Go to 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 varied climates, landscapes and it’s positioned between three continents-Europe, Africa and America.

Are you desirous about visiting Gran Canaria? It’s a fantastic concept! 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 signifies that in the identical day you’ll be able to 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’ve discovered the right vacation spot – all yr 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 remains to be 20°C. No surprise Gran Canaria is likely one of the hottest vacation locations outdoors the excessive season.

Gran Canaria’s subtropical local weather is gentle and sunny all yr 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 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 throughout the commerce wind belt. Which means guests will all the time take pleasure in a pleasing subtropical local weather, regardless of a median 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 snug 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 dangle low over the slopes of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – “donkey bellies” because the locals say.

If you wish to go climbing or biking, don’t overlook 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 not often lasts greater than two days.

Along with the 2 foremost 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 purchasing to partying.

The infrastructure of Gran Canaria can be properly developed. This can be a end result from the great climate circumstances. It doesn’t matter what you need to do there you are able to do it. You may swim, sail, dive, and go fishing within the waters of the ocean. You can too 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 also referred to as “Las Palmas”. It’s within the north half. The inhabitants of the town is about 400,000. It’s divided into 4 foremost 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 gorgeous seaside with a lot of eating places and outlets located on the shore.

The following 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 range 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 normally properly 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 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 techniques.

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 wildlife makes this particular aquarium an virtually tangible pure phenomenon!

Value: 27 (youngsters underneath 4 years free)
Opening hours: 09:30 – 17:30
Tackle: 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 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 course 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 experience 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 presents much more spectacular views than standard: you should 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 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 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 calming drive again to the start line – full of recent impressions from the inside of this fascinating island paradise!

Value: €90
Period: 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 can be a scrumptious “zero kilometer” product tasting throughout the tour.
• The skilled information may even take photographs throughout the tour.

So you’ve all the pieces you want:

• Don’t overlook the snacks!
• Water must also be useful.
• A jacket may be helpful,
• An extended-sleeved shirt can defend your pores and skin from sunburn and scratches.
• And sneakers are beneficial.

Different essential data for this exercise:

• This exercise requires a straightforward hike via a canyon (3 km).
• This exercise is accredited and punctiliously supervised by a licensed mountain information.
• The minimal age is 5 years, so it is a household pleasant tour!
• Rain or shine, this tour will happen!
• Nonetheless, please observe that climate circumstances and the character of the terrain might have an effect on the route. The information reserves the best to make modifications.

Puerto de Mogan

Once we speak 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 superb 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 lovely shades of inexperienced, yellow and purple. You may see flowers and greenery anyplace within the metropolis.

Prior to now, Puerto de Mogan was primarily depending on fishing. There are nonetheless just a few fishermen who exit early within the morning. Nonetheless, many residents have realized that tourism may also 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’ll be able to have a meal in extravagant eating places; there are bars and outlets in every single place.

The seaside there may be properly protected against the Atlantic wind and waves so you’ll be able to completely take pleasure in resting there. The seaside of Puerto de Mogan is solely lovely – with its golden brown sand it actually invitations you to sunbathe! On weekends and through vacation durations it’s a bit busier than standard, however throughout the week you’ll be able to all the time 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 you might want to know earlier than and throughout the dive, from the best way to use the gear 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!

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

You may look ahead to an tour that may give you snorkeling gear, 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 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 virtually three kilometers of golden sand and calm waters, it borders the Maspalomas Dunes Pure Park and presents quite a few resort complexes and residences for lodging. Alongside the seaside there are a number of areas for household actions comparable to volleyball or seaside soccer, in addition to particular presents for youngsters.

As a big a part of the vacationer middle of Playa del Ingles, this seaside extends from the southern half to Punta de Maspalomas. The northern finish of the seaside is a perfect household seaside with many lodging choices, umbrella leases, showers, and so forth., whereas additional in direction of the Punta one can find extra wild nature – together with surf spots & nudist areas!

Freshmen 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’ll be underneath fixed supervision.
Whereas browsing is all in regards to 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 superb climate circumstances in Gran Canaria and go to essentially the most lovely seashores of the island to search out the perfect waves to be taught.

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 rapidly 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 essentially the most out of your course – collectively they are going to discover the right spot for you!

Value: €60
Period: 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 comparable to fruit and water between classes
• Pictures of the thrilling moments of the browsing expertise
• 10% low cost on all store objects
• Legal responsibility and accident insurance coverage

Maspalomas

The seaside 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. Day-after-day, the wind and the sand create a brand new panorama with breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.

This quiet Atlantic seaside presents guests consolation and varied providers for a calming trip. The distinctive environment 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 overlook the hustle and bustle of the town!

Offroad Buggy Tour

Expertise an off-road tour of a particular type 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 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 experience begins within the valley of Ayagaures and results in the point of view of Pedro Gonzales, which presents a powerful panoramic view of the valley with the reservoir and the encompassing mountains. Proceed on dust roads to extra spectacular canyon surroundings.

Through the two-hour buggy experience, 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
Period: 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 soothing seaside trip in Gran Canaria awaits you on the seaside of San Agustin within the resort of the identical identify. 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 seaside, greater than 600 meters lengthy. The seaside’s golden waters even have little present and mild waves – superb for splashing round with children!

The quiet sandy seaside is good for a calming day within the solar and in addition presents one of many largest thalassotherapy facilities on the island.

The seaside 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 rest, rented deck chairs together with umbrella, free parking and showers are additionally out there.

There’s additionally a superb bus connection between Maspalomas and the seaside 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 seaside. The Puerto Rico Resort presents you a lot benefits for a calming 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 yr spherical and invitations you to observe dolphins throughout a ship journey or tour from the marina.

Puerto Rico’s 280-meter-long golden sand seaside in Mogán is good for households: whereas the youngsters splash round in security, mother and father can loosen up within the heat sand. The sheltered seaside 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 outlets and providers close by, you’ll be able to spend the entire day right here! You may retire underneath the shady timber to learn a e book or take a kayak tour via the water whereas protecting your drinks cool.

Quite a few purchasing facilities provide 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 great 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 possibly 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. Maintain an eye fixed out for dolphins and pilot whales!

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

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

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

The tour consists of:

• Catamaran dolphin experience
• Swimming
• Use of a snorkel masks
• Smooth drinks and water throughout 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 throughout 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 virtually 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 underneath the pine timber 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 seaside on the foot of a palm-lined ravine.

Insider Suggestions for Gran Canaria

Do you need to hike off the overwhelmed observe in Gran Canaria and expertise unforgettable adventures? Then we’ve got some insider ideas for you!

The cave eating places of Guayadeque

In case 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 folks lived there prior to now and nonetheless do at this time.

Significantly properly preserved caves may be discovered within the Guayadeque ravine close to Agüimes. These caves are nonetheless inhabited by Canarios, each on weekends and all yr 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 unquestionably value 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.

If you’re 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 are all the time scrumptious. Particularly beneficial are the regional specialties comparable to roast pork or octopus with wrinkled potatoes.

The restaurant is positioned on the finish of the Guayadeque ravine, a preferred vacation spot for vacationers and locals, on the mountain “Montaña Las Tierras”. Right here you cannot solely eat scrumptious meals, but in addition benefit from the magnificent view and linger in a comfy environment.

Nonetheless, the cave restaurant is usually very crowded on weekends, as it’s also very talked-about 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 presents 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 presents breathtaking views of the Maspalomas dunes and Dragon’s Tail.

The street to the Mirador is steep and winding, however properly 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 – 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’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 previous rum manufacturing facility that has been producing the well-known Canarian Arehucas rum and honey rum based on 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 while you go to the Arehucas Rum Distillery. Right here you’ll be able to stay a singular 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’ll 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.

At this time 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 annually – sufficient to fill an Olympic swimming pool!

All of the elements of the local weather, the great thing about the character, the right infrastructure turns Gran Canaria into the most effective locations for dwelling on Earth.

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