Playa Del Cura at a glance

Gran Canaria, one of the prettiest Canary Islands, with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves at its centre, and hiking through Gran Canaria’s Bandama crater

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago, but accounts for almost half the population. It lives up to its cliché as a continent in miniature, with a dramatic variation of terrain, ranging from the green and leafy north to the mountainous interior and desert south. To glean a sense of this impenetrable quality, head to the centre, where the sheer drama of the mountains more resembles the Tibetan highlands than a relatively small island.

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Things To See

A land full of opportunity for endless outdoor activities, surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing, swimming, walking, windsurfing, biking, golf, diving, and virtually anything imaginable is available inGran Canaria.

Watersports and Activities:The beautiful bay and tranquil sea offer plenty of fun and sporty things to do such as snorkelling, scuba-diving, jet-skiing or para-gliding. The whole family can take part in some whale and dolphin spotting, both of which can sometimes be seen from the shore as well as on the safaris which run regularly. Colourful shoals of tropical fish which populate the warm harbour waters can be closely observed from the yellow submarine, an exciting trip for children especially. Sailing enthusiasts will be entranced by the replicas of old boats available to transport them to other parts of the island.

Fishing:Go big fry with the deep sea your horizon; tuna and blue marlin weighing hundreds of pounds can be found in the waters nearby. Will you reel in the catch of your life?

Golf:Golf is now a very popular pastime on Gran Canaria with many courses to be tried out.

Cycling:Gran Canaria brings an amazing diversity of landscape to the adventurous traveller and a range of steep slopes to challenge even the fittest rider; there are thousands of tracks through the mountainous areas of the island for all levels of rider to push themselves a little towards the peak of fitness. If you prefer gain without pain, however, electric bikes can also be hired to do all the hard work for you.

Hiking, climbing and other mountain adventures:A bike is not necessarily required to get full enjoyment from the scenery; a network of trails will take you deep into the beautiful countryside for a close up with nature. Challenge yourself that little bit further on a range of vertical ascents, and enjoy the views from the top. Look out for the fun of a zip wire, wobble your way along a hanging bridge or abseil down the sides of a ravine. These are just some of the many ways to put your skills and courage to the test on the varied island of Gran Canaria.

Holiday World:Holiday World is located 4 kilometres inland from the Faro Lighthouse on theMaspalomas coast and includes a funfair with a roller coaster, big wheel, sky drop, autoscooter, centrox, pirate ship, mechanic bulls, children's carousel, pony rides and a bouncy castle. There is also a bowling alley and wellness centre. The park is open all year round.

Things To See

Museum and Archaeological Reserve of Cueva Pintada: Find out what life on Gran Canaria was like hundreds of years ago in this museum with the nickname The Painted Cave, in Galdar, in the north of the island.

San Bartolome de Tirajana:Inland, due north from Playa del Cura, this area is the location for a variety of ancient sites including the Tunte Settlement, an entire underground village, complete with dwellings, granaries burial areas and cave paintings; the Arteara Necropolis, a prehistoric burial ground 2kms long and 1km wide, made up of over a thousand burial mounds; Las Fortalezas, a fortified settlement of natural and artificially excavated caves - the remains of prehistoric paintings can still be found on the walls of some caves, while some others were used for burial rites and grain storage; and Almogaren de Amurga, one of the most complex and spectacular archaeological site, believed to have been the site of religious ceremonies. Other such prehistoric cave sites are to be found around the island including one in Mogan itself.

Majada Alta (Mogï¿¿n):In this smallish cave can be found pictures painted in red ochre with unique motifs and painting techniques.

Dunas de Maspalomas:Follow the coast south to find the glorious rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas running for miles along the coast - a desert next to the sea.

Teror:Accessed by steep winding roads, this town may be suitably named for the faint-hearted. It has great symbolic value to islanders, though, as it is said to be the place where La Virgen del Pino, the island's patron saint, appeared. An annual pilgrimage takes place to the Basilica in this rural town.

Vegueta:Travel back in time to tread the narrow, cobbled streets in the old city centre where Columbus is believed to have walked half a millennium ago.

Guayadeque Ravine:Close to the southern shore, is this palm-covered ravine where rock paintings will transport you back in time.

Bandama:Hold your heart in your mouth as you descend into the Caldera of a volcano crater to find one of the oldest wineries on the island.

Whales and Dolphins:A paradise for whales and dolphins, of the 87 species in existence around the world, 29 can be found here in one of the most ecologically valuable locations in Europe. In addition to bottlenose dolphins, visitors can also see common, striped and spotted varieties. Sarari trips are available lasting approximately 2 hours.

Parque Natural de Tamadaba:A huge network of ravines, slopes and mountains create an area of stunning beauty where one of the island's best preserved natural pine forests can be found. A special bird protection area, Tamadaba is an enormous massif uniting the ecosystems of the precipitous cliffs of Aden Verde with the crags and slopes of Guayedra. Various protected species inhabit the forest and Guayedra cliffs, many exclusive to the area. The park is also the location of some remote, semi-abandoned hamlets and important archaeological areas such as El Risco and the Guayedra valley.

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