Location

The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago with seven islands situated off the Northwest African coast in the subtropical northeast Atlantic. Gran Canaria is a popular international tourist destination and is considered to be a miniature continent because, although its surface are is only around 1,500 km², one can find the biggest and most cosmopolitan city of this group of islands (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) on the north side, long sandy beaches and dune fields in the south, and high green mountains, with a maximum altitude around 2,000 meters, in the center of the island. Nearly half the island is a protected natural area, sheltering many species of plants which inhabit the unique mild microclimates and landscapes of the island.

Maspalomas Beach

Maspalomas is located on the south of the Island has a variety of things to see and do for visitors. The famous beach of Playa de Maspalomas almost 4 km in length and provides a sandy beach, dunes and access to the sea. The sand dunes, known locally as Las Dunas de Maspalomas, are a must see when visiting the Gran Canaria. Faro de Maspalomas is a 60m tall lighthouse constructed in the 1880’s situated close to the beach which can be seen from across the landscape of Maspalomas.

Las Palmas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, at the north of the island, was traditionally a stop-off port for sailors who were voyaging across the Atlantic. Christopher Columbus was the first to make this trip and the tradition still stands today. Today you will find a wide variety of boats stocking up for their trips. This has provided a good reputation for Gran Canaria as being a place for sailing events of an international scale.

Weather

The climate is often hot but much cooler by night. The temperature is at its highest if winds blow from the direction of the Sahara.

Photos courtesy of the Tourist Board of Gran Canaria