Gran Canaria ocean. Gran Canaria, Spain: last minute tours, beach holidays and the best hotels on the island from tour operator PEGAS Touristik at reasonable prices

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Why go and what to see in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the Canary Islands archipelago. Gran Canaria is famous throughout the world for its amazing natural landscapes and developed resort infrastructure. Holidays in Gran Canaria are considered one of the most popular among all the Canary Islands, although among Russian tourists The resorts of the island are still little developed and not so widely known. This is partly due to the fact that there are no direct flights between Russia and Gran Canaria, like, say, to the neighboring island of Tenerife.

Gran Canaria is famous for its sand dunes Maspalomas, the caldera of the ancient Bandama volcano, lunar landscapes, botanical gardens and a crocodile park, architectural heritage and, of course, long sandy beaches and developed hotel and transport infrastructure. Resorts in Gran Canaria are often chosen by respectable Europeans, which indicates the high quality of local service. And the local nature will not leave indifferent any traveler looking for new experiences. Read more about how to organize your own .

Andreas Øverland/Landscapes of Gran Canaria

Visa and entry rules for Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Archipelago, which, in turn, is part of Spain, therefore, to visit Gran Canaria you must open a Schengen or Spanish national visa. For a short-term trip for tourism purposes, it will be enough to open a type C visa. Open Spanish visa You can do this at the Spanish embassy or consulate (Moscow, St. Petersburg) or at numerous Spanish visa centers, which are located in almost every major city. To obtain a visa, a standard set of documents for the Schengen zone is submitted, which includes a valid passport, a certificate from the place of work, a completed application form, hotel/apartment reservations, return air tickets, travel insurance (insurance amount of at least 30 thousand euros) and some other certificates in individually (for example, documents for children, etc.).

Entry rules for Gran Canaria are standard according to general rules Schengen. During passport control You may be asked to provide a printout of your travel insurance, hotel reservation, or return tickets, so you must have a copy with you. Otherwise, the procedure is unified and does not take much time.

mazzamazza/Las Palmas Promenade

Climate and weather in Gran Canaria

The climate of Gran Canaria varies significantly between the northern (windward) and southern (leeward) parts of the island. Southern Gran Canaria boasts a mild, sunny, warm climate; it is not surprising that most resorts are located in this part of the island. On the north side, on the contrary, strong winds usually blow, and the beaches are more suitable for surfing than for sunbathing and swimming. In the heart of the island there are quite high mountains; they prevent the northern winds from penetrating into the southern part of the island.

The beach resorts of Gran Canaria are considered year-round; even in winter the thermometer rarely drops below +20 degrees. Precipitation on the island occurs only in the form of short rain, most often in early spring or late autumn. Summer in Gran Canaria is almost always hot, sunny, with minimal rainfall. The mild weather in Gran Canaria makes the island a popular destination for those tourists who are in a hurry to escape the gray and cold of winter, since even in winter the island will delight with its colors, the green of the Mediterranean plants and the blue of the ocean.

Ernst Jürgen Schwarzmeier/Landscapes of Gran Canaria

How to get to Gran Canaria

A special feature of traveling to Gran Canaria from Russia is the lack of direct flights, which is more than compensated for by a variety of connecting flights. For example, you can get to Gran Canaria with a transfer in Madrid or Barcelona, ​​as well as with a transfer on the neighboring island of Tenerife, where direct flights fly from Russia. From Tenerife, in turn, you can get to Gran Canaria by local airlines or by ferry. Learn more about each option.

Flights from Moscow with a transfer in Barcelona or Madrid are operated by Spanish air carriers Vueling or Iberia. The duration of the flight depends on the duration of the transfer itself (from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona - 4.5-5 hours + from Madrid or Barcelona to Gran Canaria - 2 hours 50 minutes). You can check the flight schedule on various aggregator sites, such as Aviasales, Buruki and others.

In Gran Canaria there is an international arrival airport, Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria, located 25 kilometers from the administrative center of the island - the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and 32 kilometers from the famous Maspalomas dunes, which are considered the most famous natural attraction of the island. You can get to the resorts of Gran Canaria from the airport by regular buses that run to all major holiday destinations, or take a taxi upon arrival.

A convenient way to get to your desired hotel is to pre-order an individual transfer. It is especially relevant if you arrive on the island late in the evening or at night, or if you are carrying a large number of luggage You can order an individual transfer on international services by type , and others. The cost of such a trip starts from 35-40 euros one way, depending on the distance of the resort (the approximate cost is indicated, check the exact cost at the services).

Cristian Bortes/Roads in Gran Canaria

From Tenerife to Gran Canaria

Direct flights from Moscow to Tenerife are operated by Aeroflot, the flight time is just over 7 hours. You can fly from Tenerife to Gran Canaria using local airlines; the travel time is only half an hour. If you are flying from other cities of Russia, you will need a transfer in Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport). You can check the flight schedule on various aggregator sites, such as Aviasales, Buruki and others.

In addition to the flight, you can also get to Gran Canaria from Tenerife by ferry, although this method is considered longer. Please note that the port where ferries from Tenerife arrive is located in the north of Gran Canaria, from there you can get to, for example, Las Palmas or other resorts by bus. Ferry services are carried out by companies Fred Olsen Express And Naviera Armas. Check the schedule on the official ferry websites.

Cristian Bortes/Maspalomas streets

Public transport in Gran Canaria

Getting around Gran Canaria is quite possible using public transport. Between the main settlements the company's regular buses run Global. On the official website you can check the schedule and cost of travel to the points you need. In total, there are more than 100 public transport routes on the island, so you can reach even the most remote areas of Gran Canaria. The fare directly depends on the distance. You can pay for the bus fare in cash at a special machine at the entrance, or, if you are planning more than one trip, you can purchase a travel ticket.

Car rental in Gran Canaria

Car rental is a popular option in Gran Canaria because... it provides a certain freedom of movement. Most often, a car is rented directly at the arrival airport. This is quite convenient, because... In this way, you can simultaneously solve the problem of transfer to the hotel. In addition, the airport is where the largest number of rental offices providing rental services are located (about 13 offices). If you wish, you can also rent a car at the resorts of the island; for example, Orlando and Avis offices are open in Las Palmas; in Bailly Feliz - Orlando; in Meloneras - Orlando and Avis; in Playa de Inglés – Orlando, Europcar, Keddy. You can compare offers from car rental companies throughout Gran Canaria on specialized websites, , and others like that, in order to decide where it is ultimately more profitable to rent a car.

To rent a car, you must have a passport, driver's license and a bank card to pay for the deposit blocking service. After signing the rental agreement, you will also be offered to take out insurance (full or partial at your choice). In rental offices in Gran Canaria you can rent cars of any class - mini, economy, compact, medium-sized, family and sports cars, station wagons, minivans, SUVs and even convertibles; cars are available with both automatic and manual transmissions.

Andreas Øverland/Unexpected turns in Gran Canaria

Resorts and beaches of Gran Canaria

Basic beach resorts Gran Canaria is concentrated in the southern part of the island. This is due to a more favorable climate (the southern part of the island is protected from the winds mountain range, located in the center of Gran Canaria). The resorts in the southern part of the island are ideal for family vacation, since the sea here is always warm, the entrance to the water is gentle, there are almost no waves, since there is no wind, and the beaches themselves are quite long, with a fine sandy surface.

This does not mean that there are no beaches in the northern part of the island, but rather strong winds blow here, so local beaches are more suitable for surfing, kiting and other extreme sports than for swimming and sunbathing. Many of the beaches in the northern part of the island are protected areas and are of amazing beauty, although they are not suitable for swimming. These include, in particular, beaches Gooey Gooey, Faroneke, Guaedra, Puerto de las Nieves, Sardine, Puertillo and others.

As for the southern part of the island, the most popular resort areas here are considered Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Campo International, Meloneras, Baia Feliz, San Augustine, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán and others, smaller ones. This is where the well-groomed coastlines with sand of all possible colors - from white and golden to dark volcanic. The beaches of Gran Canaria in this part of the island are equipped with everything you need - from sunbeds and umbrellas to rental of water equipment. The beaches are guarded and there are rescue points. Toilets and showers are also available. The beaches in Gran Canaria are municipal, i.e. There is no entrance fee (fees may only be charged for additional services, such as rental of sun loungers or umbrellas).

Among the endless beaches of Gran Canaria, the beaches of Maspalomas are definitely worth visiting. – This National Park dunes The dunes are located right on the coast, but if you move deeper into the reserve, you can feel like you are in the middle of the Sahara Desert. It is believed that the sand dunes in Maspalomas appeared due to the winds and proximity of the African continent. At the same time, Maspalomas is a developed tourist center with convenient infrastructure. In addition to the standard set of services in the form of hotels, restaurants and bars, you can also find amusement parkHolidayWorld And aquaparkAqualandMaspalomas.

William Warby/Beaches of Puerto de Mogán

Sights of Gran Canaria

The attractions of Gran Canaria are very diverse, be it natural landscapes or man-made monuments. Several of the island's attractions are so rare and unique that travelers visit Gran Canaria specifically for them. These, of course, include the Maspalomas dunes and the Bandama caldera.

ABOUT dunes of Maspalomas There are many different legends, their appearance here is quite mysterious. Gran Canaria was once formed in a way typical of the Canary Islands - volcanic, so the appearance of a large massif white sand This is a real mystery here. So far, scientists are of the opinion that the dunes were blown by winds from the African continent, i.e. The sands of Maspalomas are essentially the sands of the Sahara Desert. In any case, interest in this phenomenon does not dry up, and many tourists fly to Gran Canaria just to wander in the sands of Maspalomas.

Tobias Scheck/Maspalomas Dunes

Another amazing natural attraction of the island is the caldera of the ancient Bandama volcano. The diameter of the crater is so large (about one kilometer) that several walking routes have been laid to it, allowing you to go down. The beauty of the crater can also be appreciated at the top, on the observation deck of Pico de Bandama, from there you can enjoy stunning views that allow you to appreciate the former power of the volcano. Near the caldera there is a small village of potters La Atalaya, here you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old city and look into countless pottery workshops.

To see the architectural monuments of the island, you should definitely go to administrative center- city . This city is quite large by the standards of the island. Here are located Chapel of San Antonio, Santa Ana Squareand the church of the same name, Regental palaces And Consistorial, in addition, it is in Las Palmas that there is Columbus House Museum, The landmark is truly iconic. Curious in her own way Las Palmas harbor, which has an impressive scale. And in the hottest weather you can take refuge in Las Palmas in Doramas Gardens, where landscape delights and rare species of southern plants will delight you.

El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía & Video/Caldera de Bandama

Hotels in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has an extensive hotel base. Resorts with the most developed hotel infrastructure Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Playa del Inglés, Arinaga, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Agaete, Puerto de Mogán, San Agustin and others are considered. Here you can find hotels for every taste - all star categories (from one to five stars, as well as hotels without stars), with various food options (including options - breakfast only, three meals a day, all inclusive), with a variety of additional options (sauna , swimming pool, parking, on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa area, etc.).

Gran Canaria is a year-round resort, so there is no concept of high or low seasons here. Accordingly, housing prices do not differ much depending on the time of year. Despite the fact that Gran Canaria is considered a respectable resort, you can still find completely different accommodation options here, incl. and at quite affordable prices. The main thing in this case is to look for and book accommodation as early as possible before your arrival date. Various hotel booking services will help with this, for example, Booking, Roomguru and others similar.

So, popular hotels in Gran Canaria are:

• Hotel Casa Mozart 3*

  Apartments Gran Canaria

  In addition to traditional hotels, apartment rentals are very popular in Gran Canaria. Often, this type of accommodation costs slightly less than a hotel room, plus a freer environment, no hotel rules, and you will understand why apartments in Gran Canaria are so in demand. You can find apartments at any resort on the island. These can be either separate apartments or apart-hotels. Please note that catering is usually not available in these hotels. It’s better to look for suitable options using the same Booking.com and other similar services. Please remember that accommodation must be booked before arriving in Gran Canaria as... A printout of the reservation is provided when applying for a Spanish visa; in addition, you may be required to present your reservation at passport control upon arrival.

  Travel insurance

  When going on a trip to Gran Canaria or any other island of the Canary archipelago, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the registration stage tourist visa to Spain (must be presented when applying for a visa). You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this, such as , and others. You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.

  Insurance must be enclosed with your visa documents, and you must also have it with you when going through passport control upon arrival at Gran Canaria airport. Please note that the minimum amount of insurance coverage for a trip to the Schengen countries (including Spain) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Spain is paid and in each individual case can be very expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity. If you plan to engage in extreme sports, then it makes sense to choose insurance for active recreation.

  
  GanMed64/Sand dunes of Maspalomas

  We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

  Photo at the beginning of the article: Andrew Callow

The island of Gran Canaria (Gran Canaria, Grand Canary, 1560 sq. km) is the third largest in the archipelago. It is a rounded island with a diameter of approximately 50 km, capped by the volcanic cone Pico de las Nieves (1949 m). Gran Canaria is often called the "small continent" due to the huge diversity of climate conditions, landscapes and natural areas, concentrated in such a small area. The diversity of local landscapes also contributes a lot to this, which is why the island is under protection and has the status biosphere reserve UNESCO, and some of its areas are closed to the public (there are 32 protected areas in total). The central mountain range, running from northwest to southeast, provides the difference in weather conditions between parts of the island - the dry and sunny south in its natural and climatic conditions is noticeably different from the slightly cooler, but noticeably more humid northern coast.

The southern part of the island is an endless series of resorts (San Agustin, and Sonnenland), leading to the famous dune beach, included in the list of 100 best beaches world (the total length of beaches is more than 17 km). There is also a bird park, two amusement parks, the Palmetum botanical garden (area 120 thousand sq. m) with a large collection of palm trees and its own system of reservoirs, as well as an ethnographic museum and a business center (the project is still not completed, so limited access for tourists is possible only to Palm Park). The picturesque lighthouse and lagoon of Maspalomas, the reptile parks Reptilandia and Cocodrilos Park are widely known.

Among other natural attractions of the island, tourists are attracted by the harsh rock monolith of Roque Nublo (height 80 m), the cave complex of Cenobio de Valeron (the most interesting archaeological park in the Canaries), the botanical gardens of Jardín Canario in Tafira Alta and Cactualdea in La Aldea de San Nicolas. The famous El Dedo de Dios rock, jutting out of the sea at Puerto de la Nieves, lost its famous "spire" to Hurricane Delta (2005), but numerous adjacent underwater caves and reefs, and Also, diving schools were not affected. Other famous rock formations - El Cura (El Fraile), La Rana, Bentayja, Roque de Gando and Penon Bermejo - have also been preserved in their original form. The small villages and Puerto de Mogán, often called “little Venice” due to its numerous canals, are also famous as first-class sea fishing centers.

The capital of the island - (full name - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) lies on the northern shore and is considered the center of nightlife.

To the town Terror You should definitely visit for the beautiful local beaches, water park and excellent snorkeling conditions. Town located in the east of the island Aguimes Famous for its carefully restored historical center and the many inhabited Guanche caves that can be found around the city, especially in the Guayadeque Gorge area (here there is even a church and restaurants built into the slope). In the same area are the windsurfing center Pozo Isquierd and the best dive sites of the island, and part of the El Cabron coast in the area of ​​the town Arinaga protected as a marine reserve. In the town Arucas there is a magnificent neo-Gothic temple around Galdara Many ancient settlements have been discovered (including the mysterious Cueva Portada cave and Cueva Pintada, which has the status of national park) and graves, and a fishing town Arkhinekhin, lying on the western part of the south coast, is famous for its market - the largest on the island, as well as a first-class beach and a large Norwegian commune, which built its churches, school and hospital here. In the old capital of the Guanches Telde you can see the Cuarto Puertas cave complex.

Canary Islands We already clearly associate them with an elite and comfortable holiday, with gorgeous beaches and expensive parties. Typically, celebrities and people with above-average incomes like to relax here. But besides them, anyone who learns more about these Paradise islands, strives with all his might to get here. And this is not without reason. The island of Gran Canaria is one of three islands in the Canary archipelago, famous for its unique natural landscape. The island is known as a “continent in miniature” - here everyone will find something to their liking. This feature makes it different from the other 2 islands.

Gran Canaria is one of three islands in the Canary archipelago, located in the Kingdom of Spain. Third largest, after the islands of Tenerife and Fuertoventura, with with total area 1560.1 sq. km. The capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the center of cultural and trading life islands and the largest city in the Canaries.

There are numerous attractions here that preserve incredible Spanish history and architecture to this day. Some of them are over 500 years old. For example, one of the main architectural creations in the city is the Christopher Columbus Museum, which contains unique historical value. The Canario Museum amazes with its diverse collection of exhibits from different eras and times. And the Canary Cathedral, made in mixed architectural style, surprises with its interior and exterior richness.

One of the main reasons for the large influx of merchants, traders and all those who formed the main population of local residents is one of the most famous ports in the world - Puerto de la Luz, which has been allowing for centuries to regulate the work of merchant ships between Africa, Europe and America .

Another reason why everyone wants to go to this island is undoubtedly its ideal climate. The director of climatology at a university in the United States conducted a study according to which the weather in the city of Las Palmas is the best in the world. Although the climate here is tropical desert, it is also very mild and dry, without sudden temperature changes throughout the year. average temperature in winter +19…+22 °C, in summer +24…+30 °C. This natural phenomenon is possible due to its favorable location mountain peaks, protecting the city and the southern territory with beaches from cold northern winds; and the cold Canary Current, cooling the city, during the period of influence of hot air from the Sahara.

The unique natural landscape of Gran Canaria is also interesting, for which the island is nicknamed “a continent in miniature”. After all, you can find up to 14 microclimatic zones on it: here are mountain ranges with snow on the tops, lush tropical vegetation at the foot of the mountains, and desert areas.

Beaches and main resorts of Gran Canaria

Tourism in Gran Canaria is the main economic sector that brings constant income to the island. Every year the mild climate attracts millions of tourists, mainly Europeans. For a long time, beach tourism was considered the main type of recreation, but now water sports such as windsurfing, rural and cycling tourism, and golf clubs are becoming increasingly popular (the island has 8 golf clubs).

The south of the island is 5 km of pristine long beaches located in the famous tourist center of Maspalomas. A unique spectacle here is the Dunes with golden sand, reminiscent of a miniature version of the Sahara Desert. General beach line on the island is 50 km.

Interesting! Near Maspalomas there are beaches for nudists. And next to the Dunes, near Bar 7, there is a place popular among homosexuals.

There are 6 resort areas in Maspalomas:

• Playa del Inglés. Popular among Europeans, active recreation, Entertainment Center and active night life, sand beach;
• Playa del Aguila. Popular with Germans, mostly pebble beach, budget type of accommodation, relaxing holiday;
• Bahia Feliz. Popular among surfers, located close to the airport, strong currents, pebble beach;
• San Agustin. Popular among couples and surfers, no strong winds, gray sandy beach, relaxing holiday;
• Meloneras. Popular with golf lovers, an elite resort with 5-star hotels and many shops and restaurants, a relaxing holiday, but without its own beach;
• Campo International. Popular with golf lovers, relaxing and expensive holidays, prestigious resort with first class 5 star hotels and dense vegetation, located next to the dunes and sandy beach.

Also, the beaches of Puerto de Mogan and Puerto Rico are very popular. These are small tourist areas specializing in yachting and aquatic species sports On the territory of Puerto Rico there is a small sandy beach from which excursions by sea depart and where windsurfing is especially popular. Puerto de Mogán is a former fishermen's village with historical architecture.

The main attractions of Gran Canaria

Famous towns and areas that represent the cultural and architectural significance of the island: Las Palmas, Galdar, Teror, Arucas, Telde, Fataga, La Atalaya. Numerous Canarian streets with local architecture, churches and famous cathedrals, houses of historical significance, local folk culture - all this annually attracts tourists from different countries.

Interesting! The most exciting walking path is located in La Aldea de San Nicolás. Walking along it, you can enjoy the beauty of the artificial lakes of the island.

Famous museum located in the old district of Vegueta, the city of Las Palmas. It includes 11 large rooms containing a diverse historical collection of objects from throughout the Spanish archipelago. The museum's exhibits include: ceramics, divine figurines of antiquity, mummies, and building models. Different eras are represented here: from 500 BC. e. until the 15th century. Of greater interest may be the remains of Cro-Magnons and objects belonging to the indigenous Canarian inhabitants - the Guanche people. There is a small souvenir shop on the museum grounds. The museum can be visited on any day of the week, except the second half of Saturday and Sunday.

Columbus House

Columbus House - former residence Columba, today, is a museum dedicated to famous geographical discoveries and great navigators, located in the Vegueta district of Las Palmas. 12 halls display original exhibits and reconstructions. The underground room contains objects from before the era of Columbus. The building also houses a research center and library. Columbus's house is a real architectural monument. It was reconstructed only once - in 1777, but the main features of the colonial style remained unchanged. The museum is open to visitors 7 days a week, except December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

The Atlantic Center for Contemporary Art, located in the Vegueta district of Las Palmas, has more than 2,600 exhibits in its collection. The main goal of the museum is to show how the development of modern Canarian culture is influenced by African, European and Latin American traditions. The old building of the center of the 18th century is made in the colonial style and houses a library with printed publications on art. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday, December 24 and 31.

This is the most important part cultural heritage Gran Canaria. The museum is located in the Pueblo Canario area, in Las Palmos, and is a collection of artistic works by the famous artist Nestor de la Torre. Here, in 10 halls, all the works of the great artist are collected, the main one of which is the famous rotunda, with 8 frescoes “The Sea Poem”. Nestor himself came up with the architecture of this building, and it was designed by the artist’s brother, in the traditional Canarian style. The museum is open to the public 7 days a week.

A huge family entertainment center, Palmitos Park, is located in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, including:

• dolphinarium (3 large pools with five dolphins, surrounding landscapes of extraordinary beauty);
• a botanical garden with birds (exotic flamingos, ibis, toucans, parrots, birds - rhinoceroses, pelicans and emus - neighbor each other in large and spacious cages);
• aquarium (2 zones in the aquarium: with fresh and salt water; a wide variety of fish and marine animals, including exotic species);
• primate island (gibbons and orangutans, aardvarks, wallabies and meerkats live in this area);
  orchid house (the largest collection of orchids on the island);
• cactus garden (more than 100 species of cacti, from small to 4 meters);
• Butterfly House (the largest collection of butterflies in all of Europe).

The park is open to the public 365 days a year.

Canary Cathedral

The Canarian Cathedral, or Santa Ana Cathedral, is located in the old district of Vegueta, the capital of Gran Canaria. Today, this is the building of the Cathedral Diocese. It is the main architectural monument of the island. It was the first to receive basilica status from the Pope and was named in honor of St. Anne, the patroness of the city. Displays classical and baroque style. The cathedral is open to the public every day.

Mogan Bay

Puerto de Mogán is a small resort town in the west of Gran Canaria, which attracts a large number of tourists thanks to its unique natural bay surrounded by picturesque cliffs. There are no strong currents or winds, the water warms up well and there is a gently sloping sandy entrance to the sea. There are all conditions for a relaxing and comfortable family holiday with children. The yacht port, which is located in the bay, can be used both individually by tourists and as part of a group to book excursions.

Interesting! In Puerto de Mogán Bay you can take a boat ride with a transparent bottom and see all the beauty of the underwater world.

Painted cave Cueva Pintada

The Cueva Pintada cave is one of the main cultural attractions of the Canary Islands. It exists within archaeological park, located on the territory of the former capital of the island, in the town of Galdar. It consists of 6 interconnected caves, painted by primitive people who lived in these territories. The cave is open to visitors 7 days a week.

Archaeological Park of Cenobio de Valeron

Unique archaeological find and the pride of the Canary Islands, located in the north of the island. It is a huge granary, carved out of a snow-white rock, in which local residents have stored their food - cereals - since ancient times. 300 barns communicating with each other at different levels present a unique beauty ancient heritage. Now the park is fully equipped for excursions and visits by tourists, from Tuesday to Sunday.

We can talk endlessly about Gran Canaria. This is as diverse an island as you can imagine. Anyone who goes to this amazing piece of land in the middle of the ocean will definitely find entertainment and relaxation to their liking.

Excursion, active, sports, beach recreation is only a small part of what the island can offer to its travelers. One thing is clear: it’s not for nothing that Gran Canaria is very popular among Europeans, who consider it one of the best holiday destinations. At the same time, the island is not yet heavily populated by Russian vacationers, which gives you the opportunity to be one of the first to enjoy a luxurious vacation on this wonderful island, and upon arrival, tell everyone you know about your adventures.

• The island of Gran Canaria is located in the center of the Canary archipelago and belongs to the Kingdom of Spain.
• Gran Canaria is located in the area of ​​the Atlantic Ocean known as Macaronesia, which includes the Canary Islands, as well as the Madeira archipelago, Azores and the Cape Verde Islands.
• The closest point of the African coast is approximately 180 km from Gran Canaria, and mainland Spain is 1,250 km away.
• The third largest island of the Canary archipelago and covers an area of ​​1560 km 2.
• Most high point Pico de las Nieves (1970 meters above sea level) is located in the very center of the island.
• Gran Canaria can be proud of its coastline, which has a total length of 236 km, of which 60 km are natural beaches with sand of different colors...

• Maspalomas Beach, with its amazing sand dunes that look like a mini-desert, is included in the list of the 100 best beaches in the world.
• The island is called a “continent in miniature,” which is quite justified - beach, mountains, desert, pine and laurel forests, many microclimates and all this diversity on a small piece of land.
• The archipelago is located in the Western European Time zone; there is a transition to summer time.
• According to a study by scientists from Syracuse University (USA), the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has the best climate in the world.
• 4,800 hours of daylight per year puts Gran Canaria first in Europe for this indicator.
• The city of Mogan, located on the south coast, is the place with the most sunny days in the entire European Union.
• The average temperature on the island is about +22°C, making it possible to swim in the ocean and sunbathe even in winter.
• The Canary Islands are a territory of the European Union and the Eurozone and are protected by Spanish military forces and national structures.
• Gran Canaria is the most populous island of the Canary archipelago: its population is approximately 880,000 people (January 2015), representing 40.2% of the total population of the Canary Islands.
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, together with its surrounding communities, form an urban agglomeration with a population of 680,000 inhabitants - the largest in the Canary Islands and the ninth in Spain.
• The locals are cultured, friendly and sociable.
• The measured and leisurely lifestyle of the locals helps them relax, feel calm and enjoy their vacation.
• The absence of national conflicts, political and religious extremism makes this territory one of the safest in the world.
• Low crime rate, no crimes against individuals.
• In 1492, heading towards America before the discovery of the New World, Christopher Columbus himself and his entire fleet made a stop on the island. The House of Columbus - the most visited museum in the archipelago is located in the capital of the island.
• The birthplace of Benito Perez Galdos, the great Spanish short story writer of the 19th century, who created such works as Dona Perfecta and National Episodes.
• In February, Gran Canaria hosts the second largest and most colorful carnival after the Brazilian one. The celebration takes place not only in the capital, but also in other cities of the island. The carnival attracts thousands of participants and even more spectators from all over the world.
• Nightlife in Playa del Inglés is the most active in the Canary Islands; lovers of discos will also find something to their liking in Las Palmas and Meloneras.
• Las Palmas regularly hosts a Dance Festival and one of the International Film Festivals.
• It is in Las Palmas that the famous annual Transatlantic Regatta starts.
• The number of shopping centers and department stores on a relatively small island is amazing, where you can buy national and world famous brands.
• On the island you will find dozens of gardens, national and theme parks.
• Sioux City is an amusement park built in 1971 as a film set. The only city in Europe where everything is an exact copy of the American Wild West - bank, blacksmith shop, church, sheriff's office, cemetery, etc. Sioux City hosts daily shows and evening barbecues.
• Palmitospark is a themed zoo with botanical garden, located 10 km from Faro de Maspalomas. There is a dolphinarium, a butterfly house, an aquarium, an exhibition of amazing birds of prey, alligators and much more... And the show of dolphins and sea lions will not leave anyone indifferent.
• Cocodrilopark is a theme park with the largest exhibition of crocodiles in Europe (more than 500 individuals). Crocodile and bird shows are held here. It is also a center for the rescue and protection of exotic animals.
• Camel rides through the oasis in Arteara - Barranda, along a picturesque canyon.
• The cultural program on the island is very diverse; local concert halls are often visited by world-famous orchestras, choirs and world stars.
• The Pérez Galdós Theater hosts international ballet and opera companies, while the other three theaters offer a varied repertoire throughout the year.
• The Canarian Cathedral or St. Anne's Cathedral is the largest religious building in the archipelago and is considered the most important monument of Canarian architecture.
• Excellent gastronomy. The freshest seafood, fish, vegetables and fruits. Delicious wines and cheeses. And the prices will pleasantly surprise you.
• You can play sports all year round. Many professional athletes from European countries often choose Gran Canaria as a place to train in the winter.
• All conditions for sports such as swimming, sailing and golf are excellent here. For many world-class athletes, this is the launching pad.
• Gran Canaria was the first place in Spain to officially introduce golf, and the island is home to the oldest golf course in all of Europe, the Royal Las Palmas Golf Club.
• There are 8 golf clubs on the island.
• The island offers well developed tourism infrastructure, especially for sailing and yacht travel, a wide range water activities- surfing, windsurfing, diving.
• A million offers and opportunities await diving lovers in Gran Canaria. This volcanic island surprises divers with its richness depths of the sea, as well as the diversity and beauty of underwater landscapes.
• Surfers believe that here you can catch the best waves in Europe.
• Cycling is very popular; the largest cities have bike paths.
• Sea and air communications are well developed. Daily direct flights to mainland Spain and major European capitals.
• Gran Canaria Airport is located 18 km from the capital and in terms of passenger turnover it is the largest in the Canary Islands, and the fifth in Spain (10,500,000 people in 2014).
• Flights between the islands operate several times a day, and flight times range from 30 to 50 minutes.
• The capital of the island is home to one of the most important ports in Spain and Europe – Puerto de Las Palmas.
• In 2011, the prestigious international magazine "Dream World Cruise Destinations" awarded Puerto de Las Palmas for the best sea connections, transport offer, hotels, baggage handling and level of tourism in the category Best Turnaround Port Operations 2010.
• The passenger turnover of Puerto de Las Palmas was 1,705,531 in 2014, of which 475,267 were passengers on tourist cruise ships.
• Puerto de las Nieves, the second passenger port, is located in the north-west of the island in Agaeta, 30 kilometers from the capital. Connects Gran Canaria with Tenerife.
• There is a construction project railway(TGC) on the route Agaete - Las Palmas - Maspalomas.
• Global transport company that carries out intercity Passenger Transportation(more than 32 million passengers/year). It has more than 305 buses and 120 routes that cover the entire island.
• Guaguas Municipales is the public transport company in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The city bus fleet includes 230 vehicles adapted for people with disabilities.
• Excellent internal connections, the journey from the south of the island to the capital takes only 40 minutes.
• Right-hand traffic.
• There is no need to get any vaccinations before traveling to the island.
• Thanks to the mild climate, acclimatization is easy here.
• Here, as throughout Spain, for residents and tourists from European Union member countries medical services free.
• Citizens of other countries who have health insurance do not have problems receiving medical care.
• There are 2 large public hospitals on the island, and there are clinics in each area. The healthcare system is perfectly complemented by a very developed private healthcare sector.
• Many beauty salons, spa centers, aesthetic medicine clinics and hairdressing salons.
• The largest thalassotherapy center in Europe is located in San Agustin.
• Unique ecology - clean ocean, clean air and volcanic sand with healing properties.
• Gran Canaria is one of the most biologically diverse places on our planet.
• Thanks to the climate, over 100 plant species are endemic, and another 500 are found only in the Canary Islands.
• In recognition of Gran Canaria's biological diversity and in order to actively support environmental activities on the island, in 2005 UNESCO awarded it the status of a biosphere reserve, which occupies 46% of the island's area (69,000 hectares).
• Here, solutions have been developed and implemented to use the abundant energy available in Gran Canaria from the sun, wind and sea waves.
• Desalination plants, powered by solar energy, also convert seawater into clean fresh water suitable for domestic and agricultural use.
• Spain's largest wind farm is located in Arinaga, on the east coast of Gran Canaria, and construction is ongoing.
• To reduce household waste, collection points for recyclable materials have been installed throughout the island.
• Gran Canaria is excellent for the exploration and sustainable use of the sea, natural and energy resources, water and food, biodiversity, mitigation of climate change and its consequences.
• Luxury hotels and resorts are beginning to develop environmentally responsible policies, and subsidy programs are available to support sustainable practices in construction, industry and transportation.
• Is one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain, in 2014, Gran Canaria was visited by more than 4,000,000 tourists and Spanish citizens.
• The standard of hotels is higher than on other Canary Islands, and there is a huge selection of apartments to suit every budget.
• In total, the hotel sector offers more than 150,000 beds, 29,000 of them in 4-5 star hotels.
• Great for outdoor outdoor events
• Gran Canaria is not only a world-famous holiday destination, but also a very attractive place to live, more than 51,000 tourists own property here, and 90,000 rent housing annually for various periods of time.
• I can't help but be pleased with the price of gasoline from 0.93 €/l (January 2015).
• Prices for food and everyday goods compared to European prices, not high.
• Thanks to the mild climate, there is no need for heating, which reduces utility costs.
• The average property price is about 1,355 €/m2, while in mainland Spain the price is 1,588 €/m2.
• Affordable prices for car rental, from 28 €/day (for longer rental periods, offers from 12 €/day are possible).
• Restaurants are distinguished by high quality, excellent service and low prices. Dinner for two can cost starting from 25€.
• It is a favorite tourist destination in the global market, its attractive environment and excellent living conditions provide many opportunities for business development in this sector.
• Research centers, qualified human resources, and logistics have a positive impact on the development of innovative and technological activities.
• It is an attractive location for the film industry due to its excellent climate, natural diversity and special tax incentives.
• As one of the remote regions of the European Union, by 2020 Gran Canaria will be an excellent platform for business and for the introduction of new technologies for human development, health and environmental sustainability.
• It is part of the Canary Islands Special Economic Zone (ZEC), an area with a low tax rate for industrial, commercial and service activities.
• Tax rates reduced to 4% apply to ZEC zone properties, provided that they new company, which at least invested 100,000€ and created 5 jobs.
• Benefits for the production of tangible assets, which implies a 50% tax reduction on profits from production and industrial activities.
• The Canary Islands General Indirect Tax (IGIC) replaces VAT and is 7%.
• Taxes on alcoholic beverages, fuel, tobacco products and some vehicles are significantly lower than in the European Union zone.
• A free trade zone is a duty-free zone where the storage, transformation and distribution of goods is allowed for an unlimited period.
• In Gran Canaria, as well as throughout the archipelago, investment tax incentives apply.
• The island has the same educational system as throughout Spain.
• More than 500 public and private educational institutions providing primary and secondary education.
• There are prestigious international and bilingual (bilingual) schools for those wishing to study in English, German, French and other languages.
• Get higher education is possible at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), which offers 63 different courses and this moment has 22,500 students.
• The State University of Distance Education (UNED) has its representative office on the island. There are also other private universities and business schools.

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular Canary resorts. In large tourist centers you will find a developed infrastructure, and in small villages there are ample opportunities for water sports, excursions, and recreation. The volcanic origin and proximity to Africa determine the unique nature of the island, which is worth seeing at least once.

Location

One of the islands of the Canary archipelago, which is located near the northwestern coast of Africa.

Beach

The southern coast is ideal for families with children, since the water warms up quickly, there are shallow waters, and there are practically no waves and wind.
- Maspalomas is famous for its beaches with golden sand, which was brought directly from the Sahara. And the real pearl of the area is the dunes. Here you will find beaches such as Bahia Feliz (a paradise for windsurfers), cozy and calm San Agustin, cheerful and crowded Inglés, as well as the wild coast of Meloneras.
​- The northern part is less suitable for ordinary beach holiday due to constant winds and big waves. But it is good to play sports here. And many areas are considered protected areas and surprise with their landscapes: Gui Gui, Guaedra, Nieves, Sardina, Puertillo. They attract lovers of photo shoots with their cliffs, azure waters, and volcanic blocks.

Climate

Most of the territory is characterized by a mild climate - dry and warm. In summer, the air temperature rises to +26-30 degrees, and in winter it drops to +20 degrees. The water temperature during the warm period reaches +23 degrees. The peculiarity of the territory is that there is a sharp change in natural zones: there is snow in the mountains, and the sun is shining on the coast. The mountain range does not allow cold air masses to pass to the south, so the local coast is better for swimming. Surfers and sailing enthusiasts most often settle in the north.

What to visit?

The main attraction is nature. There are few architectural and historical sites here. But this does not mean that the holiday will be boring.
- The Maspalomas Dunes are a national reserve. Scientists suggest that the snow-white sandy mountains were brought by winds from the Sahara. Here you will be offered to ride a camel and admire the picturesque sunsets.
- The basin of the old Bandama volcano. You can climb to the top on foot, and there is a spectacular observation deck at the top. You can also buy products from local potters there.
- Crocodile Park, which combines a zoo with a botanical garden.
- Complex of ancient architecture in Las Palmas: the Chapel of San Antonio, the square and the Church of St. Anne, the Regental and Consistorial palaces, the Columbus House Museum.
- The caves of Guayadeque became a refuge for the local population - the Guanches. Equipped like modern homes.

Kitchen

The local cuisine mixes the traditions of the Guanches, Spaniards, and Portuguese. But the volcanic soil, on which especially aromatic and tasty vegetables, fruits, and herbs grow, gives a special flavor to the dishes. As on any island, seafood is a big focus here.
- Papas Arrugadas– a side dish of potatoes, which is most often served with a chili-based sauce – Mojo Picon.
- Gofio escaldado– pureed soup in fish broth with whole grain gofio flour.
- Cheeses Flor, Blanco, Guia– thistle flowers are used in the recipe.
- Chorizo ​​de Teror– raw smoked pork sausage with spices.
- Pata Assad- Ham.
- Potahe– vegetable soup with mustard added.
- Sancocho- fish soup.
- Kambas al Ajilo– shrimps with garlic.
- Pulpo ala Plancha- Grilled octopus.
- Frangoie- dessert based on custard.
​Volcanic soil produces delicious wines. Be sure to try Malvasia from Lanzarote and El Grifo products. Stronger spirits include Arehucas Captain Kidd rum and Ron Miel, made from sugar cane.

Souvenirs and shopping

There are not as many options for colorful souvenirs and shopping as we would like. However, every traveler will find something to his liking.
- Embroidery and lace self made– towels, clothes, bed linen, tablecloths.
- Products made from lava - figurines, jewelry, bottles with volcanic sand.
- Ceramic tableware.
- Products - local cheeses, alcohol, sauces, prickly pear jams, medicinal palm honey, etc.

Transport

Problems with public transport not on the island. Buses will take you to any tourist spot. The downside is that their movement time may be limited to 19.00-21.00, sometimes – 17.00. If you like to travel slowly, a rented car is better.

Lifehacks

1. The Canary Islands are a duty-free zone. Here you can buy alcohol, cigarettes, perfumes, and fuel cheaper.
2. Currency exchange fees vary. Maximum – 15%.
​3. The sun is very active, so protective creams should be used even if you are in the shade.