Who hasn’t heard of Gran Canaria as one of the best tourist destinations in Europe, or even in the world? This Spanish island, lapped by the Atlantic Ocean, is an iconic destination for trips to its beaches, holders of the blue flag quality rating. And you can swim in the sea not just in summertime but even in the winter months, given the island’s wonderful climate.

But Gran Canaria has a lot more to offer than simply beach tourism and the sun.  This is a list of the delights of one of Europe’s most popular islands, the envy of all.

Maspalomas, to the south of the island, Playa del Inglés (which actually connects at one end with Maspalomas Beach… and is one of the busiest beaches) and Puerto Rico are some of the best known beaches, most coveted by foreign tourists. There’s accommodation on offer to suit every need and budget: hotels of all ratings, apartments, rental houses, etc.

The beaches are known for their good size and for not being overcrowded, for their ocean waters and, in some cases, for permitting nude bathing. And, what’s more, the whole range of water sports are catered for by the island’s waters: the surfing, scuba-diving and windsurfing competitions on Gran Canaria are celebrated…

The Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve is next to the beach: a place of great beauty and charm. Altogether, the landscapes of the Maspalomas dunes enchant any tourist coming from Scandinavia, America, Asia, or even Spanish tourists themselves who visit from the mainland. A trip to Gran Canaria means you can enjoy both sun and beach, and mountains and nature.

The north of the island is better known for its countryside, with outstanding features being the steep landscapes, cliffs, mountains and incredible panoramic viewpoints.

There are tourist itineraries to be followed in the south too, to get to know the fishing villages of Mogán, also nicknamed “little Venice”, or Arguineguín.

Weather is Gran Canaria’s great ally in attracting tourism at any time of the year. The perpetually temperate climate (thermometers stay at around 20 degrees centigrade year round) for practically 365 days of the year is its insurance policy for holiday success. In fact, some tour operators have chosen Gran Canaria as the favourite winter destination for Scandinavian tourists, who visit Gran Canaria to get away from the cold of their own countries.

We’ve already mentioned that Gran Canaria stands out as the favourite destination for surfers and fans of underwater activities and boat trips, but it is also a favourite for golf players, who can play on one of the oldest courses in Europe, the Maspalomas Golf Course, sitting on the edge of the beach, next to the Maspalomas Dunes.

But tourists do not live from golf and water alone on Gran Canaria. The mountainous landscapes mean tourists can do other types of adventure sports, such as climbing, trekking, running, mountain bike rides or more relaxed walks in the countryside.

What should one expect, cuisine-wise, when speaking of a place that belongs to Spain, but which has outside influences, even from the Americas. A culinary fusion to be found only in a few places in the world.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes, originally from the Americas, are present in many dishes. Also characteristic of this island is the Queso de Flor cheese, made in the municipalities of Gáldar, Moya and Guía. Fresh rock fish, and exotic fruit like bananas and papaya, are some of the best-known natural products from Gran Canaria.