In spite of its name, Gran Canaria is only the third largest of the Canary Islands. Called ‘the little continent’ by many who live there, it has something for everybody. Along the west coast are awe-inspiring cliffs, only inhabited by sea birds, to the south are the golden dunes of Maspalomas and the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas centred around Playa del Ingles.
The east coast is a flat plain with the island’s industrial area running north from the airport to Las Palmas, the largest port on this side of the Atlantic, and the rugged beauty of the north coast, where the sea crashes against the land, just has to be seen. A trip to the mountains is a must. Every valley has something different to offer, and as you head inland from the coast, climbing higher and higher, the vegetation changes from cacti and brush to pine forests and evergreen shrubs. The southern valleys are arid for most of the year, but in the north around Arucas, Teror and Santa Brigida, the valleys are green from intensive cultivation of tomatoes, potatoes and bananas. It is possible to drive around the coast road of the island in one day, stopping for lunch and photos. However, it is a tiring drive. It is best to go in a clockwise direction, especially along the section from San Nicholas to Agaete – at least then you are not on the ‘cliff-side’ of the road!
