Visit Gran Canaria – Paradise in Europe

This excellent 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. Individuals used to name Gran Canaria a “mini continent” as a result of it has numerous climates, landscapes and it’s positioned between three continents-Europe, Africa and America.

Are you enthusiastic about visiting Gran Canaria? It’s an important thought! Right here is a few additional data.

About Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is positioned within the Canary Islands archipelago southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura.

In Gran Canaria you’ll be able to expertise a “mini-continent”. The island is filled with contrasts, which implies that in the identical day you’ll be able to 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 have got discovered the proper vacation spot – all 12 months spherical!

As early as March, you’ll be able to look ahead to nice temperatures with seven hours of sunshine a day. Even at Christmas the water temperature continues to be 20°C. No surprise Gran Canaria is without doubt one of the hottest vacation locations exterior the excessive season.

Gran Canaria’s subtropical local weather is gentle and sunny all 12 months spherical, with a formidable 300 days of sunshine. The best 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. Because of this guests will all the time get pleasure from a nice subtropical local weather, regardless of a median 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 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 strategy from the northeast, they rain down on the mountain slopes or dangle 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 overlook to put on hotter garments within the greater 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 greater mountain areas.

In summer season, the distinction in temperature and local weather between the north and the south will 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 most important climatic zones, Gran Canaria has quite a few microclimatic zones. They’re created by the totally 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 purchasing to partying.

The infrastructure of Gran Canaria can be effectively developed. This can be a outcome from the nice climate circumstances. It doesn’t matter what you need to do there you are able to do it. You possibly can swim, sail, dive, and go fishing within the waters of the ocean. You can even benefit from the luxurious of the yachts which can be supplied for hire.

Locations in Gran Canaria and what to do

Las Palmas

Its capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria also referred to as “Las Palmas”. It’s within the north half. The inhabitants of town is about 400,000. It’s divided into 4 most important areas.

The primary is the district of Vegueta which is 500 years outdated. It’s well-known for the museums, theatres, the Cathedral.

The second space is the vacationer space the place we are able to see a stupendous seashore with a number of 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

Visit Poema del Mar and be amazed by the spectacular biodiversity of the blue planet. Immerse your self in 35 totally 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 undoubtedly value 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 a very good view from all sides.

Have an unforgettable expertise exploring the totally different habitats with all their curiosities and skills 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 limitless 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 techniques.

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 totally different species swim right here!

Uncover El Veril – An exhibition of Canary Islands wildlife makes this particular aquarium an nearly tangible pure phenomenon!

Price: 27 (children under 4 years free)
Opening hours: 09:30 – 17:30
Deal with: 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 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 ft (1,955 meters) above sea stage.

The Mirador del Pico de Las Nieves is the very best viewpoint on the island and is positioned in the midst of the island – 1,949 meters above sea stage. From right here you’ll be able to see the complete 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 value 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 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 panoramic sundown. Quite the opposite, on cloudy days this place affords much more spectacular views than normal: you should have the sensation that Gran Canaria, along with Tenerife within the background, seems to be 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 via spectacular canyons, volcanic calderas and big 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 quite a lot of produce in the midst 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 best 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 get pleasure from a soothing drive again to the start line – full of recent impressions from the inside of this fascinating island paradise!

Price: €90
Period: 10 hours
Cancellation coverage: 24 hours discover

The tour contains:

• Decide up out of your lodge and return to your lodge after the exercise.
• Your information is an AEGM/UIMLA member.
• You’ll journey in an air-conditioned car.
• There shall be a scrumptious “zero kilometer” product tasting through the tour.
• The skilled information will even take photographs through the tour.

So you may have every little thing you want:

• Don’t overlook the snacks!
• Water must also be useful.
• A jacket will be helpful,
• A protracted-sleeved shirt can shield your pores and skin from sunburn and scratches.
• And sneakers are really useful.

Different essential data 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!
• Nevertheless, please word that climate circumstances and the character of the terrain might have an effect on the route. The information reserves the suitable to make modifications.

Puerto de Mogan

After we discuss in regards to the resorts in Gran Canaria we have to say that Puerto de Mogan might be essentially 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 filled with good yachts and has many little bridges. The window panes of the homes there are painted in lovely shades of inexperienced, yellow and purple. You possibly can see flowers and greenery anyplace within the metropolis.

Up to now, Puerto de Mogan was primarily depending on fishing. There are nonetheless a number of fishermen who exit early within the morning. Nevertheless, 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 heart you’ll be able to have a meal in extravagant eating places; there are bars and outlets in all places.

The seashore there’s effectively shielded from the Atlantic wind and waves so you’ll be able to completely get pleasure from 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 intervals it’s a bit busier than normal, however through the week you’ll be able to all the time discover a quiet nook to chill out.

Snorkeling and Boat Journey

A great coastal tour with loads of snorkeling alternatives awaits you. The skilled guides (proprietor of the boat) will clarify every little thing you want to know earlier than and through the dive, from the best way to use the tools to the fascinating underwater world.

Whereas snorkeling you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to all the time get extra.

I can actually advocate this unforgettable tour on the water to everybody – no matter age!

Price: €49
Period: 3 hours
Cancellable freed from cost till 24 hours earlier than

You possibly can look ahead to an tour that may offer you snorkeling tools, meals and drinks. Don’t overlook 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 filled with dunes and seashores of golden sand.

It is without doubt 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 affords quite a few lodge complexes and flats for lodging. Alongside the seashore there are a number of areas for household actions corresponding to volleyball or seashore soccer, in addition to particular affords 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 many others., whereas additional in the direction of the Punta you will see extra wild nature – together with surf spots & nudist areas!

Novices Surf Course in Playa del Inglés

You’ll obtain a very comprehensive surf lesson. The course lasts a complete of 4 hours, throughout which era you may be beneath fixed supervision.
Whereas browsing is all in regards to the bodily exercise, you’ll get a incredible introduction to the game. The worth for cash is superb.

Expertise a day as a surfer in very best climate circumstances in Gran Canaria and go to essentially the most lovely seashores of the island to seek out one of the best waves to be taught.

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 shortly put together you on your upcoming journey into the water.

Then it’s off into the water! Your teacher will accompany you and be sure you get essentially the most out of your course – collectively they are going to discover the proper spot for you!

Price: €60
Period: 4 hours
Free cancellation 24 hours earlier than

Included within the package deal:

• Full surf tools 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 without doubt 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. Day-after-day, the wind and the sand create a brand new panorama with breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.

This quiet Atlantic seashore affords guests consolation and numerous providers for a soothing trip. The distinctive environment will delight anybody in search of 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 overlook the hustle and bustle of town!

Offroad Buggy Tour

Expertise an off-road tour of a special kind in Gran Canaria and uncover the breathtaking mountain surroundings that awaits you right here.

This tour is appropriate for many who are on trip in Gran Canaria and need 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 may stay in your reminiscence for a very long time.

The journey begins within the valley of Ayagaures and results in the point of view of Pedro Gonzales, which affords a formidable panoramic view of the valley with the reservoir and the encompassing mountains. Proceed on grime roads to extra spectacular canyon surroundings.

Throughout the two-hour buggy journey, you’ll not solely see magnificent views from totally 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.

Price: €65
Period: 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 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 a variety of lodging and providers 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 mild waves – very best for splashing round with children!

The quiet sandy seashore is good for a soothing day within the solar and in addition affords 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 rest, rented deck chairs together with umbrella, free parking and showers are additionally accessible.

There’s additionally a very good 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 affords you a lot benefits for a soothing keep within the solar.

Puerto Rico, positioned 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 Seashore is supplied with sunbeds and umbrellas, and with quite a lot of outlets and providers close by, you’ll be able to spend the entire day right here! You possibly can retire beneath the shady bushes to learn a e book or take a kayak tour via the water whereas retaining 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 pleasurable. The golf course, solely 5 minutes away, is good for newcomers and the nice public transport connections make it simple 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. Take pleasure in breathtaking views of the shoreline from the water and complimentary gentle drinks all through the cruise.

Start your cruise with a handy lodge 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. Maintain an eye fixed out for dolphins and pilot whales!

Whether or not via the glass home windows under deck or instantly from the solar deck, you’ll be able to stand up shut and private with these unbelievable animals! When your boat reaches a small cove, you’ll be able to swim and snorkel.

For everybody else, there are many alternatives to chill out: relax with a complimentary drink or use the onboard slide. After roughly 45 minutes you’ll return to the port and your lodging.

Price: €37
Period: 3.5 hours
Free cancellation till 24 hours earlier than

The tour contains:

• Catamaran dolphin journey
• Swimming
• Use of a snorkel masks
• Comfortable 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 the complete 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 wildlife.

The Tamadaba Nature Park covers an space of seven,500 hectares within the west of the island. It’s positioned inside the Western Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve, declared by UNESCO.

The world of the Nationwide Park is the great 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’ll be able to picnic beneath 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 need to hike off the overwhelmed monitor in Gran Canaria and expertise unforgettable adventures? Then we’ve some insider ideas for you!

The cave eating places of Guayadeque

Should you drive across the island by automobile, you’ll uncover quite a few small and enormous caves within the mountain slopes.

It’s arduous to think about that individuals lived there previously and nonetheless do in the present day.

Significantly effectively preserved caves will 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 shaped by geological faults, making them pure dwellings.

For individuals who need 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 certainly value 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 have to go to the Tagoror cave restaurant. Right here you will see all kinds of freshly ready dishes which can be all the time 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 additionally benefit from the magnificent view and linger in a comfortable environment.

Nevertheless, the cave restaurant is usually very crowded on weekends, as it is usually highly regarded with the locals. So, if doable, 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 perspective affords 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 affords breathtaking views of the Maspalomas dunes and Dragon’s Tail.

The street to the Mirador is steep and winding, however effectively well 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 prime of a cliff, having fun with the vastness in entrance of you. The sand dunes of Maspalomas unfold out in entrance of your eyes – totally 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’ll be able to see the ocean.

Rum manufacturing facility in Arucas

Within the idyllic village of Arucas, rum lovers will discover a particular attraction: an outdated 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’ll be able to reside 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 outdated Destilería San Pedro in 1935, which dates again to 1884, and has been producing solely rum ever since.

At the moment the distillery is internationally recognized for its cultural significance round rum. The outdated 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 center 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 great thing about the character, the proper infrastructure turns Gran Canaria into the most effective locations for dwelling on Earth.

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