Gran Canaria is a beach holiday destination with some of the most wildly diverse landscapes in Europe.  Gran Canaria, the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago, has been described as a “mini-continent”, and offers visitors the opportunity to explore almost 60km of beach, visit Canary pine forests, indulge in accessible spa treatments, witness the ever-changing forms of the dunes and enjoy eating and drinking at the many delicious cafes, restaurants and bars.

The capital of Las Palmas bustles and thrives to offer great tax free shopping and lively nightlife, while the more traditional marina, streets and canals of Puerto de Mogan allows visitors to explore one Gran Canaria’s more historically beautiful regions.  Summer daytime temperatures normally range from the mid-twenties to the mid-thirties, and such warmth is generally joined by a cooling sea breeze.  The island is only a few degrees lower in winter, meaning that it is also a great place to escape to during those frosty December and January UK months.

There are many great days out to be had in Gran Canaria, with organised attractions such as the Palmitos wildlife park and boat trips to experience the island’s wonderful fauna as well as those from farther afield.  The amalgamation of shopping, traditional towns, beautiful scenery, golden sandy beaches, pleasant bars and dance clubs is an intoxicating mixture, while many rate the restaurants as one of the island’s highlights.

The food in Gran Canaria is also a wonderful element to the Canaries experience, with 500 years of gastronomic history having contributed to the mouth-watering dishes on offer.  Culinary influences came from tradition as well as the many ships that landed at the island’s ports over the centuries, finally combining to create the exciting range of tastes that are on offer today.