< - Google_ad_section_start -> Gran Canaria is considered the “Mallorca of the Canaries’ , and not without reason. Is certainly not solely in the high season popular island of the archipelago “is used in the cold season” foremost German and English as a mild winter quarters – a parallel to Balearenpendant. Over the years, many have also fulfilled a dream and made the island for the first home: today 8.5% of the people of Gran Canaria foreigners who are residents of Germany with 15,000 for the largest amount .Considering

Gran Canaria from above, it appears, with a diameter of 50 km nearly circular. Overall, the third largest island of the Canaries on an area of ​​1560.1 km ². Measured in terms of population (about 830.000, 2008), it is after Tenerife even the second largest and the most densely populated.

your range of landscape diversity in a small space is amazing: there are desert-like areas, such as the projected nature dunes at Maspalomas with its 12 km long beach. The interior of the island rock formations rise craggy up to 2,000 m above sea level, which terminate in the Cliff (west). The coast to the north, however, is smooth and fruitful. No wonder that Gran Canaria as “continent in miniature” is called. A special feature is the radiating from the central mountain range reaching down to the coastal ravines, deep usually parched riverbeds.

Gran Canaria is primarily a holiday island with beautiful beaches and an excellent infrastructure of roads, hotels and restaurants. The main tourist centers are located in the Southeast and South, especially Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustin . Maspalomas is also the oldest resort on the south coast of Gran Canaria.

The capital, Las Palmas

is located in the north of the island. Here, nearly half of all residents (approximately 380,000, 2011). Other populous cities and towns are Telde (98 399), Santa Lucía de Tirajana (58 335), San Bartolome de Tirajana (49 601), Arucas (35 280), Ingenio (28 132) and Agüimes (27 310).

landscape of the island of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a scenically very charming island, named for its exceptional fauna and flora in large part (almost half the island’s land area) to Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO was. These are mainly rural areas still strongly connected with their traditional way of life.

Gran Canaria is volcanic , but its volcanoes have long been extinguished. The sunken caldera Caldera de Tejeda is the center of the island. There arises also the largest and most famous mountain, the Pico de las Nieves (1,949 m). In winter, its tip can be quite covered with snow. The landmark of the island is 1813 m high Nublo . On it is a 80 m high monolith, like a finger pointing to heaven. It was created by volcanic activity and erosion of the lava. The rugged and rocky interior is sparsely populated, even nature has not spread here – only the Canary pine withstand the climate. Numerous ravines (dry valleys) have been formed by flowing rain water. They combine the mountains with the 236 km coastline. For heavier rains – which happens very rarely – to fill the valleys and into raging torrents

.

Due to climatic conditions – the central mountain region acts as a weather divide – there are different vegetation zones in Gran Canaria, also make up the scenic beauty of the island. A total of 14 micro climates provide a more varied flora and fauna as on the neighboring islands of the archipelago.

In the north of Gran Canaria

green laurel forests prevail in front, formed of Canarian laurel and heather. In between there is the Canary bellflower . In contrast, the south is dominated by the drought and adapted to it spurge (Canary spurge). Spreads are also thick-leafed Echium spp and prickly pears , originally from America.

But

palms, tamarisk and willow can be found on the island. They fill the groves with their gorges and valleys in the north and west. Under the sea, river estuaries are of solidified lava. They are the breeding ground for a rich biodiversity, in which porpoise feel, Risso’s dolphins and turtles especially.

Taken as a whole reminds

Gran Canaria at a theme park for flowers and plants that have evolved independently from the rest of the world. Nature was left to itself for centuries, as the Canary Islands had been forgotten. Even now, despite the use of agricultural, natural preserves of one’s originality.

climate and weather

tradewinds , which come from the northeast to determine the climate and weather in Gran Canaria. You climb on to the central island of mountains and provide mainly on the northern slopes of very heavy rainfall (fog). The island’s climate in the wetter north and bisected the arid south. Arid winds from the Sahara while reinforcing the dryness of the southern half.

The average temperature in summer is around 24 ° C even in winter the thermometer on the coast is not under the 20 degree mark. The sea will remain with 18/19 ° C in winter, pleasantly cool. No wonder that the Canary Island are often used by Germans for a winter vacation.

tourism and leisure activities in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria lives from the beach holidaymakers . More than 70 beaches, including urban, natural and expansive sand beaches provide visitors with not only relaxation but also on the water.

the perfect climatic conditions are also other outdoor activities popular. Whether on land, sea or air, here is something for everyone the right sports equipment. Especially on the beaches in the tourist areas there is the opportunity to rent water skis or surfboards . Especially for wind surfers Gran Canaria is a must, its coastline is considered one of the world’s best surfing spots.

Those who prefer to stay dry and still do not want to give up water, which makes a trip by boat or deep sea fishing . cruises are the benches dolphin very popular. Here you can meet the marine animals in their natural environment. The sea around Gran Canaria has the greatest ecological value in Europe and is therefore a haven for dolphins and whales. Only 29 of the world’s 87 species live off the island. Can observe the holiday in addition to the bottlenose dolphins also common dolphins , blue-white dolphin and spotted dolphins . Often we see the curious swimmers in the dusk near the coast.

not active enough? Then off into the air to Paragliding or rock climbing . Particularly lends itself to climbing in the mountains of Gran Canaria. Varied show the climbing opportunities in vertical cliffs, ravines, or in crevices in volcanic cauldrons. Among the most popular climbing areas with 12 counts of routes Nublo. For traditional rock climbers to provide the boiler Ayacata.

seems less adventurous in the Hiking on the island. Gran Canaria offers numerous routes of varying difficulty. Hikers, especially in the mountain region can enjoy breathtaking views.

day tour around the island is another way to explore Gran Canaria in its entirety. Many villages, caves, churches and archaeological site to wait for the culturally interested visitors.

history of the island of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria story resembles that of the other Canary Islands. Whether her name is now the Latin Canis (dog), because the island was populated by dogs, or from the Berber tribe of the Canarii from the north-east Africa descended is not backed up. The natives, called the Guanches lived peacefully over the centuries in the archipelago. Conquering Phoenicians and Romans also left their mark. After them, the island fell into obscurity for centuries. In the 15th

Century, the Spaniards conquered the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas Real was built. The Castilian Governor Pedro de Vera said the fighting with the natives on the 29th April 1483 officially ended. Since then, the island is in Spanish hands.

The capital of Gran Canaria was now the administrative and religious center of the archipelago : Bishops of the Canary Islands, Court of the Holy Inquisition, the Royal Court. In the 17th Century was the shine but after re: the conquest of America changed the economic situation of the islands, agricultural exports grew less and less. In addition, the charges on the island ports did the rest. Only in the 19th Century, the re-ports free of duty and thus lucrative for shipping companies. The free trade began to flourish again.

the more lively shipping traffic came more and more tourists to Gran Canaria. Thus, tourism became the main source of income. In the second Half of the 19th Century, the island was already one of Europe’s prestigious recreational center for tourists and invalids. The Hotel Santa Catalina (1890) in Las Palmas is still one of the remnants of those early days.

After the second

World War II began, the great boom in tourism. By the first charter flights is expanded the number of visitors and organized mass tourism began. A foundation for the development of tourism in 1912 the establishment of limited self-government bodies ( Cabildos Insulares ). This resulted mainly infrastructural projects. In 1982, the Canary Islands Autonomous Community . Today, Gran Canaria is known worldwide as one of the most popular holiday destinations.

celebrations on Gran Canaria

As in the other Canary Islands, Gran Canaria are next to the major Christian holidays celebrated mainly patronage days in individual communities. There are international festivals, especially in Las Palmas.

• February: Fiesta del Almendro en Flor (Festival of the Almond Blossom), island-wide va Tejeda and Valsequillo
• March: Festival Internacional de Cine de Las Palmas (International Film Festival), Las Palmas
• Apr: Rally El Corte Ingles: Annual car rally with many international participants
• 29th Apr.: Fiesta de los Aborigines (Fiesta of the natives) in honor of the Guanches Fortaleza Grande near Santa Lucia
• 30th April-7th May: Fiesta del Queso del Flor (Festival of Flowers cheese), Santa María de Guía
• first May: Feria del Caballo (horse fair), Valsequillo
• 30th May: Dia de las islas Canarias (Canary Islands Day), island-wide
• June: Festival Internacional de Música Popular (folk music and dance festival), Las Palmas
• 24th June: San Juan (Saint John’s Day), Las Palmas
• 16th July Fiesta del Carmen festival in honor of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of fishermen, in all ports, particularly in Arguineguin, Puerto de Mogan, Puerto de la Aldea and Gáldar
• fourth Aug.: Bajada de la Rama (Bringing down the branches), the oldest festival of the island dates back to the rain dance of the natives, especially Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves

Sept.

• : Encuentro Internacional Tres Continentes (International Theatre Festival of the three continents), Agüimes
• 6th-8th Sept.: Pilgrimage to Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pino, Teror, patron saint of the Canary Islands, Teror
• fifth October: Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario (Festival of the Virgin of the Rosary), Agüimes
• October (2nd Saturday) Fiestas de la Naval (Festival of the Sea), Las Palmas and other ports
• Oct. Romeria de Nuestra Señora de la Luz (Pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin of Light), Las Palmas
• Nov. Alantic Rally for Cruisers (International Rally for yachts), start in Las Palmas, destination in the Caribbean

economy and infrastructure

Every year more than three million tourists to Gran Canaria, in order to spend their vacation. Especially the beaches around tourist places Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustin are very well attended. Here is full of life. No wonder the economy is designed in large part on tourism.

Gran Canaria has its own international airport (IATA code: LPA), 18 km south of Las Palmas at the GC-1 motorway, between Ingenio and Telde. There are a number of direct flight connections mainly to Germany, Great Britain and of course the Spanish mainland.

But also about the main port of the island, Puerto de la Cruz in Las Palmas to come, the tourists on the island. He has ferry by Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, El Hierro and Madeira after . Tenerife can be reached via fast ferry on Puerto de las Nieves .

On Gran Canaria

itself, it is recommended to rent a car. Since the island has a well developed road network, it comes with the car to go quickly. There are three highways that connect the major towns. Interior of the island is reached by country roads, which often run winding and steep. But also buses offer themselves for transportation. Gran Canaria has a correspondingly dense network of connections.

The island is connected to large hotels, small hotels, guest houses and apartment complexes very well equipped. But also invite to stay quaint country houses away from the tourist centers one. In Tejeda, there is the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda (****).

are recommended:

• Siesta Suites **** (Maspalomas)
• Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia ***** (Maspalomas)
• San Nicolás ** (Playa del Ingles)

Apartamentos El Paseo

• **** (Playa del Ingles)
• Roca Negra Hotel & Spa **** (Urb El Turman, Agaete)

Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa

• **** (La Playa de Mogan)
• Dorado Beach *** (La Playa de Arguineguin)
• Terrazamar Sun Suite *** (Puerto Rico)
• Gloria Palace Royal **** (Puerto Rico)

AC Hotel Gran Canaria

• by Marriott **** (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

culinary specialties from the island of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers in the island’s cuisine is a blend of traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin American influences. Light and tasty dishes are the vegetable , (marine) fish and fruits . Lush and earthy to present the traditional stews , meat dishes with rabbit, goat, chicken or pork and the courts with legumes and potatoes. They are much more palatable by oil, garlic and herbs .

are known Gofio (from corn), for example as gofio escalado, a thin fish soup with herbs and potatoes. Traditionally made of Queso Flor , a cheese made from goat, cow and sheep milk, etc. with extracts of aloe vera. The queso flor comes from Guia and is available at any well-stocked cheese counter on the island. The Papas Arugadas with the mojo sauce and the chorizo ​​, the sour sausage, are also in Gran Canaria on the menu.

The place

Ayacata is known for its meat dishes, prepared from the free-range meat mountain pigs . In St. Lucia should you forget to try the roast pork tapas and to the wine country Vino monte or Vino campo enjoy.

The native fish gets

“Vieja” is mainly due to the coastal towns, a la plancha , then roasted on the plate, it tastes best

.

For dessert will be served primarily cake or treats made with honey and almonds . A specialty in Parador Nacional de Tejeda , for example, the banana flambé with rum (Platanos). Traditional desserts like Suspiros and the desire Bizcochos Rados you get in the community Moya .

Wine Gran Canaria has been awarded international prizes. Especially the Malvasia wine is grown in the various wineries for centuries.

destinations and attractions

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is not only the capital of the province of Las Palmas, which also include Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, but also the largest city in the Canaries. In the almost 400,000 inhabitants lively trading center and port small rise next to rows of houses high-rise developments – narrow streets alternate with broad streets. Modern department stores give themselves a rendezvous with old market halls. The bay of Las Canteras is famous for being one of the largest natural swimming pool in the world, similar to the Copacabana .

In the early days of the tourism boom cavorted in Las Palmas celebrities such as Winston Churchill or Agatha Christie . Today, the tourist centers more in the south of the island. From the former glory is the best choice overall, Santa Catalina , left.

Therefore

Las Palmas has a lot to offer culturally, in addition to numerous attractions and museums, there are theaters, concert halls and a well-known convention center. Las Palmas is the starting point of the annual Atlantic Rally for ARC Cruisers . Up to 250 sailors start in November from here across the Atlantic to the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia .

• town of Las Palmas in 1990 was recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of mankind.
• Columbus Museum is set in a beautiful colonial building, the Casa de Colón.
• At the Plaza Espiritu Santu are buildings of different epochs (Renaissance, Classicism, Mudejar).
• The most famous building in Las Palmas is the Cathedral of Santa Ana (1497) in the Plaza Santa Ana.
• Opposite lies the neoclassical City Hall (1853).
• Nouveau facades can be found at the homes of the main shopping street Calle Mayor de Triana .
• A green oasis in the city offers the San Telmo Park with a sailor’s chapel and the colorful Art Nouveau pavilion.

The modern concert hall

• Auditorio Alfredo Kraus is located on the sea. It is named after the in Las Palmas-born tenor Alfredo Kraus .
• fortress Castillo de la Luz (16th century) is surrounded on the peninsula of La Isleta rose beds.

Agaete

The small town of captivates Aegeten mainly due to its location. He is at the output of one of the most beautiful and fertile valleys of Gran Canaria and boasts whitewashed houses with typical wooden balconies. From the parish church Iglesia de la Concepción in the center of town, narrow streets going up into the green valley that offers wonderful walking and hiking trails. On the coast there Puerto de las Nieves , one of the main ferry port on the island. This is where the fast ferry to the shipping company Fred. Olsen Express to Santa Cruz de Tenerife from. In the harbor there is a bizarre rock formation the finger of God (Dedo de Dios), one of the landmarks of Gran Canaria.

Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés is the largest and most famous tourist resort in Gran Canaria. Here on the south coast in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana find all types of accommodations and restaurants (even German pub with Kölsch or Altbier), the nightlife is colorful and varied. The main attraction is the 8.4 km long sandy beach with its dunes , which extends up to the lighthouse of Maspalomas . In the high season may already up to 100,000, mainly British, sunbathers frolic on the beach.

Playa del Ingles is since the 1970s, a popular holiday destination of European gay and lesbian community, which today is the local hotel and tourist addressed specifically (Gay-friendly hotels, special trips, Maspalomas Pride, etc.). The evening scene is concentrated mainly in the Yumbo Shopping Centre with its bars and clubs.

Playa del Inglés itself originated in the 60s as a modern high-rise developments were. Accordingly, the place looks like a satellite town with wide streets and high-rise suites, as even in parks has been saved here.

evening will entice the streets to lively promenades , countless bars and restaurants with culinary delights. Maspalomas is quieter towards the architecture, if flat houses and villas strung together.

Puerto de Mogan

The small coastal town of Puerto de Mogan is considered Venice of the South – he is one of the most attractive and popular places on the island. Small canals run through the streets and architectural jewel. About curved bridges to get from one place to another. The typical Canarian houses stretch along the cliffs. Especially at the port they are provided with colorful doors and window frames, wrought-iron balconies quay and promenade lined. The former fishing port today are yachts, their owners can make yourself comfortable along with the day-trippers in the numerous bars and cafes on the waterfront. Clearly visible wake of the four-story tower of the Harbour Master over the city.

Other places

• Fataga is in the interior and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Gran Canaria is surrounded, which is officially a nature reserve since 1987 (Ayagaures Pilancones y). Visitors wander through vast palm groves, native plants and junipers.
• Maspalomas is the neighboring town of Playa del Inglés. The architecture is rural with many green areas between the bungalow. In a palm grove is the Charca de Maspalomas (shallow lake), an oasis right on the beach and dunes with elegant hotels and apartment complexes.
• Spacious luxury hotels and a beautiful beach promenade, Playa de Melonares . Plus, there’s a cultural offer with the newly built convention center.
• Arguineguín is an old fishing village on the south coast. It could retain its original character and attracts especially with delicious fresh fish.
• Puerto Rico is the “little sister” of Playa del Inglés. The apartment complexes are located on the steep walls of the canyon and have a beautiful sea view. There is a bright sandy beach and a marina.
• San Agustin is considered the tourist nucleus of the South. Their upscale apartments and bungalows lie partly by the sea or on a slope. From here you can look up to the dunes of Maspalomas.
• Vecindario has developed in recent years as an attractive shopping center in the south. 20 minutes from Playa del Inglés beach, the shopping addict finds everything his heart desires – from shoes to furniture

.

• Telde appears at first glance as a modern industrial city. The second largest city of Gran Canaria boasts lovingly restored houses in the Canarian style. Their neighborhoods Juan and San Francisco are listed buildings. Also worth seeing is the square before the church of San Juan Bautista.

In addition to the estate of

• Santa Brigida is the most famous wine region, Monte Letiscal, and the Bandama crater.
• Inland, there is the romantic village of Santa Lucia . Quaint Canarian houses with tall doors and lush flowers line the streets. In quaint shops, there is fresh fruit and vegetables. The restaurant not only offers delicious dishes Hao, but also the largest collection of crafts from the Guanchenzeit.
• landmark of the third largest city in Gran Canaria Arucas is the Iglesia de San Juan de Bautista. It is reminiscent of the Sagrada Familia by Gaudi. The rum distillery, you can taste the famous rum.
• Teror ‘sits’ Gran Canaria patron saint Virgen del Pino. It appeared to the villagers in 1481 in a treetop. Since then, the pilgrimage to her Gran Canarios Patronatstag after Teror. The Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pino houses a statue of the patron saint.

beaches

What would the holiday paradise of Gran Canaria without its beaches. Not all coastal areas offer enough space for one of the most beautiful sandy beaches, but there are enough to provide the millions of holiday maker. Every place on the 70 Playas with an overall length of 60 km his favorite spot, where he can relax. If you like it lively and uses the tongue of sand Maspalomas or the golden sands of Playa del Inglés to be sunbathing. Quiet family beaches offer San Agustin, Puerto de Mogan Amadoras or . The best climate in get from Puerto Rico . Variety of services and facilities offer the most.

Maspalomas

Maspalomas has everything beach goers want: white, soft sand, warm sea – even in winter – and a wonderful view. The beach is mainly due to its unusual landscape of dunes known and popular. There are both appropriate sections of the beach for families with children, but also for gay naturists. All 100 m there is a kiosk for boarding. On the beach of Maspalomas you can also pursue any kind of beach activity. At the end of Maspalomas

stands the famous old lighthouse (1861). He was already before the first tourists discovered the island for themselves. When it was built, the coastal area was even more deserted, not even a road leading to it. It was not until almost 30 years later (1890) was the light of the 55 m high lighthouse lit and then served as a guide for steam ships on the way to Africa and the Americas. Today he is the symbol that combines the Playa del Inglés, with the palm oasis of Maspalomas. Around him was a bustling area with restaurants and shops.

Playa del Inglés

At the headland Punta de Maspalomas begins Playa del Inglés . It is still the same beach, but carries a different name. The 2.7 km are among the most beautiful and popular beaches in Europe. Accordingly, well attended, the Playa del Inglés. Even in winter you can enjoy swimming happily.

Playa del Inglés are not only the big players on their costs, but also the children. The expansive beach has plenty of sheltered places to play and swim. It also offers all kinds of leisure and sports activities such as jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and much more. At the Playa del Ingles is definitely never boring and lonely.

Playa de las Canteras

Playa de las Canteras is a must for all beach lovers. The famous beach town of Las Palmas is a little like the Copacabana . The Playa provides a great mix of big city flair and holiday idyll to several kilometers in length. Only 5 minutes waiting for the big world. Here is the pier for cruise ships

Playa de las Canteras is not only a popular beach for tourists and residents, he is also an important marine reserve. At the bottom of the sea protected by countless species of fish live. Not far from the beach stands the Barra , an elongated rock formation. This Vulkanriff protects the beach from the open sea. His ocean basins is always wonderfully warm. At low tide you can walk up to the reef.

along the beach leads a promenade with cafes, bars, restaurants and small shops. In the summer, artists and street musicians mingle with the passers-by.

more popular beaches on Gran Canaria

• Caribbean, Gran Canaria, which mediates the Playa de Amadores (the beach lovers) in Puerto Rico: almost white sand, turquoise water and coconut trees

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