Gran Canaria history. Holidays in Gran Canaria. North coast and hinterland

Canary Islands are already clearly associated with the elite and comfortable stay, with gorgeous beaches and expensive parties. Typically, celebrities and people with above-average incomes like to relax here. But besides them, anyone who learns more about these Paradise islands, strives with all his might to get here. And this is not without reason. The island of Gran Canaria is one of three islands in the Canary archipelago, famous for its unique natural landscape. The island is known as a “continent in miniature” - here everyone will find something to their liking. This feature makes it different from the other 2 islands.

Gran Canaria is one of three islands in the Canary archipelago, located in the Kingdom of Spain. The third largest, after the islands of Tenerife and Fuertoventura, with a total area of 1560.1 square meters. km. The island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the center of the island's cultural and commercial life and the most Big City in the Canaries.

There are numerous attractions here that preserve incredible Spanish history and architecture to this day. Some of them are over 500 years old. For example, one of the main architectural creations in the city is the Christopher Columbus Museum, which contains unique historical value. The Canario Museum amazes with its diverse collection of exhibits from different eras and times. And the Canary Cathedral, made in a mixed architectural style, surprises with its interior and exterior richness.

One of the main reasons for the large influx of merchants, traders and all those who formed the main population of local residents is one of the most famous ports in the world - Puerto de la Luz, which has been allowing for centuries to regulate the work of merchant ships between Africa, Europe and America .

Another reason why everyone wants to go to this island is undoubtedly its ideal climate. The director of climatology at a university in the United States conducted a study according to which the weather in the city of Las Palmas is the best in the world. Although the climate here is tropical desert, it is also very mild and dry, without sudden temperature changes throughout the year. average temperature in winter +19…+22 °C, in summer +24…+30 °C. This a natural phenomenon perhaps due to the favorable location of the mountain peaks protecting the city and southern territory with beaches from the cold northern winds; and the cold Canary Current, cooling the city, during the period of influence of hot air from the Sahara.

The unique natural landscape of Gran Canaria is also interesting, for which the island is nicknamed “a continent in miniature”. After all, you can find up to 14 microclimatic zones on it: here are mountain ranges with snow on the tops, lush tropical vegetation at the foot of the mountains, and desert areas.

Beaches and main resorts of Gran Canaria

Tourism in Gran Canaria is the main economic sector that brings constant income to the island. Every year the mild climate attracts millions of tourists, mainly Europeans. For a long time, beach tourism was considered the main type of recreation, but now water sports such as windsurfing, rural and cycling tourism, classes in golf clubs (the island owns 8 golf clubs).

The south of the island is 5 km of pristine long beaches located in the famous tourist center of Maspalomas. A unique spectacle here is the Dunes with golden sand, reminiscent of a miniature version of the Sahara Desert. General beach line on the island is 50 km.

Interesting! Near Maspalomas there are beaches for nudists. And next to the Dunes, near Bar 7, there is a place popular among homosexuals.

There are 6 resort areas in Maspalomas:

Playa del Inglés. Popular among Europeans active species recreation, Entertainment Center and active night life, sand beach;
Playa del Aguila. Popular with Germans, mostly pebble beach, budget type of accommodation, relaxing holiday;
Bahia Feliz. Popular among surfers, located close to the airport, strong currents, pebble beach;
San Agustin. Popular among couples and surfers, no strong winds, gray sandy beach, relaxing holiday;
Meloneras. Popular with golfers luxury resort with 5-star hotels and many shops and restaurants, a relaxing holiday, but without its own beach;
Campo International. Popular with golfers, relaxed and expensive holiday, a prestigious resort with first-class 5-star hotels and dense vegetation, located next to the dunes and sandy beach.

Also, the beaches of Puerto de Mogan and Puerto Rico are very popular. These are small tourist areas specializing in yachting and aquatic species sports On the territory of Puerto Rico there is a small sandy beach from which excursions by sea depart and where windsurfing is especially popular. Puerto de Mogán is a former fishermen's village with historical architecture.

The main attractions of Gran Canaria

Famous towns and areas that represent the cultural and architectural significance of the island: Las Palmas, Galdar, Teror, Arucas, Telde, Fataga, La Atalaya. Numerous Canarian streets with local architecture, churches and famous cathedrals, houses of historical importance, local folk culture- all this annually attracts tourists from different countries.

Interesting! The most exciting walking path is located in La Aldea de San Nicolás. Walking along it, you can enjoy the beauty of the artificial lakes of the island.

Famous museum located in the old district of Vegueta, the city of Las Palmas. It includes 11 large rooms containing a diverse historical collection of objects from throughout the Spanish archipelago. The museum's exhibits include: ceramics, divine figurines of antiquity, mummies, and building models. Different eras are represented here: from 500 BC. e. until the 15th century. Of greater interest may be the remains of Cro-Magnons and objects belonging to the indigenous Canarian inhabitants - the Guanche people. There is a small souvenir shop on the museum grounds. The museum can be visited on any day of the week, except the second half of Saturday and Sunday.

Columbus House

Columbus House is the former residence of Columbus, today a museum dedicated to famous geographical discoveries and great navigators, located in the Vegueta area of Las Palmas. 12 halls display original exhibits and reconstructions. The underground room contains objects from before the era of Columbus. The building also houses a research center and library. Columbus's house is a real architectural monument. It was reconstructed only once - in 1777, but the main features of the colonial style remained unchanged. The museum is open to visitors 7 days a week, except December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

The Atlantic Center for Contemporary Art, located in the Vegueta district of Las Palmas, has more than 2,600 exhibits in its collection. the main objective museum - to show how the development of modern Canarian culture is influenced by African, European and Latin American traditions. The old building of the center of the 18th century is made in the colonial style and houses a library with printed publications on art. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday, December 24 and 31.

This is the most important part cultural heritage Gran Canaria. The museum is located in the Pueblo Canario area, in Las Palmos, and is a collection of artistic works by the famous artist Nestor de la Torre. Here, in 10 halls, all the works of the great artist are collected, the main one of which is the famous rotunda, with 8 frescoes “The Sea Poem”. Nestor himself came up with the architecture of this building, and it was designed by the artist’s brother, in the traditional Canarian style. The museum is open to the public 7 days a week.

A huge family entertainment center, Palmitos Park, is located in the south of the island of Gran Canaria, including:

dolphinarium (3 large pools with five dolphins, surrounding landscapes of extraordinary beauty);
a botanical garden with birds (exotic flamingos, ibis, toucans, parrots, birds - rhinoceroses, pelicans and emus - neighbor each other in large and spacious cages);
aquarium (2 zones in the aquarium: with fresh and salt water; big variety fish and marine animals, including exotic species);
primate island (gibbons and orangutans, aardvarks, wallabies and meerkats live in this area);
orchid house (the largest collection of orchids on the island);
cactus garden (more than 100 species of cacti, from small to 4 meters);
Butterfly House (the largest collection of butterflies in all of Europe).

The park is open to the public 365 days a year.

Canary Cathedral

The Canarian Cathedral, or Santa Ana Cathedral, is located in the old district of Vegueta, the capital of Gran Canaria. Today, this is the building of the Cathedral Diocese. Is in charge architectural monument islands. It was the first to receive basilica status from the Pope and was named in honor of St. Anne, the patroness of the city. Displays classical and baroque style. The cathedral is open to the public every day.

Mogan Bay

Puerto de Mogán is a small resort town in the west of Gran Canaria, which attracts a large number of tourists thanks to its unique natural bay surrounded by picturesque cliffs. There are no strong currents or winds, the water warms up well and there is a gently sloping sandy entrance to the sea. There are all conditions for a calm and comfortable family vacation with kids. The yacht port, which is located in the bay, can be used both individually by tourists and as part of a group to book excursions.

Interesting! In Puerto de Mogán Bay you can take a boat ride with a transparent bottom and see all the beauty of the underwater world.

Painted cave Cueva Pintada

The Cueva Pintada cave is one of the main cultural attractions of the Canary Islands. It exists as part of an archaeological park located on the territory of the former capital of the island, in the town of Galdar. It consists of 6 interconnected caves, painted by primitive people who lived in these territories. The cave is open to visitors 7 days a week.

Archaeological Park of Cenobio de Valeron

A unique archaeological find and the pride of the Canary Islands, located in the north of the island. It is a huge granary, carved into a snow-white rock, in which local residents Since ancient times they have been storing their food - cereals. The 300 barns, connected to each other at different levels, represent the unique beauty of the ancient heritage. Now the park is fully equipped for excursions and visits by tourists, from Tuesday to Sunday.

We can talk endlessly about Gran Canaria. This is as diverse an island as you can imagine. Anyone who goes to this amazing piece of land in the middle of the ocean will definitely find entertainment and relaxation to their liking.

Excursion, active, sports, beach view recreation is only a small part of what the island has to offer to its travelers. One thing is clear: it’s not for nothing that Gran Canaria is very popular among Europeans, who consider it one of the best holiday destinations. At the same time, the island is not yet heavily populated by Russian vacationers, which gives you the opportunity to be one of the first to enjoy a luxurious holiday on this wonderful island, and, upon arrival, tell everyone you know about your adventures.

The Gran Canaria Atoll, the sights of which we will look at in our article, according to its population, is a continent in miniature. And indeed it is. After all, here are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, tall mountains, desert landscapes and rainforests. This small island is part of the Canary Islands archipelago and is its pearl. The atoll is of volcanic origin, and its highest point is considered to be the Pico de las Nieves volcano, which erupted more than 3.5 thousand years ago.

Some information about the island

Gran Canaria (attractions are described below) is a kind of nature reserve, since almost half of the island is protected by various organizations. The symbol of the area is Mount Roque Nublo. Its height reaches 1813 meters. Long ago, the top of the mountain was a place of worship for the Aboriginal people. Today, it has become the most favorite place for travelers, since it offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding islands, as well as the volcano called Teide.

Gran Canaria (the island's attractions are listed in the review) is an excellent place for those who love a beach holiday, rural tourism, golfing, water sports and cycling. Almost all of the atoll's historical sites were built after the island was conquered by the Spaniards. But there are also pre-Hispanic objects here, for example archaeological park called Cenobio de Valeron and the Cueva Pintada cave.

The largest airport in Spain and Gran Canaria

The first thing a person will see upon arrival on the island is Gran Canaria Airport. This is an international air terminal, which is located in the east of the atoll. It is located almost twenty kilometers from the main city of Gran Canaria - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Every year the airport welcomes approximately ten million people. This heavenly pier is often called Gando.

Gran Canaria Airport is one of the largest air hubs in Spain in terms of passenger traffic. It is also the largest in the Canary Islands. In 2014, the territory of the air terminal was equipped with new terminal, where passengers can take advantage of the full range of necessary services. The terminal area is divided into several sections: European Union flights depart from zone C, flights outside the European Union operate from zone D, and separate zones are provided for the Canary Islands.

Resort province of the Canary Islands and the Kingdom of Spain

Las Palmas is an island and one of the main attractions of Gran Canaria. Administrative center and main locality on the periphery is the ancient town already mentioned above. This is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The province consists of several inhabited and uninhabited islands, as well as the rocks of Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste. In 2005, the population of this territory barely exceeded one thousand people.

Among the natural attractions of Las Palmas, the following objects can be distinguished: the huge botanical garden of Viera y Clavijo and the huge Doromas Park. Thousands of species of valuable plants grow in the garden, and the park can delight visitors big amount cafes and fountains.

Casa de Colon

In the capital of the Canary Islands there is an attraction that is of great interest to travelers of all ages. This is the home of Columbus, or Casa de Colon. The navigator who discovered the United States of America stayed in this house a long time ago. The building is an incredibly beautiful architectural structure dating back several hundred years. The great navigator lived here for some time.

In the early 50s of the last century, Casa de Colon was converted into a museum. It has 13 rooms housing exhibitions and libraries. The establishment has great amount compasses, maps and globe. All this once belonged to the discoverer. The uniqueness of the globe lies in the fact that there is no continent on it, which is called America. The establishment also displays a large collection of paintings. Adults and children will be interested in looking at the ship models.

There are many documents here telling about relations with the American states, a collection of books and exhibits on maritime topics.

Most popular attraction

The most popular site in Gran Canaria is Palmitos Park, which is home to over 200 species of different birds. Among them there are small macaws, toucans, pink flamingos and many others. Also in the park is the Cactus and Aloe Garden, the Butterfly House, which is the largest in Europe, and the Orchid Pavilion, where hundreds of flowers grow in a wide variety of shades and shapes. Undersea world Palmitos Park has thousands of species of fish.

Here you can dine and see several different shows. But for this you will have to spend half a day in the park. Not long ago, a large dolphinarium was opened on the territory of the attraction. In addition, you can see beautiful performances, the main participants of which are parrots and eagles. The birds perform unique tricks, such as riding a bicycle.

The main attraction of the city

The main attraction of Gran Canaria is the Canary Cathedral, which is located in the ancient quarter of Vegueta. The cathedral of the Bishop of the Canary Islands is located in this temple. Despite the fact that the decision to build the church was made in 1487, construction began only ten years later. But the work was suspended for some time, as there was not enough money to complete it. Money. The construction of the cathedral resumed in 1781, but it was completely completed only in our time.

The interior of the temple is dominated by the late Gothic style. And the facades of the building are created in the neoclassical style. The arches, supports and vaults of the church are made of cut blue stone brought from the quarries of San Lorenzo.

A number of other attractions

Gran Canaria, the sights of which we are considering, can be proud of its other objects. For example, the Maspalomas dunes. This is a national park. Its full name is Dunas de Maspalomas and it covers 403 hectares of coastline. The park has a salt water lake and a diverse Canarian fauna and flora.

Another attraction of the island that deserves everyone's attention, is the Cueva Pintada cave. The cave is a small museum with geometric patterns of the ancient Guanches. Previously, Cueva Pintada was the residence of the Guanche kings. Modern Museum has several halls.

The resort of Puerto Rico is another world-famous attraction of the island of Gran Caniria. At first, the resort was just a fishing village, but today it is replete with luxury hotels and expensive apartments.

Gran Canaria (Spanish) is the third largest island of the Canary archipelago. From afar, the island looks like a large mountain, in the center of which rises Pico de Las Nieves, its height is 2 thousand meters. The entire island is dotted with deep ravines stretching from the top of the peak to the ocean coast. The capital of the island, Las Palmas, is located in the northeast. It is the largest city in the Canary Islands and every four years it replaces Santa Cruz de Tenerife as the capital of the Canary Islands.

The climate of Gran Canaria is tropical trade wind, moderately dry and hot. The comfort of Gran Canaria's climate is determined by the ocean, the cold Canary Current and the proximity of Africa. Also affects the climate mountain range, which divides the island of Gran Canaria into south and north. In one day you can travel around the entire island, visiting different microclimatic zones. The south coast of Gran Canaria is sunny and hot, but there may be snow on the mountain top. The maximum temperature in August and June reaches 30°C. These are the hottest months in the Canary Islands. In April, May, September and October, the air temperature does not fall below 27°C.

Among the resorts of the island of Gran Canaria, Maspalomas stands out especially. This is the most popular and most famous resort islands. Maspalomas is able to satisfy the needs of any tourist. From almost every hotel you can get to the fashionable promenade, where the calm atmosphere encourages a quiet walk and solitude. The resort has a huge number of various restaurants and bars offering dishes for every taste.

Puerto Rico. A small tourist town in the southwest of the island, located in a valley surrounded by gardens. Puerto Rico has long been famous for attracting lovers marine species sports There are also a huge number of different shopping centers and a lot of entertainment, and the nightlife is in full swing until the morning.

Puerto de Mogán. Port Mogan is considered the best tourist town in Gran Canaria. It is built in the style of folk architecture and combines the port and the typical character of a fishing village. The houses, located along the cliff sides, are built based on local traditions: white walls and straight shapes and colored windows and doors. Puerto Mogán is so quiet and calm that it is... best place for couples in love who want to be together. Only here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and the crazy pace.

San Agustin is a quiet town with hotels on the first line and a good gray sand beach. It is believed that San Agustin has the best private medical clinics in the Canary Islands and one of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. This resort may be of interest to those tourists who find Playa del Inglés too crowded. This tourist town is suitable for a leisurely beach holiday.

Playa del Inglés is a place for those who are not tired of life. After all, life is in full swing here both day and night. Playa del Inglés has several times more hotels and apartments than the rest of the coastal resorts combined. On the resort’s three-kilometer beach of the same name there is the Anexo II shopping center, where you can dine at one of the many restaurants and buy all sorts of small items; next to it there are water activities.
On the island you can not only relax on the magnificent beaches, but also take exciting trips to local attractions. This and botanical gardens, and historical complexes, and traditional villages and settlements.
The Botanical Garden of Jardín Canario is one of the main natural attractions of Gran Canaria. The garden is located near the settlement of Tafira. There are more than 5,000 species of plants found in the local nature.
Bandama Peak. This is a volcanic crater, the diameter of which reaches one kilometer and the depth of more than two hundred meters. From the top of the crater there is an amazing view of the capital of Gran Canaria and the central part of the island.

Artenara is a mountain village located at an altitude of 1270 m above sea level. Artenara is one of the oldest villages on the island and is an architectural phenomenon: most of the old houses here are built into the rocks and yet equipped with all modern amenities. Of particular interest is the village church of La Ermita de la Cuevita, built in a mountain cave.

Cueva Pintada. This archaeological complex is the largest in the Canary archipelago. The Cueva Pintada cave is located in archaeological park and consists of six interconnecting caves decorated with drawings primitive people who lived in these places.

A continent in miniature - this is the name of the Canary island of Gran Canaria. Here you will find a lot of entertainment: great beaches with golden sand, stunning natural scenery and plenty of theme parks for a fun family holiday. Business card Gran Canaria is the mini desert of Maspalomas, located in the south of the island.

Gran Canaria (photo: Ghis-URbqho)

Gran Canaria is the third largest island, with an area of 1560.1 km². The island is round in shape and reaches about 50 km in diameter. All the islands of the Canary archipelago were formed as a result volcanic activity, and Gran Canaria is no exception.

The extinct volcano Pico de las Nieves, located in the central part of the island, is the highest point - 1949 m. The capital of the island is the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (it is also the second capital of the Canary Islands).

Gran Canaria is distinguished by such a rich flora and fauna, diversity of geographical and climatic zones that it has been called a “continent in miniature”. The mountainous landscape of the central part of the island is crossed by arid gorges leading to the coast. Since strong water currents form in the gorges during heavy rainfalls, the inhabited parts of the valley are usually well fortified.

Gran Canaria (photo: Kyle Smith)

Gran Canaria's competitor in the fight for the title of the most popular island of the Canary archipelago is. Although the number of tourists visiting these islands annually is approximately the same, the island of Gran Canaria, well known to Europeans, is almost unknown to tourists from Russia.

Climate of Gran Canaria

The climatic features of the island include a sharp change natural areas: High, forested, snow-capped mountains give way to sunny beaches. Cold northern winds do not penetrate southern part islands thanks mountain peaks Therefore, the climate of southern Gran Canaria is dry and warm. In winter, the main part of the island is warm (+19...+23 °C), and in summer it is hot (+24...+30 °C). The water temperature throughout the year is suitable for swimming (17 – 23 °C).

Map of attractions of Gran Canaria

Telde city

Museum of the Canary Islands

Vegeta Market

Nestor Museum

Las Canteras Beach

City of Arucas

Telde city

Vegueta Quarter (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

Museum of the Canary Islands

Vegeta Market

Calle Triana (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

Nestor Museum

Capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Canteras Beach

City of Arucas

Los Charcones Natural Pool

Natural pool of San Lorenzo

Cheese factory "Cortijo de Caideros"

Museum and Observation deck Cenobio de Valeron

Natural pools of Roque Prieto

Natural pools of Las Salinas de Agaete

Port of Las Nieves

Agaete village

Guaedra Beach

Archaeological Park of Maipes de Agaete

Los Berrazales Winery

Farenoke Beach

Tamadaba – Faneke Slope

Tamadaba Natural Park

Observation deck Del Balcony

Las Niñas Dam

Cactualdea Park

Gui Gui Beach

Mogan Beach

Waterpark Oasis Lago Taurito

Amadores Beach

Puerto Rico Resort

Puerto Rico beach

A park active rest Angry Birds

Anfi del Mar beach

Port Pasito Blanco

Amusement park World of Amusement

Resort Maspalomas

Resort Playa del Inglés

Inglés Beach

San Agustin Beach

Wild West theme park

Aqualand water park

Mundo Aborigen Park

Viewpoint of Degollada de las Yeguas

Palmitos Park

Temisas village

Guayadeque Gorge

Route Ruta de la Plata

Winery "Las Tirajanas"

Nieves Peak observation deck

La Silla Lookout

Cheese factory "Cortijo de Pavón"

Beaches of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria (photo: JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA)

Gran Canaria has a coastline of 236 km, but the length of developed beaches, located mainly in the southern part of the island, is only 15 km. Absolutely all beaches on the island are municipal property and therefore free. Payment is charged only for the rental of sun loungers and parasols. The beaches of Gran Canaria are impressive in their range of colors - the golden sands of Playa Del Inglés and the snow-white sands of Anfi del Mar and Amadores alternate with the dark sands of the volcanic coast.

The visiting card of the island is the most spectacular and largest beach of Maspalomas, located in the southern part of the island. Is different nice beach 4 km long and the capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. On southwest coast tourists will be delighted by the light sands of Puerto Rico and Puerto Mogan, imported from the Sahara. In picturesque and often inaccessible places on the island you can find many small “wild” beaches with gray volcanic sand.

Resorts of Gran Canaria

The tourism business on the island began its development from the capital, but now the crowded and noisy Las Palmas has lost its attractiveness as a resort, although there are famous beaches Las Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras. Residents of the capital prefer to spend their weekends in the south of the island, where the tourist centers of Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogan and Puerto Rico are located.

Maspalomas

Maspalomas, with its developed infrastructure, differs significantly from other resorts in the Canary archipelago and is therefore considered the main resort of Gran Canaria. In that tourist city there are local and foreign educational institutions(English, Spanish and Swedish schools), Summer University, which specializes mainly in tourism, shopping centers, 2 hospitals and private clinics. Vacationers have 2 casinos at their disposal, theme parks, sports centers and golf courses, as well as hotels of different levels (3 *, 4 *, 5 *).

Maspalomas, which unites 5 resorts (San Agustin, Campo Internacional, Bahia Feliz, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras), is located on a 17 km long coastline. Here everyone can choose a resort that suits their personal taste.

Playa del Inglés

Playa del Ingles (photo: Randi J.)

The heart of Maspalomas is the democratic and constantly bustling Playa del Ingles, consisting of a triangle hotel complexes, discos, bars, restaurants and shops - an ideal place for people hungry for fun.

Campo International

Campo Internacional (photo: stefanis)

Solid, calm and full of greenery, Campo Internacional is located west of Playa del Inglés. This resort is one of the most respectable resorts Maspalomasa – next to the ocean in a natural oasis of palm trees, the most expensive hotels Gran Canaria.

Meloneras

The new Meloneras resort, located next to the Pasito Blanco lighthouse, does not have its own sandy beach, as it is designed to open a port for pleasure boats in the future. However, this won't stop you from soaking up the sun, as Playa de Maspalomas beach is nearby.

Bahia Feliz

Bahia Feliz (photo: johannes)

Bahia Feliz - favorite place windsurfers. There are 2 surf centers here, and one of these centers is run by a multiple world champion Björn Dankenberk. This resort is located very close to the airport, but is not suitable for sunbathers, as strong winds blow on this part of the coast.

San Agustin

San Agustin (photo: JUAN RAMON RODRIGUEZ SOSA)

San Agustin is a place that locals love for its hotels located on the first line, silence and a good beach with dark sand. The beach is protected from the winds small mountains. This resort is preferred by a respectable public, as this resort is famous for the best private medical clinics in the Canary Islands and one of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. San Agustina's prices are more affordable than the resorts of Campo Internacional and Playa del Inglés.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico (photo: riosolhotel)

Puerto Rico is the second most important resort on the island. A couple of decades ago this resort was a small fishing port, and today it is a favorite vacation spot for tourists with children. Currently, the port is divided into two parts by the beach, and on the rocky slopes there are several dozen hotels and apartments that look similar to each other. In the port you can see many catamarans, yachts and boats, but big ships they don't enter the port.

This resort is south center water activities in Gran Canaria, so here you can rent a yacht, go diving or windsurfing, boat trip on a glass bottom boat, water skiing and even fishing.

Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogan (photo: Anne Roberts)

Puerto de Mogan is a small Andalusian-style resort that allows you to immerse yourself in the romantic setting of southern Spain. West of Puerto de Mogán are located inaccessible mountains which can be admired from the observation deck. Since the resort has a yacht port, you can also explore the coastline during a boat trip.

Sights of Gran Canaria

Garden Botanico Viera and Clavijo

Caldera de Bandama (photo: David Kaiser)

Crocodile Park (Cocodrilo Park) (photo: Miodrag Radosavljevic)

Columbus House (Casa de Colón) (photo: Rolf Bach)

Canary Cathedral (Catedral de Canarias) (photo: EJC01)

Gran Canaria (photo: Jerome Daly)

The bus is the island's main public transport. The issue of laying a railway on the island is still at the discussion stage. Buses run throughout the island Global, which locals call "guagua". And in the capital of the island, in addition to municipal buses, you can use by tourist bus. You can also get around Gran Canaria by taxi. Payment is made according to the meter, and tariffs are set by the Autonomous Government of the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands are connected by air and sea.

How to get to Gran Canaria?

The island has international Airport– Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria However, there are no direct flights from Russia to Gran Canaria, and you have to get there with transfers. Here are the main flight routes:

Moscow→Tenerife→Gran Canaria.
Tenerife - for now the only island Canary archipelago, to which there are direct flights from Russia.
Moscow→Tenerife, and then on the sea ferry Tenerife→Gran Canaria.
Moscow → →Gran Canaria.
When making a transfer in Madrid, you can stay there for a couple of days, thereby getting to know the capital of Spain;

Ferry Tenerife→Gran Canaria

The ferry sails from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to the port of Agaete, in the north-west of Gran Canaria. Travel time is 70 minutes. From the port of Agaete there is a free bus to Las Palmas.

Ferry
Ferry

My selection of hotels in Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria is one of the most popular Canary resorts. In large tourist centers you will find developed infrastructure, and in small villages there are ample opportunities for water sports, excursions, recreation. Volcanic origin and proximity to Africa determine unique nature island that is worth seeing at least once.

Location

One of the islands of the Canary archipelago, which is located near the northwestern coast of Africa.

Beach

The southern coast is ideal for families with children, since the water warms up quickly, there are shallow waters, and there are practically no waves and wind.
- Maspalomas is famous for its beaches with golden sand, which was brought directly from the Sahara. And the real pearl of the area is the dunes. Here are beaches such as Bahia Feliz (a paradise for windsurfers), cozy and calm San Agustin, cheerful and crowded Inglés, as well as the wild coast of Meloneras.
- Northern part less suitable for normal beach holiday due to constant winds and large waves. But it is good to play sports here. And many areas are considered protected areas and surprise with their landscapes: Gui Gui, Guaedra, Nieves, Sardina, Puertillo. They attract lovers of photo shoots with their cliffs, azure waters, and volcanic blocks.

Climate

Most of the territory is characterized by a mild climate - dry and warm. In summer, the air temperature rises to +26-30 degrees, and in winter it drops to +20 degrees. The water temperature during the warm period reaches +23 degrees. The peculiarity of the territory is that there is a sharp change in natural zones: there is snow in the mountains, and the sun is shining on the coast. The mountain range does not allow cold air masses to pass to the south, so the local coast is better for swimming. Surfers and sailing enthusiasts most often settle in the north.

What to visit?

The main attraction is nature. There are few architectural and historical sites here. But this does not mean that the holiday will be boring.
- Dunes of Maspalomas – national reserve. Scientists suggest that the snow-white sandy mountains were brought by winds from the Sahara. Here you will be offered to ride a camel and admire the picturesque sunsets.
- The basin of the old Bandama volcano. You can climb to the top on foot, and there is a spectacular observation deck at the top. You can also buy products from local potters there.
- Crocodile Park, which combines a zoo with a botanical garden.
- Complex of ancient architecture in Las Palmas: the Chapel of San Antonio, the square and the Church of St. Anne, the Regental and Consistorial palaces, the Columbus House Museum.
- The caves of Guayadeque became a refuge for the local population - the Guanches. Equipped like modern homes.

Kitchen

IN local cuisine The traditions of the Guanches, Spaniards, and Portuguese were mixed. But the volcanic soil, on which especially aromatic and tasty vegetables, fruits, and herbs grow, gives a special flavor to the dishes. As on any island, seafood is a big focus here.
- Papas Arrugadas– a side dish of potatoes, most often served with a chili-based sauce – Mojo Picon.
- Gofio escaldado– pureed soup in fish broth with whole grain gofio flour.
- Cheeses Flor, Blanco, Guia– thistle flowers are used in the recipe.
- Chorizo de Teror– raw smoked pork sausage with spices.
- Pata Assad- Ham.
- Potahe– vegetable soup with mustard added.
- Sancocho- fish soup.
- Kambas al Ajilo– shrimps with garlic.
- Pulpo ala Plancha- Grilled octopus.
- Frangoie- dessert based on custard.
Volcanic soil produces delicious wines. Be sure to try Malvasia from Lanzarote and El Grifo products. Stronger spirits include Arehucas Captain Kidd rum and Ron Miel, made from sugar cane.

Souvenirs and shopping

There are not as many options for colorful souvenirs and shopping as we would like. However, every traveler will find something to his liking.
- Embroidery and lace self made– towels, clothes, bed linen, tablecloths.
- Products made from lava - figurines, jewelry, bottles with volcanic sand.
- Ceramic tableware.
- Products - local cheeses, alcohol, sauces, prickly pear jams, medicinal palm honey, etc.

Transport

Problems with public transport not on the island. Buses will take you to any tourist spot. The downside is that their movement time may be limited to 19.00-21.00, sometimes – 17.00. If you like to travel slowly, would be better suited rented car.

Lifehacks

1. The Canary Islands are a duty-free zone. Here you can buy alcohol, cigarettes, perfumes, and fuel cheaper.
2. Currency exchange fees vary. Maximum – 15%.
3. The sun is very active, so protective creams should be used even if you are in the shade.

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