Gran Canaria holidays

3:33pm Friday 25th June 2010 in Holiday information

The 'Mini Continent' of Gran Canaria

Magnificent Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands located off the North West coast of Africa. This island has so much variation throughout it from lush forestlands and inland mountainous ranges to craggy rocks and rolling sand dunes, hence the island often being referred to as the 'mini continent'.

The capital of this island is Las Palmas situated on the north eastern tip and makes an interesting and varied base for your Gran Canaria holidays. You really are spoilt for choice here with the amazing shopping and dining facilities that you would expect from a capital. There are small stores brimming with locally produced handicrafts and large department stores packed with the latest trends and designer labels. You then have the old town which is full of culture and heritage and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. If this isn't enough to tempt you there are two glorious sandy beaches to enjoy enabling you to totally unwind on the golden sands and take a refreshing dip in the sparkling sea by day and head to the centre to enjoy the bright lights and vibrant city atmosphere by night.

Although the capital is in the north of Gran Canaria the majority of travellers spend their holidays in the south of the island with its warmer drier climate that can be enjoyed all year round. The largest and most vibrant resort on the whole island is Playa del Ingles, popular with the young and lively tourists thanks to the world renowned nightclubs Pacha and Cream that are in the resort centre. Families also holiday here to enjoy the fantastic stretch of golden beach which has been awarded the European Blue Flag for cleanliness. Maspaloma, the neighbouring resort, is famous for its towering sand dunes and attracts crowds of visitors from all over the island. A camel trek is the best way to enjoy these magnificent dunes and uses a lot less energy than pulling on a pair of hiking boots. Much more laid back than its neighbour, Maspalomas offers a small selection of bars and restaurants alongside hotel based entertainment to be enjoyed on an evening. Once a sleepy little fishing village the resort of Puerto Rico has now evolved into a modern and lively tourist resort. If you spend your Gran Canaria holidays here you can stroll along the picturesque harbour admiring the luxury yachts that bob gently from side to side or you may even take one of the many pleasure boat rides that are offered. The golden sands of the resort are often brimming with holidaymakers as is the glistening shoreline with people participating in the exhilarating choice of water sports. For a change of scenery head off to one of the several fantastic shopping centres that are just waiting to be explored. Evenings offer great diversification with bars and clubs to suit all tastes as well as delicious restaurants serving cuisine e for every palette.

There is so much more to Gran Canaria holidays than lazing on the beach all day or by the hotel pool, although this is certainly a good way to start. The selection of day trips and excursions that can be taken on this magnificent island just adds to its appeal. With a range of activities from water parks to horse riding and go-karting to enjoy during your stay you may not be able to fit everything in, and that's not all. There are dolphin and whale spotting trips, camel treks across the magical dunes along with forest and mountain trails to name just a few.

As with the resorts and excursions that are on offer in Gran Canaria the accommodation is just as varied and suitable for all budgets. Some fantastic self catering apartments can be found around the island as well as family hotels, luxurious hotels and basic bed and breakfast resides. Whatever your taste and your budget you certainly will enjoy your holidays here.