Gran Canaria is one of the three largest islands in the Canary Islands. The length of its coastline is two hundred thirty-six kilometers. The island is of volcanic origin (like the entire archipelago). The highest point of the island is a mountain peak, which is almost two thousand meters high.
The island is famous for its climatic and geographical diversity, richness of fauna and flora. On its territory there are fourteen zones with different microclimate. The landscape of the island is predominantly mountainous. Among the mountains there are several arid gorges, which turn into river beds during heavy rains.
The climate in the north of the island is much more humid than in the south. On the tops of the mountains in winter, sometimes snow caps lie for several days, while on the ocean shore you can sunbathe, the swimming season is in full swing.
Many Russians dream of visiting one of the islands of the famous archipelago. If you are also planning a trip to these islands and if your choice is Gran Canaria, then it is better to have a little information about where to stay.
Municipalities of the island
There are twenty one municipalities on the island. Some of them are named:
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria;
- Santa Maria de Guia de Gran Canaria;
- Telde;
- Santa Lucia de Tirajana;
- San Bartolome de Tirajana;
- Arucas;
- Aguimes;
- Ingenio.
Each of these municipalities has a lot of interesting things for the traveler.
You can stop in any settlement of the island: whichever option you choose, it will have many advantages, so it all depends on your preferences.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The largest city in the archipelago. An international airport is located eighteen kilometers away. Despite the fact that the local climate can be called a tropical desert, there is practically no real intense heat here. The reason is that there is a cold current near the city. It not only lowers the air temperature, but also reduces the amount of precipitation. American scientists have found that the city's climate is the best on the planet.
There are many attractions in the city, including a museum opened in the house of Christopher Columbus. The great navigator lived here for some time, waiting for one of his ships to be repaired. Also on the territory of the city there are several interesting museums, a park and an old cathedral.
Famous beaches are located not far from the city. The port is also nearby. Carnivals and festivals are periodically held in the city.
Santa Maria de Guia de Gran Canaria
The abbreviated name of this municipality is Guia. It is located in the north of the island. Its area is approximately forty-three square kilometers. The population of the municipality is just over fourteen thousand inhabitants.
The main local attraction is the archaeological park. There are objects dating back to the pre-Hispanic period (preserved from the time when the island was not yet conquered by the Spaniards). There are very few such attractions on the island: most of the historical monuments date back to a later period.
Telde
The area of the city is a little over one hundred square kilometers, the population is over one hundred thousand inhabitants. Walking along the streets of this beautiful old city, you can feel the amazing atmosphere that reigned here centuries ago and has survived to this day. The town square is surrounded by colonial-style houses painted in white and green. Their carved balconies are shaded by the crowns of tall old trees.
There are several pebbly and sandy beaches not far from the city. The coastal strip here is the widest in the eastern part of the island.
Santa Lucia de Tirajana
The area of the territory of the municipality is more than sixty square kilometers, the population is about sixty-five thousand inhabitants.
Here you will live surrounded by tall palm trees and cozy whitewashed houses. Above the houses is a 19th century church standing on a hill. According to the reviews of some tourists, from a distance this building is somewhat reminiscent of a mosque. There is a small museum on the territory of the municipality, the exposition of which includes many interesting archaeological finds.
Not far from the city there is an unusual natural landmark - rocks that resemble an old fortress. According to legend, in the 15th century, local residents, who refused to accept the Christian faith, threw themselves from the tops of these rocks and died. In memory of this tragic event, a special ceremony is held here every year.
There is a windsurfing beach nearby.
San Bartolome de Tirajana
The population of the municipality is more than fifty thousand inhabitants, the area of its territory is approximately three hundred thirty three square kilometers. The region in which this municipality is located is famous for its plantations: plums, almonds, peaches and cherries are grown here. The berries grown here are used in the production of liquor.
One of the attractions of the municipality is the three-aisled parish church. Its construction was started at the end of the 17th century, but circumstances developed in such a way that it was consecrated much later - in the 20s of the 20th century. Every Sunday a market opens near the temple. It only works in the morning.
But the church and market are not the only attractions here. There are museums and parks here; on the territory of the municipality there are trails laid in ancient times by local residents. These trails lead to the central part of the island.
If you decide to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in this municipality, a great beach holiday awaits you. The length of the coastline here is seventeen kilometers.
Arucas
The area of the municipality is relatively small. It is located in the northern part of the island. The main local attraction is the neo-Gothic temple. It is built of lava stone. Its tower is sixty meters high. It is the tallest church tower in the archipelago. The construction of the temple began in the first decade of the 20th century, and was completed only in the 70s of the named century. As you explore the interiors of the church, pay attention to the stained glass windows, as well as the altar decorations and the sculpture depicting Christ (it was made by a famous local sculptor).
In Arucas, you will also see buildings from the 19th century. Another local attraction is the garden, where many exotic trees grow.
The municipality is proud of its rum distillery, the largest in the archipelago. It was founded at the end of the 19th century. Today, there is a museum on the territory of the plant, part of its exposition is devoted to the process of making rum. The museum houses several rum barrels with celebrity autographs.
Another pride of the municipality is an excellent restaurant where you can not only eat delicious food, but also admire the stunning views from the windows.
Aguimes
The area of the municipality is about eighty square kilometers, its population is about thirty thousand inhabitants.
The most interesting place in the municipality is the old center. If you decide to stay in Aguimes, we advise you to visit this place, wander through its narrow medieval streets, admire the picturesque buildings. Without a doubt, you can take many beautiful photographs here. See also the three-aisled neoclassical basilica This historical and cultural monument is really worth seeing.
If you are traveling with children, then by all means go with them to the local zoo. It is small, but it has trained parrots and crocodiles. Children will be delighted.
Some of the beaches here are considered ideal for diving and windsurfing. If you are a fan of these water sports, then you should stop here.
Ingenio
One of the main attractions of this small municipality is the monument depicting a sugarcane press. It is installed at one of the intersections. At first glance, the monument seems strange, but only for those who are not familiar with the history of the municipality. The fact is that the processing of raw sugar once flourished here.
Speaking of local attractions, it is also necessary to name the fountains in the main square, the School of lace-makers and the museum, where you can see a collection of stones and minerals. There is also an exhibition dedicated to agriculture.
The area of the municipality is only thirty-eight square kilometers. If you like silence, if you value a relaxing stay, then you should stop here. The streets here are usually quiet and almost deserted, with the exception of the park.
