The island of Gran Canaria is a law unto itself.  There are 5 different climactic zones (although the island is only 47 Km in diameter). Being only 210 Km away from the Sahara, (on the Western coast of Africa) you could be forgiven for thinking that it would be unbearably hot all year around, however, it is fortunately placed in the path of the cooling trade winds, which make even the hottest day much more bearable. In fact, the Archipelago, now known as the Canaries, used to be known by another name – The Fortunate Islands.  This in itself gives the reader the impression that there must be something quite special to be found here, and you’d be right.

It is thought that Gran Canaria (originally know as Tamarin) has been inhabited since 500 B.C.  The earliest inhabitants, known as the Guanches were thought to be descended from the Berbers, who settled here from the north of Africa. They lived a simple life, normally residing in caves, or under rock spurs.  They lived off the land, as can be extrapolated from the simple tools that archeologists have discovered. Life in Gran Canaria remained largely unchanging for it’s residents until the early 14th century, when Mediterranean sailors ‘re-discovered’ the island group. After this came a turbulent time in the islands history, with the Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan and Italian military’s all trying to conquer and claim it for themselfes. Many Guanche’s are known to have committed suicide by throwing themselfes off mountain tops to their peril, rather than being taken as slaves by the invading forces. Eventually, in 1483 a Spaniard called Pedro de Vera lead the final invasion force, which won the islands once and for all on behalf of the Spanish.

As Gran Canaria, and the Canaries in general have been part of the ‘civilized’ World for only 600 years many people believe that we have just adopted a vaguely Spanish ethos and culture. However, in fact, the presence of the Italians, Portuguese and other previous invading forces have all left their mark and heritage on the islands, and we have grown a culture all of our own from the various races who have inhabited the islands. Since the end of the 15th century though, when the islands finally came under the Castillian Crown, the heritage and culture of the islands have been largely Spanish, although when you scratch the surface, there is much more here than at first meets the eye!
As Gran Canaria’s society has always been open to anything that came from beyond it’s own confined limitations, the islands culture has itself become enriched by the visiting cultures, although at all times preserving it’s traditions. Due to this history, this cosmopolitan island has become a synonym for ‘culture blends’ with a rich architectural, archeological, ethnographic and artistic heritage.
In fact, there are many museums dedicated to the islands heritage and history, along with the newer additions (such as the museum of Science and Technology).  There is also a long history of festivals on the island, some coming directly from the Spanish, other festivals are direct descendants of the original inhabitants beliefs and customs. In fact, if you traveled around the island, you would be hard pressed to find a week where one village or other wasn’t celebrating something!

There are so many places to visit, that the average holiday maker would take a lifetime of holidays, and still not get to see everything that Gran Canaria has to offer. Indeed, even after people after living and working here for over 4 years, you can be still amazed at the places you will find, or hear about from third parties, your list of places to see on the islands would be ever growing!
Let’s start with ‘Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’ the capital city. Did you know, for example, that in 1990, the oldest quarter of the city (known as Vegueta) was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage site!  In this district of the city, where you can still find the cobbled streets with all it’s historic landmarks still intact, you can also find the ‘Casa Colon’ – a house, believed to have been stayed in by Columbus himself. He used Gran Canaria as a stopping point on at least three of his journeys to the America’s. He found Gran Canaria an ideal place to rest the crew, and stock up on fresh fruits before the long arduous journeys. This quarter of the city also houses the original cathedral (which has been recently renovated) along with the most splendidly decorated theatre.
Late in the nineteenth century, with the opening of ‘El Puerto de la Luz’ did Gran Canaria really begin to blossom on the World Stage.  Now, one of the most important sea ports in Europe it continues to give Las Palmas a very cosmopolitan edge. Under the influences of industry and tourism in the 1960’s did the city begin to grow into the metropolis it is known to be today. In fact, Las Palmas is now home to 400,000 people almost a half of the population of the whole island!
As well as all of the exciting features of a large city, Gran Canaria also boasts some of the most modern and luxurious holiday destinations. For instance, Playa del Inlgés – the second largest of all Spanish holiday resorts, has developed along the coastline to Maspalomas – where you can find the world famous ‘dunes’, and if the palm lined wide well maintained roads there are not enough for someone seeking that something special, They only have to drive a few minutes further, before coming to the newest, and most luxurious of destinations,Costa Meloneras, which offers only 4-5 star hotels, all boasting numerous pools, and superbly landscaped grounds.