How Big is Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is the third largest of the seven Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an autonomous community of Spain and is around 500 kilometres from the mainland. With an area of around 1550 km², it is the middle size of all the Canary Islands, but it is over half the size of Tenerife, the biggest of them. In fact, Gran Canaria has the population of around 840,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated areas in Spain.If you add the waters of its coast to its surface area, Gran Canaria would be much bigger. Its coastline is spread out over an area of 218.8 km and it features many different landscapes. Its inner part is made up of mountains and barrancos (ravines), with a maximum altitude of 1949 metres – making it the highest peak in all of Spain outisde of the main Iberian peninsula! On its south part lies the famous Maspalomas sand dunes, and on the east side lies many rugged cliffs and mountain ranges.But just how big is Gran Canaria compared to other regions? To give you some measure of comparison, Gran Canaria is around twice the size of the Isle of Man, a British territory located off the coast of England with a population of around 850,000 people. It is also slightly bigger than Cornwall – another British county – with a total area of 1,376 km². To compare it with other countries in Europe, it would fit inside Andorra and Poland – which both have surface areas measuring over 30,000 km². It’s not just its size that makes Gran Canaria unique and interesting – its climate differs significantly from other parts of Spain too. It has an average temperature of around 23°C and boasts abundance in sunshine during the summer months and warm temperatures throughout the year. You can also enjoy calming winds and gentle breezes across the island and even snowfall in the higher parts during winter (as reported by Snow Valley Resort). Gran Canaria was once subject to an extreme drought that lasted from 2004 to 2006 but today, it has plenty of water resources and receives rainfall throughout the year due to its Atlantic location. This, combined with the rich flora and fauna of the island, makes it a great place to explore – rich in culture and diversity but easily reached as it takes only 4 hours to fly there.Gran Canaria may be smaller than most countries, but its diverse landscapes, culture and weather make it one if the most attractive holiday destinations for winter sun lovers looking for an escape from Europe. With the mix of both peaceful beaches and lively nightlife, it’s easy to see why this island is adored by so many!

Insider’s Guide to Exploring Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a beautiful city located on the eastern coast of the Canary Islands. It is known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountain landscapes, and year-round warm weather. However, there is so much more to this city than meets the eye. In this insider’s guide, we will explore the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for tourists visiting Gran Canaria.

Top Attractions

Puerto de Mogán: Puerto de Mogán, also known as Gran Canaria’s ‘Little Venice’, is a quaint fishing village located on the southwest coast of the island. It is home to picturesque canals, beautiful flower-filled walkways, and charming homes with colorful balconies. Visitors can stroll through the marina and enjoy the numerous seafood restaurants and shops.

Roque Nublo: Roque Nublo is a towering basalt rock formation located near the center of Gran Canaria. It is a popular hiking destination that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can reach the top by following a well-marked hiking trail that loops around the mountain.

Las Canteras Beach: Las Canteras Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Gran Canaria. It is a long stretch of golden sand that offers excellent swimming, sunbathing, and water sports opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants along the beach promenade.

Dining Spots

La Bikina: La Bikina is a trendy restaurant located in the heart of Las Palmas. It serves a fusion of Spanish and Mexican cuisine, and it is known for its creative dishes and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a range of dishes from tacos to tapas while sipping on a cocktail or local wine.

La Marinera: La Marinera is a charming seafood restaurant located in the fishing village of Puerto de Mogán. It serves fresh seafood dishes, including paella and grilled octopus. Visitors can enjoy their meal while taking in the lovely views of the marina.

Cultural Experiences

Cueva Pintada Museum: Cueva Pintada Museum is an archaeological museum located in the historic center of Gáldar. It is built on top of a pre-Hispanic village and features artifacts and reconstructions of ancient Canarian life. Visitors can take guided tours of the museum and explore the cave paintings that give the museum its name.

Fiestas of San Juan: The Fiestas of San Juan is a local festival that takes place on June 23rd on the beach of Las Canteras. It celebrates the island’s patron saint, and it involves fireworks, bonfires, and water sports competitions. Visitors can join in on the festivities and witness the spectacular fireworks display.

Local History

Vegueta: Vegueta is the historic district of Las Palmas, and it is the oldest part of the city. It features a range of well-preserved buildings, including the Santa Ana Cathedral, colonial-style houses, and museums. Visitors can take a walking tour of the district and learn about the city’s history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Barranco de Guayadeque: Barranco de Guayadeque is a stunning valley located in the south of Gran Canaria. It is known for its unique cave houses, pre-Hispanic ruins, and hiking trails. Visitors can explore the valley on foot, go rock climbing, or sample the local cheese and wine at one of the restaurants in the area.

Tejeda: Tejeda is a charming mountain village located in the center of Gran Canaria. It is known for its stunning views, hiking trails, and rustic architecture. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Canarian meal at one of the village’s restaurants or take a guided tour of the area.

In conclusion, Gran Canaria is a city with rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. This insider’s guide highlights some of the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that tourists should explore while visiting the city. With this guide in hand, visitors can make the most out of their trip and have an unforgettable experience in Gran Canaria.