sign in sign up
<<
Home , Fataga, Guanches, Maspalomas, Museo Canario, Roque Nublo

©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd

Gran Canaria %928 / POP 805,000

Why Go? de is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ Gran Canaria ...... 40 archipelago but accounts for almost half the population. ...... 51 It lives up to its cliché as a continent in miniature, with a Ingenio & Agüimes ...... 52 dramatic variation of terrain, ranging from the green and Barranco de leafy north to the mountainous interior and desert south. Guayadeque ...... 52 To glean a sense of this impenetrable quality, head to the ...... 54 centre, where the sheer drama of the mountains more re- sembles the Tibetan highlands than a relatively small island. ...... 54 The fl ip side to these unspoiled peaks and valleys is a rug- ...... 57 ged coastline interspersed with white sandy beaches and, Arucas ...... 58 more famously (and depressingly), a garish tiara of purpose- Moya ...... 59 built holiday resorts. Gáldar ...... 59 Beyond the sands, though, Gran Canaria can keep the & Puerto de las adrenalin pumping, with scope for hiking, horse trekking Nieves ...... 60 and watersports, while culture-vultures can be similarly Playa del Inglés & satiated, particularly in the historic cosmopolitan capital of ...... 62 Las Palmas. & Arguineguín ...... 66 Puerto de Mogán ...... 67 When to Go Peak season here is the springtime: February through to Easter, when the weather is warm, rain is sporadic and the Best Places to Eat island’s stunning interior is green and verdant with the oc- casional visual blast of almond trees in blossom. It is also » Deliciosa Marta (p48) party season, with the February Carnaval followed by oth- » El Salsete (p65) er festivities, culminating with the ceremonial passion of » Jack El Negro (p68) Semana Santa (Holy Week). Autumn is also a good time of year for visitors, but avoid crowded July and , when Best Places to from the mainland take their annual hols. Stay » La Hacienda del Molino (p211) » Fonda de la Tea (p211) » Casa Rural Doña Margarita (p211) Getting Around DON’T MISS Global (www.globalsu.net) provides the island with a network Exploring the interior of bus routes. of the island with its Car hire is highly recommended to explore the interior; dramatic scenery, Cicar (www.cicar.com) is a good local choice with represen- including pine-clad tation throughout the island. massive mountain Taxis are plentiful, especially in Las Palmas and tourist ranges stretching for as resorts. far as the eye can see.

THREE PERFECT DAYS Best Day One Archaeological Head for Vegueta, Las Palmas’ exquisite colonial-style Sites neighbourhood and home to its top cultural treasures. » Troglodyte caves (p62) Get the lowdown on your surroundings from the high- Fascinating prehistoric point of the cathedral tower, before exploring Colum- caves; some are still bus’ House (Casa-Museo de Colón). Staying in history inhabited. mode, stop by the splendid , then pull up a chair at atmospheric El Herreño for a coff ee, tapa or » Cueva Pintada (p60) benchtime slumber in leafy relaxing surrounds. Intriguing geometric paint- ings in a cave once occupied Day Two by the . Head for the Cruz de Tejeda to contemplate the sur- » Cenobio de Valerón rounding sacred mountains and towering peaks. Stride (p59) Over 350 ancient out on a half-hour walk to the mystic silos and caves historically landmark, before rewarding the exertion with a visit to used for storing grain. Tejeda’s famous bakery. Next stop is , with its cave dwellings and panoramic views, especially from Best Beaches the terrace of Bar La Esquina, a handy refuelling spot. Spend the afternoon exploring the backroads of the » Playa de las Canteras island’s magnifi cent interior. (p47) A truly capital-city beach with calm waters and Day Three a 3km-long arc of golden Take a walk on the fabulous Maspalomas dunes, a sand. peaceful haven from the clamour of the coast. Next, stop » Maspalomas (p62) Fabu- by the Fedac store at the Playa del Inglés tourist offi ce to lous golden sand dunes in stock up on quality handicrafts. Head down the coast to the south of the island. picturesque Puerto de Mogán and a late seafood lunch » Puerto de Mogán (p67) at Patio Canario, overlooking the bobbing boats. After A crescent of pale sand lunch, collapse on a sunbed on the beach before heading fronts this delightful small up to Mogán itself for a stroll around one of the most harbour resort. delightful small towns on the island. Resources Getting Away from It All » Official tourism site: www.grancanaria.com » Hike in the mountains Pick up a tourist-office brochure » Rural tourism and accom- of mapped walks around Tejeda (p54). modation: www.eco » Pack a picnic Head for the lush and green Barranco de turismocanarias.com Guayadeque (p52) or the lakeside picnic tables at Presa de » Gay website with info on las Cuevas de las Niñas (p69). bars and nightlife: www » Visit a farmers market Teror is one of the interior’s most .gay-grancanaria.com stunning small towns. Come here on a Saturday morning to » Online magazine www join the locals at the weekly produce market (p57). .islandconnections.eu