When did Gran Canaria become popular?

From the second half of the 19th century, Gran Canaria started gaining popularity in European circles as a place of rest for tourists and the infirm. Shipping companies soon took advantage of the opportunity to equip their vessels with cabins for the transport of passengers.



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Also known as the 'miniature continent', Gran Canaria is renowned for its marked contrasts. On a single day, we can enjoy marvellous beaches surrounded by dunes and climb peaks covered in Canary Island pine forests, with their greenery standing out starkly against the dark volcanic earth.

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The smallest of the main Canary Islands, El Hierro is also the least touristy.

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The Canary Islands were created by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The oldest of these is Fuerteventura, which is thought to be over 20 million years old, followed by Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, respectively.

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Ancestry. The native inhabitants of the Canary Islands hold a gene pool that is predominantly European and native Guanche. Guanche genetic markers have also been found recently in Puerto Rico and, at low frequencies, in peninsular Spain after later emigration from the Canary Islands.

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The economy of Gran Canaria is mainly based on tourism and the services sector, since the island is currently an important holiday spot for Europeans and national tourism from mainland Spain.

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Arguineguín's exceptional climate, its beaches, its comfortable accommodation, the health guarantees and infinite possibilities for enjoying the outdoors in quiet surroundings have turned this place into one of the favourite refuges of Norwegians coming to spend long spells of time away from home.

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If you are going to visit the islands soon, why not try some of the most well-known dishes:
  • Papas con mojo picón (wrinkly potatoes with a spicy red mojo sauce) ...
  • Cocido Canario (Canary Island Stew) ...
  • Rabbit in Salmorejo. ...
  • Watercress Stew. ...
  • Roasted Cheese with Mojo. ...
  • Escaldón de Gofio.


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The number of visitors in Gran Canaria, Spain jumped to nearly 3.8 million in 2022, after having dropped below two million in the previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Spanish island received more than four million tourists per year in the late 2010s.

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LGBTQ+ tourists will be warmly welcomed across the entire island of Gran Canaria, however as with any other destination known for gay travel, there are certain areas and neighbourhoods that are more popular with LGBTQ+ visitors.

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Geographically the islands are part of the African continent but from a historical, economical, political and socio-cultural point of view, the Canarias are completely European.

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The tributo de sangre ended in 1764, but poverty and overpopulation in the Canary Islands still caused many Canarians to immigrate to Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America.

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Despite its small size, the Canary Island Archipelago is one of the world's most biodiverse parts of the temperate regions. From laurel forests to giant lizards, the biodiversity of these unique volcanic islands is endemic, unusual and relict.

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Las Canteras Beach is the most exclusive location on Gran Canaria. The average price per square metre here is 2,700 euros.

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Even better, house prices in Las Canarias are fairly affordable, if you know where to look… the two cheapest Canary Islands to buy property are Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

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Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is a symbol not only of luxury tourism but also of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, ranking among the best hotels in Europe and in the world.

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