Though small in size, Island Gran Canaria has big tourist appeal. In fact, the island is referred to as a "Miniature Continent" due to the diversity in attractions and landscapes that can be found there. Because of this, thousands of tourists visits each year to enjoy everything from the warm beaches to the vibrant cultural life.

History

Island Gran Canaria is believed to have been populated as early as 500 BC, though the locals have various myths as to its actual beginnings. What is certain is that the early inhabitants lived simple lives, and the island itself was overlooked for much of history. It was not until the fifteen century, when Europe was in the height of its days of exploration and empire, that Spain scouted out and claimed Island Gran Canaria as its own. For quite some time, Island Gran Canaria was included with the rest of the Canary Islands as one province, but eventually was made its own unique province in the early twentieth century.

 

Arts and Museums

Due to its strong tourist appeal, Island Gran Canaria has worked hard to establish a variety of museums. Some of the museums feature famous artists or writers who have used the island for inspiration for their work, such as the House Museums of Perez Galdos or Tomas Morales, which showcase their works and histories. Other museums are aimed at providing a cultural snapshot of the island, such as Museo Canario. For a more interactive experience, there is even a science museum, known as Museo Elder.

 

Nightlife

The night scene on Gran Canaria is vibrant across the entire island. It is easy to find a club to spend the night, including some that cater especially to young people or homosexuals. For those looking to try their hand at some luck, the island is also home to two casinos.

 

How to Get

Being an island, Gran Canaria is accessible by boat or plane. There are a number of major ports around the island, making it easy to reach from any direction. However, the most common way to reach the island by air, and the one airport on the island is easily one of the busiest in all of Spain due to the tourist appeal of Island Gran Canaria. On the island itself, there is a well established bus system that allows easy travel from one city to the next around the island.