Gran Canaria HolidaysThe third largest but most developed of the seven islands in the Spanish-administered Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria has been billed as a 'miniature continent' because of the variety of climates and landscapes that it offers, from the big city bustle of the capital, Las Palmas, to the serenity of its lush woodlands. Gran Canaria is almost circular, with a diameter of about 32 miles, and is characterised by deep ravines which radiate out from the centre down to the coast. The north of the island is humid, boasting lush green valleys and volcanic craters, while the south is arid and desert-like with long stretches of beach. The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast tip of the island, between two long beaches, Las Caletas and Alcaravaneras. The middle of Gran Canaria hosts steep highlands dotted with small villages, sporting white houses with red roofs, banana plantations and orchards bursting with tropical fruits. Tourists generally favour the southern coastline, flocking to the well-known beaches of Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where the sea washes soft sands and empty dunes stretch for miles.
Attractions
ArucasThe delightful town of Arucas sits beneath a dormant volcano on the northern coast of Gran Canaria, and is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. The neat town is dominated by the majestic Church of San Juan Bautista, carved in stone by local workers. The town is also the centre of sugar and rum production on the island and visitors are welcome at the Fabrica y Museo del Ron to witness how sugar cane is turned into rum. It is possible to take a short walk out of the town to the Montana de Arucas viewpoint for a panoramic look at the northern coastline.
Casa de ColonChristopher Columbus is believed to have stayed for different periods in the Casa de Colon in the historical quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas on his way to the Americas. The house now serves as a museum displaying relics of early transatlantic voyages and pre-Columbian cultures, as well as acting as a cultural centre for the study of the Canaries' relationship with the Americas. Telephone: 928 312 373; Opening time: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, weekends 9am to 3pm; Admission: Free
Museo CanarioThe main museum in Las Palmas is well worth a visit, boasting the world’s largest collection of Cro-Magnon skulls and a few mummies. The museum also gives a comprehensive overview of the life and times of Gran Canaria’s original inhabitants, the fair-haired light-skinned Guanche people, who were conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century. Address: Dr. Verneau, 2; Telephone: 928 336 800; Website: www.elmuseocanario.com; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, weekends 10am to 2pm. Guided tours are available; Admission: €3, concessions available
Palmitos ParkA colourful and entertaining look at nature is presented at Palmitos Park, situated four miles (6km) inland from Arguineguin on the south coast. The park is a subtropical oasis containing thousands of birds, fish, trees, plants and particularly orchids. The orchid house is the largest in the Canary Islands and the range is astonishing. There is a cactus garden too, a huge butterfly house and an aquarium featuring a recreated riverbed. Parrots complete the picture among the lush Canarian flora which fills the park. Telephone: 928 140 276; Website: www.palmitospark.es; Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm; Admission: €16 (adults), €11 (children)
Parque de los CocodriloThis Crocodile Park is home to more than 300 crocodiles and alligators from all over the world. Visitors shouldn't miss the crocodiles' feeding time - at 12pm, 2pm and 4.15pm. The other half of the park is a zoo, which has sections on monkeys and chimpanzees, tigers, jaguars, camels and much more. There is a restaurant in the centre of the park where visitors can see a show where parrots perform various tricks, including doing a jigsaw puzzle and roller skating! The park is near the town of Aguímes, a few miles southwest of the airport. Address: Villa de Aguímes; Telephone: 928 784 725; Transport: Hourly bus between 9am and 3pm from near the fun fair in Maspalomas. Alternatively the park operates a service from Puerto Rico, picking up outside the Jamaica Supermarket, at 10.30am on Thursdays and Sundays; Opening time: Sunday to Friday 10am to 6pm
Pueblo CanarioThe whitewashed Pueblo Canario was the pet project of Canarian artist Nestor Martin-Fernandez de la Torre, who conceived and oversaw the creation of this idealised representation of a typical island village in Dorames Park, Las Palmas. Buildings surround a square where performances of traditional folk music and dance take place every Sunday morning. The village also contains the Museo Nestor, in which is housed a collection of the artist’s modernist paintings. The village also contains a Bodegon (wine bar) serving local dishes. Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Sundays 10.30am to 2.30pm
ReptilandiaThose with a soft spot for reptiles should visit Reptilandia, situated a little off the beaten tack, near Agaete in the northwest of the island. It includes a collection of snakes, tortoises, turtles and lizards – the Komodo Dragon here is believed to be the largest lizard in the world. There are also sections on spiders and monkeys. Address: Parque Rural de Amagro; Telephone: 928 551 269; Opening time: Daily 11am to 5.30pm
Sioux CityOne of the most popular days out in Gran Canaria, Sioux city was built originally as a stage set for an American western film in 1972, but developed into a Wild West theme park complete with cowboys, Indians, Mexicans and of course a sheriff. There are shows throughout the day featuring bank robberies, saloon fights, cattle stampedes, rodeos and gunfights at the OK Corral. Between shows visitors can enjoy a barbeque or taste the culinary delights of the Three Star Saloon. Every Friday evening there are barbecue evenings complete with country dancing. Address: San Agustín; Telephone: 928 762 573; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; closed Mondays
WaterparksThere are three water parks on Gran Canaria: Aqua Park in Puerto Rico, and Ocean Park and Aqualand Aquasur, the largest on Gran Canaria, in Maspalomas. All offer enough attractions to keep children and adults amused all day, including dozens of slides and swimming pools. Aqualand also has a wave machine and a 'lazy river' where visitors can float around the complex on an inflatable tyre. Opening time: Ocean Park and Aqualand Aquasur: 10am to 5pm, Aqua Park: 10am to 6.30pm, closing at 5.30pm in winter; Admission: Aqualand: €22.50 (adults), €16 (children 3-12 years). Aqua Park: € 21,50(adults), €15,50 (children) ; sunbed €2 extra. Ocean Park: €10 (adults), €5 (children)
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