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Canary Islands: Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is located southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura. As other islands of the Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria is an island of volcanic origin. It is the third largest island of the Canary Islands, its surface is 1560 sq. km. The maximum altitude (Pico de Las Nieves) is 1949 m.

Due to different climate zones, Gran Canaria is called a "Miniature continent". Subtropical forests, fertile valley, impressive dune landscapes and rock formations are within a very small distance. The south of the island tends to be warmer and sunnier than the north. In the north of Gran Canaria usually there are more rains. The east coast of the island is flat dotted with beaches while the western coast of Gran Canaria is rocky and mountainous. Gran Canaria is protected by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital city (and the biggest city of the Canary Islands). Most tourists stay in the south of the island, which is sunnier and features a lot of beach resort communities. Playa de Ingleses, Maspalomas, San Augustin and Sonnenland are the most visited towns of Gran Canaria.

Windsurfing on Gran Canaria

Over the last few years Gran Canaria has become the home for many windsurfing stars. It's no wonder, because the wind here blows about 80% of the whole year. The average wind is 5-7 Bft in the summer months , and 3-5 Bft from September through May. In winter the low pressures bring south swells and storms.

The best windsurfing on Gran Canaria takes place on the south east side of the island. Trade winds blow north, north-east and east. For example, in summer months the wind is very north and it's better to go to upper wind spots for windsurfing. In winter the wind blows more easterly, so the wind line moves down the coast until Maspalomas (south tip of Gran Canaria).

gran canaria map


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