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About Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria

Roll the world into a small, round island - okay, you can leave out the cold bits at the top and bottom - and there you have it, Gran Canaria. A continent in miniature. The glow of the sub-tropics; the greenery of a temperate climate; and the drama of a volcanic landscape.

Those who live here know that the Canaries' second biggest island has it all. That's why the biggest problem facing the resident population is where to go for a holiday. Another part of the island perhaps?

Gran Canaria is the island with the greatest variety of climatic conditions in the archipelago. Contrary to popular belief, even in summer, the island is not a steamy hotbed of unbearable temperatures. Cold sea currents from the Gulf of Mexico have a tempering effect on the summer months. Combined with the trade winds from the Azores, the average temperatures vary between 18 and 25 degrees C. In short, Gran Canaria's climate follows the same seasonal rhythm of the Mediterranean with short, cool and wet winters, and summers that are long, warm and dry.

Due to these benign climatic conditions, one of the most prestigious international magazines of the scientific community proclaimed the capital, Las Palmas , as the city with the best climate in the world.

Las Palmas is also the most cosmopolitan municipality of the whole archipelago, with a fascinating history dating back to 1478. This is when Juan Rejón founded the city and created the first bastion of the Spanish during their conquests of the Atlantic.

The neighbourhood of Veguete is symbolic of the old and new that forms much of Gran Canaria's character. Here you'll find classical facades merging with the modern day, like the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (Atlantic Centre for Modern Art).

The area of Ciudad Jardín located nearby is also emblematic, containing fine examples of all the different architectural styles found in the capital. Colonial-style buildings stand as testament of the English presence on the island in past times.

Whilst the history and cultural attractions are an added bonus, you can't get away from the fact that 90 per cent of visitors to Gran Canaria come in search of sun and sand. With 197 kilometres of coastline, the island doesn't disappoint.

The 50 beaches with user facilities are noted for their crystal clear and clean waters. The most popular can be found in the south, such as San Agustín, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico and Maspalomas with its famous dunes.

Of course, there are plenty of other coves and bays waiting to be discovered and enjoyed with total exclusivity - just some of the many surprises that this continent in miniature holds.