The third largest but most developed of the seven islands in the
Spanish-administered Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria has been
billed as a 'miniature continent' because of the variety of
climates and landscapes that it offers, from the big city bustle of
the capital, Las Palmas, to the serenity of its lush woodlands.
The Canaries lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 miles (200km)
from the African coast and almost 800 miles (1,250km) from the
closest European port of Cadiz. Gran Canaria is almost circular,
with a diameter of about 32 miles (50km), and is characterised by
deep ravines which radiate out from the centre down to the coast.
The north of the island is humid, boasting green valleys and
volcanic craters, while the south is arid and desert-like with vast
stretches of beach. The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast
tip of the island, between two long beaches, Las Caletas and
Alcaravaneras. The interior of Gran Canaria hosts steep highlands
dotted with small villages, sporting white houses with red roofs,
banana plantations and orchards bursting with tropical fruits.
Tourists generally favour the southern coastline, flocking to
the well-known beaches of Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where the
sea washes soft sands and empty dunes stretch for miles.
