October 1st, 2008
Originally there were two amusement parks focussing on water fun at Gran Canaria:
the so called “AquaSur” as well as the “Ocean Park”. The last one was located at mid Maspalomas, but it is out of order nowadays.
The “Aquasur” finally turned into “Aqualand” in the course of the years and makes the largest leisure park of the isle by now. Covering a surface area of about 90.000 square metres this theme park aims at offering a great amount of water- based attractions such as for example more than 30 water slides. There is a certain area addressing at children which also contains a great variety of the park’s mascot, the “Aqualand”- ape.
Another amazing attraction is the famous “Tornado”, a closed flume entertaining visitors by presenting light- and sound effects while sliding. Furthermore there are tourist features like the “Mamut” for four persons, the “Crazy Race” with nine parallel water slides, a “mini park” for kid, the two “Kamikaze” slides (meaning high speed), “Rapids” as special rafting adventures as well as “Aquamania”, “Congo River” and a swimming pool with artificial waves for relaxing.
Situated at a tropical oasis in the southern part of the isle “Aqualand” is not far away from Maspalomas and is open to the public all- season because of its advantageous constantly warm temperatures.
Without renting a hire car the amusement park is approachable by using public transport. So there are two bus routes, one of them line 45 (Playa del Ingles / San Agustin) and the other one line 70 (Puerto Rico / Faro Maspalomas).
September 1st, 2008
Gran Canaria, being the most popular of all the Canary Islands, is known for its party-scene. However, tourists should not miss all the beautiful calm places the island also has to offer.
Gran Canaria’s landscape varies from desert, like dunes, over pinewoods to ~2000m high mountains in the centre of the island. The big variety of landscapes available on this relatively small island invites visitors to go hiking or even to discover by backpacking.
In additon, the cathedral of Santa Ana and the boulevard Calle Mayor de Triana in Las Palmas, the capital of the island, are very popular destinations for culture-interested visitors.
The Palmitos Park near Maspalomas is a beautiful botanical garden which also acommodates monkeys, crocodiles, an orchid house, an aquarium with different species of fishes and coral displays, and Europe’s largest butterfly house.
August 1st, 2008
The best place for surfing on Gran Canaria I can recommend is Castillo del Romeral, placed on Gran Canaria’s east coast.
About three kilometers from the center of Castillo del Romeral you just have to follow the path in southern direction to get to this surfers paradise.
You will be suprised! Alltough this place is not that far away from Playa Ingles, it is not that touristy.
Near the rocky beach along the surfing spot you can find a nice little lake with lots of birds and little fishes.
And if you should become hungry by surfing, take a look at all these tiny seafood restaurant along the coast or just ask one of the locals where you could get something special to eat.
July 1st, 2008
Gran Canaria offers some unique sailing opportunities for anyone who enjoys the ocean and wants to see the island from a truly different perspective.
You can pick from anything really - sailboat or catamaran are the most usual posibilities. The many harbors and marinas along the island offer something for anybodys taste.
Excursions for a whole day are a popular break from relaxing on the beach and you can choose to either explore the waters close to the island and get some spectacular views, or go out further and really get your feet wet in the clear, blue ocean.
One of the most popular cruises are trips to watch dolphins. The boats are usually equipped with binoculars for early spotting of these majestic animals.
Few other places in Europe offer such a unique opportunity and you’re always welcome to go snorkeling or diving and explore the mysteries of the sea.
Dinner cruises are a personal favorite as there is almost nothing that compares to seeing a beautiful sunset when you’re out on the ocean. Throw in good music and a wonderful meal and you truly have a perfect evening.
June 1st, 2008
If you visit Gran Canaria, you must absolutely go to see the peddlar market in San Mateo on Sundays.
The truckers sell their products: every kind of vegetables, fruits, healing plants, flowers, etc.
Best of all their specialities is “chorizo del teror ” (a very hot paprika sausage). Then you can drive by Tejeda in direction to La Cumbre and enjoy a miraculous view.
It´s really worth visiting markets on Gran Canaria with their typical atmosphere and their valuable products and traditional specialities.
