Gran Canaria, the third biggest island of the Canary archipelago, is 1,560 square km big and is geographically rather African than European (its a mere 197 km to the African continent but 1,250 km away from the spanish mother country).
Gran Canaria, often described as a "miniature continent", offers its visitors numerous contrasts: Mountains take turns with desert-like regions and tropical vegetation. Idyllic villages, breath-taking canyons, unusual rock formations and beautiful sand dunes are waiting for the curious visitor to be discovered. Moreover one can experience three different climatic zones.
Although Gran Canaria really has a lot to offer, I was quite disappointed in the beginning as the south of the island (Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, San Agustín and Puerto Rico) is very touristy which is demonstrated by the huge and ugly hotel complexes, and the crowds of mainly german-speaking tourists.
Nevertheless I gave Gran Canaria a chance... I discovered the beauty of the island and instantly liked it. Gran Canaria is for sure a worth-seeing island!
My mom and I spent a week on Gran Canaria. Besides enjoying the beach and the Atlantic ocean, we also went for a 3-day exploratory mission in order to learn more about our vacation island:
Route 1: Playa del Inglés - Fataga - San Bartolomé de Tirajana - Roque Nublo - Tejeda - Cruz de Tejeda - Vega de San Mateo - Las Vegas - Valsequillo de Gran Canaria - Telde - Playa del Inglés
Route 2: Playa del Inglés - Puerto Rico - Puerto de Mogán - Mogán - San Nicolás de Tolentino - Puerto de las Nieves - Agaete - Galdar - Playa del Inglés
Route 3: Playa del Inglés - Caldera de Bandama - Santa Brigida - Vega de San Mateo - Teror - Las Palmas (capital) - Playa del Inglés
Following you find a small selection of my pictures:
Playa del Inglés |
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Route 1 |
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Route 2 |
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Route 3 |
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