GRAN CANARIA - Interesting about the Island

Gran Canaria is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe. In 2001 the island received more than 3 million tourists. There are many reasons that explain this popularity. The main one might be the combination of microclimates, unique in the world. The landscape, the winds, the sea and the geographic situation on the 28th parallel, 60 sea miles from the African coast, defines the climate on Gran Canaria, island of volcanic origin and rich in contrasts.

"Mini-continent" is perhaps the best qualified word to express the variety of landscapes in Gran Canaria, completed with a tourist infrastructure of first category. Both making the island attractive to visit at any time of the year. In fact, most tourists come in the winter time, which is high season here, avoiding the low temperatures in their home countries.

The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the largest city of the islands and it is the cultural and economic heart. A certain cosmopolitan air makes it different from the other cities in the archipelago.