to the indigenous Canarian inhabitants - the Guanche people. There is a small souvenir shop on the museum grounds. The museum can be visited on any day of the week, except the second half of Saturday and Sunday.
Columbus House
Columbus House is the former residence of Columbus, today a museum dedicated to famous geographical discoveries and great navigators, located in the Vegueta area of Las Palmas. 12 halls display original exhibits and reconstructions. The underground room contains objects from before the era of Columbus. The building also houses a research center and library. Columbus's house is a real architectural monument. It was reconstructed only once - in 1777, but the main features of the colonial style remained unchanged. The museum is open to visitors 7 days a week, except December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.
The Atlantic Center for Contemporary Art, located in the Vegueta district of Las Palmas, has more than 2,600 exhibits in its collection. The main goal of the museum is to show how the development of modern Canarian culture is influenced by African, European and Latin American traditions. The old building of the center of the 18th century is made in the colonial style and houses a library with printed publications on art. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday, December 24 and 31.
This is the most important part cultural heritage Gran Canaria. The museum is located in the Pueblo Canario area, in Las Palmos, and is a collection works of art famous artist Nestor de la Torre. Here, in 10 halls, all the works of the great artist are collected, the main one of which is the famous rotunda, with 8 frescoes “The Sea Poem”. Nestor himself came up with the architecture of this building, and it was designed by the artist’s brother, in the traditional Canarian style. The museum is open to the public 7 days a week.
A huge family entertainment center, Palmitos Park, is located in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, including:
- dolphinarium (3 large pools with five dolphins, surrounding landscapes of extraordinary beauty);
- a botanical garden with birds (exotic flamingos, ibis, toucans, parrots, birds - rhinoceroses, pelicans and emus - neighbor each other in large and spacious cages);
- aquarium (2 zones in the aquarium: with fresh and salt water; a wide variety of fish and marine animals, including exotic species);
- primate island (gibbons and orangutans, aardvarks, wallabies and meerkats live in this area);
orchid house (the largest collection of orchids on the island); - cactus garden (more than 100 species of cacti, from small to 4 meters);
- Butterfly House (the largest collection of butterflies in all of Europe).
The park is open to the public 365 days a year.
Canary Cathedral
The Canarian Cathedral, or Santa Ana Cathedral, is located in the old district of Vegueta, the capital of Gran Canaria. Today, this is the building of the Cathedral Diocese. Is in charge architectural monument islands. It was the first to receive basilica status from the Pope and was named in honor of St. Anne, the patroness of the city. Displays classical and baroque style. The cathedral is open to the public every day.
Mogan Bay
Puerto de Mogán is a small resort town in the west of Gran Canaria, which attracts a large number of tourists thanks to its unique natural bay surrounded by picturesque cliffs. There are no strong currents or winds, the water warms up well and there is a gently sloping sandy entrance to the sea. There are all conditions for a relaxing and comfortable family holiday with children. The yacht port, which is located in the bay, can be used both individually by tourists and as part of a group to book excursions.
Interesting! In Puerto de Mogán Bay you can take a boat ride with a transparent bottom and see all the beauty of the underwater world.
Painted cave Cueva Pintada
The Cueva Pintada cave is one of the main cultural attractions of the Canary Islands. It exists as part of an archaeological park located on the territory former capital islands, in the town of Galdar. It consists of 6 interconnected caves, painted by primitive people who lived in these territories. The cave is open to visitors 7 days a week.
Archaeological Park of Cenobio de Valeron
A unique archaeological find and the pride of the Canary Islands, located in the north of the island. It is a huge granary, carved out of a snow-white rock, in which local residents have stored their food - cereals - since ancient times. 300 barns communicating with each other at different levels represent unique beauty ancient heritage. Now the park is fully equipped for excursions and visits by tourists, from Tuesday to Sunday.
We can talk endlessly about Gran Canaria. This is as diverse an island as you can imagine. Anyone who goes to this amazing piece of land in the middle of the ocean will definitely find entertainment and relaxation to their liking.
Excursion, active, sports, beach recreation is only a small part of what the island can offer to its travelers. One thing is clear: it’s not for nothing that Gran Canaria is very popular among Europeans, who consider it one of the best holiday destinations. At the same time, the island is not yet heavily populated by Russian vacationers, which gives you the opportunity to be one of the first to enjoy a luxurious vacation on this wonderful island, and upon arrival, tell everyone you know about your adventures.
