Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands and has the highest population. The capital city Las Palmas is a hot spot for tourists, whether shopping or lazing on the Las Canteras beach.

Most visitors to Gran Canaria stay in one of the resorts along the south-east coast. Gran Canaria's beautiful rugged west coast has been hardly touched by tourism where it is a National Park Area.

The great holiday weather and competitive cheap flights and cheap package holidays make Gran Canaria, the ideal, year round holiday destination. The airport receives flights from all over Europe.

You can laze on the beach or venture inland and discover the spectacular volcanic scenery with the Pozo de las Nieves peak topping the island at 1949m.

For those looking for more activity there are always water sports or fishing.

Region - Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.
Country - Spain.
Capital City - Las Palmas (Local), Madrid.
Language - Spanish, English widely spoken.
Religion - Roman Catholic.
Visas - Valid UK passport.
Currency - Euro, about €1.45 = £1.
Credit Cards - Widely Accepted.
Time Difference - GMT.
Flight Time UK - About 4 hours.
Gran Canaria Airport - LPA.
Distance from Gran Canaria Airport - 11 miles from Las Palmas.
Taxi Fare from Gran Canaria Airport - About €30 (£20.69) to Las Palmas.

Driving in Spain - On the right. EU compliant three-part pink document or international driving licence required.
Electricity in Spain - 220v, adapter required.
Spain International Dialing Code - 00 34.
Gran Canaria Public Phones - International booths accept coins and phonecards, as well as credit cards .
Gran Canaria Mobile Phones - All major networks.

Spain Emergency Numbers - 112 (police, fire and ambulance).
Gran Canaria Health Risks - None.
Gran Canaria Safety & Security - None.

Shop Opening Times in Gran Canaria - Banks open 09.00-14.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-13.00 Sat (except summer). Shops open 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. Department stores and commercial centres 10.00-21.00. Office hours are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. .

Public Holidays in Gran Canaria - 2005 - Jan 1, 6, March 25, May 1, Aug 15, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, 8, 25.

Gran Canaria Accommodation - Accommodation is registered and inspected by regional authorities. Hotels are classified from one to five-star. Hostels/pensions are classified one to three-star. Other accommodation includes apartment-hotels, hotel-residencies and villas. .

Food in Spain - Seafood forms a major part of the cuisine of the Canary Islands along with number of local dishes. These include 'Gofio amasdo' (a bread substitute) and 'Papas Arrugadas' (wrinkled potatoes). In the major tourist resorts many restaurants serve 'International' dishes, fast food is generally available along with 'British Pubs'!.

Tipping in Gran Canaria - Service and tax are usually included in hotel bills, but tip chambermaids, porters and waiters. Restaurants often include service, so a gratuity is discretionary, normally 10%-15%. Taxi drivers expect 10%-15%.

Gran Canaria Standard of Living - Bottle of beer (330ml) - £1, mineral water (1L) - £0.90 and three course meal with drinks - £12.

Gran Canaria Climate - Gran Canaria has fantastic holiday weather all of the year round with only 6°C temperature difference between summer and winter. There is very little rain during the summer and not a great deal during the winter.

Gran Canaria Position - Lat: 27 56N, Long: 015 23W, Elevation 25m.

Tourist Information on Gran Canaria
For further tourist information on Gran Canaria go to http://www.gran-canaria-info.com

Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to give accurate and up-to-date information, no liability is accepted for any injury, loss or damage in respect of any information supplied.

To apply for a passport go to the Passport Service, for the latest Government advice and information on visas go to The Foreign Office

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