Grancanaria, Canary Islands: description, attractions, climate, nature, tourism

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

It is easy to succumb to the charm of the island of Grancanaria, from which the name of the entire archipelago comes, which is called the archipelago of eternal spring. It has so many attractions that everyone will be impressed by this place with something of their own. Some will be enchanted by the nature of Grancanaria in the Canary Islands with its unique landscapes, others by its beautiful beaches, others by exciting excursions through volcanic mountain ranges.

General information

In one day you can walk above the clouds, and admire the underwater life, watch dolphins and take part in a street fiesta. It's hard to imagine a better place to stay.

Grancanaria, in the Canary Islands, enjoys a mild subtropical fine climate that is conducive to relaxation. The island is green all the days of the year, the average annual air temperature is 22 ° C, and the sun can be seen in the sky every day. Given the favorable climate and sunnyweather, the tourist season in Gran Canaria lasts all year round.

When to go

In the autumn-winter period, prices for tours fall. Sometimes you can find very profitable promotions, so it is worth considering a trip at this time. In this regard, tourism to Grancanaria, the Canary Islands is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from Russia, organized for recreation, as well as an attractive destination for individual excursions.

Active Leisure

All year round, the island remains a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The diversity of the geography of Grancanaria, the Canary Islands, provides conditions for the practice of many sports (the local golf courses are famous), and this sport ranges from typical recreation to professional competitions.

Geography

This is the third largest island in the archipelago of the Canary Islands, located between the islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura. The area of this round island is 1600 km2 and the width is 47 km. Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands has numerous rises, ravines or volcanic cones favorable for climbing, hiking and cycling. The highest point is Pico de las Nieves (1949 m above sea level). It is often said that Grancanaria in the Canary Islands is a mini-continent, a conclusion drawn from the varied climate variations on the island itself. The north tends to be colder from a scorching midday, and the mountainous areas are always overcast and rainy. Herehigh temperatures prevail and, as a rule, a lot of sun. The capital of the island of Las Palmas is located in the northeastern part of Grancanaria in the Canary Islands.

Hotels

Guests are waiting for numerous hotels for a variety of budgets. Apartments with a kitchenette and all inclusive meals are extremely popular among tourists. An additional advantage is the location directly on the ocean. Among the 4-star facilities visitors recommend is Cordial Mogan Playa, which has very good customer reviews. This impressive Canarian-style hotel is located 300 meters from the center of Puerto de Mogán. The Hotel Prestige-Gloria Palace 4in San Augustine enjoys a similar trust. For more demanding guests, there is the five-star Hotel Santa Catalina, considered one of the most luxurious in the Canary Islands.

Attractions

The main advantage of Grancanaria in the Canary Islands is the wonderful weather, thanks to which you can soak up one of the many sandy beaches. Free time should be diversified a little by choosing excursions in this area. There are several interesting sights of Grancanaria to choose from. An extremely diverse landscape, steep cliffs, sunny weather and sandy beaches are just some of the island's many advantages.

It is worth going on an excursion to Telde (a visit to the picturesque city center and cave caves is recommendedhouses) or Roque Nublo (monolithic rock).

Regions

Main regions of the island:

• The Maspalomas region is the most popular region among tourists in Grancanaria, covering the southern part of the island. It is home to numerous natural attractions, including the famous dunes of Maspalomas.
• The region of Las Palmas is the eastern region of the island, this is the place where the capital is located - the old and at the same time noisy Las Palmas.
• The Northwest region is a region that hasn't yet been fully opened up to mass tourism, so a little more tranquility can be found here. It is worth seeing the local nature, including Tamadaba Park or the Painted Caves.
• Central region - the majestic mountains and charming valleys of the central part of the island are a real find for nature lovers. Here rises the highest peak of the island - Pico de las Nieves and the famous rock Roque Nublo.

History

When going to get acquainted with the population of Grancanaria in the Canary Islands, it makes sense to take into account the history of these places. In ancient times, the Canary Islands, called the Happy Islands, were in the zone of interests of the Greeks and Romans. The inhabitants of these lands were the Guanches, a people related to the Berbers. Europeans arrived on the islands around XIV. Over the following centuries, French, Castilian and Portuguese expeditions were sent here.

Grancanaria, however, remained little explored during the so-called era of the Lord, when the Canary Islandscolonized. These places came under Spanish citizenship only in the Royal era, which began in 1477. The 17th and 18th centuries brought economic crisis and emigration. In the 19th century, there was a kind of competition between Grancanaria and Tenerife for position in the region. The authorities were the first to try to strengthen the island - a French consulate and military organizations independent of Tenerife arose. The current capital of the island, Las Palmas, was founded in 1478. Since the 20th century, the island has become very popular among tourists and has remained so to this day. Scientists argue about the origin of the name of the island. It is still assumed that it comes from the name of the Canarian dog Can, but it is currently believed that the name comes from the word "Canaria" - the proper name of an African tribe that once lived on the island.

Activity options

According to tourists, active recreation is very common here. Most of the beaches offer a variety of sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, thanks to strong winds and waves.

Diving off the coast of Grancanaria is also popular: the we alth of the Atlantic Ocean opens here - volcanic caves and thousands of species of fauna.

Fishing is another recreational option: the surrounding waters provide a habitat for many species of fish.

The next option is sailing. The largest harbor is Las Palmas, other popular places where you can anchor the boat are Pasito Blanco, Puerto de Mogan, Puerto Rico.

From the port in Puerto Rico, cruises are organized during which you can watch dolphins. Many yachts offer sea excursions - on conventional boats, catamarans, glass-bottom boats and even submarines.

The island has many clubs and 9 golf courses, including close to Maspalomas, Playa de Tauro and Las Palmas.

Horse riding is popular, especially around Maspalomas.

Skydiving, piloting course and plane trips are a great offer for thrill-seekers. 5.5 km from San Augustin is the main skydiving center in the area.

Many hotels in the departments have their own tennis courts, in Las Palmas there is also a "Club de Tennis".

Grancanaria also has numerous spas, wellness, fitness centers, etc.

Mountain landscapes are beautiful, climbing, hiking, cycling and horseback riding excursions are made on a hill. Jeep, camel or donkey safari tours are organized on the island. There is also indoor karting in the San Augustin area.

Wrestling - a sport already known in antiquity is developing on the island thanks to the island Canarian Wrestling Federation - two wrestlers try to knock down their opponent on the sandy territory.

There are many interesting traditional sports in Grancanaria such as jumping, boulder lifting and pushing, stick fighting, garrote fighting and so on.

Reviews

Fans of various water sports:Surfing, sailing, diving, snorkeling and sport fishing enthusiasts have long appreciated the excellent conditions available in the Atlantic Ocean around the Canary Islands. Lovers of sunbathing and swimming rest on sandy and pebble beaches. Reliable, consistent sunshine awaits all visitors based on their reviews.

Grancanaria is a great place for hiking. It has an extensive network of hiking trails (about 2 thousand km of paths and roads with varying degrees of difficulty). Judging by the reviews, the routes are usually varied, and traveling along them provides many amazing experiences. A particularly beautiful view opens from miradores - specially prepared points of view (there are more than 30 of them).

The island is suitable for a successful family vacation, not only because of the opportunities to practice various sports, but also because of the amusement parks. You can spend the whole day in them interestingly, for example, watching an animal show or indulging in water procedures. Another form of entertainment could be dolphin and whale watching trips across the Atlantic, with charter flights to other islands in the archipelago.

Tourists say the local towns are beautiful: full of white houses, Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves and "little Venice", Puerto de Mogán, where you can stroll through the streets among beautiful bridges and canals.

Walking through the historic heart of the old town of Las Palmas is a must when visiting the island. It is worth going to the largest city beach of the Canary Islands - Playade las Canteras , as seasoned travelers advise.