Gran Canaria, Island destination in Canary Islands, Spain
Gran Canaria is an island in the Canary Islands, Spain. The landscape ranges from mountains in the center to coastal areas with sand formations in the south and green valleys in the north.
The Spanish Crown took control in the late 15th century after defeating the indigenous Guanches. The island became a stopover for ships heading to the Americas and grew into a trading center.
In Las Palmas, the February carnival brings thousands of people together with parades, music, and dancing filling the streets. The celebrations last several weeks and transform entire neighborhoods into open stages full of Canarian rhythms and colors.
The airport terminal is located in the east and offers connections to Europe and Africa, making it easy for travelers from different countries to arrive. Roads inland can be winding, while buses and public transport connect the coastal towns.
The island is home to over 30 protected natural areas where many plant species grow that are found only in the Canaries. Some of these areas are small nature reserves tucked between villages or in ravines and are often overlooked.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
