Gran Canaria is an island within the Canary Islands group and is situated in the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately150 kilometres from the coast of Africa. As the second most populated Canary Island, it has gained a reputation as a popular holiday destination, being only a few hours flying time away and boasting hours of sunshine every day.
The capital city of Gran Canaria is Las Palmas and the country is divided into 21 municipalities. Most of the island is of volcanic origin with a surface area of 1,560 km² and a maximum altitude is 1,949 metres.
The weather is what attracts most visitors: the island’s average daytime temperatures range from 20 °C in winter, to 26 °C in summer. However, because of the mountainous nature of the location, frost and snow can be found on the mountain ranges. The average rainfall yearly is 228 mm, with the summer months usually going without rain at all. Winter sees cloud and variable sunshine.
Due to the differing climates of the island, Gran Canaria is known as a Miniature Continent. It boasts various landscapes, from long golden beaches to ravines and villages. One third of Gran Canaria has been placed under protection by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
Visitors annually number around 2.2 million with most tourists visiting the sunnier and more tourist friendly southern part of the island. There is something to suit everyone’s taste on a Gran Canaria holiday, however, from the cooler north to the beaches to the south and east coast and the rocky mountains of the western island.
