Gran Canaria Facts

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In 2008 nearly 3 million people visited this beautiful holiday island. Gran Canaria is located in the Atlantic ocean, and is part of Makronesia which includes the Canary Islands, Madeira, Salvaje, the Azores and Cape Verde. The African coast is approximately 210 kilometers away, and it's 1.250 km from mainland Spain. The Canary Islands have a total of 7 different islands. Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. The capital is divided between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Just over 2 million people are living on islands, and 840,000 of them live on Gran Canaria, around 340,000 in the capital of Las Palmas. The island has a round shape with a diameter of about 50 kilometers. Gran Canaria is called a continent in miniature. The climate is unique and is divided into three different zones, where the southern attracts tourists from around the world every year. Go Hiking in Gran Canaria with Rocky Adventure!

Some of the most famous tourist areas in the south are; Bahia Feliz, San Agustin, Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas, Sonnenland, Meloneras, Arguineguin, Patalavaca, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Playa del Cura, Taurito and Puerto de Mogan. Most tourists that go on holiday to Gran Canaria come from Germany, followed by the U.K., Norway, Sweden, Holland, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Switzerland and Belgium.

Some of the most popular activities available in Gran Canaria is located on the south side of the island. Sioux City in Playa del Aguilla, near San Agustin is a western park with cabarets, Cowboy and Indian shows, a games area, children's activities, restaurants, barbecues and the largest exhibition of reptiles and amphibians on the island.

Aqualand in Maspalomas is the largest water park on the island. 90.000m2 with 14 great attractions and 30 water slides for all of the family. They also have restaurants, souvenir shops, changing rooms and a fantastic atmosphere. Palmitos Park, Maspalomas has animals from all continents. The park was destroyed in a major fire in 2007 but is now totally restored and improved. Animals includes exotic birds, aquarium fish, mammals, butterflies, reptiles, primates and different kinds of shows every day.

Gran Karting Club in Bahia Feliz is the largest Go-Kart track on the island, 1,650 feet long. They have go-karts for children and adults. Barbecues, private parties and events for groups and companies can be arranged. The most famous beaches on Gran Canaria include the sand dunes of Maspalomas, Playa de las Canteras in Las Palmas, Playa del Ingles, Playa Amadores and not so well known Playa Gui Gui on the west side of the island. All beaches have received the quality standard that is marked by a blue flag, which indicates a high standard and cleanliness of its beaches. Enjoy a wonderful holiday on your next trip to Gran Canaria!