| The island of Gran Canaria is a gem of an island | | | | been made into homes, a church, some bars and |
| offering spectacular coastlines, beautiful beaches, | | | | even a restaurant, the Tagoro Restaurant, which can |
| inspiring sand dunes and a village of caves. Located in | | | | seat 100 people in one sitting. Follow the cobbled |
| the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is the second most | | | | pathways and streetlamps to this fabulous restaurant |
| populated island next to Tenerife. One third of Gran | | | | where tables and chairs are carved out of oak trees. |
| Canaria is protected as a Biosphere Reserve by | | | | Enjoy a delicious meal above the turquoise waters of |
| UNESCO and is considered a Miniature Continent | | | | the Atlantic. |
| because of the island's diverse landscapes and varied | | | | 4. Animal Encounters in Maspalomas gives guests the |
| climates. Below are the top 5 Gran Canaria | | | | chance to swim with sea lions. This 2-hour experience |
| Attractions. | | | | includes a short orientation where guests learn a little |
| 1. Beach-goers will love visiting the town of Puerto | | | | about sea lions. After the short class, guests have |
| Mogan. This charming fishing village is nicknamed Little | | | | the chance to get in the pool with sea lions, stroke |
| Venice because of a network of canals that are | | | | them, swim with them and watch them play. Visitors |
| connected by small bridges. The marina is home to | | | | get to be kissed by a sea lion, have one jump over |
| trendy cafés, small restaurants, jazz bars and | | | | them and receive and give the sea lions hugs. Guests |
| piano bars and is a great place to shop, dine and | | | | also get to work a little with the trainer and the sea |
| listen to some music next to the water. A large | | | | lion, helping them perfect their tricks and show off |
| market opens its stalls on some morning and | | | | their abilities. For guests who prefer dry land, there is |
| provides locals and tourists alike with things like fresh | | | | also the chance to ride with horses. Guests go |
| produce, fish and souvenirs. Spend the day on the | | | | horse-back riding through Western Park Indian Village, |
| beach, take a ride on a yellow submarine, sail around | | | | enjoy a barbeque meal and visit with the other |
| the bay or try your hand at deep-sea fishing. | | | | animals that live at Animal Encounters such as |
| 2. For amazing sand dunes that bring to mind the | | | | buffalos, white alligator and the anacondas. Riding |
| Sahara Desert, visit Maspalomas. The dunes stretch | | | | with camels is another option. |
| for 400 hectares and were designated a national | | | | 5. The Las Palmas Cultural City Bike Tour is a taste |
| park in 1994. Crossing the Dunes can only be done on | | | | of culture with lots of fun. Guests can join a guided |
| foot or by camel and, either way, has visitors feeling | | | | tour and ride around visiting art galleries, museums |
| like they have stepped into another world. Visitors | | | | and old churches. Designated bicycling paths keep |
| can trek down to Playa del Ingles or see the 68 m | | | | people safe from the port to the old medieval town |
| lighthouse, El Faro de Maspalomas, which marks the | | | | of Vegueta. Visit places like the Christopher Columbus |
| western border of the Maspalomas Dunes. | | | | Museum, the Vegueta Market and the Bishop's Palace. |
| 3. Guayadeque National Park is situated on the | | | | Think of Gran Canaria Holidays for your next holiday. |
| eastern edge of Gran Canaria. Breathtaking mountain | | | | Gran Canaria offers a host of activities and |
| views, valleys filled with almond trees and the Village | | | | attractions to suit all tastes. Visit Gran Canaria and |
| of Caves makes this a trip worth taking. Caves have | | | | take home memories to last forever. |