Gran Canaria

Soak up the sun in Gran Canaria 

The volcanic  Island of Gran Canaria is known as the little Continent due to its diverse landscape, vegetation and climate. The delightful Island of Gran Canaria is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 130 miles from the African coast; it is almost spherical in shape and is 47 kilometres (29 miles) wide. It is the third largest of the Canary Islands and its neighbours are Fuerteventura and Tenerife. Whether you stay in the cooler north or the warmer south, this is an ideal all year round holiday destination. The twenty one Towns and Cities of the Island offer a variety of many types of scenery, cultural traditions and microclimates.

The south of the Island is the most popular with visitors, such as Puerto de Mogán (a charming Village that is also known as Little Venice), Puerto Rico, Maspalomas and the well-known Playa del Ingles. In addition, the craggy west coast and the Island’s interior has some pretty stunning views and mountainous, volcanic landscapes to offer, with pines at higher altitudes and palms and subtropical plants growing lower down. There is around 236km of coastline around the Island, with the majority of the beaches located in the southeast and cliffs in the west.

The weather and climate in Gran Canaria is mild, with agreeable temperatures, which are seldom too high and nearly always constant. Gran Canaria is a mountainous island where the trade winds prevail all year. This island holds an extensive range of microclimates - from subtropical to continental climates. The average temperatures fluctuate in the summer months between 26ºC and 28ºC, often higher than 30°C and in the winter months between 22ºC and 24ºC.

Diving around Gran Canaria has sites to suit different abilities and preferences, from volcanic reefs, caves and walls to a number of wrecks. The sea temperatures range from 18°C - 19°C during winter to 24°C - 26°C in August. There are many certified diving schools in the major seaside resorts. Many of them offer beginner and advanced courses for more experienced divers and diving equipment is available to rent.

If sailing is a favourite pastime of yours then the sailing centres are located in Las Palmas, and the south coast, especially Puerto Rico, Pasito Blanco, Arguineguin and Puerto de Mogán. Instruction and equipment hire is available from a number of schools in those ports.  

The main resorts in Gran Canaria have a number of companies that offer deep-sea fishing, but the finest harbours to set out from are Puerto de Mogán, Pasito Blanco and Puerto Rico The main species to be found off the coast in these regions are many varieties of tuna and marlin, swordfish and, intermittently, sharks. The main season for deep sea fishing is from May to September; however, there is also some excellent bottom-fishing to be had all through the year.

Cruising along the coasts, glass bottom boat tours, dolphin and whale watching, on half day or full day tours are all available at most of the main tourist resorts, but a wider range is available you in the likes of Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán, where quite a few companies offer off-shore trips.

For Windsurfing fans, Gran Canaria is considered to be one of the best places in the World for windsurfing. It can be accomplished all along the coast from the east to the south, but there are also excellent conditions at Playa de las Canteras in Las Palmas and Gáldar in the northwest of the Island. Pozo Isquierdo is where the top windsurfers go, the winds here can reach speeds of 60km and Playa de Vargas is the place for the PWA Wave Classic Grand Prix. For novice windsurfers, the sheltered harbours of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán offer a safer environment.

The north coast of Gran Canaria offers the best location for Body boarding and Surfing opportunities. Continuous on-shore winds present surfers with ultimate conditions and waves that can reach up to 5m high. There are also excellent conditions on the east coast, around Arinaga, and in the south between Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. There are several places where you can hire the necessary gear if you don’t have your own.

Parascending, jet skiing, water skiing, a trip on a speedboat and other activities are mostly available at the main southern resorts. The ever popular banana boats, pedal boats and sea kayaks are also available for hire that provide fun and entertainment for adults and children alike.   

Carnaval is the largest of the Island’s festivals, which attracts the attention of all the inhabitants of Gran Canaria. Planning and preparations are made a year in advance for the sole purpose of having fun. The Carnival celebrations take place all over Gran Canaria but the most distinctive are those of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Agüimes, Agaete and Telde, with every one having its own exclusive flavour. Masses of people are drawn to two weeks of fun and entertainment with some starting their partying at the end of January (at the beginning of Shrovetide), following the festivities from one Town to the next.