Gran Canaria

Size: 1.553 sqkm
Population: approx. 464.000
Capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria, also called ‘The little Continent’, fascinates with its dunes, beaches, fishing villages, cave villages, mountains and valleys. With its 16 million years the island is the third oldest of the canarian archipelago. The 1.949 m high Pico de las Nieves, situated in the exact centre of the island, is the highest part of the ‘Cumbre’ (the central mountain region). From here the ‘barrancos’ (ravines) and erosion valleys extend star like to the coast. In the South and West of the island they are mostly rugged and steep. In the East mostly flatly descending while in the North they run out in terraces toward the coast plains.

‘Calderas’ (large craters) remind of the times long past when Gran Canaria was still an active volcano island. The most impressing one is the ‘Caldera de Bandama’ between Telde and Las Palmas. Artificial lakes, called ‘Embalses’ or ‘Presas’, situated in the high lands are important for the potable water supply. The plant life changes rapidly with increasing altitude. The cactus-, orange tree- and banana plantations disappear and make space for fig trees, poplars and eucalyptus trees. In 1.500 m altitude one can find apple- and pear trees. In spring the ‘Cumbre’ is covered with yellow flowering broom. In January the flowering almond trees already surround the villages of ‘Tejeda’, ‘Ayacata’ and ‘Valsequillo’ with a sea of white blooms, but only if it has been raining enough. The lack of fresh water is more than ever one of the main problems of the island. Wide beaches seam the north east of the island. A lively river used to flow towards the coast where now the villages of ‘Vegueta’ and ‘Triana’ are almost joining. Despite the 3 million holidaymakers seeking sun shine and relaxation the island maintained its rural, Mediterranean charm. The beaches are beautiful, the dunes unique, the weather constantly good and the contrast between the blue sea and the towering mountains are fascinating. But just like in Tenerife most visitors who arrive at the airport ‘Gando’ are shocked by the meagreness of the south of the island. Desolate, dusty settlements, dusty roads, dusty fields and expired plantations, dusty air and rubble waste dumps – the island shows everybody who travels to Playa Inglés, where most tourists spend their holiday, what it means to be exposed to 350 days of burning sun shine a year. But the bloom charm of the holiday villages that can only be maintained by complex irrigation captures the visitor the more. Many never leave this part of the island during their stay. There certainly won’t be any boredom coming up with all the kilometre long fine sand beaches, the sport facilities, fun parks, shopping centres, restaurants, discos and a casino. The constant warm climate which makes Gran Canaria a particularly popular holiday destination tempts one to stay were it is comfortable. But only he, who discovers, after long walks, the paradise like ‘Güigüi-beaches’, he who roams the zigzag roads along the rugged west coast, he who settles down to a picnic at one of the romantic artificial lakes will appreciate the island fully. Often the trade winds coming from the north east will build up at the ‘Cumbre’ and lie like a thick carpet at about 1.700 m altitude over the north of the island which causes the south of the island to be dry and rainless while the north is green with sheep and goats feasting on the vegetation.

Apart from lizards, pigeons and some birds of prey there are only few native animals. The originally green Canary is flying through the forest. The only huntable animal is the rabbit since there is no bigger game. In the sea the situation is entirely different though. Even snorkelling one can find a variety of small fishes. In the deep ravines between the islands on can find sardines, perches and also huge tunas and sharks. Sometimes one will meet dolphins when going out on a pleasure boat.