Travel destination Gran Canaria - A Holiday Paradise with Many Facets
Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands, belonging to Spain and located off the coast of Northwest Africa. The island has an area of 1,560 km² and a population of around 870,000 inhabitants. The capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the largest city of the Canary Islands and the ninth largest in Spain. Gran Canaria is known for its white sandy beaches, its black lava, and its diverse landscape, ranging from dry dunes to green mountains. The island has a mild climate with an average temperature of 20°C throughout the year.
Gran Canaria has a long and rich history dating back to antiquity. The original inhabitants of the island were the Canarii, a North African people who may have arrived on the island as early as the 5th century BC. The Canarii lived in caves and built terraced fields. They had their own language, religion, and culture, which differed from the other islands. The Canarii called the island Tamarán, meaning "Land of the Brave".
The island was conquered by the Spaniards in the 15th century, after more than a century of attempts to colonize it. The conquest was an important step for the expansion of united Spain and the discovery of America. The Spaniards founded the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1478 and made it an important port for trade and missionary work.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the port of Las Palmas on his first voyage and spent some time on the island.
Over the centuries, Gran Canaria has been influenced by various peoples and cultures, such as the Portuguese, the French, the British, the Dutch, and the Americans. The island was the scene of many battles, uprisings, and pirate attacks. The island also developed its own identity and tradition, reflected in its architecture, art, music, literature, and gastronomy. The island is proud of its famous personalities, such as the writer Benito Pérez Galdós, the painter Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre, the singer Alfredo Kraus, and the comedian José Monzón.
Some pictures from Gran Canaria:
Gran Canaria is a popular tourist destination today, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the island's beauty and diversity. The island offers numerous attractions and activities to suit all tastes and ages.
Some of the most popular sights include:
Palmitos Park: An animal and plant park featuring dolphins, parrots, butterflies, orchids, and more.
Casa de Colón: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Christopher Columbus.
Roque Nublo: A volcanic rock formation that is a landmark of the island and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Vegueta: The old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, known for its colonial architecture and historic buildings such as the cathedral, town hall, and theater.
Maspalomas Beach: Famous for its golden dunes and lighthouse.
Gran Canaria is an island with many facets and a soul that is waiting to be discovered and loved. Gran Canaria is an island with many sides and is highly recommended!
Some more pictures from Gran Canaria:
Travel guide for the Canary Islands you get here on Amazon!*
Die besten Pauschalreisen auf die Kanaren findet ihr hier:
