A vibrant and dynamic island with an incredibly varied landscape, Gran Canaria is the most populous of the Canary Islands. There are beaches, mountains, valleys and caves to explore and plenty of activities to keep you busy, including hiking, mountain biking, surfing and scuba diving. What’s more, with one of Spain’s biggest cities on your doorstep, there’s plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment to discover too.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Gran Canaria
Las Palmas – The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is a great destination for shopping, nightlife and culture. The city also has a choice of museums, galleries and event spaces including the Museo Canario, the Casa Museo de Colón and the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art.
Playa del Inglés – One of the most popular beach resorts on Gran Canaria, Playa del Inglés is home to some spectacular beaches, a lively nightlife and a good variety of restaurants and bars. Playa del Inglés is popular with LGBT travellers and hosts a huge Gay Pride event in early May.
Maspalomas – Maspalomas was one of the first tourist resorts on Gran Canaria. Today it’s a great place to top up your tan, enjoy a night out or try your hand at surfing. Jeep safaris, mountain biking and walking are all on offer in the area around Maspalomas.
Bandama Caldera – Part of the Tafira Protected Landscape, the Bandama Caldera is a huge volcano crater: the walk to the bottom is a fantastic way to explore Gran Canaria’s natural landscape and escape the busy tourist resorts of the coast.
Things to See in Gran Canaria
The Cathedral of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the most notable buildings on the island. Dating back almost 600 years, the cathedral boasts an ornate neo-classical façade and a gothic style interior. Another famous sight in the city is the Plaza de Santa Ana, a pretty square and popular meeting spot that traces its roots back to the 16th century. One of Gran Canaria’s most famous natural landmarks is the Roque Nublo, an imposing monolith that stands imposingly high and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Things to Do in Gran Canaria
One of the best places for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in Europe, Gran Canaria attracts water sports enthusiasts throughout the year. There are various surf schools across the island, with a choice of waves ensuring there are conditions to suit all levels. The interior of Gran Canaria is very popular with mountain bikers, cyclists and hikers, while nature lovers will find plenty to keep them busy in Gran Canaria’s protected areas. To learn more about the early history of the island, visit the ancient Tara y Cendro Caves, which were once the centre of a thriving pre-Hispanic community on Gran Canaria. Playa del Inglés is a fantastic destination for nightlife, while a good selection of shops and restaurants can be found in Las Palmas.
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