The Island of Gran Canaria is situated in the eastern part of the Canary Archipelago, and is the third largest of the Canary Islands. Its capital city, Las Palmas, was founded over 500 years ago. The city played a key role in the discovery of America, for it was here that Columbus rested and repaired his ships before setting off for the New World. Las Palmas is truly a cosmopolitan city, inhabited by a multi-ethnic community, and visited by people from all over Europe, Asia and the Americas. It's a great place for shopping, and it is rich in cultural and historic sites.
Like the rest of the Canaries, Gran Canaria is blessed by almost constant spring-like weather, year-round. Yet this "mini-continent" has seen snow on it's highest peak, "Los Pechos," while the sun is beating down on Las Canteras Beach at Las Palmas. The island's most unique feature is unquestionably the sand dunes of Maspalomas - a mini-Sahara Desert cut off from the mainland of North Africa ages ago. All along the circular coast of Gran Canaria, there are beautiful golden beaches, resort areas with modern tourist facilities, fishing villages and marinas, and impressive residential complexes whose architecture has been thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. Maspolomas, Playa del Ingles and San Agustin are among the most popular beach resorts. In the island's interior, there are villages where ancient customs and lifestyles are still preserved, fruit orchards, dense forests, and mountains.
Gran Canaria has everything you could ask for in a resort vacation. There are two magnificent 18-hole courses, the Las Palmas Golf Club and the Maspalomos Links. Throughout the year you can go windsurfing, waterskiing, and diving. And you can charter a boat for fishing, or go sailing. The more adventurous can even try hang-gliding.
When it comes to dining, the choices are virtually unlimited. The international character of Gran Canaria is reflected in the abundance of restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, as well as typical Canarian specialties, which, in themselves, are a very pleasant discovery.
The tour begins with visits to the Paseo Maritomo (Seaside Promenade), the 16th century Cathedral of Santa Ana, Casa de Colon (15th century residences, now a museum) and the church of San Antonio Abad. After lunch, you visit the beach of Las Canteras, and continue through the hills to the Crater of Bandama.
This tour will take you back in time. You'll be driven to Fataga about four miles from Playa del Ingles, where you will see an exact replica of what used to be a guanche (native town), with its animals, vegetation and homes. The tour ends with a wine tasting.
Fly from Gran Canaria to Santa Cruz de La Palma. Visit the Church of the Savior and Las Nieves, then continue to the Mirador de Buenavista for a spectacular view of the capital. From there it's on to the National Park La Caldera, Teneguia Volcano, Belcamo Cave, and the ceramic tile factory. Return via air to Gran Canaria.
Transfer by Hydrofoil to Puerta de la Cruz, Tenerife. Your tour of this beautiful island includes visits to La Esperanza, Los Miradores, Canadas del Teide, Valle de Ucanca and Valle de Orotova. Return to Puerto de la Cruz for some sightseeing and shopping before departing.
A full day tour of the most fascinating of the Canary Islands, located 85 miles to the northeast of Gran Canaria. The term "different" does not sufficiently describe the unique and mysterious volcanic landscape of Lanzarote.
It was in Gomera that Columbus stopped in 1492 to get provisions before setting sail for the New World. The tour will show you the highlights of this breathtaking island, whose landscape is etched by deep canyons and ravines, and covered by beautiful laurel forests.
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