Gran Canaria is a place that attracts many tourists with its nature, cuisine, service and unique attractions. What to see, where to go and what to try for a complete experience on this Spanish island?
What to see in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the 2nd most visited Canary island. The capital, Las Palmas, is a lively city located in the northeast of the island. Particular attention should be paid to the historical center. The main attractions are located in the Vegeta area: the House of Columbus (the navigator lived here, now the building houses the Museum of Geographical Discoveries), the chapel of San Antonio Abad, the Cathedral of St. Anne, which combines several architectural styles, since it was built over 400 years, the city hall and eight dogs (which are on the Canary coat of arms), the Museum of the Canary Islands, the Museum of Spiritual Art and the Atlantic Center for Contemporary Art.
In addition to architectural monuments, Las Palmas has a huge port that can accommodate a supertanker. Also, special attention should be paid to the many kilometers of Las Canteras beach, separated from the ocean by a reef - there are no waves and the water is warmer. This is the best city beach, but locals, like tourists, prefer to relax in the south of the island - in Maspalomas, whose business card is the most beautiful sand dunes. It will be comfortable for everyone: both young people and the older public.
Maspalomas includes five resorts: in the east, Baia Feliz (suitable for windsurfing lovers) and San Agustin (a quiet town with a thalassotherapy center and a gray sand beach), Campo International in the center (a respectable resort with a natural oasis of palm trees), Meloneras (a new promising resort with large hotels) and the most popular on the island - Playa del Ingles. Life in the latter does not subside even at night, it is fun here both in summer and in winter. There are many hotels and apartments of different price categories, an excellent beach, shops, bars, restaurants, discos - you will definitely not be bored in Playa del Ingles.
Puerto Rico is another popular resort in Gran Canaria. Here you can enjoy sea fishing, diving, water skiing or just boat trips. Puerto Rico has everything to relax, but not as noisy as Playa del Inglés, so families with children are more likely to go here.
"Canary Venice" - Puerto de Mogan - is located to the west. The canals and bridges of the village make it look like a famous Italian city. Narrow streets decorated with flowers, pretty houses - it's nice to walk here. There are few hotels, more apartments, the promenade is full of restaurants, some of which are considered the best on the island.
As for the sights, one of the first to visit is the "Palmitos Park" in the south. The shows of exotic and birds of prey, as well as parrots, attract both children and adults. You can see the butterfly house, walk in the cactus garden, enjoy the beauty of orchids, visit a children's farm and play with pets.
The water park in Maspalomas awaits those who love water slides at any time of the year. It is larger and more varied than Tenerife.
In a canyon near Maspalomas, there is a Wild West theme park: cowboys, Indians, sheriffs, saloons - a setting like a western. During the day, scenes from the life of the Wild West are played out in the park, and on Friday nights it is worth going to a barbecue dinner, where tourists will find fried meat, free alcohol, a shooting and chase show, as well as a cancan from local beauties.
In Maspalomas there is also an entertainment center "Holiday World": attractions, bowling, disco, slot machines, several restaurants and even a health center will help tourists diversify their leisure time.
In Gran Canaria, there is one unusual picturesque gorge, Guayadeque. Modern people live here in real caves. In their homes they have televisions and other civilized household items, they visit their church, there is a restaurant in the rock where you can taste real Canarian cuisine.
The old and picturesque cities of Gran Canaria, located mainly in the central and northern part of the island, are very interesting: Teror, Arucas, Aguimes, Firgas, San Bartolome de Tirajana. Small houses with carved balconies, old basilicas - patriarchal comfort will not leave anyone indifferent. You can also take a trip to the picturesque mountains of Gran Canaria.
In the west of the island, there is a Cactus Park, where you can not only admire rare and not very specimens, but also buy one as a souvenir. Nearby is the observation deck Mirador del Balcon.
Those who are interested in the life of the indigenous population of the Canary Islands should visit the village of "Aboriginal World".
Gran Canaria in all its diversity promises tourists an excellent beach holiday and a good entertainment program, no matter what time of the year they come here. At the same time, the climate and water temperature here are several degrees warmer than on other islands, which is especially important in the winter season.
