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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 situated between three continents-Europe, Africa and America.
Are you fascinated by visiting Gran Canaria? It’s a fantastic concept! Right here is a few further data.
About Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is situated within the Canary Islands archipelago southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura.
In Gran Canaria you possibly can expertise a “mini-continent”. The island is filled with contrasts, which implies that in the identical day you possibly can see magnificent seashores and huge dune fields, in addition to mountain peaks coated with Canary pine forests, whose inexperienced contrasts with the darkish volcanic underground.
The climate in Gran Canaria
You could have discovered the right vacation spot – all 12 months spherical!
As early as March, you possibly can sit up for nice temperatures with seven hours of sunshine a day. Even at Christmas the water temperature continues to be 20°C. No marvel Gran Canaria is among the hottest vacation locations outdoors the excessive season.
Gran Canaria’s subtropical local weather is gentle 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 nice 20 to 25 levels Celsius. It needs to be famous that the north is barely cooler than the south.
Gran Canaria, like all the opposite islands of the Canary Islands archipelago, lies inside the commerce wind belt. Which means guests will all the time get pleasure from a nice subtropical local weather, regardless of a mean humidity of round 70%. The wind ensures that it by no means will get oppressively sizzling! 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 exceptional characteristic 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 strategy from the northeast, they rain down on the mountain slopes or grasp low over the slopes of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – “donkey bellies” because the locals say.
If you wish to go mountaineering 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 time, the distinction in temperature and local weather between the north and the south might be much more pronounced, when the Saharan winds trigger temperatures within the south to rise above 30° C, though this phenomenon not often lasts greater than two days.
Along with the 2 essential 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 assorted 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 procuring to partying.
The infrastructure of Gran Canaria can be effectively developed. This can be a end result from the great climate circumstances. It doesn’t matter what you wish to do there you are able to do it. You may swim, sail, dive, and go fishing within the waters of the ocean. You may as well benefit from the luxurious of the yachts which are supplied for hire.
Locations in Gran Canaria and what to do
Las Palmas
Its capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria often known as “Las Palmas”. It’s within the north half. The inhabitants of the town is about 400,000. It’s divided into 4 essential 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 a phenomenal seashore with a lot of eating places and retailers 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 actually spectacular, particularly the aquarium cylinder. It’s undoubtedly price spending an hour or two within the aquarium. Guests are often effectively unfold out so it doesn’t really feel crowded and you’ve got an excellent 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 area 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 novel 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 below 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 prematurely
Pozo de Las Nieves
Not distant is Pozo de Las Nieves. Expertise the magic of Gran Canaria by climbing to its highest level and be enchanted by its ambiance. It’s the highest peak on the island – 6431 ft (1,955 meters) above sea degree.
The Mirador del Pico de Las Nieves is the very best viewpoint on the island and is situated in the course of the island – 1,949 meters above sea degree. From right here you possibly can see all the 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 journey 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 car 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 hinder 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, appears to be like 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 choose you up and take you inland by way of 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 very best level of the island at sundown and benefit from the view of a sea of clouds. Pattern a wide range of produce in the course of an historic volcanic plain – that is additionally the place the locals prefer to go for a culinary deal with.
Marvel at a number of the best geological landmarks, such because the Roque Nublo volcano or the putting 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 get pleasure from a calming drive again to the place to begin – full of latest impressions from the inside of this fascinating island paradise!
Value: €90
Length: 10 hours
Cancellation coverage: 24 hours discover
The tour consists of:
- Choose 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 car.
- There will likely be a scrumptious “zero kilometer” product tasting through the tour.
- The skilled information may even take images through the tour.
So you could have all the pieces you want:
- Don’t neglect the snacks!
- Water must also be helpful.
- A jacket might be helpful,
- A protracted-sleeved shirt can shield your pores and skin from sunburn and scratches.
- And sneakers are beneficial.
Different necessary data for this exercise:
- This exercise requires a simple hike by way of a canyon (3 km).
- This exercise is accredited and punctiliously 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!
- Nevertheless, please notice that climate circumstances and the character of the terrain could have an effect on the route. The information reserves the appropriate 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 stunning one. It’s located on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria.
It is a good place and it’s these days referred to as Little Venice. It is filled with good yachts and has many little bridges. The window panes of the homes there are painted in stunning shades of inexperienced, yellow and pink. You may see flowers and greenery anyplace within the metropolis.
Previously, Puerto de Mogan was primarily depending on fishing. There are nonetheless a couple of fishermen who exit early within the morning. Nevertheless, many residents have realized that tourism will also be a profitable enterprise. Many small retailers and eating places have sprung up, serving culinary delicacies to Central European vacationers or promoting souvenirs of their keep. Within the heart you possibly can have a meal in extravagant eating places; there are bars and retailers all over the place.
The seashore there’s effectively shielded from the Atlantic wind and waves so you possibly can completely get pleasure from resting there. The seashore of Puerto de Mogan is just stunning – 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 through the week you possibly can all the time discover a quiet nook to chill out.
Snorkeling and Boat Journey
An incredible coastal tour with loads of snorkeling alternatives awaits you. The skilled guides (proprietor of the boat) will clarify all the pieces you might want to know earlier than and through the dive, from methods to use the gear to the fascinating underwater world.
Whereas snorkeling you possibly can 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 possibly can all the time get extra.
I can actually suggest 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 may sit up for an tour that can offer 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 after they go to Gran Canaria, others go to Playa del Ingles, which is filled with dunes and seashores of golden sand.
It is among 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 situated 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 flats for lodging. Alongside the seashore there are a number of areas for household actions reminiscent of volleyball or seashore soccer, in addition to particular gives for youngsters.
As a big a part of the vacationer heart 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 direction of the Punta you will see that extra wild nature – together with surf spots & nudist areas!
Rookies Surf Course in Playa del Inglés
You’ll obtain a really complete surf lesson. The course lasts a complete of 4 hours, throughout which period you may be below fixed supervision.
Whereas browsing is all concerning the bodily exercise, you’re going to get a unbelievable introduction to the game. The worth for cash is superb.
Expertise a day as a surfer in splendid climate circumstances in Gran Canaria and go to probably the most stunning seashores of the island to search out one of the best waves to study.
Your surf course begins with a theoretical introduction on the surf college on the foot of the spectacular sand dunes of Maspalomas. A enjoyable video sequence will shortly put together you on your upcoming journey into the water.
Then it’s off into the water! Your teacher will accompany you and ensure you get probably the most out of your course – collectively they’ll discover the right 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 reminiscent of fruit and water between classes
- Images of the thrilling moments of the browsing expertise
- 10% low cost on all store gadgets
- Legal responsibility and accident insurance coverage
Maspalomas
The seashore of Maspalomas, within the south of Gran Canaria, is among 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 retailers or take a break whereas having fun with the view of the ocean. Day-after-day, 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 companies for a calming trip. The distinctive ambiance will delight anybody searching for a calming trip – there are numerous 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 number of the most adventurous roads of the island, an expertise that can stay in your reminiscence for a very long time.
The journey begins within the valley of Ayagaures and results in the perspective of Pedro Gonzales, which gives a powerful panoramic view of the valley with the reservoir and the encircling mountains. Proceed on dust roads to extra spectacular canyon surroundings.
Through the two-hour buggy journey, you’ll not solely see magnificent views from completely different vantage factors, but additionally 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:
- Choose up and drop off solely in sure areas
- Buggy Tour
- Insurance coverage included
San Augustin
A calming seashore trip in Gran Canaria awaits you on the seashore of San Agustin within the resort of the identical identify. Right here you will see that a variety of lodging and companies with out being overrun by vacationer crowds.
Only a few 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 delicate waves – splendid for splashing round with youngsters!
The quiet sandy seashore is good for a calming day within the solar and in addition 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 required leisure, rented deck chairs together with umbrella, free parking and showers are additionally accessible.
There may be additionally an excellent bus connection between Maspalomas and the seashore space – so nothing stands in the best way of a dream day!
Puerto Rico
High quality of life with an ocean view!
Begin your day with the ocean and revel in a scrumptious breakfast on the seashore. The Puerto Rico Resort gives you a lot benefits for a calming keep within the solar.
Puerto Rico, situated within the south of Gran Canaria, is understood 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 observe dolphins throughout a ship journey or tour from the marina.
Puerto Rico’s 280-meter-long golden sand seashore in Mogán is good for households: whereas the youngsters splash round in security, dad and mom can chill out within the heat sand. The sheltered seashore is all the time calm and can be utilized for swimming at any time.
Puerto Rico Seaside is supplied with sunbeds and umbrellas, and with a wide range of retailers and companies close by, you possibly can spend the entire day right here! You may retire below the shady bushes to learn a guide or take a kayak tour by way of the water whereas preserving your drinks cool.
Quite a few procuring facilities provide culinary delights in addition to cafes & bars to make your keep in Puerto Rico much more fulfilling. The golf course, solely 5 minutes away, is good for newbies 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 possibly even whales, flying fish, turtles and rays. Take pleasure in breathtaking views of the shoreline from the water and complimentary smooth 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 an eye fixed out for dolphins and pilot whales!
Whether or not by way of the glass home windows under deck or immediately from the solar deck, you possibly can rise up shut and private with these unbelievable animals! When your boat reaches a small cove, you possibly can swim and snorkel.
For everybody else, there are many alternatives to chill out: sit back 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 journey
- Swimming
- Use of a snorkel masks
- Gentle drinks and water through 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 all the 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 notably 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 situated inside the Western Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO.
The world 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 unprecedented 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 possibly can picnic below the pine bushes earlier than having fun with the spectacular views from the summit of Pico de la Bandera.
Additional down, the highway 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 Ideas for Gran Canaria
Do you wish to hike off the crushed monitor in Gran Canaria and expertise unforgettable adventures? Then we’ve got some insider suggestions for you!
The cave eating places of Guayadeque
For those who drive across the island by automobile, you’ll uncover quite a few small and enormous caves within the mountain slopes.
It’s exhausting to think about that individuals lived there up to now and nonetheless do immediately.
Significantly effectively preserved caves might 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 had been fashioned by geological faults, making them pure dwellings.
For individuals who wish to deepen their information of the valley, its vegetation and the primary cave dwellers, we suggest the Guayadeque Museum. It was constructed as a “cave museum” within the rock and is certainly price a go to.
An absolute spotlight are the cave eating places of Guayadeque. On this spectacular canyon there are at least three eating places in pure rock formations.
In case you are in Gran Canaria, you have to go to the Tagoror cave restaurant. Right here you will see that all kinds of freshly ready dishes which are all the time scrumptious. Particularly beneficial are the regional specialties reminiscent of roast pork or octopus with wrinkled potatoes.
The restaurant is situated on the finish of the Guayadeque ravine, a preferred vacation spot for vacationers and locals, on the mountain “Montaña Las Tierras”. Right here you can’t solely eat scrumptious meals, but additionally benefit from the magnificent view and linger in a comfortable ambiance.
Nevertheless, the cave restaurant is commonly very crowded on weekends, as it’s also very fashionable 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, situated on the GC-200 coastal highway between Agaete and Aldea in western Gran Canaria. The point of view gives breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Positioned 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 highway to the Mirador is steep and winding, however effectively well worth the effort! The path leads by way of 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 perspective!
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 possibly can see the ocean.
Rum manufacturing facility in Arucas
Within the idyllic village of Arucas, rum lovers will discover a particular attraction: an previous rum manufacturing facility that has been producing the well-known Canarian Arehucas rum and honey rum in line with a typical recipe for greater than 100 years.
A go to to the manufacturing facility with a tasting of the scrumptious sugar cane liquor is a should!
You’ll enter a real temple of tradition whenever you go to the Arehucas Rum Distillery. Right here you possibly can dwell a novel expertise on your senses and be enchanted by the fragrant spirit that hyperlinks Gran Canaria to the Caribbean.
As you enter the distillery in Arucas, you may 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.
In the present day the distillery is internationally identified 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 annually – sufficient to fill an Olympic swimming pool!
All of the components of the local weather, the fantastic thing about the character, the right infrastructure turns Gran Canaria into among the best locations for residing on Earth.
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