GRAN CANARIA is the third largest Canary Island and so geographically diverse that it is often referred to as a "Little Continent". The scenery varies from massive snow-capped mountains, rugged ravines and aromatic pine forests in the central area, to lush sub-tropical valleys amidst cliffs and gorges in the north and never-ending desert-like sand dunes and beaches in the south. As a holiday destination it offers something for everyone. Most tourists head for the south of the island where miles of yellow sandy beaches can be found. Here you will find the popular resorts of San Agustin, Playa del Ingles and the famous dunes of Maspalomas. This area also has a good choice of sports and leisure facilities including all sorts of water-sports, tennis, golf, theme parks, casinos, shows and even camel trekking!

The cosmopolitan port city of Las Palmas on the north east coast is the capital of the region. It offers duty-free shopping, numerous restaurants, bars and long sandy beaches. The city also boasts an important historical and cultural heritage, much of which can be found in the district of Vegueta, the oldest quarter of the town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Worth visiting are the magnificent gothic neo-classical Cathedral of Santa Ana, La Casa de Colon (Columbus House) which houses an interesting museum dedicated to the discovery of the New World and the Museo Canario (Canarian Museum), which has a display of artefacts depicting Canarian life over the ages .........READ MORE ABOUT GRAN CANARIA