The Island of Diverse Landscapes
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Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa. It is known for its diverse landscapes, which range from lush green mountains to dry desert-like areas. The island also has a world famous warm climate year-round, making it a popular tourist destination.
Gran Canaria has some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, with white sand and clear blue water. Some of the most popular beaches include Playa de Las Canteras, Playa del Inglés, and Maspalomas. Right in the capital of Gran Canaria, there’s a massive 'fish tank' (shallow beach) where the tropical fish roam free, Las Canteras, just a few metres from the city.
Gran Canaria has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island's diverse landscapes. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Roque Nublo Trail, the Tamadaba Natural Park, and the Caldera de Bandama. The Los Tilos de Moya Natural Reserve has several tracks through the laurel forest. There is also volcano tours available. As well as the nature hikes, there is also attractions such as Poema del Mar, the grand aquarium in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the most spectacular venue of its kind in Europe.
Gran Canaria has a number of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique spanish and canary character. Some of the most popular towns and villages include Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Tejeda, and Agaete. For a taste of the old spanish towns, visit Teror. Located right in the heart of the island, this village has cobbled streets, hanging balconies and, if you carry on walking, a Basilica that dates back to the 18th century, declared a Public Interest Site.
Gran Canaria has a vibrant nightlife scene and one of the biggest in the canaries, with something to offer everyone. There are bars and clubs to suit all tastes, from traditional Canarian to international - on top of your british ones of course! Playa del Ingles is the place to choose for nightlife. As mentioned you will find tons of bars scattered around. The Yumbo Centre and Kasbah Centre offer diverse LGBTQ+-friendly venues.
In the south of Gran Canaria, you’ll find golden sandy desert dunes in Maspalomas. The Maspalomas dunes have almost one thousand acres of sand on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, next to the lighthouse that has been stood since 1890.
No matter what you're looking for in a holiday, Gran Canaria is sure to have something to offer. With its diverse landscapes, warm climate, and friendly people, it's no wonder that Gran Canaria is a popular tourist destination.
Additional information:
How do I get to Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, but is normally within the region of 4 hours. If you're visiting another canary island, such as Lanzarote, flights between them are often very regular and affordable. Why not extend your trip and visit two islands instead of one?
Where should I stay in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is a place where lots of people book package holidays, so all of your accommodation, flights, luggage, and sometimes food and drink is taken care of. If that's what you're looking for, we recommend booking through Jet2Holidays or Easyjet Holidays.
If you're trying to travel a little cheaper, sometimes booking everything separately means you can get a better deal. Have a look for accommodation in Gran Canaria that will suit your group size and budget on Expedia.
Do I need a visa to visit Gran Canaria?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Spain for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Gran Canaria?
The currency of Spain is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency, but we had no issues paying by card in Gran Canaria.
What languages are spoken in Gran Canaria?
The official language of Spain is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in Gran Canaria as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is close to the equator so it's nice and warm all year round. The island has an average of more than 300 sunny days per year, and only gets 140mm of rain on average every year! For context, the UK has an average yearly rainfall of around 1,400mm.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Gran Canaria:
Spring: 18°C / 13°C
Summer: 22°C / 16°C
Autumn: 21°C / 15°C
Winter: 16°C / 10°C
Always make sure to check the forecast before your trip so you pack the correct clothing. This is the current weather in Gran Canaria.
What's the time zone in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is in the Western European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as the UK, but an hour behind Spain's capital, Madrid.
What are the best things to do in Gran Canaria?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Gran Canaria on GetYourGuide below.
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