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Guide to Gran Canaria, Canary Isles, Spain

 
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The island of Gran Canaria, in the eastern part of the Canary Archipelago is one of the most truly privileged geographical locations in the world since it lies on the main route between Europe, Africa and the Americas. The island is just two hours away from Europe by plane which draws thousands of visitors every year.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of the island and was founded 500 years ago. It was here that Columbus rested before setting off to discover the new world. Evidence of his short stay is still evident here if you look for it.

 
 
The cosmopolitan city of Las Palmas has people of every nationality visiting it, as well as the multi-national community that now lives here. Las Canteras Beach is an important tourist spot with a fine promenade and ample holiday accommodation of every standard. It has over 3km of golden sand with warm sea. Las Palmas also has a Marine Drive which begins at Hoya de la Plata and stretches for several kilometres until it reaches the city centre. The drive attracts joggers every day as well as keen anglers and walkers. Santa Catalina Park is also a tourist trap where people meet to exchange conversation and have a quiet drink. When it comes to shopping, Las Palmas has it all and a visit to the Indian bazaar is a must.
 
From pubs and clubs to discotheques, Las Palmas has it all and entertainment runs the whole night through. The city also provides ample monuments and museums, all worth visiting. Examples include the Cathedral, Casa de Colon which is Columbus's old house, the Nestor Museum and the Exhibition Hall. The Canarian Museum, located in the old quarter provides a wide array of artefacts depicting Canarian life over the ages. One of the best exhibits are the mummies of ancient inhabitants of the island.

 

The climate on the island is totally unique, mainly due to the trade winds. It has an average summer temperature of 23 degrees and an average winter temperature of 18 degrees which is a perfect lure for the millions of tourists who arrive via the Gran Canaria International Airport. The island also has one of the most important ports in Spain. The Puerto de la Luz copes with fishing fleets and ships from all over the world.

Gran Canaria covers an area of 1,532 square kilometres and is known as 'a miniature continent'. It has been known to have snow on its highest peak yet just 40km away the sun has been beating down on bathing tourists. Getting around the island is easy and travelling from north to south, you will see such contrasts from pine trees and forest to sand dunes, almost desert like.

Gran Canaria is an absolute paradise for those who enjoy water sports and every type is catered for from water-skiing through to sailing. The island has also become an important location for windsurfing, with world championships being held at Bahia Feliz and El Aguila Beach.

 
There is an excellent motorway connecting Las Palmas to the tourist area in the southern part of the island which makes travel here very easy. All along the route there are tiny villages and ports worthy of a visit.

 

For golf fanatics, try Las Palmas Golf Club, the oldest in Spain. Located just 15 minutes away from the capital, it has spectacular scenery.

 

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