Gran Canaria is located in the Atlantic Ocean in a region known asMacaronesia about 150 kilometres (93 mi) off the northwestern coast of Africa and about 1,350 km (840 mi) from Europe.[5] With an area of 1,560 km2 (600 sq mi)[6] and an altitude of 1,956 m (6,417 ft) atMorro de la Agujereada, Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the archipelago in both area and altitude. Gran Canaria is also the third most populated island in Spain.[7]
Inantiquity, Gran Canaria was populated by the North AfricanCanarii, who may have arrived as early as 500 BC.[8]
In themedieval period, after over a century of European incursions and attempts at conquest, the island was conquered on 29 April 1483, by theCrown of Castile, underQueen Isabella I. The Canarian queenAbenchara was captured and imprisoned by the Spanish during the conquest. The conquest succeeded after a war that lasted five years, and it was an important step towards the expansion of the unified Spain.
On 27 March 1977, a bomb went off in Gran Canaria Airport, the main airport on the island. Flights were diverted to the nearby Tenerife Airport: this led to theTenerife airport disaster.[10]
Pliny claimed that the island was named for the dogs on the island, of which two were presented as a gift toJuba, King ofMauretania.[11] This opinion is disputed as when the Europeans arrived on the island, no dogs were found.[11] Another source suggested the way the natives ate fish was doglike and this was the reason for its name.[11] A more plausible assumption is that the island's name derives from the people Canario or Canarii living near theAtlas mountain range.[12]Jean de Béthencourt named the islandGran Canaria as the people on the island were valorous opponents to hisconquest.[12]
Gran Canaria is located in theCanary Islands archipelago southeast ofTenerife and west ofFuerteventura. The island is ofvolcanic origin, mostly made offissure vents. It has a round shape, with a diameter of approximately 50 km (31 mi) and a surface area of 1,560 km2 (600 sq mi). Gran Canaria's maximum elevation is 1,956 metres (6,417 ft) atMorro de la Agujereada, although the nearbyPico de las Nieves has traditionally been considered the island's tallest peak. The coastline measures 236 km.
About 80% of the volume of the island was formed during theMiocene period eruptions, between 14 and 9 million years ago.[13] This is called the "Old Cycle" and is estimated to have lasted some 200,000 years and have emitted about 1,000 km3 (240 cu mi), mostly of fissuralalkali basalt. This cycle continued with the emission oftrachytes,phonolites andperalkaline rocks.[14] This period was followed by one of erosion, which lasted some 4 million years.[15]
A second cycle of volcanic eruptions, known as the "Roque Nublo cycle", took place between 4.5 and 3.4 million years ago. This shorter cycle emitted about 100 km3 (24 cu mi). Most of the inland peaks were formed by erosion from these materials. This period also started with fissural basalts, but ended with violent eruptions ofpyroclastic flows. Some phonolitic features, like the Risco Blanco, were also formed in its last stages.[15]
The third or recent cycle is held to have started some 2.8 million years ago and is considered to be still active. The last eruptions are held to have occurred some 2000 years ago.[16]
The changes in volume and, therefore, weight of the island have also caused the island to rise above the previous sea level during erosive periods and to sink during eruptive periods. Some of these "fossil beaches" can be seen in the cliff faces of the more eroded northern coast.[17]
Nature of Gran Canaria along the eastern shore in 2016
Nature of Gran Canaria along the southeastern shore in 2016
According to theKöppen climate classification, Gran Canaria is considered to have ahot desert climate (BWh) due to its severe lack of precipitation. Gran Canaria has consistent warm temperatures in spring, summer and autumn, and mild winters. Gran Canaria is noted for its rich variety ofmicroclimates. Generally speaking though, the average daytime high ranges from 20 °C (68 °F) in winter to 26 °C (79 °F) in summer. Some cool nights occur in winter, but lows below 10 °C (50 °F) are unknown near the coast. Inland the climate is still mild but mountainous areas see the occasional frost or snow. Annual rainfall averages 228 mm (9.0 in), most of this falling in the cooler months, with July, August and September normally rainless. Rainfall is unevenly distributed through the island with some areas being much drier than others.Cloud cover and sunshine is often quite variable during the cooler months, and there can be several rather cloudy days at times in winter. Summers are generally quite sunny however, with the south of the island being most favoured.
Climate data for Gran Canaria Airport (1981–2010 normals, 1951-2025 extremes), altitude: 32 m (105 ft)
Until the conquest, Gran Canaria had extensive forests, but then suffered extensivedeforestation[20] as a result of continuous logging, land divisions and other intensive uses. This reduced the forest cover to just 56,000 hectares (140,000 acres),[20] making the island the most deforested of the Canary Islands.[21] However, in the twentieth century reforestation of the ridge of the island was begun, recovering some of the lost forest mass. Much of the summit of the island is forested mostly due toreforestation.[20]
The island has a population at the start of 2023 of 862,893 - with 380,863 of those in the capital city ofLas Palmas de Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria is the second most populous island of the Canary Islands, afterTenerife.[28]
Autopistas in Gran Canaria provide rapid road transport around the coastA Gran Canaria busGran Canaria AirportThe Tenerife catamaran ferry
Gran Canaria has roads encircling the whole island and extending into the mountain areas. In the late 20th century, its dual carriageway, among the first in the Canary Islands, were opened and run around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and were later extended to the north coast and the airport and subsequently to the south coast in response to increased tourist traffic. The only highway of Gran Canaria areGC1. Dual carriageway isGC2, andGC31,GC4 andGC5. The western and the north-western parts, with the fewest inhabitants, are linked only with main roads.
Public transport around Gran Canaria is provided by an extensive bus network, known in the local dialect asguaguas. TheAutoridad Única del Transporte de Gran Canaria (Gran Canaria Transport Authority, TGC) manages the network and operates a number of bus stations across the island, including San Telmo and Santa Catalina bus stations in Las Palmas, Maspalomas and Galdar.[29] Bus tickets may be purchased with cash, and AUTGC also operates acontactlesselectronic ticket called the TransGC Card, which is valid across the whole network.[30]
Inter-urban bus services across the island are operated by the Global bus company.[31][32] Global was created in 2000 after the merger of two bus companies, Utinsa (which operated in the north of the island) and Salcai (the bus operator for the south).[33] Local bus services in Las Palmas are run by the municipal bus company,Guaguas Municipales de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.[34]
Gran Canaria Airport (IATA: LPA) is the only commercial airport on the island. The large number of aircraft and passengers passing through it each year make it one of the busiest in Spain. Gran Canaria is also responsible for all air traffic control in the Canaries. By destination island, Gran Canaria is the second island that congregates the largest number of passengers in the Canary Islands.[35] Car rental companies that have offices in the airports are:Autoreisen, Avis, Cicar, Europcar, Goldcar (only south airport), Hertz, Sixt and TopCar.
The most important ports in the island are the Port of Las Palmas(Puerto de la Luz), in the city ofLas Palmas de Gran Canaria;Arguineguín, which exportscement from a large factory; andArinaga, located in the main industrial zone of Canaries and one of the major ones of Spain.
Plans for aTren de Gran Canaria railway network linking the capital with the south have been approved by both theGran Canaria Cabildo and the autonomous Canary Islands' Government, though the discussion with the central Spanish Government hinges now on budget. The planned 57 km (35 mi) railway line would run between Las Palmas and Meloneras, with the section in the capital running entirely underground as far as the suburb of Jinámar. The line is planned to have 11 stations, including an underground station at Gran Canaria Airport. The scheme was first announced in 2009, with a planned operational date in 2015. A public company calledFerrocarriles de Gran Canaria has been formed by the Cabildo's Gran Canaria Transport Authority. Plans were still being discussed in 2018.[38][39]
Gran Canaria agriculture is unique among the Canaries islands in that it was traditionally dominated by plantations, with much of these being grains as well assugarcane, rather than by stock-breeding.[40] Thecaves of Valerón (aproperty of cultural interest in the "archaeological site" category) in the municipality ofSanta María de Guía bears testimony of it by being the largest pre-Hispanic collective granary of the Canaries.
This island is called a "miniature continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, with long beaches and dunes of white sand, contrasting with green ravines and picturesque villages.[41] A third of the island is under protection as aBiosphere Reserve byUNESCO.
The number of annual visitors was 3.6 million in 2014 (of which 450.000 Spaniards).[42] It is the second island in the archipelago in number of annual tourists, after Tenerife.[43] Most of the tourists visit the southern part of the island. The north tends to be cooler, while the south is warmer and sunny. The east coast of the island is flat, dotted with beaches, while the western coast is rockier and mountainous.
The island possesses 32 Natural Protected Spaces,[44] notably the Rural Park of Nublo, The Doramas Jungle, the Azuaje Ravine, Tamadaba, Pino Santo, etc.
In the south there is a large bird park,Palmitos Park, as well as many beach resort communities. Resorts are concentrated in the central eastern part of the southern coast in theMaspalomas area, which includes the towns ofSan Agustín,Playa del Inglés andMeloneras. TheMaspalomas Dunes are located between Playa del Inglés ("The Englishman's Beach") and the distinctive 19th centuryMaspalomas lighthouse. Playa del Ingles is home to the Yumbo Centre,[45] which was opened in 1982 and has almost 200 shops, including bars, restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques, electronic outlets and jewellery stores.
In Tarajalillo, an Aeroclub exists from where tourist flights can be taken over the island.
Still further to the west along the southern shore, in the Municipality of Mogán, are the communities ofPuerto Rico andPuerto de Mogán, a village referred to as "Little Venice" on account of its many canals.
El Dedo de Dios, or "God's Finger", was a rocky spire jutting from the sea inPuerto de las Nieves, and was previously the signature attraction of the Canary Islands until it was destroyed bytropical storm Delta that crossed the archipelago in November 2005.[46]
Other well-known rock formations are El Cura (also known as El Fraile), The Frog (La Rana),Roque Bentayga, the Roque de Gando, and the Peñón Bermejo. Traditionally, the highest peak of the island has been considered to be thePico de las Nieves, at 1,949 metres (6,394 ft); however,Morro de la Agujereada is taller, at 1,956 metres (6,417 ft).
The capital city isLas Palmas de Gran Canaria.Las Canteras beach, a protected area and diving zone, lies in the heart of the city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also known for its annualcarnaval. It was the first stop of Christopher Columbus' expedition on his way back from the Americas,[47] a commemoration of which is the Hermitage of San Antonio Abad, where the navigator prayed, and theCasa de Colón. Other attractions in the capital city include theMuseo Canario (the most important archaeology museum in the archipelago), the cathedral and thePlaza del Espíritu Santo. InTeror the shrine ofVirgen del Pino ("Virgin of the Pine"), patron saint of Gran Canaria, can be found. Its feast is celebrated on 8 September.
The town ofAgüimes, on the eastern part of the island, has been carefully restored and its town centre, centered on its old church and a peaceful square, now evokes the quiet living of a traditional Canarian town. The district also has some of the best preserved cave dwellings, in the protected area of theGuayadeque ravine, where even the church has been built into the mountainside and visitors can find a number of popular cave restaurants. The district also includes the most renowned scuba diving area on the island: the marine reserve at theplaya de El Cabrón just outside the town of Arinaga.
Other important towns areTelde, known among other things for theirsurf schools in Salinetas, Vecindario (within the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana) andGáldar, that contains an important diving zone. InArucas there is a Neogothic temple, popularly known as "Arucas' Cathedral", as well as a large fertile plain where bananas are grown. InGáldar and its surroundings there is also a banana-growing plain and some remarkable archaeological remains,[48] such as thePainted cave of Galdar or thecenobio de Valerón's communal silos, ancient tombs (among which thenecropolis of Maipés), and the port of Sardina del Norte (one of the island's ports where, as in Las Palmas',Christopher Columbus used to get supplies for his ships).
Nearly half of the island territory – 667 km2 (258 sq mi) (42.7% of island) – is under protection from the Red Canaria de Espacios Naturales Protegidos (Canary Islands Network for Protected Natural Areas). Of the 146 protected sites under control of network in the Canary Islands archipelago,[50] a total of 33 are located in Gran Canaria, the second most protected island in the group.[51] There are seven different categories of protection:
Sixnature reserves – El Brezal, Azuaje, Los Tilos de Moya, Los Marteles, Las Dunas de Maspalomas and Güigüi (total 7,153.1 ha)
Two integral nature reserves – Inagua and Barranco Oscuro (total 3,955,5 ha)
In the 1960s, Gran Canaria was selected as the location for one of the 14ground stations in theManned Space Flight Network (MSFN) to support theNASA space program.Maspalomas Station, located in the south of the island, took part in a number of space missions including theApollo 11 Moon landings andSkylab. Today it continues to support satellite communications as part of theESA network.[52]
The island is home toCB Gran Canaria – a basketball club playing inLiga ACB at theGran Canaria Arena, with a capacity of 11,000.The island is also home toUD Las Palmas – a football club playing inLa Liga at theEstadio de Gran Canaria, with a capacity of 32,392.Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) holds its annual competitions at Pozo - Pozo Izquierdo: This spot, which is situated in the municipal area of Santa Lucía, is internationally famous on account of the ideal windsurfing conditions, the wind being ever present.
^Swopes, Bryan R. (2019),"27 March 2077",This Day in Aviation, Important Dates in Aviation History
^abcGlas, Gregor (2010).The History of the discovery of the discovery and conquest of the Canary Islands. Canary Islands. p. 87.ISBN9788461418534.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
^Oscillations of up to 400 m (1,300 ft) in the level corresponding to sea level have occurred in geological history. The highest point known is in the Bay of El Confital, Las Palmas (130 m, 430 ft above current sea level) while subaerial materials have been extracted from a well at 230 m (750 ft) below sea level in the area of La Aldea. Araña, V and Carracedo, J.C:Canarian Volcanoes, Volume 3: Gran Canaria, pp. 13. Editorial Rueda, Madrid, 1978.
^"Tarjeta TransGC".www.autgc.org (in Spanish). Autoridad Única del Transporte de Gran Canaria. Archived fromthe original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved20 November 2018.
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