Things to Do in Gran Canaria

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Things to Do in Gran Canaria
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Gran Canaria is a European destination like no
other. This round island between Tenerife
and Fuerteventura boasts of a plethora of
activities for one and all. No wonder its ports
welcome millions of visitors each year. In Gran
Canaria, there is something for the nature
enthusiast, the archaeological aficionado, the
foodie, the party lover, the surfer dude and even
the little kids. Theres just so many things to
do and see for everyone in this gem of an
island.
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Cueva Pintada
There is no other place which evokes the ancient
past of an island the way Cueva Pintada does. The
famous museum and archaeological site in Gran
Canaria lets visitors experience a sensory-filled
blast from the past. Take a step in the painted
caves which for centuries have held the memories
of the Guanches, the ancient inhabitants of the
island. Find out why this is revered as one of
the most important historical spots in the
Canaries.
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The Painted Cave Archaeological Museum and Park
is situated in Galdar, a municipality in the
northwest of Gran Canaria. Galdar is held with
great importance as it once was the capital of
the island and where the King ruled in
Pre-Hispanic times. However, it wasnt until
recently that the site was unveiled. It all
started in 1862 when a farmer accidentally
discovered the cave while picking pears. Since
then, excavations have been organized which
gradually revealed an entire ancient village.
Efforts to protect and preserve the unearthed
relics and dwellings were in full swing in the
1970s. The diggings took about 20 years to
complete before the museum was built. Up to this
day, archaeologists are still discovering and
learning about the intriguing Painted Caves in
Galdar. Since its discovery, it has continuously
welcomed thousands of curious visitors every
year. More than a treasure for archaeology, its
a living testament to Gran Canarias beautiful
and rich culture before its colonization.

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Playa de Las Canteras
There is no other place which evokes the ancient
past of an island the way Cueva Pintada does. The
famous museum and archaeological site in Gran
Canaria lets visitors experience a sensory-filled
blast from the past. Take a step in the painted
caves which for centuries have held the memories
of the Guanches, the ancient inhabitants of the
island. Find out why this is revered as one of
the most important historical spots in the
Canaries.
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Playa de Las Canteras is a beach like no other.
Located northeast of the capital city of Las
Palmas, it is one of the best urban beaches in
Europe. Running parallel to its sandy beach is a
long busy promenade filled with the shops,
restaurants, and bars. Aside from the usual beach
activities, it is also a haven for surfers and
scuba divers. The 3-kilometer strip of golden
sand makes it the longest beach in Gran Canaria.
Playa de Las Canteras, nestled between La Isleta
to the north and Santa Catalina to the east, is a
favorite spot for tourists who love the modern
amenities of its seafront promenade. Despite the
abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars,
visitors marvel at the cleanliness of the
surroundings. In fact, Playa de Las Canteras is
one of the only three beaches in Spain with an
environmental accreditation. The beach and the
activities cater to the needs of all travelers
that of relaxation and adventure. Combining the
best that nature has to offer and the modern
conveniences, it is no wonder that many of the
visitors are returning guests.

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Tamadaba Natural Park
In a small continent, where does one go to
experience the most stunning landscapes? Tamadaba
Natural Park is Gran Canarias best bet. The
oldest and biggest forest in the island is also
the home of thousands of endemic plants and
animals. Venture into its tree-lined hiking trail
and be rewarded with the most breath-taking views
below and of the neighboring island. In these
parts of the earth, travelers can be alone with
their thoughts, with natures hidden wonders
keeping them company.
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Parque Natural Tamadaba is a network of valleys,
slopes, and mountains on the far west of Gran
Canaria in the Canary Islands. The 7,500 hectares
of land starts from the town of Agaete in the
northwest and extends down to the towns of La
Aldea de San Nicolas and Artenara. Each trail to
its peak are defined by pine forests and arid
grounds, sometimes steep, sometimes gravelly, but
the views are always divine. The park also covers
18 kilometers of the islands west coastline.
Furthermore, the trail from the coast is as
magical as the rest of the trails from the towns
inland. The area is also part of the list of
places in Gran Canaria which earned the UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve qualification. So, when hikers
climb the dangerous cliff off the west coast near
the Guayedra Valley, its not surprising to find
endangered plants and animal species native to
the island. In Tamadaba Parque Natural, every
cascading valley and mountain kissing the passing
clouds spell out tranquility. With lots of things
to do and scenery so grand, its a destination
where families, couples, groups, and individuals
surely love.

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Doramas Park
Doramas Park or Parque Doramas is the most
beautiful urban park set in the capital city of
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Thanks to the parks
cozy layout, child-friendly facilities, and lush
environment, it has been a hit among families
traveling to the Canaries in Spain. The parks
tree-lined gardens and lovely ponds are a home to
certain endemic species of plants and animals.
Its graceful fountains and waterfalls are like an
oasis in the middle of a bustling district. With
close proximity to a wide variety of activity
spots, the park is definitely so much more than
benches under shades of trees.
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Once upon a time, Doramas Park was envisioned to
become a zoo, but things ended up differently as
it was built to be a park. Its named after
Doramas, the legendary Guanche chief warrior, who
is known for his bravery in fighting the Spanish
colonizers. Today, his legacy lives on within the
47,000 sqm territory of the park. Jardin Canario,
situated inside the stylish residential space, is
far away from the noise of the city. To its west
end is Pablo Canario, a lovely constructed
village that depicts the typical Canarian
neighborhood. Its also next to the renowned
Santa Catalina hotel, famous for its old colonial
architecture. The parks central location and its
warm, quiet atmosphere make it an inviting
resting place for passing tourists. As one of the
main attractions of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,
Doramas Park boasts of striking and serene
features, with a mix of an oasis of green and
water attractions. Guests can find solitude in
its various lakes, waterfalls, fountains, and
lush gardens. The abundance of trees provides
shades for visitors and many intricately designed
rock sculptures complete the picturesque sight.

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Playa de Mogan
Playa de Mogan is a secluded man-made beach at
the foot of the ravine in Puerto de Mogan, Gran
Canarias Little Venice. Aside from the perfect
golden sand and a year-round pleasant weather,
the beachs beauty lies in the myriad of
activities it offers. Its a go-to place for
people who want to explore the beauty of the
Atlantic in the Canary Islands. Crowning a
charismatic village and close to a busy harbor,
its no wonder why people choose this as the
ultimate holiday destination in Spain.
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Guests arriving at Playa de Mogan quickly
understand why it is one of the most popular
beach options on the island. Through the harbor,
they are greeted by the golden Saharan sand and
ever calm waters. While exploring the town, they
get lost in the old elegance of white-washed
houses. Opposite the beach is a steep ravine
which protects the shore and is a fantastic view
in itself. The coast is also protected by the
harbor wall, as well as a reef that keeps the
waters tranquil and free from waves. On the port
side, the waters are lined with rental ships
waiting to sail. A network of bridges and canals
further defines Puerto de Mogan. Getting off the
beach and heading to the town, guests also find
plenty of cafes, shops, and accommodations in its
modern promenade. Walking farther, two-story
houses with plant-embellished balconies and
rooftops exude unmistakable colonial artistry. Be
it in the water or on the shore, the adventures
this beach offers are bound to be memorable for
tourists.

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Roque Nublo
Looking for a break from the usual sun, sand, and
sea? Hike to the mystical rock in the clouds,
Roque Nublo. Found at the center of Gran
Canaria in the Canary Islands, the second highest
peak on the island is the perfect place to see
the world differently in Spain.
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Roque Nublo or Cloud Rock is named aptly due to
its cloudy or misty view. On most days, it plays
hide-and-seek through layers and layers of thick
cottony, white clouds. On other days, its
blanketed by a thin cool fog, making it hardly
visible to hikers until it greets them upfront.
But on ideal days, it stands tall against a
backdrop of clear blue skies, a truly majestic
sight to behold. The same volcanic eruptions that
created the island of Gran Canaria over 4 million
years ago shaped Roque Nublo. Towering at about
80 meters high, and set elevated in the heart of
the municipality of Tejeda, this famous rock
formation seems to send out an invitation to
people from all around. Standing proudly at 1,813
meters above sea level, travelers are rewarded
with a fantastic 360-degree view of the whole
island. Sometimes even the Teide Volcano from the
neighboring island of Tenerife makes a special
appearance, congratulating hikers.

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Playa de Gui Gui
The perfectly secluded beach of Playa de Gui Gui
in Gran Canaria is not your ordinary beach in the
Canaries. This often sought after gem is hidden
among ravines and rocks, and shows itself only
after a challenging hike. Over the years, it has
quickly become a favorite escape for those
wanting to stray from touristy paths of the
island to commune with nature. Due mainly to its
remote location, Gui Gui has gained a reputation
among naturalists and adventure-seekers. More
than the destination, the journey to finding Gui
Gui is a tale one would want to share with the
future generations.
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Carefully tucked away on the west coast of Gran
Canaria, Gui Gui is far from the crowded
attractions of the island. Located in the
municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolas, the
beach is only a few kilometers away from the town
of Tasartico. Because of obscure signs, guests
would have to keep their eyes open. Remote as it
is, there are no buses that pass through this
area. Hence, adventure seekers could only
discover it by foot or by boat. The isolation of
Playa de Gui Gui is enough incentive for
travelers who want to avoid the massive crowds at
Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. Despite the
grueling climb and the lack of modern amenities,
it never fails to leave visitors in awe. The
beach is an unspoiled paradise far away from the
congested tourist attractions on the island of
Gran Canaria. Its not an ordinary hike, nor is
it an ordinary beach. The pictures will speak for
itself, but it is unlikely to do it justice.
Travelers with brave souls would just have to
seek the adventure and see for themselves.

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Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park is the most popular recreational
spot in the island of Gran Canaria. This
subtropical park offers the serenity of nature
and the excitement of wildlife. There are
thrilling shows featuring birds of prey and
exotic birds that astonish its visitors. It also
boasts of a one-of-a-kind experience with lovely
and smart dolphins. These are on top of the
collection of reptiles, mammals, birds, fishes,
and other wondrous animals found here.
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At the botanical garden, visitors lose themselves
in the tranquility of natures beauty. It would
be impossible to miss seeing the different types
of palm trees and cacti in the garden. Palmitos
Park also houses the largest orchid collection on
the island. Dolphins are one of the fascinating
animals in the world. For centuries, there are
countless tales of how dolphins have saved humans
lost at sea. And for reasons science could not
explain, there is a natural affinity between us
and dolphins. At the Palmitos Park Dolphinarium,
we get the chance to see them with our own eyes.
Even better, for an extra fee, we could have
photo opportunities with these incredible
animals. Those who are active on social media
would, no doubt, share the thrilling experience
with online friends. Exploring many of natures
wondrous creations seldom happen in just a single
day. But at Palmitos Park, that is what visitors
experience. Its inviting and peaceful
environment is home to exotic and delicate
wildlife, animals we might never have a chance to
see again. The park is a break from the usual
beach attractions all over the Canaries. In only
half a day, this is where we could feast upon the
beauty of animals from South Africa, Asia, and
other parts of the world. More than sightseeing,
it is also the intention of the park to educate
and enlighten us on the amazing creatures they
have. Here, we discover more about the world
share with.

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Visit our website
www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk