canary_islands
The paradise island of Gran Canaria is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 130 miles from the African coast. It is the third largest of the Canary Islands and has Fuerteventura and Tenerife as it neighbours. Las Palmas, situated in the north east of the island.From the cooler north to the sunnier south, this perfect holiday island
has everything the most discerning traveller could wish for; the great diversity of climate, flora and fauna has led to this island being dubbed "The Miniature Continent". Where else can one find acres of sand dunes with a backdrop of verdant mountains within easy reach of some of the best hotels, clubs, bars and cafés in Europe?
Gran Canaria has a lot to offer the tourist. The south is the most popular containing such delights as Puerto de Mogán (a picturesque village also known as Little Venice), Puerto Rico, Maspalomas and the famous Playa del Ingles. But with its spectacular views and landscapes, make sure you don't miss the rugged west coast and island's interior.
Gran Canaria is certainly one of the last European paradise isles. A continent in miniature it offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, Sahara like dunes, mountains, volcanic craters, sometimes snow on the highest peaks, the most dynamic capital city in the Canaries, incredibly beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches. And it's all just a mouse click away... virtually!
This fascinating island has something for everyone. Whatever your taste or age you will find the perfect location to spend your precious time and a huge variety of things to do for the holiday of a lifetime.
Festival Information Canary Islands
Carnival in Santa Cruz de TenerifeCarnival (February/March), Santa Cruz de Tenerife - One of Europe's biggest carnivals, this grand street party is a lavish spectacle of extravagant costumes and Latin American dance music to rival that of Rio de Janeiro. For years under the Franco regime, Carnival was suppressed for its irreverent frivolity. It begins with the election of a queen of the festivities and builds up to a climax on Shrove Tuesday when there is a large procession. The "funeral" of an enormous mock sardine takes place on Ash Wednesday. Carnival is also celebrated on the islands of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Corpus Christi (May/June), La Orotava (Tenerife) - The streets of the town are filled with flower carpets in striking patterns, while the Plaza del Ayuntamiento is covered in copies of works of art, formed from coloured volcanic sands.
Fiesta del Charco (7-11 September), San Nicolas de Tolentino (Gran Canaria) - People leap into a large saltwater.
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