If you had time to spend for a Gran Canaria in Gran Canaria, how would you use it? There are many things that you can do and many places that you can see. The weather is no problem because it is almost always pleasant. Every corner of the island has its special quality and becomes an enjoyable tourist activity.

The best place to start your visit to this "miniature continent" is the capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and specifically the Las Canteras beach. A map from the local tourist office would be handy.

LAS CANTERAS

Las Canteras is one of the island’s most attractive urban beaches. The beach has golden sand and is protected by a reef.

Take a dip and enjoy the warm clear water. Afterwards, you can proceed to a promenade which runs along the length of the beach.

There are many pavement cafés where you can while away the time and enjoy the natural scenery. After you’ve had your fill of the beach, it is time to explore some interesting places in the city.

PARQUE DE SANTA CATALINA

This is a city square and it is located very close toLas Canteras Beach and is adjacent to the Puerto de la Luz (the port area). Shops and hotels give the area a cosmopolitan feel. Do some window shopping-you might just find an interesting buy!

THE DORAMAS GARDENS

Located in Ciudad Jardín (Garden City).The Gardens display numerous examples of the island’s plant species. Spend some time here and make your biology teacher proud. Now that you’re feeling hungry, drop by the Bodegón del Pueblo Canario restaurant for lunch. There are craft shops nearby, and at its far end is the Nestor Museum.

For the ladies, we now go to the serious stuff.

TRIANA

Calle Triana is THE Shopping Street in Las Palmas, with many of the famous designer names that you would expect in Europe - Zara, Marks and Spencer, Benetton etc. The Street has a relaxed atmosphere and the side streets have many open air cafés. Grab a quick cup of coffee or tea with Tapa to replenish your energy and continue your shopping expedition.

MESA Y LÓPEZ

The big Spanish department stores, El Corte Inglés and Cortefiel, as well as many fashionable shoe shops and other Spanish high-street mainstays such as Caramelo and MaximoDutti can be found in this main road.

Tip: Many residents of neighbouring Lanzarote and Fuerteventura make regular trips by plane and ferry to Las Palmas just to go shopping. Las Palmas offers a both a larger range and better prices than its neighbours – making the trip worth it!

By now you should be several bags of merchandise heavier (and a few euro notes lighter!). Practice damage control and head back to your hotel to feast on your shopping booty.

The sun has set, it is now dark and the city’s nightlife is inviting you. But that story can be told in another time. How is that for a day in Gran Canaria?

LEISURE PARKS

Gran Canaria is a great theme park itself as it has a large variety of leisure activities to offer the visitors. It has also developed some natural and artificial areas where it attractions and shows are put together just to entertain and in many cases to educate their visitors.

Although the island does not have large theme parks, places for leisure in Gran Canaria are noted for their variety, originality and a sense of being somehow linked to the surroundings and natural resources. Thus, you can find botanical gardens, zoos, water parks and thos parks which are linked to the Canarian culture. You will also find scientific and amusement parks.

ROUTES

Visitors to the island of Gran Canaria are able to enjoy an enormous variety of landscapes as well as countless microclimates, which is why the island has become one of the world´s most attractive tourist destinations. It is on account of these characteristics that Gran Canaria has earned its epithet, namely "the miniature continent".
No matter where you go on the island, the temperatures remain unusually pleasant throughout the year. However, in a single day, it is possible to travel to the South of the island, where you can enjoy the warm temperatures of the southern coastal areas; to explore the midlands, where the climate is more temperate; to traverse the subtropical valleys and forests; and even to travel to the highest peaks

of the island, where you may be lucky enough to witness the first snowfalls of the winter. You will encounter endless possibilities for tourism in every corner of Gran Canaria. Every enclave on the island derives a special quality from the island´s orography, the trade winds and the ocean currents. The best place to start your visit to our "miniature continent" is the capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and specifically the Las Canteras beach. Upon commencing a tour of the island, you should know that there are five routes for exploring the rest of Gran Canaria, namely the Northern route, which has two itineraries; the Southern route; the Western route; the Central route; and, lastly, the Circular route around the island.