Gran Canaria has a well-deserved reputation of having some of the most spectacular geography, manmade and aquatic wonders of theCanary Islands. Because of this wealth of history and natural beauty, there are countless ways to spend your days while on holiday in Gran Canaria.
All at sea
Gran Canaria offers some ideal surfing conditions. While on the island, why not sign up for a surf lesson or rent equipment from the PR Surfing Company, which caters to tourists. From novices to experienced surfers, they welcome individuals of all knowledge levels.
Close by, the Dive Academy Gran Canaria provides safe and exciting scuba diving excursions that will impress even experienced divers. The staff is knowledgeable and courteous. They can, for example, arrange for someone to pick you up and then take you back to your hotel for your dive. Gran Canaria enjoys some incredibly beautiful stretches of undersea wonder including beautiful fish and colourful coral.
If you'd rather stay above sea level, the Spirit of the Sea is a fantastic way to explore the waters around Gran Canaria. On their ships, you can choose from a two hour whale and dolphin watching tour or a three hour trip with the whale and dolphin watching, as well as an hour to swim in a bay before returning to land.
Submarine Adventure company will take you underwater to explore the area's fascinating reefs and diverse underwater world without having to get your hair wet. As it is onboard a submarine, there are some physical restrictions such as being able to descend onto a ladder but it is a great option for people who can't scuba dive or snorkell.
The IDC GO PRO Academy is one of the many scuba diving companies that operate on Gran Canaria. IDC GO PRO caters to interested individuals of all taste and experience levels, whether you're a novice or a near professional diver. You could even get divemaster certified while on vacation! The company course instructors speak five different languages (English, Dutch, German, French and Spanish) so travelers of all nationalities are welcomed and accommodated.
Back on dry land
Operated by German expatriates, the Fun Action Sports & Adventures company offers a variety of active excursions on the island. Depending on your interest and activity level, you can choose from walking tours, fishing on the open seas, mountain biking, hiking and buggy tours. The tour company is staffed with passionate and knowledgeable guides who are eager to make your trip once in a lifetime. If you're traveling with children, let the tour company know and they will be happy to accommodate families with children of all ages and skill levels.
If you'd like to get away from the beaches, which can be crowded depending on what part of the island you're on, escape to the inside of the island with Free Motion Bike and Tours. The company offers a variety of tours depending on how long you would like to bike around the island, your skill level and what scenery you are interested in. The tour company provides the bikes, safety gear and even transportation to starting points to take care of everything.
If you are staying in the southern city of Maspalomas, there is a wonderful attraction that is kid-friendly: the Aqualand Maspalomas. This waterpark is geared towards children of all ages and even adults that are kids at heart. While not being the most budget-friendly stop for families, the cost can be a bit high, this waterpark has slides and play areas to cool off while the heat is rising outside. You can save a little money by booking your ticket through a website or a local tour guide before arriving to the water park's gates.
Treat yourself
The Spa 711 is one of the best spas on Gran Canaria. This upscale spa is modern, beautiful and offers a wide range of services including professional massages. The massages include deep tissue and sports techniques to treat a wide range of ailments and sore muscles. If you're going for lighter reasons, they have pedicures and manicures to get your feet prepared for the feet or to recover from a long hike.
When staying in Maspalomas, shoppers must visit El Faro de Maspalomas, located at the southern tip of Gran Canaria. This area offers a great selection of shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Visiting this upscale promenade is a great way to spend an evening, strolling by the shops and unwinding with a drink in hand while enjoying a spot of people watching.
See the sights
Those near Maspalomas during their holiday must make a trip to the hundred-year-old lighthouse, which was built long before tourists discovered the island as an idyllic year-round getaway. The lighthouse was built in 1861 and took 28 years to complete. Since its construction, it's seen the growth and development of a wonderful tourist industry swell around it. If you stop by the sandy dune beaches, it's a hard sight to miss.
Cenobio de Valeron, one of Gran Canaria's most popular tourist sites, is a virtually inaccessible cave where the aboriginal Guanches hid their grain from pirates. This historical landmark is available for viewing and also offers staggeringly beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and ravines. Also, fairly complex "cities" can be observed at places like the Archaeological Excavation Site at la Cueva Pintada de Gáldar.
Take advantage of the warm weather on the island by choosing to explore it in the Barranco de Guayadeque. This ravine is located on the southern end of the island and is full of natural wonders and ancient ruins. In this area, the indigenous people of Gran Canaria lived and visitors can see caves where these people lived. There are modern buildings in the area, including two museums dedicated to the area and one even includes mummy remains. If you'd like to see this sight, you will need to rent a car (there is no road wide enough for a bus to get to it).
One of the most significant natural wonders on the island is the Roque Nublo. This staggering monumental rock formation is located in the center of the island. If you take the time to make the couple hours' drive to this formation through quaint villages, you'll be granted extraordinary views and walking paths. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can document the beautiful views that you'll see both on the way to the Roque Nublo and while you're there.
Culture vulture
For a day off the beach, if you can pull yourself away, there is a rich and educational network of museums that proudly display the past of the island and confirm it as a crossroads of the world. One such museum is the Museo y Parque Arqueológico Cueva Pintada. This archaeological museum first takes visitors through rooms that explain the island's past before the Spanish arrived. Then, they have the opportunity to view relics from that time period. Finally, in a panoramic projection which combines real images with computer-generated reconstructions, they can see Gran Canaria as it could have been during that time.
Beat the island heat by stepping indoors to one of the island many museums, Casa de Colon. Located in the city of Las Palmas, this museum in honour of Christopher Columbus is built within a building that he once lived in centuries ago. The museum has numerous historical artifacts from the time Columbus explored the Atlantic Ocean, including unique travel tools and personal belongings. While once free, this museum now charges a small entry fee - there is a student discount. If you are not particularly into history, you can at least enjoy the reprieve from summer heat and the stunning architecture.
Another way to experience a unique aspect of Gran Canaria is to visit La Vegueta. This historical region of Las Palmas has peaceful streets, historical architecture and quaint cafes. With a touch of old world Spain in a modern city, a day trip to La Vegueta will seem like a step into another world. You can access the neighborhood through multiple means: public transportation, on foot or by driving there is ample parking in the area.
The great outdoors
There is no better time to explore the warm waters around Gran Canaria with the Animal Encounters Private Tours. This company offers tours of all kinds, for individuals of all activity levels, including camel rides, seal encounters and horseback riding. Located in the mountains on the interior of the island, this company provides transportation that winds you through the beautiful roads before arriving at your final destination.
Enjoy some sun and beautiful weather while on holiday by stopping into the Jardin Canario, a lavishly manicured garden in Las Palmas. This botanical garden is built alongside of a large ravine and is just a ten to fifteen minute drive from the city. A leisurely stroll through the garden is ideal on a bright, sunny day but some parts of the trails can be a bit hilly. If you or a member of your party has trouble walking for an extended amount of time or on slopes, you may want to plan accordingly.
On the north end of the island, visitors should take in Parque de Santa Catalina, a popular public park. On Sunday mornings, there is a local market nearby, and tourists are welcome to take part in the haggling and bargaining that goes on there. It is a great place to see a more authentic, less touristy area of the island. It is easy to get to either by bus if you are staying within town or by taking public transportation.
One of the most beautiful attractions on the island is Palmitos Park. This park and zoo has something for everyone and particularly the little visitors to Gran Canaria. Complete with an aquatic show with dolphins, this zoo is located inland so it has rolling hills and natural fauna for shade on hot, sunny days. Set against mountains and complete with interesting animals, you'll be hard pressed to find a more unique and beautiful zoo.
Visitors to La Charca are welcome to come and observe the many species of birds, fish and other wildlife that is available. Set against sand dunes in the background, the area is teeming with local animals that will impress adults and children alike. It is a fantastic way to escape the bustling city life on the island without having to plan a hike or active day on the ocean. It is a great afternoon for those who have challenges with physical activity.
One of the finest golf courses on the island is the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas. Originally christened in 1891, it is the oldest course on the island. Because of that, it has one of the most prestigious reputations, and it doesn't hurt that it is located nearby a now extinct volcano. The gentle slopes of this 18-hole course have beautiful views of peaks and lows, a swimming pool and tennis courts among other amenities.
If you've had a little bit too much sun and surf while on holiday, you can enjoy a movie at the Moonlight Cinema. This movie theater is set outside and shows features at night underneath the star-filled sky. You can bring in your own blankets to snuggle in and the cinema has food and drinks available for purchase.