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This glorious place is located 150 km off the coast of Western Sahara within the Atlantic Ocean.
Seven main islands and 6 smaller type the Canary Islands. It’s the second largest island of the Archipelago. Folks used to name Gran Canaria a “mini continent” as a result of it has varied climates, landscapes and it’s positioned between three continents-Europe, Africa and America.
Are you serious about visiting Gran Canaria? It’s an important concept! Right here is a few additional info.
About Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is positioned within the Canary Islands archipelago southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura.
In Gran Canaria you may expertise a “mini-continent”. The island is stuffed with contrasts, which implies that in the identical day you may see magnificent seashores and huge dune fields, in addition to mountain peaks lined with Canary pine forests, whose inexperienced contrasts with the darkish volcanic underground.
The climate in Gran Canaria
You may have discovered the proper vacation spot – all 12 months spherical!
As early as March, you may sit up for nice temperatures with seven hours of sunshine a day. Even at Christmas the water temperature remains to be 20°C. No marvel Gran Canaria is likely one of the hottest vacation locations outdoors the excessive season.
Gran Canaria’s subtropical local weather is delicate and sunny all 12 months spherical, with a powerful 300 days of sunshine. The perfect time to go to is from April to October, when daytime temperatures vary from a pleasing 20 to 25 levels Celsius. It must be famous that the north is barely cooler than the south.
Gran Canaria, like all the opposite islands of the Canary Islands archipelago, lies throughout the commerce wind belt. Which means that guests will at all times take pleasure in a pleasing subtropical local weather, regardless of a mean humidity of round 70%. The wind ensures that it by no means will get oppressively scorching! Gran Canaria has a everlasting spring!
Temperature extremes on this third largest of the Canary Islands vary from a cushty twenty to thirty levels Celsius all year long. A outstanding function is the volcanic mountain vary: As much as two thousand meters excessive, it acts as a climate divide, making a wetter northern half and a drier southern half! When clouds method from the northeast, they rain down on the mountain slopes or hold low over the slopes of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – “donkey bellies” because the locals say.
If you wish to go mountain climbing or biking, don’t neglect to put on hotter garments within the larger mountain areas, because the temperature drops by about one diploma Celsius for each hundred meters of altitude. It may be significantly cooler within the inside. A lot of the rainfall happens within the larger mountain areas.
In summer season, the distinction in temperature and local weather between the north and the south may be much more pronounced, when the Saharan winds trigger temperatures within the south to rise above 30° C, though this phenomenon hardly ever lasts greater than two days.
Along with the 2 predominant climatic zones, Gran Canaria has quite a few microclimatic zones. They’re created by the completely different altitudes in addition to by the deep ravines (barrancos) within the inside of the island!
The varied climates, good wind circumstances and the nice and cozy temperature of the water make Gran Canaria an actual paradise spot. It’s an ideal place for crusing and different water sports activities. On its shores (about 240 km lengthy) you are able to do everything- from purchasing to partying.
The infrastructure of Gran Canaria can also be effectively developed. It is a outcome from the great climate circumstances. It doesn’t matter what you wish to do there you are able to do it. You’ll be able to swim, sail, dive, and go fishing within the waters of the ocean. You may as well benefit from the luxurious of the yachts which can be provided for hire.
Locations in Gran Canaria and what to do
Las Palmas
Its capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria also called “Las Palmas”. It’s within the north half. The inhabitants of the town is about 400,000. It’s divided into 4 predominant areas.
The primary is the district of Vegueta which is 500 years previous. It’s well-known for the museums, theatres, the Cathedral.
The second space is the vacationer space the place we will see an exquisite seashore with numerous eating places and outlets located on the shore.
The subsequent space is the port and the final is the College with greater than 20,000 college students in it.
Poema del Mar Aquarium
Go to Poema del Mar and be amazed by the spectacular biodiversity of the blue planet. Immerse your self in 35 completely different freshwater and marine ecosystems and marvel on the colourful variety of life.
The outsized aquarium is really spectacular, particularly the aquarium cylinder. It’s positively price spending an hour or two within the aquarium. Guests are normally effectively unfold out so it doesn’t really feel crowded and you’ve got a superb view from all sides.
Have an unforgettable expertise exploring the completely different habitats with all their curiosities and talents of numerous species of animals within the Amazon, the depths of the ocean, in addition to fluorescent corals, deltas, seashores and mangroves.
Discover La Jungla – a luminescent house that replicates the macrothermal jungle of Barro Colorado in Panama’s Canal Zone – and marvel on the extraordinary biodiversity that manifests itself in a seemingly infinite array of plant species.
Dive into the Arrecife, a big cylinder with greater than 400,000 liters of water, and observe many colourful corals and fish species typical of Indo-Pacific aquarium programs.
Dive into the Deep Sea – a singular exhibit with perspective views from a number of vantage factors into the deepest a part of our oceans – and expertise the wonders of those darkish waters firsthand: Some 3,000 specimens of as much as forty completely different species swim right here!
Uncover El Veril – An exhibition of Canary Islands natural world makes this particular aquarium an nearly tangible pure phenomenon!
Value: 27 (kids underneath 4 years free)
Opening hours: 09:30 – 17:30
Handle: Poema del Mar, Sanapú Port, 35008, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Skip-the-line ticket
Free cancellation as much as 24 hours upfront
Pozo de Las Nieves
Not far-off is Pozo de Las Nieves. Expertise the magic of Gran Canaria by climbing to its highest level and be enchanted by its environment. It’s the highest peak on the island – 6431 toes (1,955 meters) above sea stage.
The Mirador del Pico de Las Nieves is the best viewpoint on the island and is positioned in the course of the island – 1,949 meters above sea stage. From right here you may see the whole island, which has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The deep ravines with lush vegetation and mysterious rock formations are a feast for the eyes.
It’s actually price to drive or trip to the highest of the mountains to expertise the spectacle of a sundown over the ocean of clouds! A semi-circle of stone subsequent to a parking zone opens as much as the night solar on the highest level of the mountain. This viewpoint has been designed with simplicity in thoughts; no impediment will impede your view throughout an unforgettable expertise of watching a wide ranging sundown. Quite the opposite, on cloudy days this place gives much more spectacular views than common: you’ll have the sensation that Gran Canaria, along with Tenerife within the background, seems like a floating wonderland!
There are inexperienced forests, deep valleys with many tropical fruits and flowers. In winter, the panorama is roofed with white snow.
The Coronary heart of the Volcano Tour & Native Meals Tasting
Expertise breathtaking views of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve on this tour from Lomo Quiebre. Your information will decide you up and take you inland via spectacular canyons, volcanic calderas and large rock faces. Uncover rural villages with typical Canarian cave homes and the untouched nature of the island away from the seashores.
Stroll over the best level of the island at sundown and benefit from the view of a sea of clouds. Pattern quite a lot of produce in the course of an historical volcanic plain – that is additionally the place the locals wish to go for a culinary deal with.
Marvel at a few of the biggest geological landmarks, such because the Roque Nublo volcano or the placing Roque Bentayga rock formation, in addition to the Tejeda Basin with its inexperienced pine forests and the Tamadaba Mountains.
On the finish of the day, you’ll take pleasure in a soothing drive again to the place to begin – full of recent impressions from the inside of this fascinating island paradise!
Value: €90
Length: 10 hours
Cancellation coverage: 24 hours discover
The tour consists of:
- Decide up out of your resort and return to your resort after the exercise.
- Your information is an AEGM/UIMLA member.
- You’ll journey in an air-conditioned automobile.
- There might be a scrumptious “zero kilometer” product tasting in the course of the tour.
- The skilled information will even take pictures in the course of the tour.
So you’ve all the pieces you want:
- Don’t neglect the snacks!
- Water also needs to be useful.
- A jacket may be helpful,
- A protracted-sleeved shirt can defend your pores and skin from sunburn and scratches.
- And sneakers are really useful.
Different vital info for this exercise:
- This exercise requires a simple hike via a canyon (3 km).
- This exercise is accredited and thoroughly supervised by an authorized mountain information.
- The minimal age is 5 years, so it is a household pleasant tour!
- Rain or shine, this tour will happen!
- Nonetheless, please notice that climate circumstances and the character of the terrain could have an effect on the route. The information reserves the best to make modifications.
Puerto de Mogan
Once we discuss concerning the resorts in Gran Canaria we have to say that Puerto de Mogan might be probably the most lovely one. It’s located on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria.
It is a good place and it’s these days known as Little Venice. It is stuffed with good yachts and has many little bridges. The window panes of the homes there are painted in lovely shades of inexperienced, yellow and pink. You’ll be able to see flowers and greenery wherever within the metropolis.
Prior to now, Puerto de Mogan was primarily depending on fishing. There are nonetheless a couple of fishermen who exit early within the morning. Nonetheless, many residents have realized that tourism can be a profitable enterprise. Many small outlets and eating places have sprung up, serving culinary delicacies to Central European vacationers or promoting souvenirs of their keep. Within the middle you may have a meal in extravagant eating places; there are bars and outlets in all places.
The seashore there may be effectively shielded from the Atlantic wind and waves so you may completely take pleasure in resting there. The seashore of Puerto de Mogan is just lovely – with its golden brown sand it actually invitations you to sunbathe! On weekends and through vacation durations it’s a bit busier than common, however in the course of the week you may at all times discover a quiet nook to loosen up.
Snorkeling and Boat Journey
An ideal coastal tour with loads of snorkeling alternatives awaits you. The skilled guides (proprietor of the boat) will clarify all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know earlier than and in the course of the dive, from the best way to use the gear to the fascinating underwater world.
Whereas snorkeling you may see many species of fish. Additionally, you will be served scrumptious Spanish meals on the boat: from omelettes to potatoes, there’s something for everybody! And if that’s not sufficient, you may at all times get extra.
I can actually advocate this unforgettable tour on the water to everybody – no matter age!
Value: €49
Length: 3 hours
Cancellable freed from cost till 24 hours earlier than
You’ll be able to sit up for an tour that can give you snorkeling gear, meals and drinks. Don’t neglect your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen!
Playa del Ingles
Most vacationers keep in one of many resorts on the south coast once they go to Gran Canaria, others go to Playa del Ingles, which is stuffed with dunes and seashores of golden sand.
It is likely one of the most well-known and visited seashores of Gran Canaria. It’s visited by greater than 2.000.000 vacationers yearly.
Playa del Inglés is positioned within the south of the island. With nearly three kilometers of golden sand and calm waters, it borders the Maspalomas Dunes Pure Park and gives quite a few resort complexes and residences for lodging. Alongside the seashore there are a number of areas for household actions corresponding to volleyball or seashore soccer, in addition to particular gives for kids.
As a big a part of the vacationer middle of Playa del Ingles, this seashore extends from the southern half to Punta de Maspalomas. The northern finish of the seashore is a perfect household seashore with many lodging choices, umbrella leases, showers, and so forth., whereas additional in the direction of the Punta one can find extra wild nature – together with surf spots & nudist areas!
Novices Surf Course in Playa del Inglés
You’ll obtain a really complete surf lesson. The course lasts a complete of 4 hours, throughout which era you can be underneath fixed supervision.
Whereas browsing is all concerning the bodily exercise, you’ll get a unbelievable introduction to the game. The worth for cash is excellent.
Expertise a day as a surfer in splendid climate circumstances in Gran Canaria and go to probably the most lovely seashores of the island to seek out the very best waves to study.
Your surf course begins with a theoretical introduction on the surf faculty on the foot of the spectacular sand dunes of Maspalomas. A enjoyable video sequence will rapidly put together you to your upcoming journey into the water.
Then it’s off into the water! Your teacher will accompany you and be sure to get probably the most out of your course – collectively they are going to discover the proper spot for you!
Value: €60
Length: 4 hours
Free cancellation 24 hours earlier than
Included within the package deal:
- Full surf gear with board, harness, life jacket and lengthy or quick wetsuit.
- Browsing classes with certified instructors
- Refreshments corresponding to fruit and water between classes
- Images of the thrilling moments of the browsing expertise
- 10% low cost on all store objects
- Legal responsibility and accident insurance coverage
Maspalomas
The seashore of Maspalomas, within the south of Gran Canaria, is likely one of the few locations the place the sky, sea and sand come collectively in a paradise.
Near the historic lighthouse, vacationers can go to the quite a few outlets or take a break whereas having fun with the view of the ocean. On daily basis, the wind and the sand create a brand new panorama with breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.
This quiet Atlantic seashore gives guests consolation and varied providers for a soothing trip. The distinctive environment will delight anybody searching for a soothing trip – there are lots of lodging to select from!
The dune panorama is paying homage to a desert: let your self be enchanted and neglect the hustle and bustle of the town!
Offroad Buggy Tour
Expertise an off-road tour of a particular variety in Gran Canaria and uncover the breathtaking mountain surroundings that awaits you right here.
This tour is appropriate for individuals who are on trip in Gran Canaria and wish to expertise an action-packed journey. With the buggy you’ll discover a few of the most adventurous roads of the island, an expertise that can stay in your reminiscence for a very long time.
The trip begins within the valley of Ayagaures and results in the point of view of Pedro Gonzales, which gives a powerful panoramic view of the valley with the reservoir and the encompassing mountains. Proceed on filth roads to extra spectacular canyon surroundings.
In the course of the two-hour buggy trip, you’ll not solely see magnificent views from completely different vantage factors, but in addition charming villages within the south of Gran Canaria, in addition to different fascinating pure landscapes such because the reservoirs or the valley of Fataga.
Value: €65
Length: 2 hours
Free cancellation as much as 24 hours earlier than the tour
Included within the tour:
- Decide up and drop off solely in sure areas
- Buggy Tour
- Insurance coverage included
San Augustin
A soothing seashore trip in Gran Canaria awaits you on the seashore of San Agustin within the resort of the identical title. Right here one can find a variety of lodging and providers with out being overrun by vacationer crowds.
Just some kilometers from the busier Playa del Inglés is the volcanic sand seashore, greater than 600 meters lengthy. The seashore’s golden waters even have little present and mild waves – splendid for splashing round with children!
The quiet sandy seashore is right for a soothing day within the solar and likewise gives one of many largest thalassotherapy facilities on the island.
The seashore promenade additionally attracts with quite a few cafes, eating places in addition to bars for the small starvation in between or to deal with your self after an extended bathing day within the night. For the mandatory leisure, rented deck chairs together with umbrella, free parking and showers are additionally obtainable.
There’s additionally a superb bus connection between Maspalomas and the seashore space – so nothing stands in the way in which of a dream day!
Puerto Rico
High quality of life with an ocean view!
Begin your day with the ocean and luxuriate in a scrumptious breakfast on the seashore. The Puerto Rico Resort gives you a lot benefits for a soothing keep within the solar.
Puerto Rico, positioned within the south of Gran Canaria, is thought for its white homes that stretch alongside the slopes to the coast. The ocean right here is calm all 12 months spherical and invitations you to look at dolphins throughout a ship journey or tour from the marina.
Puerto Rico’s 280-meter-long golden sand seashore in Mogán is right for households: whereas the youngsters splash round in security, mother and father can loosen up within the heat sand. The sheltered seashore is at all times calm and can be utilized for swimming at any time.
Puerto Rico Seashore is supplied with sunbeds and umbrellas, and with quite a lot of outlets and providers close by, you may spend the entire day right here! You’ll be able to retire underneath the shady bushes to learn a e-book or take a kayak tour via the water whereas protecting your drinks cool.
Quite a few purchasing facilities supply culinary delights in addition to cafes & bars to make your keep in Puerto Rico much more satisfying. The golf course, solely 5 minutes away, is right for newcomers and the great public transport connections make it straightforward for residents of Gran Canaria to decide on this place as a vacation vacation spot!
Dolphin and Whale Tour
Come aboard a catamaran in Puerto Rico to see dolphins and perhaps even whales, flying fish, turtles and rays. Get pleasure from breathtaking views of the shoreline from the water and complimentary comfortable drinks all through the cruise.
Start your cruise with a handy resort pickup and switch to the Port of Puerto Rico. When you’re on board, head out into the Atlantic to discover the waters off Gran Canaria. Preserve a watch out for dolphins and pilot whales!
Whether or not via the glass home windows under deck or instantly from the solar deck, you may stand up shut and private with these unbelievable animals! When your boat reaches a small cove, you may swim and snorkel.
For everybody else, there are many alternatives to loosen up: chill with a complimentary drink or use the onboard slide. After roughly 45 minutes you’ll return to the port and your lodging.
Value: €37
Length: 3.5 hours
Free cancellation till 24 hours earlier than
The tour consists of:
- Catamaran dolphin trip
- Swimming
- Use of a snorkel masks
- Comfortable drinks and water in the course of the swim
Search right here for lodging in Gran Canaria:
Tamadaba Pure Park
Gran Canaria, one of many islands within the Canary Islands archipelago, is a real paradise for nature lovers. There are quite a few tropical landscapes to find and the whole island has even been declared a Biosphere Reserve.
In Gran Canaria, the Tamadaba, Pilancones, Inagua and Oscuro ravines, the Nublo and Doramas nature parks and the Maspalomas dunes are significantly well-known, all of that are nature parks or protected areas with breathtaking natural world.
The Tamadaba Nature Park covers an space of seven,500 hectares within the west of the island. It’s positioned throughout the Western Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO.
The realm of the Nationwide Park is the fantastic thing about the west coast of Gran Canaria.
Right here guests can admire endemic pine forests, dizzying cliffs on nearly inaccessible coasts or expertise a rare biodiversity within the ravines.
A twenty-minute drive on the freeway from Artenara will take you to Llanos de la Mimbre – the park’s mountaintop recreation space, the place you may picnic underneath the pine bushes earlier than having fun with the spectacular views from the summit of Pico de la Bandera.
Additional down, the street from Aldea de San Nicolás results in the Mirador del Balcón – an unobstructed view of dragon-tailed cliffs or the secluded Playa de Guayedra seashore on the foot of a palm-lined ravine.
Insider Suggestions for Gran Canaria
Do you wish to hike off the overwhelmed monitor in Gran Canaria and expertise unforgettable adventures? Then we now have some insider suggestions for you!
The cave eating places of Guayadeque
For those who drive across the island by automotive, you’ll uncover quite a few small and enormous caves within the mountain slopes.
It’s exhausting to think about that folks lived there up to now and nonetheless do in the present day.
Notably effectively preserved caves may be discovered within the Guayadeque ravine close to Agüimes. These caves are nonetheless inhabited by Canarios, each on weekends and all 12 months spherical, as many of those caves have been fashioned by geological faults, making them pure dwellings.
For many who wish to deepen their data of the valley, its vegetation and the primary cave dwellers, we advocate the Guayadeque Museum. It was constructed as a “cave museum” within the rock and is unquestionably price a go to.
An absolute spotlight are the cave eating places of Guayadeque. On this spectacular canyon there are a minimum of three eating places in pure rock formations.
In case you are in Gran Canaria, you will need to go to the Tagoror cave restaurant. Right here one can find all kinds of freshly ready dishes which can be at all times scrumptious. Particularly really useful are the regional specialties corresponding to roast pork or octopus with wrinkled potatoes.
The restaurant is positioned on the finish of the Guayadeque ravine, a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers and locals, on the mountain “Montaña Las Tierras”. Right here you can’t solely eat scrumptious meals, but in addition benefit from the magnificent view and linger in a comfy environment.
Nonetheless, the cave restaurant is commonly very crowded on weekends, as it’s also extremely popular with the locals. So, if potential, select a weekday to maximise your culinary expertise on the Tagoror Cave Restaurant!
Mirador del Balcon
One other spectacular spot is the Mirador del Balcón, positioned on the GC-200 coastal street between Agaete and Aldea in western Gran Canaria. The point of view gives breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Situated on a hilltop close to the small village of San Bartolomé de Tirajana (about 40 minutes from Maspalomas), the Mirador de Balcón gives breathtaking views of the Maspalomas dunes and Dragon’s Tail.
The street to the Mirador is steep and winding, however effectively definitely worth the effort! The path leads via a picturesque panorama of pine forests and rocks glistening within the solar. On the finish of the path is a parking space from which a brief stroll leads on to the point of view!
The view from the Mirador de Balcon will merely blow you away: You’ll really feel such as you’re standing on high of a cliff, having fun with the vastness in entrance of you. The sand dunes of Maspalomas unfold out in entrance of your eyes – completely different colours relying on the time of day and the angle of your view! Within the background the mountains of Gran Canaria rise majestically and within the distance you may see the ocean.
Rum manufacturing unit in Arucas
Within the idyllic village of Arucas, rum lovers will discover a particular attraction: an previous rum manufacturing unit that has been producing the well-known Canarian Arehucas rum and honey rum in accordance with a typical recipe for greater than 100 years.
A go to to the manufacturing unit with a tasting of the scrumptious sugar cane liquor is a should!
You’ll enter a real temple of tradition while you go to the Arehucas Rum Distillery. Right here you may dwell a singular expertise to your senses and be enchanted by the fragrant spirit that hyperlinks Gran Canaria to the Caribbean.
As you enter the distillery in Arucas, you can be greeted by a statue of Don Alfredo Martin Reyes. He took over the previous Destilería San Pedro in 1935, which dates again to 1884, and has been producing solely rum ever since.
Right this moment the distillery is internationally recognized for its cultural significance round rum. The previous buildings home the oldest rum distillery in Europe, the place the scrumptious drink matures.
Greater than 4,300 American white oak barrels are housed right here – the guts of the corporate!
Three and a half million bottles are produced every year – sufficient to fill an Olympic swimming pool!
All of the elements of the local weather, the fantastic thing about the character, the proper infrastructure turns Gran Canaria into the most effective locations for dwelling on Earth.
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