Gran Canaria, Canary Island

The Canary Island Gran Canaria not only impresses with its magnificent landscape and endless sandy beaches, but also with numerous sports activities and culinary highlights.

Black lava and white sandy beaches are spontaneous associations with Gran Ganaria. But the Canary Island has much more to offer. So there are countless reasons to visit, starting with the impressive variety of landscapes: lush green pine forests, rugged rock formations, desert-like dunes or bright blue sea - on Gran Canaria, holidaymakers don't have to choose, they get it all at once.

The island is worth a visit at any time of year. Sun-seekers who want to escape the dreariness of the Central European winter are particularly keen to visit. And rightly so, as the average temperature on the island is a mild 24 degrees. You can lie on the beach here all year round - in the south on extensive sandy beaches, in the north in secluded rocky bays. And: beaches make up more than a quarter of Gran Canaria's 236 kilometers of coastline.

A wellness offer under the sign of springs and thermal fountains delights relaxation-hungry guests. But active vacationers will also get their money's worth thanks to the wide range of sports on offer: The sea is perfect for surfing, diving and sport fishing, while the mountains are perfect for climbing, mountain biking and hiking. Professionally developed hiking trails lead fresh-air lovers past almond trees and laurel forests to gorges and rock monoliths, where the island's volcanic origins can be clearly seen. The highest peak on the island, Pico de Las Nieves, is 1,949 meters high. If you don't want to go that high, but still want to see the magnificent landscapes and monuments of Gran Canaria from above, you can do so from one of the 31 viewpoints scattered all over the island. With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins and whales. Afterwards, how about a round of golf on one of the seven golf courses less than an hour's drive from each other?

Not only with breathtaking nature, Gran Canaria can also impress when it comes to culture. The capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to numerous historic colonial-style buildings and the beautiful cathedral, as well as interesting museums. In the historic district of Vegueta is the Columbus House, which displays historical maps, paintings and navigational instruments relating to the conquistador who stopped off Gran Canaria in his day.

The Spanish island is also an Eldorado for gourmets and offers fresh Atlantic fish, typical soups and stews, exclusive cheeses and sun-ripened vegetables. Thanks to the consistently warm climate, exotic fruits such as avocados, mangoes, papayas, bananas and even coffee can be grown on the island alongside wine. European, African and American influences are combined in dishes such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with a salt crust, served with a spicy sauce) or sancocho (a salted fish with sweet potatoes). Last but not least, those with a sweet tooth should not miss the honey and almond dessert Bienmesabe.

-- Holidaymakers will also remember the sky over Gran Canaria for a long time: The starry sky is so clear that UNESCO recognizes it as a "window to the sky" alongside those over Hawaii, New Zealand and Chile.

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