DMC Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the 3rd in extension of the 7 Canary Islands, and probably the most popular. Situated only a few hundred kilometers away from the northwestern coast of Africa, its capital "Las Palmas" is also known for its annual Carnival and the place where Christopher Columbus anchored in the port before his first trip to America in 1492. The capital is a high spot for tourists, shopping or lazing on its “Las Canteras” beach is not uncommon.
Gran Canaria is called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes: long beaches, dunes of white sand, green ravines and picturesque villages. A third of the island is under protection as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Its climate is pleasant guaranteed by the Gulf Stream; the ocean temperature is between 19 and 24 degrees almost all year around what makes it an absolute paradise for devotees of sand and sea and the perfect getaway: favourable wind conditions, water temperature, sea currents that attract schools of fish to the proximity of the coast and the harbour infrastructure. With 236 kilometres of coastline, it is possible to practice all kinds of water sports! The exquisite sea bottom is also a must-see. On land, there are many other activities: soaking up the sun, shopping, dining, and partying.
The island offers many places for excursions like the Dunes of Maspalomas, a protected nature reserve, the lighthouse at Maspalomas, or the communities of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mog on the south-west coast of DMC Gran Canaria, which is probably the prettiest resort in the area. Once a little fishing village, Pueblo de Mogan is nowadays called Little Venice. The residential centre is pedestrian-friendly, and restaurants, bars and shops are everywhere - whether its cool drinks, shopping, sunbathing or water sports, it’s all here. The south-facing, half-moon beach is safe for bathing and is well protected from the Atlantic wind and waves.The town of Agüimes on the eastern part of the island, has been carefully restored, and its town centre, centered around its old church and a peaceful square, now evokes the quiet living of a traditional Canarian town.
While the rest of Europe is at a standstill during winter, Gran Canaria is a non-stop sporting and vacationing destination. Gran Canaria is definitely the place to satisfy one’s desire to explore the sea, slicing through the turquoise waves, catching prized fishing trophies or immersing oneself in the crystalline vastness of the ocean.