Summer in Gran Canaria (Island), Spain

Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canary Islands, an African archipelago that's part of Spain. It's situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 150 kilometres from the northwestern coast of Africa and about 1,350 km from Europe. Gran Canaria is the third largest island of the archipelago in terms of both area and altitude. The capital city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, was established on June 24, 1478, under the name "Real de Las Palmas". Las Palmas de Gran Canaria shares the title of capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands with Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The island is often referred to as a "Miniature Continent" due to its diverse climates and variety of landscapes, which include long beaches and white sand dunes, green ravines and picturesque villages. A third of the island is protected as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Most tourists visit the southern part of the island. The north tends to be cooler, while the south is warmer and sunny. The island boasts 32 Natural Protected Spaces, including the Rural Park of Nublo, The Doramas Jungle, the Azuaje Ravine, Tamadaba, Pino Santo, and more. Resorts are mainly located in the central eastern part of the southern coast in the Maspalomas area, which includes the towns of San Agustín, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras. In Tarajalillo, there's an Aeroclub where tourists can take flights over the island. Further to the west along the southern shore, in the Municipality of Mogán, are the communities of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, a village known as "Little Venice" due to its many canals. Other attractions include Cocodrilos Park, Roque Nublo, Cenobio de Valerón with over 350 storage cavities, Painted cave of Galdar the most important archaeological park in Canary Islands, or the botanical gardens Jardín Canario (in Tafira Alta) and Cactualdea (in La Aldea de San Nicolás). El Dedo de Dios, or "God's Finger", was a rocky spire jutting from the sea in Puerto de las Nieves, and was the signature attraction of the Canary Islands until it was destroyed by tropical storm Delta in November 2005. Las Canteras beach, a protected area and diving zone, is located in the heart of the city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also known for its annual carnival. Other attractions in the capital city include the Museo Canario (the most important archaeology museum in the archipelago), the cathedral and the Plaza del Espíritu Santo. The town of Agüimes, on the eastern part of the island, has been carefully restored. The district also includes the most renowned scuba diving area on the island: the marine reserve at the playa de El Cabrón just outside the town of Arinaga. Other important towns are Telde, known among other things for their surf schools in Salinetas, Vecindario (within the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana) and Gáldar, which contains an important diving zone.