Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Things to See and Do in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Island is a part of the well-known tourist destination - the Canary Islands. This island is of a volcanic origin and was created mid-sea by volcanic activities. It is often known as a mini-continent because despite being a small island it displays a variety of climates and geographical distinctions.

You are likely to end up staying in the southern part of the island which is the most common place for tourists to stay. It has less rain and is much sunnier when compared to the northern part of the island. The south also has a large bird reserve called Palmitos Park. There are numerous beach resorts in this area and is hence a populated area.

The town of Vecindario is where most of the local people stay and it also has a large shopping center - Commercial Atlantico. It includes a Carrefour and a shopping mall. You will find that the price is significantly lower here than in the south. You will find an open air Wednesday market that is located a short distance from the shopping centre.

There is also a popular destination for the Gay community called Playa des Inglés. It has many bars, restaurants and businesses that are built around the Yumbo Centrum shopping centre.

Don't forget to book a car hire Gran Canaria service well in advance if you intend traveling around the Island a lot. This service can be obtained at extremely cheap rates if booked at the right time. Hiring a car in Gran Canaria offers great freedom as well as opening up many more touring possibilities.

You can also visit the Maspalomas Dunes which has a beautiful beach that is famous all over the island. The Dunes of Maspalomas are located between the towns of Playa des Inglés and Maspalomas, all of which are located on the southern coast of the Maspalomas area. Maspalomas is famous the world over for its lighthouses, lagoon and magnificent beach.

If you move further along the western shore, you will find Puerto de Mogán - a beautiful village that is often called 'Little Venice' because of the many canals the village has. It is part of the Municipality of Mogán.

Next up pay a visit to the Cueva Pintada. It is the most important archeological park in the Canary Islands. At the Cocodrilos Park you can visit the eighty metre high monolith Roque Nublo as well as Cenobio de Valeron that has about two hundred and ninety caves.

There are hundreds of offshore attractions scattered around Gran Canaria for those who are willing to be a little more adventurous. You have to scuba dive in order to see these beautiful sights close up. Expert divers have the option of going to a lot of spots but there are still plenty of places to go for first time divers.

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