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Spanish island in the North Atlantic
Photo: Victor R. Ruiz from Arinaga, Canary Islands, Spain. Edited slightly by Daniel Case prior to upload, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canary Islands and has the largest population. It's often described as a "continent in miniature" because it has so much variety to offer.
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Various animals (esp. exotic birds) and exotic plantations. Also dolphins. Has shows with parrots, dolphins and birds of prey (eagles, hawks, etc). A great place to go with children 2 yr and upwards. You could spend 3-4 hours there.
Nuestra Señora del Pino
This area is very green with imposing rock formations and steep ravines, It has pine forests, palm groves and almond trees (which are in bloom in January and February) and all kinds of vegetation within its 39.15 km². The historic center and surrounding neighbourhoods offer valuable traces of history like the Church of Saint Michael Archangel, the former Cavalry barracks, and Flemish carvings. The varied gastronomic offer includes traditional cheeses, wine, honey and almonds, all of which make up one of the major attractions of Valsequillo.
This world heritage site extends over the north, west and central parts of the island.
The island is a paradise for bikers, with lots of trails for mountain biking, from easy to very difficult and long ones. There are also many possibilities of road biking, both in the mountain region and along the coast. There are bike rental centers in the island.
Surf School Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a perfect place to learn to surf. A surf class will set you off safely with the right technique. Use a reputable surf school such as Surf Canaries, a mobile surf school in the south of the island who take parties to the right beaches for learning and give in depth and fun classes with qualified instructors. It's a great day out if you always fancied having a go!
By bus
The public transportation system is well organized and economical. There are regular buses that go all over the island, most of the ones useful for tourists run through Avda.
By taxi
Do not be afraid to take a taxi. Sometimes you can get somewhere a lot quicker for a few euro more than you would spend on a bus. Why not walk past a bus station and ask somebody to share a taxi?
By road
There are no trains in Gran Canaria. There is an autopista (motorway/highway) that covers much of the island. Speed cameras operate along the length of all the major roads, beware.
By thumb
Along smaller roads hitch-hiking is considerably easy. You shouldn't hitch-hike at the highway.
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Gran Canaria Island · International · LPA
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