Gran Canaria, of the Canary Islands, has a population of over 1 million people. This makes Gran Canaria the most heavily populated island in Spain. The island is located about 93 miles off of the northwest coast of Africa and 838 miles to the south of Europe. The island’s capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria which is also both the largest city and the capital of the Canary Islands at large.
The island was first settled as early as 500 BC by the Canarii. Orginally called Tamaran (Land of the Brave), Gran Canaria was conquered by the Kingdom of Castile in 1483. In 1492, Christopher Columbus docked in the Port of Las Palmas en route to the Americas. The island has been a part of Spain since this very early conquest.
The climate of the city is noted for its variety. The coasts rarely see frost or snow, though the mountain ranges on the inner part of the island do. Some areas of the island see heavy rainfall while other areas see barely any rainfall at all. The southern part of the island is the most favorable during the summer months when the temperature averages in the upper 70s to low 80s F (24-27 C).
If you plan on visiting Gran Canaria, you can count yourself among the 2.2 million visitors to the island each year. Most of the tourists flock to the south coast so, if you’re intending on a less crowded atmosphere, you may want to head to one of the other coasts. While in Gran Canaria, there is much to see and do.
The Palmitos Park is a large bird park located in the south. Visitors can see birds native to the region that they may not see again in their lifetime. The Dunes of Maspalomas are a popular destination as is the lighthouse located nearby. If you love nature, you’ll adore Gran Canaria! With its many rocky outcroppings, mountains and forests, those tourists seeking outdoor adventure won’t be disappointed.
While on Gran Canaria, be sure to visit the town of Aguimes. Located on the eastern part of the island, the town has been restored to reflect the atmosphere of a quiet, traditional island center. Aguimes is home to well-preserved cave dwellings, Guayadeque Ravine and a church built directly into the hillside. The cave restaurants in Aguimes are worth the trip alone not to mention not to mention the scuba diving opportunities at the marine reserve.
The miles of beaches, acres of forest and bustling night life may just make Gran Canaria the best choice of island destinations! No matter what time of year you decide to vacation, you’ll find that the climate supports any and all activities on the island. Whether you stay at a resort or a smaller, more quaint hotel, you’re sure to have the time of your life on Gran Canaria.
|
Canary Islands |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Airports of Canary Islands |
||
|
|
||
