Canary Islands - Gran Canaria - Land of the Fortunate!

Gran Canary Island, is the second most populous of the Canary Islands, an archipelago off the Atlantic coast of Northwest Africa.  As of 2019 the island had a population of 851,231 that constitutes approximately 40% of the population of the archipelago.

Gran Canaria is located in the Atlantic Ocean about 150 kilometres (93 mi) off the northwestern coast of Africa and about 1,350 km (840 mi) from Europe. Gran Canaria is also the third most populated island after Tenerife and Mallorca.

 It's known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its southern beaches include bustling Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico as well as quieter Puerto de Mogán and San Agustín. In the north, capital city Las Palmas is a major stop for cruise ships and duty-free stores.

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About Gran Canaria

There are many reasons to choose Gran Canaria as your holiday destination, at any time of year. Its privileged climate and beaches are just a few of them. On this island you will also find extraordinary natural heritage and a wonderful setting for water sports.
The variety of landscapes on Gran Canaria is stunning. There is an incredible choice on its 236 kilometres of coast. From the peaceful coves of the south of the island to more popular tourist areas such as Las Palmas De Gran Canaria and San Bartolomede Tirajana, home to the famous.

Playa del Ingles beach, along with unique spots like Maspalomas beach with its dunesand the broad, untouched sands of Güi-Güi. Gran Canaria is a great option for lovers of water sports. There is a host of possibilities: scuba diving, surfing, sailing and, of course, windsurfing - the island is considered one of the best places in the World for this sport. In fact, it often hosts major international windsurfing competitions.

Escape a long, hot summer in the shade of the four-star Dunas Suites & Villas. Take shelter under an oasis of palm trees at this Maspalomas hotel or keep cool in the pools. This family-friendly self-contained resort is sandwiched between the beach and nearest golf course. It offers an all-inclusive option.
Visit: H10 Playa Melonera Palace  https://www.h10hotels.com/es/hoteles-gran-canaria/h10-playa-meloneras-palace
 
Other superb hotel recommendations:
 
1) Roca Nivaría Gran Hotel
A chic, luxurious and friendly five-star hotel on a spectacular headland in Playa Paraiso. It’s great for families thanks to the kids’ and babies’ clubs, a submarine-themed games room and a pirate buffet. The outside space is spectacular with palm-studded lawns, a meandering stream, sun terraces and an impressive waterfall linking two large infinity pools, two heated children's pools and a whirlpool tub. A lift takes guests down to the base of the cliffs where there's a small, sandy cove with sun loungers. A serene spa offering a full range of therapeutic and beauty treatments ensures relaxation while tennis courts, a putting green, volleyball court and state-of-the-art gym keep adrenaline junkies happy.
Visit: https://www.hotelrocanivaria.com/en/media/
 
2) Hotel Riu Gran Canaria
Exclusive Meloneras in the sultry south of the island is the setting for this four-star all inclusive. A family-friendly hotel, ClubHotel Riu Gran Canaria is perfectly placed to enjoy a stroll along the promenade connecting the Faro de Maspalomas to Meloneras beach. There’s an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with a hot tub. The mini club has an aqua playland. For over-12s, the art club will appeal to teenagers and adults keen to do some painting.
Visit: https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/spain/gran-canaria/hotel-riu-palace-maspalomas/index.jsp?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=my_business&utm_content=XMP
 
3) Barbacan Holiday Residence, Playa des Ingles
Visit: https://www.melia.com/es/hoteles/espana/gran-canaria/sol-barbacan/index.htm
 
 
5) Lopesan Baobab Resort*****
Visit: https://www.lopesan.com/es/hoteles/espana/gran-canaria/meloneras/baobab-resort/
 
6) Hotel Villa del Conde
https://www.lopesan.com/en/hotels/spain/gran-canaria/meloneras/villa-del-conde/picture-gallery/#ad-image-13
 

7 things to do in Gran Canaria:

1.  Enjoy Nature – All Islands
 Although located within a very short distance of each other, each island contains a different landscape and culture that contrasts with the others. The Canary Islands are famous for its exotic landscapes dotted by hundreds of volcanoes, rugged cliffs, lush green rainforests, sand dunes, and its world-renowned volcanic black or white sandy beaches.

2.  Beach Time!! – Gran Canaria (and most islands)
 When looking for things to do during your holiday in Gran Canaria, you won’t go wrong planning time along the beach. Here you’ll find the world famous Playa del Ingles – the island’s most popular beach. It counts with many resorts, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Regardless of the time of year, the weather is good enough to sunbathe at Playa del Ingles, do some water sports and explore the sand dunes at Masapalomas, or relax at the quiet beaches of Amadores and San Agustin.

3.  Boat Trips – Tenerife
 There are a number of boat trips offered in Tenerife that range from booze cruises to fishing trips, to water sports trips, and more. No matter which type of cruise you take, one of the main attractions is the chance to see whales (almost certain to see one) and dolphins in the wild.

4.  Caldera De Taburiente – La Palma
 Caldera de Taburiente is one of the biggest and most fertile volcanic craters in the world. While exploring the crater, you can also visit Mirador de la Cumbrecita and enjoy its wonderful views.

5.  Water Sports – Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria
 The beaches of Corralejo, in the north of Fuerteventura, and Jandia, in the south, are perfect places to practice windsurfing and kitesurfing. Thanks to the trade winds, these golden, unspoiled beaches have become the hosts of the World Championship of such water sports.
In Gran Canaria, you can find miles and miles of some of the best beaches to practice surfing. Gran Canaria is also referred to as the “Hawaii of the Atlantic”.  Other water sports include sailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving, among others.

6. Canarian Cuisine – All Islands
 Trying the local cuisine is a unique way to experience the Canary Islands. Canarian cuisine is a mix of Spanish, Latin, and African cultures. Most of the Canarian cuisine is a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, and fish, generally light meals (easier to digest in a warm climate).
Given the fact that this is an archipelago, most of the Canarian diet revolves around fish.
Two popular fish dishes from Tenerife are Caldereta, a meal with tomatoes, goat meat and potatoes and the Sancocho Canario, a salted fish, usually white, in a “mojo” sauce.

7. Hiking – All Islands
 The Canary Islands offer a wide selection of hiking trails that range from inhabited cave villages, forests, desert-like environments, lakeside walks, and mountain trails.
 
 
Highly Recommended!