Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts. At one end there are beautiful, rolling sand dunes, while at the other the livelier resorts feature busy nightlife that continues until dawn.
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It is hardly surprising that the southern-most point of the island is so popular with holidaymakers. One long, golden, sandy beach merges into the next, while the vast, undulating dunes of Maspalomas are a constant reminder that Africa and the Sahara Desert are not far away.
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Puerto Rico, with its stylish yachting marina, is top of the list for water sports.  Puerto de Mogan has an abundance of fish restaurants. Playa del Inglés has a bustling promenade and cosmopolitan commercial centre, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to tempt you away from the beach.

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Away from the beaches, the landscape of Gran Canaria is very different. It is worth a trip inland to the mountainous core of the island where you can see the volcanic peak of Pozo de las Nieves and the rocky slopes give way to pine forests and valleys of banana plantations.
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Ten kilometres inland from Maspalomas is Palmitos Park. This subtropical oasis has been created and transformed into a magnificent bird and animal sanctuary.

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Las Palmas is the island's capital and is a mecca for shopping. Whether you want your holiday souvenirs to include brand-name electronics, clothes or hand woven baskets, you will be spoilt for choice.
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Agriculture is one of Gran Canaria's main industries and includes bananas, papaya, grapes, and melons. The Canaries are duty-free and many items are often much cheaper than at home.
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Climate

Gran Canaria offers year-round sunshine, although the weather can change quickly and rain showers are not uncommon. Cooling sea breezes temper the hot summer climate and it can often be chilly at night.
 
Temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit

Follow this link to visit the Gran Canaria website where you will find a host of useful information about the island.