Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Canary Islands - Canaries / Gran Canaria
 |  | Destination Guide : Gran Canaria |
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| | | Soak up the sun |  | Why go on holiday to Gran Canaria?
Whether you think a beach is somewhere to flop for a week, a place to party all night, or just a spot to stick your surfboard, Gran Canaria is in many ways an ideal year-round destination with sunshine almost guaranteed.
This might not be the most attractive of the seven Canary Islands, but it is worth exploring if only to marvel at the contrast between the pine forests in the fertile north and the sand dunes in the south.
How much does it cost?
A seven-night self-catering package costs from £350 in July, flights only are from £120 with charter bargains as low as £65, and a hotel room will cost roughly £15-£20 a night. All prices vary, especially with the seasons.
When should I go?
You can bet on getting a tan at any time of year, with year-round temperatures of 18-24C (65-75F). December to February is the coolest period but it is also the island's busiest time of year, so prices are higher.
The best deals are around between March and May or from November to mid-December. Party animals should aim to be there for Carnival in February and March when the island is in celebratory mood and there are weeks of parades and fancy dress contests.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to the Canaries.
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| | | Land of contrasts |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Most people base themselves in one of the main beach resorts on the south coast, where you can just lie back and soak up the sun, indulge in some watersports - sailboarding is particularly popular - or hire a car and see the island.
It's so small that it would take only a couple of days to drive right around Gran Canaria, but hire a car for longer if you want to explore at a more leisurely pace.
What's the terrain like?
Gran Canaria is often described as a continent in miniature due to its contrasts. A short drive from the desert beaches brings you to the arid interior with its crumpled ridges, which eventually gives way to pine forests as you approach the fertile north.
What's there to do in the capital?
Las Palmas in the north is the only place on Gran Canaria with a big-city feel. It has busy shopping districts, a thriving port and a fab beach. There is also an interesting historic quarter with museums, churches and monuments.
When you're tired of sightseeing, you can rest your feet in one of the many restaurants or bars that line Playa de las Canteras.
What's off the beaten track?
Some interesting towns in the north include Teror, whose ancient square is home to some fine old houses, and Arucas, which boasts an extraordinary neo-Gothic cathedral.
Not to be missed is the Caldera de Bandama, one of the biggest extinct craters on the island, with fantastic views over the island. Also interesting is a troglodyte hamlet, about 9kms from Aguimes, where some residents live in caves.
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| | | Young and lively | | Where's good for nightlife?
The vast array of bars, clubs and restaurants in the biggest beach resort, Playa del Ingles, is a honeypot for the young and lively crowd. Yumbo Centrum, the multi-storey shopping centre has the highest concentration of nightspots.
Las Palmas is also buzzing at night, but it's a long way from the main beach resorts in the south. If you like your nightlife to come with a Union Jack, try Puerto Rico which has lots of British pubs and cafes.
What's the food like?
Resorts have cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Many serve international fare (fish 'n' chips, bacon and eggs, etc) but there are some fantastic local dishes such as sancocho - a mixture of fish, goat's cheese and garlic potatoes.
Try sama a la sal - fish baked in salt - and don't skip the delicious papas con mojo - hot, spicy potatoes.
What should I buy?
The Canaries are a duty-free paradise and prices are cheaper in the shops on the islands than at the airports or on flights back home. All the resorts have shopping arcades, and electronic goods can often be found cheaper than back home.
One of the best places for electronic goods is around Parque de Santa Catalina in Las Palmas. For other goods, try Centro Comercial Las Arenas in the capital, or the fashionable Avenida de Mesa y Lopez.
Locally-made products to look out for include pottery, cutlery with bone handles, embroidery, hand-woven baskets, hand-woven silk and cigars.
What is there for children to do?
There are lots of theme parks in the south - including Palmitos, which has 230 species of bird and an aquarium; the Holiday World amusement park with white-knuckle rides; and the Aqua Sur and Ocean Park water parks.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel. 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Gran Canaria |
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| |  | | Duplex Villa 4 Anfi Tauro Sea Golf Gran Canaria
Eco chic styled Villa. Marble tiled, air conditioned, jaccuzi, luxury specification in a sea, golf and mountain setting. 115m2 Living +52m2 Terraces
|  | | Duplex Villa 1 Anfi Tauro Sea Golf Gran Canaria
Eco chic styled Villa. Marble tiled, air conditioned, jaccuzi, luxury specification in a sea, golf and mountain setting. 115m2 Living +52m2 Terraces
|  | | Beachfront apartment, Playa del Ingles
Stunning sea and dune views. Apartment in very quiet complex of only 21 private owners, heated pool and direct access to the beach and promenade.
|  | | LAS CASAS
Luxury two bedrooms, in a quiet community. Sleep max 4. Kitchen fully equipped. Satellite TV .
Shared swimming pool with Jacuzzi.
Large terrace and common BBQ area
|  | | Casa Arkels
Large private holiday home (125m2) built in traditional Andalucian style with a private swimmingpool. The holiday home is located on a quiet mountains
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