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Visiting Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a paradise for both fun and relaxation. The third biggest of the Canary Islands, it easily packs in everything you need for an ideal vacation, with endless sunshine, diverse landscapes, exciting ocean activities and relaxing beach escapes.
Whether you're heading to Gran Canaria for vacation activities, to chill, or simply to get a change of scenery, this charming island will instantly capture your attention.
And why not double the island fun and visit another Atlantic island gem? You can add a stopover in Iceland at no extra charge.
An island of everything
Gran Canaria is often described as a miniature continent, and for good reasons. The entire coastline boasts luxurious beaches, and is dotted with cute little villages that are a wonder to wander through.
In between, the landscapes vary widely: diverse flora and fauna, high mountain ranges, rivers and waterfalls, luscious forests of pine, leafy evergreens, and beaches lined with palm trees.
To the east you have flatlands and agriculture; the airport is here, midway between the forests and the capital (Las Palmas) to the north and the popular resort town of Maspalomas to the south. In the south you'll find endless sand dunes, popular beaches, and a relaxing lifestyle.
On the west side, the terrain gets craggier and more breathtaking, with the Mirador de Balcón viewpoint being a must-see destination. In the middle of the island is the highest peak, Pico de las Nieves, where you can enjoy a panoramic view in all directions.
World cuisine at your fingertips
There’s no chance you’ll go hungry in Gran Canaria. Due to its popularity as a tourist magnet, you can find world cuisine at every corner of the island to satisfy whatever you're craving.
Canarian cuisine also consists of delicious fare – fresh meats and fish being a staple, often served ‘a la plancha’ or on the grill.
Try them with papas arrugadas con mojo, the most famous Canary Islands treat (with an evocative name that translates as 'wrinkled potatoes'). It's simple yet delicious: potatoes boiled in heavily salted water till all the water has evaporated, and served with red or green mojo sauce. The green is made with coriander and green chili, the red with paprika and red chili. ¡Buen provecho!
Fun activities for all
Gran Canaria has all kinds of adventures just waiting to be discovered. If you want to chill by the ocean, you’ve got a wide choice of beaches to choose from.
Want to hike the mountains? Check out the many natural parks the island has to offer, popular among hikers and other nature lovers. Golf is also popular, and plenty of golf courses are found close to the capital and Maspalomas.
Families will no doubt enjoy the amusement parks and relaxing beach life. In Maspalomas you can find the popular Aqualand waterpark, as well as other theme parks and fun activities, all close by.
If kids are not a part of the trip, there’s thriving nightlife and wineries all over Gran Canaria, just waiting for your visit. Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés are the party hotspots.
