Travel guide – Gran Canaria
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Overview
The 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.
The Canaries lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 miles (200km) from the African coast and almost 800 miles (1,250km) from the closest European port of Cadiz. Gran Canaria is almost circular, with a diameter of about 32 miles (50km), and is characterised by deep ravines which radiate out from the centre down to the coast. The north of the island is humid, boasting green valleys and volcanic craters, while the south is arid and desert-like with vast stretches of beach. The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast tip of the island, between two long beaches, Las Caletas and Alcaravaneras. The interior 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.
Climate
While Gran Canaria has a wonderful climate throughout the year, the south of the island (where the major resorts are located) enjoys its own microclimate with generally better weather than other parts of the island, although the sea breeze can be quite bracing. The average temperature is comfortable all year round, rarely dropping below 63°F (17°C) and more often above 82°F (28°C) during the day. Rainfall in the summer months is almost non-existent, but showers are likely between October and April.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
The basics
Getting Around
There are plenty of cheap, metered taxis available in all resorts. The island also has good bus services which operate around the resorts and to all the main towns on the island; there is nowhere on the island that takes much longer than an hour to get to by bus. Local car rental companies have offices in all the main resorts, they are good value and popular with those wanting to explore the north of the island.
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