If you consider yourself an avid traveler, then you probably dreamed of visiting the Canary Islands. The most popular destination of the archipelago is the island of Gran Canaria. Its tourist centers are well developed infrastructure. Numerous tourists come here for a beach holiday and vibrant nightlife. Resorts of the island specialize in water activities, sea excursions, windsurfing and other activities. You definitely will not be bored here.
Description and geographical location
Where is Gran Canaria located? The island is located in the south of the Canary Archipelago. He is the third largest. He owes his appearance to volcanoes. That is why the largest of them is a local attraction and a visiting card of the island. Nieves towers over the ocean, its peak in the cool months is covered with a white cap, which makes it possible for locals to not forget about the existence of snow.
Gran Canaria has the largest population on the archipelago. Very often it is called a continent in miniature, since there are many interesting things on its territory. Before the arrival of the Spanish colonialists on the island, the Guanche tribes lived here. Then Gran Caria turned into a colony. And over time, it became a remote, but very attractive province of Spain.
Its capital is the city of Las Palmas. It is a multinational, very fun and noisy place, famous for annual carnivals and cultural festivals. The capital is located in the north-east of the island. It is considered one of the largest cities in Spain. In the south of the island are mainly resorts, which are the basis of the economy, and in the center are mountainous areas with the remains of an ancient pine forest.
How to get there
On the island of Gran Canaria, there is an airport that accepts flights from around the world. Unfortunately, there is no direct message from Russia. Therefore, you will have to get to the island with transfers. Most often, tourists choose Tenerife Airport. However, this is not the only option.
The climate of the region
All tourists, without exception, are interested in the question of what the weather is like on the island of Gran Canaria. It is worth saying that the territory of the region is divided into two climatic zones by mountain ranges. Each of them is dominated by its own winds, on which the weather depends. The northern part of the island is influenced by the trade winds, which bring fog and coolness. It rains more often and there is never any heat.
The southern part of the island is warmed by African winds. Climatic features also influenced the local flora. Lush vegetation prevails in the northern regions, while the southern regions are more reminiscent of the steppes. Sometimes dust storms even happen here. Throughout the year, the island has approximately the same weather. There is no pronounced change of seasons.
For recreation, tourists prefer the southern part of the island of Gran Canaria. Water off the coast is suitable for swimming throughout the year. Its temperature is always in the range + 19 ... + 23 ° . In summer, the air temperature fluctuates around + 24 ... + 28 ° . In winter, the weather is never cold. The thermometer column does not fall below + 20 ... + 22 ° . Warm clothes on the island are not needed. You can only take a windbreaker with you if you plan to visit the sights of the island of Gran Canaria in its northern part. The main advantage of this amazing place is the complete absence of parasitic insects. Even mosquitoes are very rare here.
Leisure
The island of Gran Canaria (photo is given in the article) is incredibly attractive for lovers of beach holidays. Paradise will appeal to those who love water activities. There are a lot of them.
Maspalomas beach is considered the largest and most popular, which captures the territory of several resorts at once. Here, tourists can enjoy the golden sand, crystal clear waters, a well-equipped coast and a wide selection of entertainment. If you want to enjoy peace and tranquility, it is better to go to the north coast, which can please the beauty of tropical forests and beautiful bays. Rest here is chosen by supporters of eco-tourism. According to reviews, the island of Gran Canaria is famous for natural attractions.
Park Tamadaba
One of the main attractions of the island of Gran Canaria is the Tamadaba National Park. Its territory reaches 7500 ha. The park is located in the north-east of the island near the town of Agaite. In 1987, Tamadaba acquired the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Unique plants, shrubs and other plants grow on its territory, which are not found anywhere else on the planet. No less unique are the animals living in the reserve park. Of greatest interest to tourists are the famous Canary pines, whose needles reach a length of 30 cm.
Not only the flora and fauna of the park is interesting, but also the most beautiful views of the ocean and surroundings that open from the heights. Numerous paths for guests to walk on bicycles and on foot are laid around the property. Those who wish can also stay here in tents for several days.
Botanical Garden
Among the attractions of the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) it is worth paying attention to the botanical garden. The locals are very proud of him. The unique place is called Viera and Clavijo. It appeared in 1952 thanks to the efforts of the Swedish botanist Eric Sventenius. On the mountainsides near Las Palmas, he laid a future oasis in which he wanted to grow plants growing throughout the archipelago.
Currently, the garden covers 27 hectares. On its territory there are beautiful paths that visitors can walk along and admire flowers, shrubs and trees. The main attraction of the garden is the laurel forest with the rarest trees. Canary pines, alleys with dragon trees, as well as an unusual garden of giant cacti are no less attractive. Here you can also see the remains of the Guanche sanctuary.
Maspalomas Dunes
Of the interesting places of the island of Gran Canaria (Spain) that are worth seeing, the Maspalomas dunes deserve special attention. This unusual place is located in the south of the island. The miniature desert covers an area of about 403 hectares. It is included in the national park of the same name. The desert dunes are inhabited by insects and animals that are characteristic of Africa. There are also endemic species that are not found anywhere else in the world.
The diversity of flora is fully determined by the behavior of moving dunes. In the reserve there is a lagoon with seabirds and palm trees, which is a coastal oasis. Here you can see the unique Canary lizards, which have become a symbol of the reserve. You can stroll through the dunes on the back of a camel or on foot.
Columbus House Museum
One of the most visited places by tourists on about. Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, photo given in the article) is the city of Las Palmas. On its territory there are attractions, among which it is worth paying attention to the Columbus House Museum. The historical monument is a three-story building in the style of colonial architecture of the fifteenth century. This building underwent major reconstruction once in 1777. In fact, the house was never owned by Columbus. The building served as the residence of the governor of the island, who kindly provided apartments for the great traveler.
In the courtyard of the building is the Museum of the Age of Discovery. He has been working since 1952 and talks about the history of sea voyages of different times. The museum has five exhibits. Some of them tell about the development of navigation before and after Columbus. In the twelve rooms you can see real maritime exhibits and quality renovations. In one of the rooms you can admire the voluminous model of Gran Canaria. The local halls also feature rare paintings provided by the Prado Museum. The museum is very interesting to visit. According to tourists, its exposition helps to learn a lot about the history of the island, about navigation and discoveries of different eras.
Palmitos Park
The park is located in the south of the island and is considered the largest thematic oasis. It is simultaneously a thematic reserve, an open zoo and an entertainment complex. Its territory is 20 ha, more than 15 thousand tropical plants grow on it, about 150 species of animals and birds live. The park features thematic exhibitions of insects, animals and fish. Here you can watch shows with the participation of four-legged artists. Especially tourists like the performance of parrots in the open. In addition, guests have the opportunity to watch shows with dolphins, as well as swim with them.
Hotels
As you know, there are a lot of hotels on the island of Gran Canaria. You can choose the cheapest hostel or prefer a five-star complex. It is worth noting that the coast of the island is strewn with small resort villages. In Gran Canaria, you can distinguish the three largest regions in which the largest number of hotels is concentrated: Mogan, Maspalomas, Meloneras.
IFA Dunamar Hotel is one of the first hotels to appear on the island. Therefore, he may surprise someone with a slightly old-fashioned design. But in the lobby on the ground floor of the hotel you can admire turtles. The hotel belongs to a chain of hotel complexes. It is located near the beach, so that the windows offer stunning views.
Ifa Beach Hotel is a three-star hotel, which is a nine-story building. The hotel has 200 rooms, but it is worth paying attention that it does not accept guests with children. The institution is designed only for adult guests. On the territory there are several pools and a relaxation zone, but you have to walk a little to the sea. It is worth saying that local hotels offer a variety of food programs, including the option of "all inclusive". But this does not mean that you cannot only rent a room. You can eat wherever you want.
Ifa Interclub Atlantic is a large complex consisting of numerous small buildings. The hotel territory is equipped with a park where you can walk. In addition, there are sports fields, discos, tennis courts, a swimming pool and even entertainers entertaining guests.
Accommodation on the island is represented only by hotels. There are also private estates, which locals willingly rent to tourists. Which housing option to choose, you decide. Please note that the price of rooms in hotels of one category may be different. This means that in such establishments rooms and other services will differ.
Most often, guests choose hotels with three or four stars. But this does not mean that there are no fashionable establishments on the island. If you wish, you can stay in one of the five-star complexes.
Gran Canaria Island Travel Reviews
The delighted reviews of numerous travelers make recommend Gran Canaria for a beach holiday. According to tourists, the island can be called a real paradise. When planning a trip, take a closer look at which resort the warmer weather prevails at this time, and the winds are less strong. Gran Canaria is a famous gathering place for kite surfers, as local winds are ideal for gliding along the sea. The island attracts guests with a variety of landscapes. There are many interesting places worth seeing. Therefore, you are guaranteed a fun holiday, and not monotonous lying on the coast.
Tourists note that the island has very low prices for clothes, fruits and products. Particularly pleased with the sales period. The entertainment industry is incredibly developed in Gran Canaria, so it’s impossible to get bored here. In addition to the standard room with rooms, you can rent apartments with a kitchen on the island to cook yourself.
Tourists certainly recommend visiting local attractions. Do not be surprised if you notice naked people on the beaches. Nudists are quite normal here. And in local clubs same-sex parties are often organized. But this does not mean that Gran Canaria is not suitable for families. It is quite comfortable for people of any age to relax.
Instead of an afterword
Tourists who have visited the island, are invariably very pleased with the rest. The beautiful sandy beaches of the resorts will not leave anyone indifferent. The huge advantage of the resort is that you can relax on it at any time of the year. Even if the water in the ocean seems cool, the hotels have heated pools. Gran Canaria is an amazing place. On one island you can see places with diverse landscapes. If you are interested in natural beauties, be sure to visit a sightseeing tour of the island, during which you will learn a lot of new and interesting things about Gran Canaria.