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Information on Gran Canaria Holidays
Gran Canaria is the third largest of the 7 Canary Islands with a diameter of almost thirty-two miles (fifty Kilometres). The varying landscapes of the island are quite startling, from the lush vegetation in the North to the arid landscape and vast beaches in the South. Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, is situated on the Northeast tip of the island and is the most developed city in the entire Canary archipelago.
The Gran Canaria landscape is dominated by the steep ravines that stretch from the centre of the island out towards it famous beaches. In addition to the holiday accommodation nested into the steep hillsides, small villages are dotted throughout the island typified by their pretty whitewashed buildings adorned with red tiled roofs. The abundance of banana plantations and tropical fruit orchards play testament to this lush island situated just one hundred and twenty five miles off the coast of Africa.
Whilst Gran Canaria resorts and beaches of the South are favoured by tourists, the Northern towns, especially Las Palmas are well worth a visit. While on holiday in Las Palmas, the museum is a must for any archaeological fan as it boasts the largest collection of Cro-Magnin skulls in the world, as well as offering an insight into the original inhabitants of Gran Canaria., Visitors may be surprised to learn that, despite being some eight hundred miles from the European mainland, the Guanche population of Gran Canaria original sported fair hair and light skin before being conquered in the 15th century by Spanish invaders.
Casa de Colon is also an interesting maritime monument as the resting place of Christopher Colombus on his journey to discover the Americas. The house, found in the village of Vegueta in Las Palmas now displays important artefacts dating as far back as the pre-Colombus expeditions. This museum, as with most others on the island is open weekdays from nine in the morning until seven at night, and until 3 in the afternoon on weekends.
Close to Las Palmas is the village of Pueblo Canario, a life-sized artist’s impression of a typical Canarian village, which should be visited while on Gran Canaria holidays. This extraordinary town, conceptualised by artist Nestor Martin-Fernandez is built around a central square and made up of whitewashed buildings. Entertainment can be found every Sunday morning where locals dance to traditional folk music in the town square, visitors can then head over to the local wine bar (Bodegon) for regional food before heading over to the Museo Nestor to see examples of the artist's paintings.
Arucas Town
For tourists interested in the local delicacy of sugar cane rum, a trip to Arucas should definitely be high up on the agenda. Out on the Northern coast of the island, the town is built in a dormant volcano and is organised around the stunning San Juan Bautista Church, which was carved out of stone by local workers. After a trip to the informative Fabrica y Museo del Ron to see the sugar cane transformed into potent rum, visitors should take the opportunity to wander over to the Montanta de Arucas viewpoint for a stunning panoramic of the Northern coastline.
Reptilandia Centre
Anybody who isn't squeamish, and who is looking for an interesting day out for the kids, should definitely make the trip out to Reptilandia on the Northwest of the island. The centre is believed to be home to the largest lizard in the world in the shape of an imposing Komodo Dragon, but also hosts a slightly less intimidating collection of snakes, lizards, turtles and even monkeys and spiders.
Open daily from eleven in the morning until five thirty in the evening the centre can be found at the Parque Rural de Amagro.
Camel Treks
If the lizards haven't satisfied your curiosity then why not visit some of the island's other famous creatures? Based at wither the Maspalomas dunes or Fataga, camel rides are an island speciality, and are a nice change of pace to the beaches of the Gran Canaria resorts. Capable of speeds up to thirty five miles per hour, camel rides normally last about half an hour and are generally taken at a slightly slower pace. Visitors are hoisted up, two per camel, and then get to see the dunes from a different perspective as part of a caravan though the desert.
Big Game Fishing
For a refreshing change from all that desert heat, tourists are often tempted by the challenge of big game fishing. This is a popular activity on the island so competition amongst agents is fierce; expect to pay no more than forty-five euros for a trip, although you will probably have to take your own lunch. Yellow fin tuna, white marlin and hammerhead sharks are all popular trophies, although blue marlin is the ultimate prize. Reaching staggering weights the record catch to date was a three hundred and sixty kilogram (796 pound) whopper reeled in last year.
The open seas can also be enjoyed without the competitive edge on a very popular boat trip around the island. There is a huge range of trips to choose from during a holiday in Las Palmas, varying from glass-bottomed sea life trips to three hundred and fifty foot booze cruses, and everything in between. Most boats moor out at sea where tourists can escape the heat with a swim, or take in a banana boat ride or even a spot of para-gliding upon request. Situated in the Atlantic ocean Gran Canaria plays host to several dolphin groups who will often come up for a closer inspection of a tourist cruise.
Jeep Treks
Gran Canaria is, at its heart, a mountainous island offering some great contrasts in landscape. Intrepid tourists can spend a day sunbathing and then wrap up warm for snowy conditions in the mountain heartland the next. Jeep safaris leave daily from most resorts and afford amazing views across hidden reservoirs and thick alpine forests. Reaching altitudes of up to two thousand metres visitors need to remember warm clothes for these safaris which start at around thirty five euros for adults to twenty five for children
Golf Ranges
If all that activity and exploring is a bit much, tourists can indulge in a round (or two) on one of Gran Canaria's world-renowned courses. Chose from the prestigious Real Club, founded in 1891, or relive the glory of the 2002 Spanish Open at El Cortijo. Although some of the clubs are members only at weekends, visitors can tee-off at the Maspalomas Beach Club surrounded by sand dunes, or the brand new Salobre until the heat gets too much and a much-needed siesta beckons.
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