The Island
The island of Gran Canaria is located approximately 100miles of the coast of West Africa and the Sahara Desert. It is the largest of the Canary Islands. While it has become known for its year round sunshine and beaches, the island has a great deal more to offer the tourist.
Almost a continent in itself, landscapes vary from lush greenery and mountains to barren volcanic areas and the desert like dunes of Maspalomas. In the south are the resorts of Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, in the north the cosmopolitan city of Las Palmas.
There are pretty coastal towns such as Puerto de Mogan, industrial areas such as Vecindario, and magnificent mountain vistas such as Roque Nublo at some 1800m elevation.
In addition there are many dedicated tourist attractions both in the resorts and further away.
Gran Canaria can be simply a "beach and bars" holiday (some 60km of the 236km of coastline is accessible beachfront), or with a little planning and effort, you can take in some of the fantastic scenery and culture that the island has to offer.
The official tourist office website is linked here to allow you to explore the many aspects of Gran Canaria, along with further links featuring alternative tourist guides and information on the island of Gran Canaria.
