Situated off the western coast of Africa, in the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is home to the biggest city in the archipelago (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) which also doubles as one of two capital cities for the autonomous community. Known as a ‘miniature continent’, Gran Canaria fosters a fascinating array of biospheres that have earned it international protection under UNESCO.

Gran Canaria is an outdoor paradise with multiple climate zones across varying altitudes. The best beaches are concentrated on the southern coastline, while scuba diving is possible in every coastal sector. Children will enjoy the numerous nature and animals parks as well as the plentiful water and amusement parks that can be found in every major tourist centre.

Those arriving at Gran Canaria by air will land at Gran Canaria Airport, which is conveniently situated between Las Palmas (11 miles away) and the touristy region to the south (15 miles away). A major hub for Binter Canarias Airlines, this is the largest airport in the archipelago and represents the only such facility with two runways. For many visitors to the Canaries, this is their first stop before connecting via an inter-island connection to one of the neighbouring islands.