Holidays in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands and its major city Las Palmas shares capital status with Santa Cruz in Tenerife. Gran Canaria is said to derive its name, not from the yellow birds that sacrificed their lives in mines before the invention of the Davy Lamp, but from the worship of dogs which adorn their coat of arms. Canaari, which the Romans called it, means dog in Latin.

Today their worship tends to be mainly aesthetic and pleasure is derived from coastal pleasures such as bathing, surfing, sailing, fishing and diving. The sanded beaches can vary immensely from volcanic black to glittering gold, popular and well maintained to secluded and craggy. It is probably the most beautiful of all the islands and enjoys temperate spring weather (21-27ºC) all the year round. The mountains of the Pozo de Las Nieves are the only exception, as they heighten they invite snow to the higher peaks.

There are clubs for these sports that will help you get the most out of your experiences and they are more than worthwhile the effort. Surfing and sailing will help you to get the most of being on the water. Fishing will help you get the most out of the water: marlin, needlefish, tuna and others. And under the water, there is a huge diverse fauna and flora blessed seascape waiting for the diver to explore. The port houses many vessels from the meek to the more grandiose cruisers and also is a good stop over point for boat owners who need essential repairs. There are also organised boat trips to whale and dolphin habitats with experienced guides and crew to ensure a knowledgeable and safe tour.

Besides the sea, botanical varieties of plant are abounding on this beautiful island and it claims over 100 indigenous species unique only to Gran Canaria itself. A visit to the Botanical Gardens in Las Palmas will help you to identify and discover these for yourself. There are many ways to get around Gran Canaria, you can walk, cycle, hike or you can mount a horse and even a camel can be arranged on one of their safaris. Take to the heights with rock climbing or survey the area with a round of golf at one of their courses. There are also amusement parks for children, great shopping opportunities and nightlife to relish until the next dawn arrival.

It has its own airport with excellent transfer facilities to your final destination. These can be arranged in advance and purchased at the same time as organising your flight ticket. Another popular option is to have your own transport and hire a car, either in advance or at one of the desks at the airport.



The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Villas in Gran Canaria and Apartments in Gran Canaria which can be rented direct from their owners.