Gran Canaria 265145 223557637 2008-07-04T16:35:38Z Lightbot 7178666 Units/dates/other {{Infobox Islands | name = Gran Canaria | image name = Flag of Cabildo Gran Canaria con escudo.PNG | image caption = Flag of Gran Canaria | image size = 150 px | locator map = GC Canarias.png | native name = | native name link = | nickname = | location = [[Atlantic Ocean]] | coordinates = {{coor title dm|27|58|N|15|36|W|type:isle}} | archipelago = [[Canary Islands]] | total islands = | major islands = | area = 1,560 km² | highest mount = [[Pico de Las Nieves]] | elevation = 1,949 m | country = Spain | country admin divisions title = [[Autonomous communities of Spain|Autonomous Community]] | country admin divisions = [[Canary Islands]] | country admin divisions title 1 = [[Provinces of Spain|Province]] | country admin divisions 1 = [[Las Palmas (province)|Las Palmas]] | country admin divisions title 2 = | country admin divisions 2 = | country capital city = | country largest city = [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]] | country largest city population = 376,953 | country leader title = | country leader name = | population = 802,257 | population as of = 2005 | density = 514 | ethnic groups = | additional info = }} [[Image:Gran Canaria SPOT 1201.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Las Palmas de Gran Canaria SPOT seen from Spot Satellite]] '''Gran Canaria''' (in English, "'''Grand Canary'''") is an island of the [[Canary Islands]], an [[archipelago]] located in the [[Atlantic Ocean]] 210 km from the northwest coast of [[Africa]] and is in [[Spain]]. It is located southeast of [[Tenerife]] and west of [[Fuerteventura]]. The island is of [[volcano|volcanic]] origin, mostly made of [[fissure vent]]s. The island was populated by the [[Guanches|Canarios]], who may have arrived as early as 500 BC. The Canarios called the island '''Tamarán'''. It was claimed by [[Spain]] in the 15th century. Gran Canaria's surface is 1,560 km² and its maximum altitude is 1,949 meters (Pico de Las Nieves). It has a round shape, with a diameter of approximately 50 km. It is divided into twenty-one [[List of municipalities in Las Palmas|municipalities]]: <table> <tr> <td width=33%> *[[Agaete, Las Palmas|Agaete]] *[[Agüimes, Las Palmas|Agüimes]] *[[Artenara, Las Palmas|Artenara]] *[[Arucas, Las Palmas|Arucas]] *[[Firgas, Las Palmas|Firgas]] *[[Gáldar, Las Palmas|Gáldar]] *[[Ingenio, Las Palmas|Ingenio]] <td width=33%> *[[Mogán, Las Palmas|Mogán]] *[[Moya, Las Palmas|Moya]] *[[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]] *[[San Bartolomé de Tirajana]] *[[La Aldea de San Nicolás|San Nicolás de Tolentino]] *[[Santa Brígida, Las Palmas|Sta. Brígida]] *[[Santa Lucía de Tirajana|Sta. Lucía de Tirajana]] <td width=33%> *[[Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria|Santa María de Guía]] *[[Tejeda, Las Palmas|Tejeda]] *[[Telde, Las Palmas|Telde]] *[[Teror, Las Palmas|Teror]] *[[Valleseco, Las Palmas|Valleseco]] *[[Valsequillo de Gran Canaria|Valsequillo]] *[[Vega de San Mateo, Las Palmas|Vega de San Mateo]] </table> The island has a population of 820,257 with 378,628 (year 2005) of those in the capital city of [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]]. [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]] is the biggest city of the Canary Islands, also the capital of the [[province (Spain)|province]] of [[Las Palmas (province)|Las Palmas]], and also one of the two capitals of the [[autonomous communities of Spain|autonomous community]] of the [[Canary Islands]], along with [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]]. ==History== {{Expand|date=January 2008}} The capital city of Las Palmas was founded on June 24, 1478, with the name "Real de Las Palmas" by [[Juan Rejón]], head of the invading [[Kingdom of Castile|Castilian]] army. In 1492, [[Christopher Columbus]] anchored in the Port of Las Palmas (and spent some time on the island) on his first trip to the Americas. == Transportation == [[Image:Las palmas canteras.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.]] [[Image:Gc01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Topography of Gran Canaria.]] Gran Canaria has highways encircling the whole island and extending into the mountain areas. In the late 20th century, its superhighways, among the first in the Canary Islands, were opened and ran around Las Palmas, and were later extended to the north coast and the airport and subsequently to the south coast to account for increased tourist traffic. The superhighways are [[GC1 (Gran Canaria)|GC1]], [[GC2 (Gran Canaria)|GC2]], and [[GC31 (Gran Canaria)|GC31]], and [[dual carriageway]]s [[GC4 (Gran Canaria)|GC4]] and [[GC5 (Gran Canaria)|GC5]]. The western and the northwestern parts, with the fewest tourists, are linked only with highways. The [[Gran Canaria International Airport|International Airport of Gran Canaria-Gando]] is the only airport on Gran Canaria. It has so many aircraft and passengers passing through it each year that it is placed as one of the busiest in Spain. Gran Canaria also hosts the responsibility of controlling all air traffic of The Canaries. The most important ports in Gran Canaria are The [[Port of La Luz]], in the city of [[Las Palmas of Gran Canaria]]; Arguineguín's Port, which exports cement from a large factory; and Arinaga's Port, placed in the major industrial zone of Canaries and one of the major ones of Spain. The ports which transport the most passengers are the Port of La Luz and the Port of Las Nieves, placed in the municipality of [[Agaete]] Public transport on the island is provided by an extensive network of buses (Guaguas) and run by GLOBAL and Guaguas Municipales who operate a fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses. Drivers are helpful and the mix of tourists and 'locals' (especially in the resort areas) makes for an interesting ride, not to mention it being one of the best ways to actually see the island. Plans for a Railway network linking the capital with the South have been approved by both the Gran Canaria Cabildo and the Canary Islands Government, though the discussion with the central Spanish Government hinges now on budget. == Tourism == [[Image:Düne4.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Maspalomas dunes.]] [[Image:Gran canaria-797.JPG|thumb|right|200px|La Aldea beach.]] [[Image:WestküsteGranCanarias.jpg|thumb|right|200px|West coast.]] [[Image:BergweltGranCanarias1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|In the mountains.]] [[Image:BergweltGranCanarias2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|In the mountains.]] [[Image:Roque Nublo y caminante-Gran Canaria.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Roque Nublo]].]] [[Image:VogelschutzgebietLaCharca.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Important Bird Area "La Charca", Maspalomas.]] [[Image:LeuchtturmVonMaspalomas.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Lighthouse "El Faro", Maspalomas.]] This island is called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found. The island is under protection as a [[Biosphere Reserve]] by [[UNESCO]]. The number of annual visitors is 2.2 million (2,200,000). Most of the tourists visit the southern part of the island. The north tends to be cooler while the south is warmer and sunny. The east coast of the island is flat dotted with beaches while the western coast is rockier and mountainous. The island possesses 32<ref>[http://www.gobcan.es/cmayot/espaciosnaturales/informacion/grancan_todo.html Espacios Naturales Protegidos de Gran Canaria Font: [[Gobierno de Canarias]]</ref> Natural Protected Spaces, that they emphasize the Rural Park of Nublo, Doramas's Jungle, the Ravine of Azuaje, Tamadaba, Pino Santo, etc. Most tourists stay in the south of the island, which is sunnier and has less rain than the north. However, just below the airport in the town of Vecindario there is a large shopping center "Commercial Atlantico" that includes a Carrefour and shopping mall. Vecindario is the town where the "locals" live and there is a significant price decrease from the south.Only a short walk from the shopping mall is an open air shopping mall on Wednesdays in the am hours. In the south there is a large bird park, [[Palmitos Park]], in the south of the island (currently closed to the public until further notice) as well as many beach resort communities. The resort communities start in the central eastern part of the southern coast in the Maspalomas area which includes the towns of [[San Agustin, Las Palmas|San Agustín]], [[Playa del Inglés]], [[Sonnenland]], and [[Maspalomas]] where most tourists visit. The Dunes of Maspalomas are located between Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Another tourist attraction is the lighthouse at Maspalomas situated at the western end of Maspalomas. In Tarajalillo an Aeroclub exists from where tourist flights can be taken over the island. [[Playa del Inglés]] is a popular destination for European [[gay]] tourists with bars, restaurants and businesses centered primarily in the ''Yumbo Centrum'' [[shopping center]]. A wonderful beach is found near the Maspalomas Dunes. Maspalomas is known throughout the world for its lighthouse, lagoon and magnificent beach. Still further to the west along the southern shore, in the Municipality of Mogán, are the communities of [[Puerto Rico, Las Palmas|Puerto Rico]] and [[Puerto de Mogán]], a picturesque village referred to as "Little Venice" on account of its many canals. Other attractions include Reptilandia Park, Cocodrilos Park, [[Roque Nublo]] (an 80m monolith), Cenobio de Valerón with about 290 caves, [[Cueva Pintada]] the most important archaeological park in Canary Islands and the botanical gardens ''Jardin Canario'' (in Tafira Alta) and Cactualdea (in La Aldea de San Nicolás). [[El Dedo de Dios]], or "God's Finger" was a rocky spire jutting from the sea in Puerto de las Nieves, and was previously the signature attraction of the Canary Islands until it was destroyed by [[Tropical Storm Delta (2005)|Tropical Storm Delta]], that crossed the archipelago on November 2005 [http://gran-canaria-info.com/wiki/tiki-index.php?page=Dedo+de+Dios]. With its numerous off shore underwater attractions, scuba diving centres, guides and courses are readily available to take in the full beauty of the island. Other famous rock formations are El Cura (also known as El Fraile), The Frog (La Rana), Bentayga, the Roque de Gando, and the Peñón Bermejo. The highest peak of the island is the Pico de las Nieves, with 1.950 m The capital city of [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]], in the north of the island, has a vibrant city life. Las Canteras Beach lies in the heart of the city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also known for its annual [[Carnaval]]. It was the first stop of Christopher Columbus' expedition on his way back from the Americas, a commemoration of which is the Hermitage of San Antonio Abad, where the navigator prayed, and the Casa de Colón. Other attractions in the capital city include the Museo Canario (the most important archaeology museum in the archipelago), the Cathedral and the Plaza del Espíritu Santo. The town of [[Agüimes]], on the eastern part of the island, has been carefully restored, and its town centre, centered around its old church and a peaceful square, now evokes the quiet living of a traditional Canarian town. The district also has some of the best preserved cave dwellings, in the protected area of the Guayadeque Ravine, where even the church has been built into the hillside and visitors can find a number of popular cave restaurants. The district also includes the most renowned scuba diving area on the island: the marine reserve at the playa de El Cabrón just outside the town of Arinaga. Other important towns are [[Telde]] and Vecindario (within the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana) and [[Gáldar]]. In [[Arucas]] there is a magnificent Neogothic temple, popularly known as "Arucas' Cathedral", as well as a large fertile plain where bananas are grown. In [[Gáldar]] and its surroundings there is also a banana-growing plain and some remarkable archaeological remains, such as Cueva Pintada or Cenobio de Valerón's communal silos, ancient tombs, and the port of Sardina del Norte (one of the island's ports where, as in Las Palmas', [[Christopher Columbus]] used to get supplies for his ships). In [[Teror]] is kept the catholic image of [[Virgen del Pino]], the patron saint of the Canary Islands. Heading west along the southern coast is the fishing city of [[Arguineguín]] in the [[Mogán, Las Palmas|Municipality of Mogán]]. The market, which is held on Tuesdays, is the largest on the island. == See also == * [[List of municipalities in Las Palmas]] * [[Perro de Presa Canario]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons|Gran Canaria}} *[http://www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo/16843.0.html Gran Canaria Official Website] *{{wikitravel|Gran Canaria}} *[http://www.grancanaria.com/medioambiente/proyectos/biosfera/ Biosphere reserve of Gran Canaria] *[http://www.cuevapintada.org/cueva/en/lacueva/index.php Museum and archaeological park Cueva Pintada] *[http://www.meteosurfcanarias.com/webcams/webcams-gran-canaria/ Webcam Gran Canaria] *[http://www.grancanariainfo.co.uk/ Gran Canaria Info] Guide to the Island in English and Spanish *[http://home.worldonline.nl/~hharmsen/picturesofgrancanaria.html Pictures of Gran Canaria] {{Municipalities in Gran Canaria}} {{Islands and provinces of the Canary Islands}} [[Category:Islands of the Canary Islands]] [[Category:Gran Canaria|*]] [[Category:Fissure vents]] [[Category:Volcanoes of Spain]] [[ar:كناريا الكبرى]] [[bg:Гран Канария]] [[ca:Gran Canària]] [[cs:Gran Canaria]] [[cy:Gran Canaria]] [[da:Gran Canaria]] [[de:Gran Canaria]] [[et:Gran Canaria]] [[el:Γκραν Κανάρια]] [[es:Gran Canaria]] [[eo:Gran Canaria]] [[eu:Kanaria Handia]] [[fr:Grande Canarie]] [[gl:Gran Canaria]] [[id:Gran Canaria]] [[it:Gran Canaria]] [[sw:Gran Canaria]] [[lv:Grankanārija]] [[lt:Gran Kanarija]] [[hu:Gran Canaria]] [[nl:Gran Canaria]] [[ja:グラン・カナリア島]] [[no:Gran Canaria]] [[nn:Gran Canaria]] [[pl:Gran Canaria]] [[pt:Gran Canária]] [[ru:Гран-Канария]] [[simple:Gran Canaria]] [[sk:Gran Canaria]] [[fi:Gran Canaria]] [[sv:Gran Canaria]]