Gran Canaria overview

Lying between Tenerife and Lanzarote in the middle of the Canary Islands group, Gran Canaria is an island of variety. It has fine beaches, buzzing resorts, lofty landscapes and perfect weather in equal measure and is often affectionately known as the ‘Continent in Miniature’ as a result. Gran Canaria tends to appeal more to the discerning type than Tenerife, or the Balearics or the mainland coast of Spain, and is also fun for those with a sliver of adventurism in their blood. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital, and while intriguing, it is the beaches at the southern end of the island that is the real draw. Maspalomas is the main resort and has a long beach, plus there is also a nudist beach. Gran Canaria is also popular with surfers and mountain bikers.