Gran Canaria

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Santa Ana Cathedral, Plaza Santa Ana, Vegueta Old Town, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, Europe

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

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Overview

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago, but accounts for almost half the population. It lives up to its reputation as a continent in miniature, with dramatic variations of terrain ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert south. You can also run headlong into three or even four seasons in one day, with microclimates dotted around the coast and hills that can transport you from piercing sunlight into clammy fog banks at the drop of a hat. To capture a sense of Gran Canaria's breathtaking diversity, head to beautiful Artenara, where the sheer drama of the mountains reaches a crescendo.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park

Gran Canaria

Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…

The facade of the Casa de Colon (also known as Columbus House), a museum in Las Palmas and a fine example of Canarian architecture.

Casa-Museo de Colón

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…

Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The spiritual heart of the city, this brooding, grey cathedral was begun in the early 15th century, soon after the Spanish conquest, but took 350 years to…

Dunas de Maspalomas

Maspalomas

These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s, ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never…

Playa de las Canteras

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The fine 3km stretch of yellow sand is magnificent, and is considered by many to be one of the world's best city beaches. There’s an attractive seaside…

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista

Gran Canaria

The extraordinary, neo-Gothic church stands sullen watch over the bright, white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion and contrast. The…

Parque Municipal de Arucas de las Flores

Gran Canaria

These terraced municipal gardens are laid out in French style with fountains, pavilions, sculptures and tropical trees, including the rare evergreen soap…

Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino

Gran Canaria

Dominating the square is this neoclassical 18th-century church, home to Gran Canaria’s patron saint. According to legend, the Virgin was spied atop a pine…

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