Gran Canaria – What is the Island of Eternal Spring?

Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. It’s known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” due to its unique climate and glorious, year-round sunshine. It features wide sandy beaches with sweeping coves and lagoons, luxurious resorts, and fascinating geological formations like the Valley of 1,000 Palm Trees.

This sun-drenched paradise stretches for around 60 miles, offering visitors a wealth of opportunities for sightseeing, swimming, diving and hiking. History buffs can explore ancient monuments like the Pyramids of Güímar or the Necropolis of Tazacorte. Those who prefer nature can traverse the cloud forests, trails and wetlands of Gran Canaria’s natural parks.

But what is it about Gran Canaria that sets it apart from other islands in the Canary Archipelago? Read on and you’ll discover what makes this Catalan paradise an ideal destination.

The Climate

Uniquely situated on the 28th parallel North, Gran Canaria experiences a warm, pleasant climate all year round, which is why it earned the nickname “Island of Eternal Spring.” Whilst temperatures don’t often drop below 20oC, Winters never feel too cold and Summers enjoy balmy temperatures which rarely soar above 30oC. The further inland you go, the hotter it gets, but on the beaches, cooling sea breezes temper the air.

This remarkable climate is due to Gran Canaria’s unique geography and vast mountain ranges that encircle much of the island. This keeps most of the moisture in the interior parts of Gran Canaria and prevents it from affecting the coastal cities. Consequently, most rainfall occurs during the Winter months, with average daily temperatures remaining consistently sunny across most of the island’s coastline.

The Beaches

Gran Canaria is fringed with 60 miles of golden sands and sweeping bays, making it a beachgoer’s dream come true. Some of its shorelines have attained the European blue flag distinction, thanks to their crystal clear waters, soft white sands and wide range of facilities. The most famous beaches include those in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín and Playa de Amadores.

Uromana Beach near Las Palmas offers sheltered lagoons and tranquil coves perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The eastern side is also rich with incredible beach settings like La Orotava Valley in Las Palmas. On hot days, visitors can explore cooling pine forests alongside beautiful beaches or dive beneath its turquoise waters for some wonderful underwater adventures.

The Monuments

Lovers of ancient monuments will find Gran Canaria a delight, with its remarkable pre-historic sites like the Pyramids of Güímar, an archaeological complex spanning 200 hectares. Here you can find several pyramidal structures created by the indigenous people before Spaniards arrived to colonize the Canary Islands in the 15th century.

Also in Southern Gran Canaria is the Necropolis of Tazacorte where important finds connected with ancient pre-Hispanic funerary practices were unearthed in 2015. Tourists interested in more recent history can head to Cenobio de Valeron, a network of complex cave dwellings that served as an important shelter for local inhabitants during times of military incursion.

The Natural Parks

Gran Canaria is abundant in hikes and trails traversing some of its most stunning landscapes, including lush cloud forests and untamed rural trails spread out across its seven designated natural parks.

The Tamadaba Natural Park is superb for hiking, dipping into shimmering pools hidden beneath the tamarind trees, or trekking through the pine forests. Head further up to Alto de Presa de Chira to spot Spanish Ibex or Barbary Partridges. Its cloud forests include stunning Colindres Grove National Park full of lush vegetation and picturesque waterfalls with easy access from Caldera de Bandama lookout point.

Conclusion

The Canary Islands are a great place to escape for a little while and take in some sunrays, but Gran Canaria is special due to its unusually mild climate and immense natural beauty. You can just as easily spend an afternoon traipsing around ancient monuments as exploring its breathtaking beaches or hiking along its cloud forests – all thanks to its interesting geographic location, diverse geography and abundance of attractions. Whether you prefer to chill in a beachside bar or hit up some wild nightlife hotspots in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria has something for everyone and remains a popular tourist destination for this reason!

Insider’s Guide to Gran Canaria – Discovering the Island of Eternal Spring

Gran Canaria, located off the coast of Morocco, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its year-round warm climate, stunning natural beauty, and rich culture, it’s no wonder why the island has earned the nickname ‘The Island of Eternal Spring.’ There’s so much more to this island than just the tourist spots. Here’s an insider’s guide to exploring Gran Canaria like a local:

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems Only the Locals Know

While the tourist spots of Gran Canaria are impressive, there’s something truly special about discovering the hidden gems that only the locals know about. One such gem is Barranco de Guayadeque, a stunning valley that is home to many cave dwellings and a beautiful location for hiking. Another hidden gem is the charming town of San Pedro, which boasts a beautiful church and traditional Canarian houses. For panoramic views of the island, head to the small town of Fataga, nestled in the mountains.

Dining Spots: Experience the Local Cuisine

To truly experience Gran Canaria, one must indulge in its local cuisine. The island boasts a unique blend of Spanish, African, and Latin American flavors. One must-try dish is papas arrugadas, a local specialty of salty, wrinkled potatoes served with a spicy mojo sauce. Seafood lovers will rejoice with the freshly caught fish dishes available at Restaurante La Aquarela or Restaurante El Equilibrista. For a taste of the best of both worlds, head to Casa Melo, a restaurant that serves authentic Canarian cuisine with a modern twist.

Cultural Experiences: Discover the Unique Traditions and Festivals

The island is rich in cultural experiences that celebrate its unique traditions and festivals. One such event is the Fiesta de La Rama, which is held every August in Agaete. This festival involves a massive parade where the participants sing, dance, and wave branches, all in homage to the island’s water goddess. The island also has a deep-rooted connection to music, with many towns boasting their unique folk music style. For a glimpse into the Canarian art scene, head to Casa de Colón, a museum that celebrates the life of Christopher Columbus and showcases the island’s art and culture.

Local History: Captivating Stories from Gran Canaria’s Past

Gran Canaria has a rich history that is waiting to be explored. One such story is the Battle of La Laguna, a significant event in the island’s history that took place in the 15th century. It was a battle between the indigenous Guanches and the Spanish, where the Guanches went up against the Spanish army and held their ground for six weeks. Another intriguing aspect of the island’s history is its connection to the Atlantic slave trade. Head to Museo de la Historia to learn more about the island’s fascinating past.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

For a unique experience on the island, why not head to the Bandama Caldera, a massive volcanic crater that offers stunning views of the island’s interior? There’s also the opportunity to experience Gran Canaria’s beautiful coastline by chartering a yacht. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, there’s the chance to go paragliding off the tallest peak in Gran Canaria, Pico de las Nieves. For a rejuvenating experience, head to the natural saltwater pools at Las Salinas de Agaete, where one can soak in the mineral-rich waters while taking in the stunning coastal views.

Now that you’ve uncovered the hidden gems, sampled the delicious cuisine, and discovered the fascinating history and culture of Gran Canaria, it’s time to start planning your trip to the Island of Eternal Spring. A true insider’s guide to Gran Canaria awaits you!