Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

The Miniature Continent

Located in the Atlantic Ocean about 800 miles off the coast of Europe, Gran Canaria is like a little slice of Spanish paradise.

In fact, even though it’s just 29 miles across, with its variety of landscapes, climates, and attractions, Gran Canaria is sometimes referred to as a “Miniature Continent”, and a third of the island under protection as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The south features sunny resort communities, the bird sanctuary of Palmisos Park, and Maspalomas (renowned for its beaches, sand dunes, and lighthouse), while the east has the fishing village of Puerto de Mogan, otherwise known as “Little Venice” due to its many canals.

Go to the old city center of Vegueta to walk down the same streets as Columbus did 500 years ago, visit the Caldera de Bandama in Gran Canaria’s wine country, or head to Tejeda for the rock formation of Roque Nublo and spectacular views.