Leisure in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers an enviable choice of leisure, sports and fun activities inclusive of theme and entertainment parks for all age groups. This truly grand island has developed natural and artificial areas to provide visitors with lots of entertainment and fun, combined often with the possibility of learning something about Canarian culture at the same time. When driving around the island, you will come across arid and dry landscapes and some of the leisure parks located in those areas will appear to you like oasises coming out of the middle of nowhere.

The Atlantic, its winds, warm water temperatures and the well-developed infrastructures provide excellent conditions for the practice of all kinds of water sports. Little wonder than that small, but perfectly formed, island can boast around 30 world champions in several sailing disciplines and six Olympic Gold medals. Not to forget the more than 50 world record size catches in deep sea fishing having been achieved off ports on the east and south coast.

Winds ideal for sailing, sea currents attracting large schools of fish to the coast and the rich sea bottom have generated a non-stop sporting season on Gran Canaria. Almost all locations by the sea have created infrastructures and special services to meet all requirements of sea lovers, so that it won’t be difficult to find a company, club or association providing services like whale watching, sailing, windsurfing, big-game fishing and many others.

With a mild climate permitting outdoor sports practice all year round, it’s understandable why Gran Canaria has become a favourite winter training centre for many European sports clubs. Some of the hotels even offer specialized sports facilities or have contracts with sports centres to provide their clients with the possibility of activities like golf, tennis, sailing and windsurfing.

The trade winds and mountainous terrain make Gran Canaria a favourite destination of extreme sportsmen and women – with hang-gliding, climbing and paragliding particularly popular.  So, if you're into more risky sports you won’t have to look far to locate one of the many specialized companies based on the island.

Note:
Almost 43% of Gran Canaria’s territory is protected, presenting visitors with very interesting places for walks or hikes. The caminos reales, royal roads, an ancient network of paths reopened to public that form part of the cultural heritage of the island, are an excellent example.