Gran Canaria comprises 1,532 square kilometers and is the third largest island in the Canaries – only surpassed by Fuerteventura and Tenerife, which is the largest island in the Canaries. Approximately 850,000 people live in Gran Canaria – of which 420,000 reside in Las Palmas, which is largest city in the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands have a local government which that is able to self-govern to a certain extent; however, important matters are decided by the federal government in Madrid. Thus, the Canaries constitute an autonomous region of Spain and the EU – however, special rules apply. The local government resides two years in Las Palmas and two years in Santa Cruz, which is located on Tenerife.
The majority of the population on Gran Canaria makes a living from tourism while approximately 20% of the population earn an income from farming, tomato production and fishery.
Gran Canaria is located approximately 1,450 kilometres from the Spanish mainland and 220 kilometres from the coast of Africa. It takes nine hours – including a few longish breaks – to drive the 234 kilometres that make up the island´s coastline.
The northern part of the island is very green and fertile while the southern part is rather arid and rocky.
The airport on Gran Canaria handled over 14 million passengers in 2017, making it the fifth busiest airport in Spain.
On the following pages, you will be able to find tips and ideas on what to do on your next holiday to Gran Canaria. In addition, you can help us improve canariainfo.com by emailing a holiday picture or inform us of a great holiday activity that has not been mentioned.
