Gran Canaria - A Holiday Paradise with Many Facets
Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands, belonging to Spain and located off the coast of Northwest Africa. The island has an area of 1,560 km² and a population of around 870,000 inhabitants. The capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the largest city of the Canary Islands and the ninth largest in Spain. Gran Canaria is known for its white sandy beaches, its black lava, and its diverse landscape, ranging from dry dunes to green mountains. The island has a mild climate with an average temperature of 20°C throughout the year.
Gran Canaria has a long and rich history dating back to antiquity. The original inhabitants of the island were the Canarii, a North African people who may have arrived on the island as early as the 5th century BC. The Canarii lived in caves and built terraced fields. They had their own language, religion, and culture, which differed from the other islands. The Canarii called the island Tamarán, meaning "Land of the Brave".
The island was conquered by the Spaniards in the 15th century, after more than a century of attempts to colonize it. The conquest was an important step for the expansion of united Spain and the discovery of America. The Spaniards founded the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1478 and made it an important port for trade and missionary work.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the port of Las Palmas on his first voyage and spent some time on the island.
Over the centuries, Gran Canaria has been influenced by various peoples and cultures, such as the Portuguese, the French, the British, the Dutch, and the Americans. The island was the scene of many battles, uprisings, and pirate attacks. The island also developed its own identity and tradition, reflected in its architecture, art, music, literature, and gastronomy. The island is proud of its famous personalities, such as the writer Benito Pérez Galdós, the painter Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre, the singer Alfredo Kraus, and the comedian José Monzón.
Some pictures from Gran Canaria:
Gran Canaria is a popular tourist destination today, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the island's beauty and diversity. The island offers numerous attractions and activities to suit all tastes and ages.
Some of the most popular sights include:
Palmitos Park: An animal and plant park featuring dolphins, parrots, butterflies, orchids, and more.
Casa de Colón: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Christopher Columbus.
Roque Nublo: A volcanic rock formation that is a landmark of the island and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Vegueta: The old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, known for its colonial architecture and historic buildings such as the cathedral, town hall, and theater.
Maspalomas Beach: Famous for its golden dunes and lighthouse.
Gran Canaria is an island with many facets and a soul that is waiting to be discovered and loved. Gran Canaria is an island with many sides and is highly recommended!
Some more pictures from Gran Canaria:
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Gran Canaria is an island brimming with opportunities for fun and adventure. Here are eight activities you can try in Gran Canaria:
Hike through the sand dunes of Maspalomas: Experience the feeling of being in a desert as you stroll through the impressive dunes that stretch between Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.
Go on a submarine tour: Dive into the underwater world of Gran Canaria and observe the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters around Puerto de Mogán. Get your Ticket here!*
Ride a camel: Enjoy an exotic safari on the back of a camel as it takes you through the dunes or the Valley of the Thousand Palms. Get your Ticket here!*
Go surfing: Take advantage of the ideal conditions for surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing, which have earned Gran Canaria the nickname "the Hawaii of Europe." Get your Ticket here!*
Visit Palmitos Park: Discover the fascinating animal and plant world of Palmitos Park, where you can see dolphins, parrots, butterflies, orchids, and much more.
Visit Casa de Colón: Learn more about the life and work of Christopher Columbus in this museum, housed in a historic building believed to be his former home.
Climb Roque Nublo: Admire the spectacular views from the summit of Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock that is a landmark of the island.
Explore Vegueta: Stroll through the old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and admire the colonial architecture and historic buildings such as the cathedral, town hall, and theater.
Poema del Mar Aquarium: Visit this very good Aquarium. Get your Ticket here!*
These are just a few of the many activities you can experience in Gran Canaria. If you want to know more, you can get travel guides on Amazon where you can find further information and tips.
Some pictures from landscapes on Gran Canaria:
Travel guide for the Canary Islands you get here on Amazon!*
Hiking in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a hiker's paradise, as the pictures show, offering a diverse range of routes for all levels of difficulty. From easy coastal walks to challenging ascents of the island's highest peak, Pico de las Nieves, there's something for everyone.
The island's landscape is as varied as its hiking trails. Hikers can traverse pine forests, volcanic craters, gorges, and dunes. The island also offers breathtaking views of the sea and neighboring islands.
Gran Canaria enjoys a mild climate year-round, allowing you to hike at any time of year. However, the winter months are the most popular as temperatures are cooler and more pleasant.
Here are some of the most popular hiking trails in Gran Canaria:
Roque Nublo: This hike takes you to Roque Nublo, an 80-meter-high rock formation that is a landmark of the island. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about 4 hours.
Pico de las Nieves: This is the highest hike on Gran Canaria and takes you to the summit of Pico de las Nieves, which is 1,949 meters high. The hike is challenging and takes about 8 hours.
Caldera de Bandama: This hike takes you to an extinct volcano, the Caldera de Bandama. The hike is easy and takes about 2 hours.
Maspalomas Dunes: This hike takes you through the Maspalomas Dunes, the largest sand dune in Europe. The hike is easy and takes about 1 hour.
Barranco de Guayadeque: This hike takes you through the Barranco de Guayadeque gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges on the island. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about 3 hours.
Tips for hikers in Gran Canaria:
Carry plenty of water and provisions, as there are no shops or restaurants on the hiking trails.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and don't forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.
Check the weather forecast before your hike.
Be careful when hiking in the mountains as it can be steep and slippery.
Respect nature and leave no trace.
Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for a hiking holiday. With its diverse hiking trails, breathtaking scenery, and mild climate, the island has something to offer everyone.
Conclusion: Gran Canaria - A Diverse Destination for Every Taste
As the third largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria offers a diverse mix of stunning beaches, breathtaking nature, and cultural highlights. The island has something for everyone, whether you're planning a relaxing beach vacation, an active hiking trip, or a cultural tour.
Gran Canaria scores with:
Beautiful beaches: The island boasts 80 kilometers of sandy beaches, including long stretches of sand like Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, as well as picturesque coves.
Diverse nature: From the dunes of Maspalomas to volcanic landscapes and green pine forests, Gran Canaria offers a unique landscape.
Varied activities: Hiking, biking, climbing, water sports - on Gran Canaria, you can be as active as you want.
Culture and history: The island has a rich history reflected in its cities and villages. Visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the second largest city in the Canary Islands, or explore the charming mountain villages.
Mild climate: Gran Canaria enjoys a pleasant climate year-round with warm temperatures and little rainfall.
Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for:
Families: The island offers many child-friendly beaches, activities, and entertainment options.
Couples: Romantic sunsets, picturesque villages, and luxurious resorts make for an unforgettable vacation for two.
Active travelers: Hikers, cyclists, climbers, and water sports enthusiasts will find a paradise on Gran Canaria.
Nature lovers: The island's diverse landscape offers breathtaking views and unique nature experiences.
Culture enthusiasts: The rich history and culture of Gran Canaria can be discovered in the island's cities, villages, and museums.
Gran Canaria is a destination that captivates everyone. Come and see for yourself!
Travel guide for the Canary Islands you get here on Amazon!*
Here are a few additional points to consider when planning your trip:
The best time to visit Gran Canaria is from October to May. During the summer months, it can get very hot and dry.
Gran Canaria is a popular destination, so it's advisable to book your accommodation and flights in advance.
The island has a well-developed public transportation network, so you can easily get around without a car.
Spanish is the official language in Gran Canaria, but English is also widely spoken.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Gran Canaria!