Gran Canaria

The year-round mild temperatures make it possible to enjoy the beaches throughout the year and the island boasts wonderful beaches.

There are all types of beaches, for instance: the several miles long Maspalomas beach and Playa Ingles, with its famous dunes; off-the beaten track little beaches, city beaches, or small unspoilt coves, hidden beaches in many points of the island.

Near the harbour lies a small sheltered beach, ideal for families with children. Those who do not feel like just spending lazy days sunbathing can always rent kayaks or pedalos or even marvel at the species with a rich underwater world on the yellow-submarine trip. As well as Maspalomas beach, there are other popular beaches to the south of the island such as: Arguineguín Beach, San Agustín, Amadores, Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Rico.

Canteras beach is also worth visiting: it is located in the capital of the island to the north, and it is considered one of the most beautiful golden sand city beaches of the world. In the picturesque and tranquil fishing village of Agaete, you can also enjoy a small stone beach, surrounded by a stunning steep coast landscape, where the rocks point to the sky both abruptly and majestically.

Maspalomas

The Playa de Maspalomas is a long, golden sandy beach with a stunning dune landscape that makes up the Special Nature Reserve of Maspalomas.

Not only is this one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beaches, but it also offers excellent safety standards, infrastructure, cleanliness and water quality and this is the reason why it keeps on receiving a Blue Flag Award from the European Union, year after year.

The Maspalomas sand dunes run from the Maspalomas Lighthouse up to the far end of Playa del Inglés, which is adjoined to the east. In spite of having two names, this is just one beach because they are adjoined. Both stretches make up 6 kilometres in length, which makes it the longest beach of Gran Canaria. The beach features a nudist area and a gay area, situated in the kiosk number 7.

The fabulous promenade runs from Maspalomas Lighthouse up to the far end of Meloneras Beach. It is the ideal spot to contemplate the wonderful sunset on the Atlantic Ocean in the afternoon.

In the municipality of Maspalomas, there are several leisure centres which are worth visiting:

• Aqualand: the largest water park of Gran Canaria.
• Holiday World: amusing theme park for the little ones.
• Sioux City: wild west theme park.
• Palmitos Park: botanical and zoo park, which boasts a large variety of parrots.

Meloneras

Meloneras starts at the Lighthouse and unravels as far as Maspalomas beach. The stunning promenade is a portfolio of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The promenade leads into Meloneras beach, a 20-minute walk from Maspalomas beach.

Meloneras Golf is located near this small bay. This golf course is made up of the newest 18 holes of Gran Canaria and it boasts a fantastic location next to the sea.

Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés is situated in the south of Gran Canaria in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, east to Maspalomas beach. It is nestled between Punta de Maspalomas and San Agustín beach, going past two coves, Burra beach and Cochino beach.

Playa del Inglés is a holiday resort which is part of Maspalomas and was built in the beginning of the 60s. It features hotels, apartments, restaurants and shopping centres, such as the Yumbo Centrum. This is considered as one of the main meeting points for LGBT visitors in Europe. There is a wide range of shops, bars and nightclubs. Gran Canaria has turned into the favourite holiday destination for the gay community in Europe.

Playa el Inglés becomes the epicentre of gay tourism in Europe, especially when Maspalomas Gay Pride is celebrated in May every year.

Playa del Inglés is both cosmopolitan and international, which can be perceived in its gastronomic diversity and the wide range of activities, trips and shopping possibilities.

During school holidays families with children opt for Playa del Inglés and in the summer months young couples enjoy the beach and nightlife. In winter, Playa del Inglés is busy with long-term holiday makers escaping cold temperatures at home.

Playa del Inglés offers the best of both worlds. The area around the CITA shopping centre is tranquil, while nightlife-lovers prefer staying near the Kashab entertainment centre and LGBT visitors go to the Yumbo Centrum.

The 6 km long beach that connects Playa de Inglés with Maspalomas reflects this diversity. There are special sections for families with children, a zone for nudists and, close to kiosk No. 7, a gay zone.

Playa de San Agustín

San Agustín beach is known as Las Burras. It is a 670 metres cove made up of dark sand and moderate waves. Besides, you can enter the sea with a gentle slope, which makes it ideal for swimmers, families with kids as well as divers and snorkelers.

Playa de Puerto Rico

Once a small fishing village, Puerto Rico now stretches out on both sides of the valley and has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, bars and discos.

The wind-sheltered Puerto Rico is considered to be a water sports paradise and one of the most sun kissed places in Gran Canaria. This golden beach is perfect for families with children, snorkelers, jet skiers and sailors.

Puerto Rico is also the starting point of countless boat trips to different points of the island such as Puerto de Mogán or Arguinequín. Another truly unforgettable experience is the dolphin and whale watching boat trip. About 27 species of whales live in the clear waters of the Canary Islands and with a little luck you’ll get to see swarms of dolphins and also large whales.

Furthermore, the new Angry Birds Theme Park is located in the centre of Puerto Rico which guarantees fun for the entire family.

Playa de Amadores

Welcome to the Caribbean! Amadores is an 800 metres white sand beach with turquoise crystal-clear waters. This artificial crescent shaped cove is nestled between Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Rico.

You can easily get to the beach by using public transport. If you feel like getting there driving your own car, you will find free car parks and car parks with an extra charge. However, the most beautiful way of getting there is on foot, going through the ravine situated just above the sea, which begins in the extreme north of Puerto Rico.

It is a very popular beach among families with kids and couples who want to soak up the sun in an exotic environment.

In 2014 Amadores was awarded the “Blue Flag” eco-label once again. This award recognises the quality of the waters, safety and cleanliness of the beach.

Playa de Mogán

Next to Puerto de Mogán, you will find a small sand beach which is ideal for families with kids, since it is protected from storm waves and current action by a sea dyke.

Puerto de Mogán offers a wide range of possibilities for water sports lovers. You can go on an adventure to discover the rich underwater world in one of the yellow submarines that leave the port every day or embark on specialised deep-sea boats to fish blue marlin or tuna.

Playa de Las Canteras

Canteras beach is located in the capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This city was also ranked as “the city with the healthiest weather in the world”.

This 3-kilometer strip of crescent-shaped beach is considered as one of the most beautiful city beaches, comparable to Copacabana beach. What is more, it has received several awards such as the “Quality Tourism” or “Blue Flag” from the European Union. It also features a Certificate of Universal Accessibility since it features a bathroom service for people with reduced mobility.

One of its peculiarities is its rocky formation, called “barra”. It is a two kilometer calcareous reef that flows to 200m in parallel to the seashore. It is precisely this bar that has given the name to this beach, since in the past it was used as a quarry to extract rock that was then used for different buildings. This natural breakwater makes this tranquil beach perfect for swimming.

The natural rock barrier creates a unique ecosystem on this beach which is a paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling. The beach stretches that are not protected by the barrier are ideal to catch waves, for example at the Cicer.

Roque Nublo (Tejeda)

The Roque Nublo (The Clouded Rock), situated in the Rural del Nublo Park in the municipality of Tejeda, is a majestic rock basaltic formation that stands at a height of 80 metres, situated in the Rural del Nublo Park, in the municipality of Tejeda, considered as the geographic centre of the island. This roque is located 1,813 metres above the sea level, and it is custodied by its eternal companion La Rana, a rocky formation which bears this name because of its singular shape, and it is surrounded by Roque del Fraile and San José.

In the past, this place was worshipped by the natives and a pillar of heaven, which was the main protagonist of many legends and popular songs. Nowadays, it has become one of the landmarks of the island. It is hard not to fall into the charm of this magical place which was already considered sacred by the natives.

Puerto de Mogán (Mogán)

Due to its picturesque canals of salty water, which are crossed by small bridges and are surrounded by colourful houses, this charming fishing port is often referred to as the “Little Venice”, which in turn, gives this place a unique, romantic ambiance.

Another tourist attraction is the fishing and sport port, which is home to a wide range of ships of all sizes and is surrounded by a small promenade with restaurants and bars. The ferry to Puerto Rico and specialised deep-sea fishing boats leave from the port.

There is a small market which livens up the streets of this town, where you can find typical products of the island every Friday.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The vibrant capital of Gran Canaria is home to a fascinating historic centre, several shops, stores and a stunning city beach, Las Canteras.

Among the main attractions that are worth visiting, guests also find: Vegueta, the oldest town area; Santa Ana Cathedral, built in 1479; the City Hall built in 1853 and the Colón Museum.

Triana, the main shopping area, is a must see. It is flanked from both sides to colonial buildings, restaurants and shops. In Triana you will find narrow streets that invite you to discover them.

Puerto de las Nieves (Agaete)

El Puerto de las Nieves belongs to the municipality of Agaete, in the north of Gran Canaria. This is a small fishing town, which is very popular among the islanders who go to different restaurants situated in the port area to eat fresh fish and enjoy the stunning sea views and the spectacular cliffed coast.

The symbol of Puerto de las Nieves was “God’s finger”, a huge rock in the shape of a finger which lost its inferior part during a thunderstorm in 2005.

From Puerto de las Nieves, there is a ferry that goes to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife.

Teror

The Municipality of Teror, situated in the north of Gran Canaria, is one of the oldest and most charming towns of the archipelago. Cobblestone streets, wonderful courtyards and the typical wooden balconies make up the highlights of Villa Mariana.

The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino in Teror is also home to the main Patron of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, the Virgin of Pino. Its history dates back to the apparition of the Virgin of Pino at the end of the XV century. Rumour has it that on September 8th a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared in a supernatural way on the top of a pine tree, located in the same place where years later the basilica was built. From that moment on, this became a pilgrimage place, whose festivity, the “Fiestas del Pino” (Feasts of the Pines) is celebrated every September 8th, a festive day in Canarias.

The area surrounding the basilica was declared of historic and artistic heritage. You can contemplate old aristocratic mansions such as the House of the Patrons, turned into a Museum, and the Plaza de Teresa Bolívar. It is also worth mentioning the importance of the monastery of Císter, very famous for its sweets, or the Country house of Osorio, which features an antique aristocratic villa and a marvellous park with multiple paths that allow you to enjoy the marvellous and well-kept flora of its surroundings.

Opened in 1959, the 27-hectare botanical garden grows many of 500 endemic plants of Canarias.

The Botanical Garden Canario Viera and Clavijo (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

The botanical garden is not only an oasis of peace and quiet, but it is also considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the northern hemisphere.

Guayadeque Ravine (Agüimes e Ingenio)

The Guayadeque ravine is a hidden gem between the towns of Ingenio and Agüimes, which astounds every single visitor: high summits, deep gorges, lush flora, a small hermitage and several well-kept cave-houses. Between January and March, when the almond trees are in full bloom, the valley gets a rosy colour from its flowers turning it into a buffet of flowers.

You can learn more about the pre-Hispanic cave settlement at the Guayadaque Museum, situated at the entrance of the ravine.

After a ravine tour, you could treat yourself to a tasty Canarian cuisine at one of picturesque cave-restaurants that can be found in Guayadeque.

Bandama (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

10 kilometres to the south of the capital, you can find the volcanic crater of Bandama, which features great dimensions and steep walls. The viewpoint is located in the Pico de Bandama and can be accessed by highway. This last trail requires a certain degree of skills since it has a slippery slope.

Once you get there, it is also worth visiting the pre-Hispanic cave-dwelling village in the north wall of the crater.

Flora

The Canary Islands are home to a huge number of autochthonous plants and a 100 of them can be exclusively found in Gran Canaria.

Due to the diverse climatic areas that can be found on the island, laurel forests are predominant in the north, pine woods in the mountainous area of the center, and in the south, we can find the characteristic flora of semi-arid regions.

Fauna

The fauna in Gran Canaria is mainly made up of reptiles and birds.

The most usual species are the Canarian lizard, the bluish mullet, the Boettger’s wall gecko or the Osorian shrew.

But most of the species of the island are birds. In Gran Canaria, there are 48 nesting species. During winter, the island is an important transit point for many migratory birds. Amongst the nesting species, we can find endemic species such as the robin, the Tenerife blue chaffinch, the woodpecker, and the Atlantic Canary.

The Atlantic Ocean that surrounds the islands is home to countless marine species which turn the rich underwater marine depths into a paradise for divers. Amongst many other marine species, in Gran Canaria waters you are likely to encounter pelagic fishes, sea turtles, rays, manta rays, potamotrygons, monkfishes, swordfishes and thunnus and a great number of mammals such as the dolphins, porpoises, pink river dolphins and whales.

Nature reserves

The Tamadaba Natural Park

You will marvel at The Tamadaba Natural Park’s ravines, mountain ranges and scarps, which make up a landscape of large contrasts, as well as the Cardonal-tabaibal and the existence of some of the best-preserved pine forests of Gran Canaria. These are home to a series of very rare, endemic, endangered species. The natural park covers the towns of Agaete, Artenara and San Nicolás.

El Risco, a Special Area for the Protection of Birds and the Guayedra valley are also worth visiting since they are considered of geological interest.

Pilancones Natural Park

The Pilancones Natural Park is located in the southern area of the island, in the municipality of San Bartolomé of Tirajana, between Fataga and the Rural Park of Nublo.

The landscape is made up of deep and steep ravines and canary pine trees on the peaks, which constitute a suitable habitat for different bird populations. For that reason, it was included in a network of special protection areas of the European Union in order to protect birds. In the lowest regions, you’ll find cardinal and tabaibal.

Integral Natural Reserve of Inagua

The Integral Natural Reserve of Inagua is situated between the Towns of Mogán, Tejeda and San Nicolás de Tolentino, and it is part of the Rural Park of Nublo. It is made up of the Ojeda hills, Pajonales and Inauga, which make up one of the best-preserved natural pine forests in Gran Canaria. Besides offering a spectacular landscape, it has a great scientific, geological and geomorphological value. Many endemic plants as the gildana or the helianthemum live in it.

As to the fauna, although there isn’t a wide range of species, there are many endemic endangered species, such as the Tenerife blue chaffinch, the Eurasian blue tits, or the woodpecker, which can be found in the pine trees of the nature reserve. For this reason, this reserve is also known as a special area for the protection of birds.

Integral Natural Reserve of Barranco de Oscuro (Dark Ravine)

Situated between the Towns of Moya and Valleseco, this Nature Reserve is made up of a small stretch of ravines of 35,2 hectares, which flows into the Virgin ravine. This reserve is located inside the Rural Park of Dormas.

The great natural value of this ravine is owed to the presence of an exceptional sample of laurisilva grancanaria with a capacity of regeneration in its interior, which makes it a really important enclave for the future recovery of these woods. Besides, it also boasts 40 species that are endemic to the Canary Islands, twelve of which are exclusive to Gran Canaria.

Special Nature Reserve of Los Tilos de Moya

Los Tilos de Moya, Special Nature Reserve of 91,5 hectares is a Tertiary forest of laurisilva and limes situated in the Rural Park of Doramas, in the ravine of Moya and it covers the Towns of Santa María de Guía and Moya.

This forest is made up of the remains of what is known as Doramas Jungle, which covered all the north of the island 500 years ago. In this natural space, there are 35 species of the most threatened flora of Gran Canaria.

There are two proper trails that will take you into a truly beautiful natural region.

Special Nature Reserve of Los Marteles

Los Marteles is a large reserve made up of more than 3,500 hectares which covers the municipalities: Agüimes, Ingenio, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santa Lucía, Tejeda, Telde, Valsequillo and Vega de San Mateo.

The prevailing vegetation is made up of beautiful hills, the volcanic craters, Canary pine trees, the outcrops, the olive trees, the willow plantations and the ravines, such as the Cernícalos (the Kestrels’ Ravine), and the scarps in the south, where there is a large concentration of endemic flora biodiversity.

Special Nature Reserve of Brezal

This nature reserve covers an expanse of 107 hectares and is located in the north of Gran Canaria, to the west of Moya cliff, in the municipality of Santa María de Guía. To the north it borders with the Rural Park of Doramas.

Here you can find the best sample of fayal-brezal (finetree and heath forest) of the island. You are likely to see endemic species such as the asparagus plant or the Canary bellflower.

Special Nature Reserve of Azuaje

The Special Nature Reserve of Azuaje in Doramas Country Park is located in the municipalities of Firgas and Moya and covers an expanse of 61,1 hectares. This area attracts many tourists since its flora features a wide range of threatened species and endemic plants. It is a bastion for endangered species with laurisilva and freshwater ecosystems.

Besides, in the steep ravine slopes, there are surprising vestiges of the Rupicola (Guianan cock-of-the-rock) habitat where a great number of fossil rests have been found.

The stunning ravine trail stands out because of its great beauty and landscape interest.

Special Nature Reserve of Güigüi

This nature reserve is located in the municipality of San Nicolás and it has a surface of 2929,9 hectares. Güigüi has a landscape of incomparable beauty where giant cactuses, tabaibas, the thermophilic forest, peculiar cliffs and ravines, endemic flora and threatened birds prevail. It also features interesting archaeological sites in the vicinity of Hogarzales mountain.

But what really stands out is the special charm of its beach, located between the cliffs, and only accessed by boat or walking through a trail.

Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve

Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve covers an expanse of 403,0 hectares and is located in the Municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, south of Gran Canaria. This is a set of dunes which make up a unique landscape of great beauty and singularity. This spot is one of the landmarks of the Canary Islands.

Within the reserve limits, you can find the Dunas; la Charca, small coast lake of salty water, reminiscence of the “Maspalomas marshlands”, and Maspalomas Oasis, an idyllic and centenary palm grove. These three spaces make up Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve.

These spaces are of great natural value due to their fragile ecosystem, flora and fauna. It is worth noticing the abundant presence of the huge lizard of Gran Canaria or the presence of insects, some of them endemic and commonly found in the African fauna and only known in this place.

The humid area of the reserve, the Maspalomas Oasis, is home to a large population of migratory and nesting birds.

In Maspalomas you can also find one of the most emblematic symbols of Gran Canaria: the Maspalomas Lighthouse. This 60-metre-high architectonic gem was built according to Juan de León y Castillo’s blueprints. It first saw the daylight in the night of February 1st, 1980. This Lighthouse was declared of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic Monument in 2005. Nowadays, it is known as one the oldest lighthouses from the Canary Islands that still works.

Rural Park of Nublo

Situated in the geographical centre of the island, covering an expanse of 26307,4 hectares in the Rural Park of Nublo, this makes it the largest park of the Canary Island. It covers the municipalities of Artenara, Tejeda, San Nicolás, Mogán, San Bartolomé, San Mateo, Valleseco and Moya.

Within the Rural Park of Nublo, you can find the Nature Reserve of Inagua, the Roque Bentaiga, the Crater of Tejeda, and one of the island’s symbols, the majestic Roque Nublo.

There is a great number of pine forests, chestnut trees, poplars, artificial ponds, the steep ravines in the coast, and the scarped cliffs. But it is also home to endemic and endangered species, and some of them, for example a species of shrub, can only be found here. It is also worth mentioning that there are scrubs of broom, wallflowers, tajinaste (tower of jewels) and grasslands.

It is a stunning area of singular beauty because of the variety of landscapes.

Rural Park of Doramas

The Rural Park of Doramas has a surface of 3586 hectares and it covers the municipalities of Santa María de Guía, Moya, Firgas, Valleseco, Arucas and Teror.

Inside this park there are two Special Nature Reserves, Los Tilos de Moya and Azuaje as well as the Integral Nature Reserve, the Dark Cliff. Three spaces of great scientific interest to be home to relicts of laurel forests that hundreds of years ago covered all the north area of the island.

Due to the strategic location of the archipelago, near the African coast which used to be an obligatory stop in the transatlantic oceanic route, the Canarian cuisine is characterised for being a fusion of food from many continents. At the times of the conquest, the Castilians introduced elements from Latin American and European recipes into the Canarian cuisine. The food from the natives of the Canary Islands with Berber ancestry was also heavily influenced by the north of Africa. A true melting pot of flavours that the canaries adapt to their climate and to the products that can be found in their lands.

Canarian cuisine is known for having simple dishes with high quality products. There are practically no unique recipes, since every region and even every family prepares recipes differently.

In Canarian restaurants, it is very frequent to find all kinds of tapas, called enyesques on the islands, and other Canarian specialities such as the toasted meal, wrinkled potatoes with hot sauce, kid, vegetable soup, Canarian soup, pork leg, great quality islander cheeses, and of course, bananas, fish and seafood. To top it all off, every dish is served with Canarian rhum or its variation with honey.

We will give you an overview of the most typical dishes of the island:

Papas arrugadas (Wrinkled potatoes with hot sauce)

These are small jacket potatoes boiled in a lot of salt, which makes them look “wrinkly”. In the Canary Islands, there is a great variety of this tuber, among which, “bonitas” (pretty potatoes), “papas negras” (black potatoes), “papas blancas” (White potatoes), “papas up to date” and “papas llagadas”, thanks to the great explorers of the Americas who on their way back to the islands left samples of the species that they collected overseas. Boiling potatoes in sea salt became a tradition and this practice gave origin to the most characteristic dish of the Canary Islands.

The potatoes are served with mojo (garlic sauce) a cold, green or red sauce, depending on its ingredients. There isn’t just one mojo recipe, each restaurant and family have their own way of preparing it. The usual ingredients are: oil, vinegar, garlic, a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, depending on the palate. The green garlic sauce can be prepared with coriander or parsley and it is usually served with fish, whereas the red garlic sauce gets its colour from the tomato or the red pepper. In addition, if you prefer a “spicy” garlic sauce, you should add a variety of Canarian pepper.

Gofio (flour made from toasted grains)

This flour is part of the legacy left by the Guanche people, and it is one of the basic ingredients of the Canarian cuisine. Gofio is a kind of flour made from wheat or toasted grains that is used for different dishes, both sweet as the Pella de Gofio (Lump of Gofio) or the Goffio Mousse, and salty, as the Gofio Escaldado.

The Gofio Escaldado is a creamy soup prepared by using fish broth and served with onion and bread.

The Gofio Escaldado ingredients are gofio, water, bananas and sugar, all mixed up until producing a dough-like mixture which is nutritious and loved by kids.

The Gofio Mousse is soup made with fish broth and eaten with onion and bread. It is prepared with gofio, cream, almonds, cinnamon, sugar and eggs.

Cheeses

Most Spanish goat cheeses are made and eaten in the Canary Islands. At the annual “World Cheese Awards”, Canarian cheeses often win prizes because of their quality and flavour and for that reason they are considered amongst the best cheeses in the world.

Embutidos (Processed Meat)

Amongst the most well-known chorizos of the island, we can find the spreadable of Teror. This town is also famous for its morcilla dulce (blood sausage), made with raisins, almonds and cinnamon.

Roast pork leg

Another typical dish is the pata asada (roast pork leg). It is baked and seasoned to suit your palate. It is served in slices as a tapa or as a sandwich.

Seafood

In the Canary Islands, people depend on the fish, so it is not surprising to find out that the fish and the seafood are essential elements in their Canarian recipe book. Limpets, winkles, skippers, sardines, octopuses, European squids, squids, cuttlefishes, calamari tips, anchovies, viejas, groupers and sea basses.

In Gran Canaria we have partnered with Padicar. Whether you’re looking for an SUV or convertible: Padicar is sure to have the right car for you! For more information please contact the reception desk of your hotel or Pedicar via phone (+34) 637 73 24 29 or email: [email protected].

The theme park is located in Maspalomas within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Holidayworld offers a wide range of fun activities to suit all ages. An ideal place to have a fun afternoon with your family, going bowling or enjoying the panoramic views from the Ferris Wheel! The most thrilling rides for thrill seekers that Holidayworld has to offer are the Giro Loop, the Sky Drop or the Pirate Ship, while the kids have fun riding the Little Train or the Little Octopus. The theme park also has a 4D cinema, a roller coaster and Formula 1 simulator.