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We are in the later part of the year, the temperature in Gran Canaria is almost in the thirties and likely to stay that way for the next few months making this fantastic destination the place to head for to get rid of those winter blues.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred miles away from the coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is the most heavily populated of the Spanish Canary Islands, being home to alost a million people, and the third largest after Fuerteventura and Tenerife. It is of volcanic origins and a significant part of the island makes up a protected nature area.

Gran Canaria is well known for its beaches, nearly 60kms of them along the 140 miles of coastline. The area of Maspalomas is a long and wide expanse of sand and dunes stretching from Playa des Ingles, one of the most exciting resorts, to the Maspalomas lighthouse and is a busy sun bathing spot for tourists. You can even opt to try out a camel ride in the dune area, simulating the Saharan desert experience just a few hundred miles away across the Atlantic. Near Maspalomas further down the coast there are a number of smaller beaches such as San Augustin, Amadores and Puerto de Mogan. All the beach areas on this southern coast are popular with tourists but if you want somewhere a little quieter then the beaches, coves and cliffs on the north of the island such as Agaete are the place to leave the hustle and bustle behind. In the middle of the island there are mountainous peaks where you will find the start of deep gorges leading down to the coast.

As you would expect for an island of this size the sea plays an active role in the activities of the tourist and on many beaches water sports are in abundance. From organised sea trips to sailing, surfing, diving and deep sea fishing there is plenty to do for the water lover. No fewer than thirty world champion medallists in water sports have been based on the island including the multi world windsurfing champion Bjorn Dunkenberck. On the beaches you will also get chance to try out or watch new types of water sport like kite surfing which are also growing in popularity and establishing a strong presence on the island.

If your holiday means a little less activity and a more relaxation then Gran Canaria is the place to do just that: plenty of small coastal resorts to explore or take a gentle stroll to investigate the wide choice of eating establishments from small cafes to elegant restaurants. The Island has some great museums, the most notable being the Science and Technology museum, Christopher Columbus house and the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art, all of which can be found in the capital Las Palmas. If festivals are your interest then Gran Canaria holds the Canarian Classic Music Festival, an International Film Festival and WOMAD the World of Music and Dance among others. January to March are carnival time in Las Palmas with a programme of festivities dominated by Latin American music and different dance festivals.

Since the 1950s Gran Canaria has become dependent on the tourist trade and prides itself on being able to cater for the needs of all visitors. The north of the island caters more for business travellers with conference venues for both large and small organisations. The south of the island is the hub for tourism with its great beaches complimented by hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets, theme parks, shopping centres, bars and clubs. However it is not difficult to get away from all activities with the islands great network of over 300km of rural footpaths.

So whether you want a quiet break, an action-packed week of sport, some culture or a musical experience you can be sure that the weather will play its part well and you will get a warm welcome in Gran Canaria this winter.

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