Gran Canaria - Canary Islands
Tourist information & accommodation
B&B, Hotels, Apartments, Tourist Resorts and Hostels in Gran Canaria
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Gran Canaria is the third largest
island of the
Canary Islands. It is located southeast of
Tenerife and west of
Fuerteventura. The island is of volcanic origin.
It was populated
by the Guanches from 3000 BC, who called it Tamarán, but was claimed by
Spain in the 15th century. Gran Canaria's maximum altitude is 1,949 meters (Pico
de Las Nieves). It has a round shape, having a diameter of just about 50 km. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is
the island's capital and
also the capital of the province of Las Palmas, and also the capital of the
autonomous community of the
Canary Islands together with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
This island is called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates
and variety of landscapes found. The north tends to be cooler while the south is
warmer and sunny. The east coast of the island is flat dotted with beaches while
the western coast is rockier and mountainous.
The number of annual visitors is 2.2 million (2,200,000). Most of the tourists stay in the southern part of the island which is sunnier and has less rain than the north. There is a large bird park, Palmitos Park, in the south of the island, as well as many beach resort communities. The resort communities start in the central eastern part of the southern coast in the Maspalomas area which includes the towns of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, and Maspalomas where most tourists visit. The Dunes of Maspalomas, supplied by sands from the Sahara, are located between Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Another tourist attraction is the Lighthouse at Maspalomas situated at the western end of Maspalomas. Playa del Inglés is a popular destination for European gays with bars, restaurants and businesses centered primarily in the Yumbo Centrum shopping center. A gay beach is found near the Maspalomas Dunes. A list of other world round popular gay and lesbian destinations world round has been included here Heading west along the southern coast is the fishing city of Arguineguin in the Municipality of Mogán. The market, which is held on Tuesdays, is the largest on the island. Still further to the west along the southern shore, also in the Municipality of Mogán are the communities of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, a picturesque village referred to as "Little Venice" on account on its many canals. The capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the north of the island, has a vibrant city life and the beach Las Canteras is located in the heart of the city. Las Palmas is also known for its annual Carnaval.
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