TRAVEL GUIDES DIRECTORY: LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA

Located 150 km off the coast of Western Sahara in the Atlantic ocean, the Canary Islands consist of seven major islands and six smaller islands. Gran Canaria is the third largest of the major islands and although Tenerife and Fuerteventura are larger in size, Gran Canaria has the largest population, totaling 741,161 inhabitants in 2000 according to the island s Tourist Board. Gran Canaria is often referred to as a mini continent because it is situated between three continents Africa, Europe and the Americas. Its capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , or simply " Las Palmas ." Only 47 kilometers wide, the highest point of this circular island is Pozo de Las Nieves, a peak standing at 6431 feet above sea level.

Gran Canaria enjoys variations in weather, benefiting from the Gulf flow and landscape surrounding it. The north is usually cooler than the south, which can get pretty warm sometimes. Inner regions, due to its mountains, are cloudier and colder, with more rainfall. Gran Canaria is an absolute paradise for devotees of sand and sea. (In fact, the island has been home to thirty world champions in the various forms of sailing sports and of six Olympic gold medalists, plus windsurfing champions.)

There are several factors that make this island the perfect getaway: favorable wind conditions, water temperature (varying between 18 in winter and 22 the rest of the year), sea currents that attract schools of fish to the proximity of the coast and the harbor infrastructure. These optimal natural conditions make Gran Canaria the ideal place for sailing and other water sports. With 236 kilometers of coastline, you can practice all water sports imaginable! The exquisite sea bottom is also a must-see. On land, one can also enjoy a variety of other activities: soaking up the sun, shopping, dining, and partying. While the rest of Europe is at a standstill during winter, Gran Canaria is a non-stop sporting and vacationing destination.

A comprehensive harbor infrastructure along with general and special services were developed, taking full advantage of the natural conditions the island is blessed with. Nearly every corner of the island has a company, center, club or association that caters to the various activities of the sea. Provisions for mooring for yachts, as well as other water sports equipment are available. Gran Canaria is definitely the place to satisfy one s desire to explore the sea, slicing through the turquoise waves, catching prized fishing trophies or immersing oneself in the crystalline vastness of the ocean.

The island's capital city of Las Palmas is a high spot for tourists. Shopping or lazing on its Las Canteras beach is not uncommon. Puerto de Mog on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria, is probably the prettiest resort in the area. Once the little fishing village of Pueblo de Mogan, the port is today called Little Venice. Beside that yacht-filled harbor are lovely, white two-storey buildings connected by flower-filled walkways and little canal bridges. The buildings have bright shades of red, yellow and green in their window panes, and flowering plants and vines are everywhere. The residential center of Puerto de Mogan is pedestrian-friendly, and restaurants, bars and shops are everywhere - whether its cool drinks, shopping, sunbathing, water sports, its all here. The south-facing, half-moon beach is safe for bathing and is well protected from the Atlantic wind and waves.

Most visitors to Gran Canaria stay in one of the resorts along the South coast. Other spots to visit are San Agustin, Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico. Gran Canaria's west coast meanwhile is ruggedly beautiful and has just a tinge of tourism since it is declared a National Park area.

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