Guide to the Canary Islands Part 1 – Gran Canaria

This time of the year holiday makers are looking for winter sun destinations.

Located just off the northwest coast of Africa and fall under Spain's jurisdiction, the Canary Islands consist of 13 islands altogether although only seven of them are considered popular with tourists and holiday makers. Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the group after Tenerife and Fuerteventura.

The Canary Islands began to emerge about 23 million years ago from the ocean depths. The climate here offers hot summers and moderately warm winters making it a popular winter getaway amongst holidaymakers. Almost every kind of volcanic rock can be found in the Canary Islands along with its impressive natural landscapes and beautiful surroundings.

Like all holiday destinations Gran Canaria is split into an array of resorts, each offering something different. Some popular resorts amongst the Brits and European travellers include:

Maspalomas – The perfect setting for those die hard beach lovers, the golden beaches and sand dunes are hard to resist in this sophisticated region.

Playa Del Ingles – The biggest resort in Gran Canaria, famous for the stunning beaches and lively nightlife (suitable for everyone).

Puerto Rico Resort – Known as the “sunniest spot” on the island Puerto Rico is great for those first family holidays in the sun. With plenty to entertain young children, teenagers and mature adults.

Not only popular with British holiday makers, Gran Canaria has become a major hotspot for expats purchasing holiday homes here too, resulting in a wide range of apartments and holiday villas in Gran Canaria available for short term holiday lets. More and more British residents are packing up and moving to sunnier climates like Gran Canaria in the hope of a holiday lifestyle. With better weather, impressive sea views and an easy going approach to daily life it's hard to see why everybody wouldn't want a piece of the Canary lifestyle.

Many regional UK airports including Manchester, London Gatwick, London Luton, Birmingham and Newcastle offer non stop routes to the island. You will fly into Gran Canaria airport in La Palmas via a number of low cost airlines such as Jet2, Easyjet, Monarch and many more. From the airport there are various transfer service including coaches, taxis and car hire services.