History of Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is Tenerife's closest competitor in the struggle for popularity among tourists among the seven Canary Islands and the third in terms of an area of \u200b\u200b1540 km2. The history of Gran Canaria is in many ways similar to the history of Tenerife, all the Canary Islands were formed as a result of volcanic activity, and appeared millions of years ago, rising from the ocean depths. It is believed that Gran Canaria was inhabited as early as 500 BC, the first inhabitants were the Guanche tribes, descendants of the Berbers who came here from northern Africa. But there are legends that say that the Canary Islands were originally inhabited by the surviving inhabitants of the sunken Atlantis.
In the 15th century, Gran Canaria, like other islands, was invaded by the Italian, Portuguese and Spanish conquerors, and although the local population fiercely resisted, in the end the island was conquered by sailors of the Catalan fleet. Starting from the 20s of the XX century, Gran Canaria began to develop as a tourist center, popularity grew due to the unique climatic conditions and geographical location, but the real tourist boom here began in the mid 70s of the XX century. Most of the upscale hotels and other tourist infrastructure appeared here after 1975.
Climate and nature of Gran Canaria
As in the other Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has an unusually mild climate, spring all year round and a year round tourist season in full swing, thanks largely to the warm Gulf Stream. Geographically, the island of Gran Canaria is located slightly south of Tenerife and closer to mainland Africa for these reasons, the temperature of the water and water here can be on average slightly higher than in Tenerife. The main tourist centers in Gran Canaria are located in the south of the island and in summer there is practically no rain here and in the winter months they are extremely rare. The coldest time of the year is January, when snow falls on the tops of the mountains, although at the same time summer continues on the coast and the beach season is in full swing.
The landscapes and climatic zones of Gran Canaria are extremely diverse, here you can see mountain peaks, cooled volcanoes, gorges and valleys overgrown with lush vegetation, sand dunes like in a real desert, majestic cliffs washed by ocean waves, charming bays and a wide variety of beaches. In each region, the climatic conditions are slightly different, for these reasons Gran Canaria is called a "continent in miniature", the nature of the Canary Islands is unique and, in general, does not resemble either European or African. Gorny ridge passing through the island from north-west to south-east conditionally divides it into two parts, in the south, where tourist centers are located, it is warmer and drier since the mountains hold the rising clouds, in the north the humidity is slightly higher.
Gran Canaria landmarks
Palm Park - the most popular park for walking and entertainment in Gran Canaria, its area covers more than 20 hectares. It is a kind of botanical garden and zoo in one. Here you can see a show of trained parrots, a show of exotic birds, as well as performances of feathered predators - vulture eagles and others. In Palm Park you can see the "last dinosaur" of the Earth - the Komodo dragon, the largest predatory lizard in existence. A separate pavilion houses the Butterfly House, which contains a collection of several hundred butterflies from all over the world in all colors of the rainbow.
Cactus park - another park where you can spend time interestingly in Gran Canaria, located in the west of Gran Canaria in the small town of San Nicolas de Tolentino. The name of the park speaks for itself; here you can see and even buy your favorite exhibits at an affordable price. On an area of \u200b\u200b15,000 m2, all kinds of cacti are collected from various locations from all over the planet. In the same park there is an observation deck from where a stunning panorama of the island opens and you can see the top of Mount Teide on the neighboring island of Tenerife.
Aboriginal world - an ethnographic museum for travelers interested in ancient history. Not far from the picturesque gorge, a reconstruction of an ancient village has been created, where panoramas of life and everyday life, mysterious Guanches, indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands are reproduced. Historians are still arguing about the origin of the Guanches - where could light-skinned inhabitants come from in the African latitude? Perhaps these are the descendants of the inhabitants of Atlantis, the answer has not yet been found.
Excursions to the old part of Gran Canaria's capital Las Palmas - for guests of the island who would like to get acquainted with its past. Small towns in the vicinity of Las Palmas cherish the memory of the great discoverer Christopher Columbus and convey to visitors the unique charm of Gran Canaria's antiquity and history. Narrow streets, houses and churches with typical medieval architecture in the towns of Teror, San Bortolomé de Tirajana, Firgas and Aguimes will help diversify the cultural program of your stay in Gran Canaria. To visit several ancient cities in one day, you can book a sightseeing tour.
Mountain walks and climbing should appeal to climbers, and simply lovers of beauty and grandeur of the mountains. It is worth climbing here even just for the sake of the view of the panorama of the island, which opens up from above, from here you can see the peak of Tenerife's Teide peak. The guides will acquaint you with the evidence of the indigenous population of the ancient Guanches and show you one of the symbols of Gran Canaria, Roque Nublo (Rock in the Clouds), this rock from afar resembling a finger was a shrine for the ancient Guanches.
The main tourist areas of Gran Canaria
- Las Palmas - distance to Gran Canaria airport 26 km.
- Playa San Augustin - Distance to Gran Canaria Airport 27 km.
- Playa Maspalomas - Distance to Gran Canaria Airport 33 km.
- Puerto de Mogan - Distance to Gran Canaria Airport 57 km.
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Why go and what to see in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago. Gran Canaria is world famous for its amazing natural landscapes and developed resort infrastructure. Holidays in Gran Canaria are considered one of the most popular among all the Canary Islands, although among Russian tourists the island resorts are still little developed and not so widely known. This is partly due to the fact that there are no direct flights between Russia and Gran Canaria, as, say, to the neighboring island of Tenerife.
Gran Canaria is famous for its Maspalomas sand dunes, the caldera of the ancient Bandama volcano, lunar landscapes, botanical gardens and crocodile park, architectural heritage and, of course, long sandy beaches and developed hotel and transport infrastructure. Resorts of Gran Canaria are often chosen by respectable Europeans, which indicates the high quality of local service. And the local nature will not leave indifferent any traveler looking for new experiences. Read more about how to organize yourself .
Andreas Øverland / Gran Canaria Landscapes
Visa and entry rules for Gran Canaria, Spain
Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Archipelago, which, in turn, is part of Spain, therefore, to visit Gran Canaria, you need to open a Schengen or Spanish national visa. For a short-term trip with tourist purposes, it will be enough to open a type C visa. You can open a Spanish visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate (Moscow, St. Petersburg) or at numerous Spanish visa centers, which are located in almost every major city. To apply for a visa, a standard set of documents for the Schengen zone is submitted, which includes a valid international passport, a certificate from the place of work, a completed application form, hotel / apartment reservations, return air tickets, travel insurance (the insurance amount is at least 30 thousand euros) and some other certificates in individually (for example, documents for children, etc.).
The rules for entering Gran Canaria are standard according to the general Schengen rules. During passport control you may be asked to show a printout of travel insurance, hotel reservations, return tickets, so you must have a copy with you. Otherwise, the procedure is unified and does not take much time.
mazzamazza / Las Palmas Promenade Climate and weather in Gran Canaria
The climate of Gran Canaria varies considerably in the northern (windward) and southern (leeward) parts of the island. Southern Gran Canaria boasts a mild, sunny, warm climate, it is not surprising that most of the resorts are located in this part of the island. On the north side, on the other hand, strong winds usually blow, and the beaches are more suitable for surfing than for sunbathing and swimming. In the heart of the island there are quite high mountains, it is they that do not allow the northern winds to penetrate into the southern part of the island.
The beach resorts of Gran Canaria are considered year-round; even in winter, the thermometer rarely drops below +20 degrees. Precipitation on the island occurs only in the form of intermittent rain, most often in early spring or late autumn. Summer in Gran Canaria is almost always hot, sunny, with minimal rainfall. The mild weather in Gran Canaria makes the island a popular destination for those tourists who are in a hurry to escape from the gray and cold winter, because even in winter the island will delight you with its colors, green Mediterranean plants and the blue ocean.
Ernst Jürgen Schwarzmeier / Landscapes of Gran Canaria How to get to Gran Canaria
A feature of traveling to Gran Canaria from Russia is the absence of direct flights, which is more than compensated by a variety of connecting flights. So, for example, you can get to Gran Canaria with a transfer in Madrid or Barcelona, \u200b\u200bas well as with a transfer on the neighboring island of Tenerife, where direct flights from Russia fly. From Tenerife, in turn, you can get to Gran Canaria by local airlines or by ferry. More details about each option.
Flights from Moscow with a stopover in Barcelona or Madrid are operated by Spanish air carriers Vueling or Iberia. The duration of the flight depends on the duration of the transfer itself (from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona - 4.5-5 hours + from Madrid or Barcelona to Gran Canaria - 2 hours 50 minutes). You can check the flight schedule on various aggregator sites, such as Aviasales, Buruki and others.
Gran Canaria is home to the international arrival airport Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria, located 25 kilometers from the administrative center of the island - the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and 32 kilometers from the famous Maspalomas dunes, which are considered the most famous natural attraction of the island. To get to the resorts of Gran Canaria from the airport, you can take regular buses that run to all major holiday destinations, or take a taxi upon arrival.
A convenient way to get to the desired hotel is also to pre-order an individual transfer. It is especially relevant if you arrive on the island late in the evening or at night, or if you are carrying a large amount of luggage. You can order an individual transfer on international services by type , and others. The cost of such a trip starts from 35-40 euros one way, depending on the remoteness of the resort (the approximate cost is indicated, check the exact cost on the services).
Cristian Bortes / Roads in Gran Canaria From Tenerife to Gran Canaria
Direct flights from Moscow to Tenerife are operated by Aeroflot, the flight time is just over 7 hours. You can fly from Tenerife to Gran Canaria by local airlines, the travel time is only half an hour. If you are flying from other cities in Russia, you will need to transfer in Moscow (Sheremetyevo airport). You can check the flight schedule on various aggregator sites, such as Aviasales, Buruki and others.
In addition to the flight, you can get to Gran Canaria from Tenerife by ferry, however, this method is considered longer. Please note that the port where ferries from Tenerife arrive is in the north of Gran Canaria, from there, for example, you can get to Las Palmas or other resorts by bus. Ferry service is carried out by companies Fred olsen express and Naviera armas. Check the schedule on the official websites of the ferries.
Cristian Bortes / Maspalomas streets Public transport in Gran Canaria
It is quite possible to travel around Gran Canaria by public transport. The company's regular buses run between the main settlements Global. On the official website you can check the schedule and cost of travel to the points you need. In total, there are more than 100 public transport routes on the island, respectively, you can get even to the most remote areas of Gran Canaria. The fare directly depends on the distance. You can pay for travel on the bus in cash at a special machine at the entrance, or, if you are planning more than one trip, you can buy a ticket.
Car rental in Gran Canaria
Car rental is a popular option in Gran Canaria as it provides a certain freedom of movement. Most often, a car is rented directly at the airport of arrival. This is quite convenient because in this way, you can simultaneously solve the problem with the transfer to the hotel. In addition, it is at the airport that the largest number of rental offices providing rental services is located (about 13 offices). If you wish, you can rent a car in the resorts of the island, for example, Orlando and Avis offices have been opened in Las Palmas; in Bailly Feliz - Orlando; in Meloneras - Orlando and Avis; in Playa de Ingles - Orlando, Europcar, Keddy. You can compare the offers of car rental companies throughout Gran Canaria on specialized sites, , and other similar ones to decide where it is more profitable to rent a car.
To register a car for rent, you must have a passport, driver's license and a bank card to pay for the deposit blocking service. After signing the lease, you will also be offered to take out insurance (full or partial at your choice). In the rental offices of Gran Canaria, you can rent a car of any class - mini, economy, compact, medium capacity, family and sports cars, station wagons, minivans, SUVs and even convertibles, cars are presented with both automatic and manual transmissions.
Andreas Øverland / Unexpected twists and turns in Gran Canaria Resorts and beaches of Gran Canaria
The main beach resorts of Gran Canaria are concentrated in the southern part of the island. This is due to the more favorable climate (the southern part of the island is protected from the winds by a mountain range located in the center of Gran Canaria). The resorts of the southern part of the island are ideal for families, as the sea is always warm, the entrance to the water is gentle, there are almost no waves, since there is no wind, and the beaches themselves are quite long, with a fine sandy surface.
This does not mean at all that there are no beaches in the northern part of the island, but quite strong winds blow here, therefore, local beaches are more suitable for surfing, kiting and other extreme sports than for swimming and sunbathing. Many of the beaches in the northern part of the island are protected areas and are amazingly beautiful, although not suitable for swimming. These include, in particular, beaches Gui-gui, Faroneke, Guaedra, Puerto de las Nieves, Sardine, Puertillo other.
As for the southern part of the island, the most popular resort areas here are Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Campo International, Meloneras, Bahia Feliz, San augustin, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan and others, smaller ones. It is here that the well-groomed coastlines with sand of all possible colors - from white and gold to dark volcanic, are located. The beaches of Gran Canaria in this part of the island are equipped with everything you need - from sun loungers and umbrellas to rental of water equipment. The beaches are guarded, there are rescue points. There are also toilets, showers. The beaches in Gran Canaria are municipal, i.e. there is no admission fee (fees can only be charged for additional services, for example, rental of sun loungers or umbrellas).
Among the endless beaches of Gran Canaria, the beaches of Maspalomas are worth a visit. – this is the Dunes National Park. The dunes are located right on the coast, but if you go deep into the reserve, you can feel like in the middle of the Sahara Desert. It is believed that the sand dunes in Maspalomas appeared due to the winds and the proximity of the African continent. At the same time, Maspalomas is a developed tourist center with convenient infrastructure. In addition to the standard set of services in the form of hotels, restaurants and bars, here you can also find amusement parkHolidayWorld and aquaparkAqualandMaspalomas.
William Warby / Puerto de Mogan Beaches Gran Canaria landmarks
The sights of Gran Canaria are very diverse, be it natural landscapes or man-made monuments. Several of the island's attractions are so rare and unique that travelers visit Gran Canaria especially for them. These, of course, include the Maspalomas dunes and the de Bandama caldera.
ABOUT dunes of Maspalomas there are many different legends, their appearance here is quite mysterious. Gran Canaria was once formed in a typical volcanic way for the Canary Islands, so the appearance of a large mass of white sand here is a real mystery. So far, scientists are of the opinion that the dunes were blown by winds from the African continent, i.e. the sands of Maspalomas are essentially the sands of the Sahara Desert. In any case, interest in this phenomenon does not dry out, and many tourists come to Gran Canaria just to wander in the sands of Maspalomas.
Tobias Scheck / Maspalomas Dunes Another amazing natural attraction of the island is the caldera of the ancient volcano Bandama... The diameter of the crater is so large (about one kilometer) that several hiking routes have been laid to it at once, allowing you to go down. The beauty of the crater can also be appreciated at the top, on the Pico de Bandama observation deck, from there, breathtaking views open up, allowing you to appreciate the former power of the volcano. There is a small village of potters near the caldera La Atalaya, here you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and look into countless pottery workshops.
To see the architectural monuments of the island, you should definitely go to the administrative center - the city . This city is large enough for the island. Here are located chapel of san antonio, santa Ana squareand the church of the same name, Regental palaces and Constistorial, in addition, it is in Las Palmas that columbus house museum, the landmark is truly iconic. Curious in its own way harbor las palmas, which has an impressive scale. And in the hottest weather, you can hide in Las Palmas in doramas Gardenswhere landscape delights and rare species of southern plants will delight.
El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía & Video / Caldera de Bandama Gran Canaria hotels
Gran Canaria has an extensive hotel base. The resorts with the most developed hotel infrastructure are Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Playa del Ingles, Arinaga, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Agaete, Puerto de Mogan, San Augustin and others. Here you can find hotels for every taste - all star categories (from one to five stars, as well as hotels without stars), with various food options (including options - breakfast only, three meals a day, all inclusive), with a variety of additional options (sauna , swimming pool, parking, restaurant on site, fitness center, spa area, etc.).
Gran Canaria is a year-round resort, so there is no concept of high or low seasons. Accordingly, house prices by the seasons do not differ much. Despite the fact that Gran Canaria is considered a respectable resort, you can still find completely different accommodation options here, incl. and at quite affordable prices. The main thing in this case is to look for and book accommodation as early as possible before the arrival date. Various services for booking hotels will help with this, for example, Booking, Roomguru and others similar.
So, popular hotels in Gran Canaria are:
- Hotel Casa Mozart 3 *
Gran Canaria apartments
Apart from traditional hotels in Gran Canaria, apartment rentals are very popular. Often this type of accommodation costs a little less than a hotel room, besides, add here a more free environment, the absence of hotel rules, and you will understand why apartments in Gran Canaria are so in demand. You can find an apartment in any resort on the island. These can be both stand-alone apartments and apart-hotels. Please note that organized meals are generally not available in these hotels. It's better to search for suitable options on the same Booking.com and other similar services. Please remember that accommodation must be booked prior to arrival in Gran Canaria, as a printout of the reservation is provided when applying for a Spanish visa, in addition, the reservation can also be required at passport control upon arrival.
Travel insurance
Going on a trip to Gran Canaria or to any other island of the Canary archipelago, do not forget to take out a tourist insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa to Spain (must be presented when applying for a visa). You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this, such as , other. You can buy a policy online, and then print it on a regular printer.
The insurance must be attached to the visa documents, and you must also have it with you at the time of passport control upon arrival at the Gran Canaria airport. Please note that the minimum insurance coverage for travel to Schengen countries (including Spain) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Spain is paid and in each individual case can be very expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity. If you are planning to engage in extreme sports, then it makes sense to choose insurance for outdoor activities.
GanMed64 / Sand dunes of Maspalomas We will be glad to answer your questions in the comments!
Photo at the beginning of the article: Andrew Callow
Gran Canaria Atoll, the attractions of which we will consider in our article, according to its population, is a continent in miniature. And indeed it is. After all, there are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, towering mountains, desert landscapes and tropical forests. This small island is part of the Canary Islands archipelago and is its crown jewel. The atoll is of volcanic origin, and its highest point is the volcano Pico de las Nieves, which erupted more than 3.5 thousand years ago.
Some information about the island
Gran Canaria (the attractions are described below) is a kind of nature reserve, since almost half of the island is protected by various organizations. The symbol of the area is the Roque Nublo mountain. Its height reaches 1813 meters. Long ago, the top of the mountain was a place of worship for the aborigines. Today it has become the most favorite place of travelers, as it offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding islands, as well as the volcano called Teide.
Gran Canaria (the island's attractions are listed in the overview) is an excellent destination for those who love beach holidays, rural tourism, golfing, water sports and cycling. Virtually all of the atoll's historic landmarks were built after the island was conquered by the Spaniards. But there are also pre-Hispanic sites, such as the archaeological park called Senobio de Valeron and the Cueva Pintada cave.
The largest airport in Spain and Gran Canaria
The first thing that a person will see upon arrival on the island is the Gran Canaria airport. It is an international terminal located in the east of the atoll. It is located almost twenty kilometers from the main city of Gran Canaria - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The airport receives approximately ten million people every year. This heavenly pier is often called Gando.
Gran Canaria airport is one of the largest airports in Spain in terms of passenger traffic. It is also the largest in the Canary Islands. In 2014, a new terminal was installed on the territory of the air station, where passengers can use the full range of necessary services. The terminal area is divided into several sections: European Union flights depart from zone C, flights outside the European Union operate from zone D, and separate zones are provided for the Canary Islands.
Holiday province of the Canary Islands and the Spanish kingdom
Las Palmas is an island and one of the main attractions of Gran Canaria. The administrative center and the main settlement of the periphery is the old town already mentioned above. This is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The province is made up of several inhabited and uninhabited islands, as well as the Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste rocks. In 2005, the population of this territory barely exceeded one thousand people.
Among the natural attractions of Las Palmas, the following objects can be distinguished: the huge Viera y Clavijo botanical garden and the huge Doromas park. Thousands of valuable plant species grow in the garden, and the park can delight visitors with a large number of cafes and fountains.
Casa de Colon
The capital of the Canary Islands is home to a landmark that is of great interest to travelers of all ages. This is the house of Columbus, or Casa de Colon. The navigator who discovered the United States of America stayed at this house a long time ago. The building is an incredibly beautiful architectural structure dating back several hundred years. A great navigator lived here for some time.
At the beginning of the 50s of the last century, Casa de Colon was converted into a museum in It has 13 rooms, which house exhibitions and libraries. The institution has a huge number of compasses, maps and a globe. All this once belonged to the discoverer. The uniqueness of the globe lies in the fact that there is no continent on it, which is called America. The institution also has a large collection of paintings. It will be interesting for adults and children to look at the model ships.
There are many documents about relations with the American states, a collection of books and exhibits on the maritime theme.
Most popular attraction
The most popular object in Gran Canaria is Palmitos Park, which is home to over 200 species of various birds. Among them there are small macaws, toucans, pink flamingos and many others. Also in the park is the Cactus and Aloe Garden, the Butterfly House, which is the largest in Europe, and the Orchid Pavilion, where hundreds of flowers of a wide variety of colors and shapes grow. The underwater world of Palmitos Park has thousands of fish species.
Here you can dine and see several different shows. But for this you have to spend half a day in the park. Not so long ago, a large dolphinarium was opened on the territory of the attraction. In addition, you can see beautiful performances, the main participants of which are parrots and eagles. The birds exhibit unique tricks, such as cycling.
The main attraction of the city
The main attraction of Gran Canaria is the Canary Cathedral, which is located in the ancient quarter of Vegeta. In this temple is the seat of the bishop of the Canary Islands. Despite the fact that the decision to build the church was made in 1487, construction began only ten years later. But the work was suspended for some time, as there was not enough money for their completion. The construction of the cathedral was resumed in 1781, but it was completely finished only in our time.
The interior of the temple is dominated by the late Gothic style. And the facades of the building are created in the neoclassical style. The arches, pillars and vaults of the church are made of hewn blue stone brought from the quarries of San Lorenzo.
Several other attractions
Gran Canaria, the sights of which we are considering, can be proud of its other sites. For example, the dunes of Maspalomas. This is a national park. Its full name is Dunas de Maspalomas and it occupies 403 hectares of coastline. The park has a salt water lake, diverse Canarian fauna and flora.
Another attraction of the island that deserves everyone's attention is the Cueva Pintada Cave. The cave is a small museum with geometric patterns of the ancient Guanches. Previously, Cueva Pintada was the seat of the Guanche kings. The modern museum has several halls.
The Puerto Rico resort is another world-famous attraction of the Gran Caniria island. In the early days of its existence, the resort was only a fishing village, but today it is replete with luxury hotels and expensive apartments.
Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canary archipelago. From afar, the island looks like a large mountain, in the center of which rises Pico de Las Nieves, its height is 2 thousand meters. The island is dotted with deep ravines stretching from the top of the peak to the ocean coast. The island's capital, Las Palmas, is located in the northeast. It is the largest city in the Canary Islands and every four years it replaces Santa Cruz de Tenerife as the capital of the Canary Islands.
The climate of Gran Canaria is tropical trade wind, moderately dry and hot. The comfort of the climate of Gran Canaria is determined by the ocean, the cold Canary Current and the proximity of Africa. The climate is also influenced by the mountain range that divides the island of Gran Canaria into the south and north. In one day, you can go around the entire island, while visiting different microclimatic zones. The sun is shining and hot on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, and snow can lie on the mountain top. The maximum temperature in August and June reaches 30 ° C. These are the hottest months in the Canary Islands. In April, May, September and October, the air temperature does not drop below 27 ° C.
Maspalomas stands out among the resorts of Gran Canaria. It is the most popular and most famous resort on the island. Maspalomas is able to satisfy the needs of any tourist. Almost every hotel offers access to the fashionable promenade, where the tranquil atmosphere encourages quiet strolls and privacy. The resort has a huge number of all kinds of restaurants or bars offering dishes for every taste.
Puerto Rico. A small tourist town in the southwest of the island, located in a valley surrounded by gardens. Puerto Rico has long been renowned for attracting water sports enthusiasts. There is also a huge number of various shopping centers and a lot of entertainment, and the nightlife is in full swing until the morning.
Puerto de Mogan. Port Mogan is considered the best tourist city in Gran Canaria. It is built in the style of vernacular architecture and combines the port and the typical fishing village. The houses located on the slopes of the cliff are built according to local traditions: white walls and straight shapes and colored windows and doors. Puerto Mogan is so quiet and calm that it is the best place for couples in love who want to be together. Only here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and the crazy pace.
San Augustin is a quiet town with hotels on the first line and a nice gray sand beach. It is believed that San Augustine has the best private medical clinics in the Canary Islands and one of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. This resort may be of interest to those tourists who are too crowded in Playa del Inglés. This tourist town is suitable for a leisurely beach holiday.
Playa del Ingles is a place for those who are not tired of life. After all, life is in full swing here day and night. Playa del Ingles has several times more hotels and apartments than the rest of the coastal resorts combined. On the three-kilometer-long beach of the same name, there is a shopping center Anexo II, where you can dine in one of the many restaurants and buy all sorts of little things; next to it - water activities.
On the island you can not only relax on the magnificent beaches, but also make exciting trips to local attractions. These are botanical gardens, historical complexes, and traditional villages and settlements.
The Jardín Canario Botanical Garden is one of the main natural attractions of Gran Canaria. The garden is located near the Tafira settlement. There are more than 5,000 species of plants found in the local nature.
Peak of Bandam. This is a volcano crater, the diameter of which reaches one kilometer and the depth is more than two hundred meters. From the top of the crater, there is an amazing view of the capital of the island of Gran Canaria and the central part of the island.
Artenara is a mountain village located at an altitude of 1270 m above sea level. Artenara is one of the oldest villages on the island and is an architectural phenomenon: most of the old houses here are built into the rocks and at the same time equipped with all modern conveniences. Of particular interest is the village church of La Ermita de la Cuevita, set up in a mountain cave.
Cueva Pintada. This archaeological complex is the largest in the Canary archipelago. The Cueva Pintada cave is located in the archaeological park and consists of six interconnecting caves, decorated with drawings of primitive people who lived in these places.
Gran Canaria is one of the most popular Canary resorts. In large tourist centers you will find a developed infrastructure, and in small villages there are ample opportunities for water sports, excursions, and recreation. Its volcanic origin and proximity to Africa define the unique nature of the island, which is worth seeing at least once.
Location
One of the islands of the Canary archipelago, which is located near the northwestern coast of Africa.
Beach
The southern coast is ideal for families with children, as the water warms up quickly, there is shallow water, there are practically no waves and wind.
- Maspalomas is famous for its golden sand beaches, which were brought directly from the Sahara. And the real pearl of the area is the dunes. There are beaches such as Baia Feliz (windsurfer's paradise), cozy and calm San Agustin, the cheerful and crowded Inglés, and the wild coast of Meloneras.
- The northern part is less suitable for normal beach holidays due to constant winds and large waves. But it is good to do sports here. And many territories are considered reserves and surprise with their landscapes: Gui-Gui, Guaedra, Nieves, Sardina, Puertillo. They attract fans of photo shoots with their cliffs, azure waters, volcanic boulders.
Climate
Most of the territory is characterized by a mild climate - dry and warm. In summer, the air temperature rises to + 26-30 degrees, and in winter it drops to +20 degrees. The water temperature in the warm period reaches +23 degrees. The peculiarity of the territory is that there is a sharp change in natural zones: there is snow in the mountains, and the sun is shining on the coast. The mountain range does not allow cold air masses to pass to the south, so the local coast is better for swimming. In the north, surfers and sailing enthusiasts are most likely to settle.
What to visit?
The main attraction is nature. There are few architectural and historical objects here. But this does not mean that the vacation will be boring.
- Dunes of Maspalomas - a national reserve. Scientists suggest that the snow-white sandy mountains brought winds from the Sahara. Here you will be offered a camel ride and spectacular sunsets.
- The basin of the old volcano Bandam. You can climb to the top on foot, and there is a spectacular observation deck on top. You can also buy products from local potters there.
- Crocodile Park, which combines a zoo with a botanical garden.
- The complex of ancient architecture in Las Palmas: the chapel of San Antonio, the square and the Church of St. Anne, the Regental and Constistorial palaces, the house-museum of Columbus.
- The Guayadeque caves have become a refuge for the local population - the Guanches. Equipped as modern dwellings.
Kitchen
The local cuisine combines the traditions of the Guanches, Spaniards, and Portuguese. But the special flavor of the dishes is given by the volcanic soil, on which especially aromatic and tasty vegetables, fruits and herbs grow. As with any island, a lot of attention is paid to seafood.
- Papas Arrugadas- a side dish of potatoes, which is most often served with a chili sauce - Moho Picon.
- Gofio escaldado - pureed fish broth soup with whole grain gofio flour.
- Flor cheeses, Blanco, Guia - Thistle flowers are used in the recipe.
- Chorizo \u200b\u200bde Teror - raw smoked pork sausage with spices.
- Pata Assada - Ham.
- Potakhe - vegetable soup with the addition of mustard.
- Sancocho- fish soup.
- Cambas al Ajilo - shrimp with garlic.
- Pulpo ala Plancha - grilled octopus.
- Frangoye- a custard-based dessert.
The volcanic soil produces delicious wines. Be sure to try Malvasia with Lanzarote and El Grifo products. Stronger spirits include Arehucas Captain Kidd rum and Ron Miel, made from sugarcane.
Souvenirs and shopping
There are not so many options for colorful souvenirs and shopping as we would like. However, every traveler will find something to their liking.
- Handmade embroidery and lace - towels, clothes, bed linen, tablecloths.
- Lava products - figurines, jewelry, bottles with volcanic sand.
- Ceramic tableware.
- Products - local cheeses, alcohol, sauces, prickly pear jams and jams, healing palm honey and more.
Transport
There are no problems with public transport on the island. Buses will take you to any tourist destination. The downside is that the time of their movement can be limited by the time 19.00-21.00, sometimes - 17.00. If you like to travel slowly, a rented car is better suited.
Life hacks
1. Canary Islands - duty free zone. Here you can buy alcohol, cigarettes, perfumes, fuel cheaper.
2. The commission for currency exchange varies. Maximum - 15%.
3. The sun is very active, so protective creams should be used even if you are in the shade.
