The island of Gran Canaria, part of the Canary Islands archipelago located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is sometimes compared to a miniature continent because of the diversity of its landscape. Large sand dunes, arid countryside, canyons, white and black sand beaches, mountains and snow-capped peaks, the island is a true paradise for lovers of unspoilt nature. Its fauna and flora are so rich that almost half of its surface is protected. Nature means of course the possibility of numerous outdoor activities! And as proof that the island is incredibly rich, there are also caves with cave paintings, lush gardens and Canary Island-style towns by the sea or in the middle of the hills where you can enjoy a stroll. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to discover museums, landmark monuments and sit down at a table to try the local cuisine. Here are a thousand and one reasons to make Gran Canaria your next holiday destination.

A diverse nature to multiply experiences

With an average temperature of 24°C all year round and plenty of sunshine, the conditions are perfect for enjoying the nature of Gran Canaria after a flight from Lille. And what a nature! You can start by reaching the Roque Nublo, an 80 m high monolith which is also a holy place. The Barranco de Fataga is a canyon that also offers breathtaking landscapes, with its colours more representative of arid regions. It is a place of choice for hiking and climbing. In Gran Canaria, you can also climb to new heights, for example by trekking to the Pico de las Nieves, the highest point of the island, which offers a breathtaking panorama, including the neighbouring island of Tenerife. Change of atmosphere by riding a camel through the incredible dunes of Maspalomas. You have the feeling of being in the middle of the desert, but just a stone's throw away, 3 km of a fine sandy beach awaits families and groups of friends to enjoy the sea and the sun.

The beach is one of the main attractions of Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands in general. You can enjoy the translucent waters of the Playa de Amadores or the Playa de las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. But you can also take in the sights at the Playa de Faneroque, with its black sand and cliffs, as well as at the Playa de Guayedra, where black pebbles, rocks and palm trees are just as many details to photograph. Surfing, windsurfing and boat trips to see the cetaceans off the coast, water activities are king in Gran Canaria. And for a unique experience, you should not miss the Salinas de Agaete. Here you can swim in natural pools overlooking the beautiful cliffs of the northwest coast.

Strolling through the towns and villages

In between excursions to the countryside and the beach, you should also enjoy the life that animates the most beautiful towns of Gran Canaria. The coastline is full of charming villages such as Puerto de Mogán, a typical fishing port with beautiful buildings. Puerto de la Nieves is another picturesque town. There is a pleasant promenade lined with seafood restaurants, craft shops and galleries: El Paseo de las Poetas. A stop in Arucas can also be scheduled, if only to see the beautiful neo-Gothic San Juan Bautista church, which houses sculptures of Italian origin and Flemish and Andalusian paintings.

Inland there are some beautiful villages with white architecture. One of these is the picturesque Fataga, with its surviving streets and charming grocery stores. Tejeda is surrounded by ravines and has houses with gardens full of flowers. The restaurants offer local dishes, based on fish or beef and goat meat. Their terraces allow you to enjoy incredible views of the valley. How could you not fall in love with the village of Teror and its colourful facades? The atmosphere of yesteryear, the market on Sundays, the setting is perfect to enjoy the holidays.

And then, a flight from Marseille to Gran Canaria is an opportunity to stop in the island's capital and discover its emblematic districts. You can walk through Vegueta to admire the colonial monuments and the former home of Christopher Columbus. Then you can go shopping in the Triana district, where you will find middle-class houses and beautiful buildings such as the Iglesia de San Francisco and the Teatro Pérez Galdós.

An island for the whole family

If you plan a flight from Toulouse to Gran Canaria, you are sure to find something to suit all members of the family. In the north of the island, you can start by visiting the Gáldar Painted Cave Museum and Archaeological Park. Here you can discover a typical Canarian aboriginal farm and a cave with magnificent cave paintings. It is also a pleasure to walk through the Viera y Clavijo botanical garden. The largest botanical garden in Spain is home to the floral species found in the archipelago, including hundreds of endemic plants

For the pleasure of children, there are several places that will put stars in their eyes! At Palmitos Park in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, they can observe reptiles and birds and have the opportunity to spend time with dolphins. Near Maspalomas, Aqualand Park offers a day of swimming pools, slides, rapids and mini golf. Gran Canaria doesn't forget anyone, and makes you want to come back!

Why travel with Binter?

Aware of the need to act in favour of nature, Binter offers trips from France to Gran Canaria on board planes with modern technologies that reduce_CO2 emissions. The engines save fuel and noise pollution is reduced by 75%. Its eco-friendly fleet is one of the youngest in Europe. The airline also focuses on in-flight comfort, with more ergonomic seats and the provision of entertainment and a gourmet aperitif. Binter also offers passengers the possibility of connecting from Gran Canaria airport to one of the other airports in the archipelago at no extra cost