Gran Canaria is an island full of variety. Here you can hike around volcanic craters and through dune landscapes as well as through subtropical valleys and forests. A multitude of beaches invite you to sunbathe, swim and enjoy water sports. Mild temperatures and constant winds make the third largest island in the Canary Islands a year-round cruising destination. Due to the strong winds, the Canary Islands are an area for experienced sailors. On the southern sides of the island, jet effects must be expected.
Climate: subtropical with temperatures between 17 and 30 degrees
Winds: Northeast trade winds
Sailing season: all year round
Popular Yachts | Gran Canaria
Cabins: | 4 | Berths: | 8+2 |
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Year: | 2014 | Sail | Battened |
Yacht-ID | 15643 | L/D: | 13.85 / 2.15 |
Cabins: | 4 | Berths: | 8 |
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Year: | 2024 | Sail | Furling |
Yacht-ID | 36757 | L/D: | 10.90 / 1.20 |
Cabins: | 5 | Berths: | 10+1 |
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Year: | 2023 | Sail | Battened |
Yacht-ID | 35653 | L/D: | 15.94 / 2.00 |
Cabins: | 4 | Berths: | 8+1 |
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Year: | 2015 | Sail | Furling |
Yacht-ID | 17565 | L/D: | 14.27 / 2.10 |
Cabins: | 5+2 | Berths: | 10+2 |
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Year: | 2007 | Sail | Battened |
Yacht-ID | 37000 | L/D: | 15.50 / 1.40 |
Yacht charter Gran Canaria
The third largest island in the Canary Islands lies between Tenerife and Fuerteventura. It combines a variety of landscapes, vegetation and fauna in a small area because it has different microclimates. This is why it is often referred to as a miniature continent with its volcanoes, dune landscapes, gorges, laurel forests and subtropical valleys. North of the mountains around the highest point, Pico de las Nieves, the climate is wetter than in the south. The island has declared numerous areas as nature parks, which can be explored on hiking trails. The coast in the west is characterized by rugged cliffs and steep coastlines with small coves, while in the east there are many beaches and water sports spots as well as small fishing villages.
The dune landscape of Maspalomas feels like a desert, pictured here with a few small specimens. ©Valerie Bareta/AdobeStock
Yacht charter Gran Canaria - island of many landscapes
The capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the largest city in the Canary Islands with over 380,000 inhabitants and therefore offers all kinds of activities in addition to shopping streets, museums, theaters and parks. The old town Vegueta with the Cathedral of Santa Ana in the center is surrounded by magnificent buildings of different styles. The Triana district adjoins Vegueta. The streets here are also lined with beautiful houses from the Art Nouveau period, and a stroll through San Telmo Park is also worthwhile. The Casa de Colón is dedicated to the seafarer Christopher Columbus, who visited the city's governor in this building on his voyage to America. You can see exhibits relating to his voyages and the Canary Islands at that time. To the north of the city is the harbor district and the Castillo de la Luz, which houses a maritime museum and a marine museum. An excursion from the capital is to the Bandama Crater, the largest crater on the island. The crater can also be hiked around. In the north of the crater, you can also visit the dwellings and storage caves of the island's indigenous people.
The village of Teror lies to the southwest of the capital. It is an important place of pilgrimage on the island to the Virgin Mary and reflects Canarian architecture; the village is one of the most original on the island. Magnificent wooden balconies, colorful facades with forged columns and ornaments adorn the houses.
There are also many beautiful hiking routes on Gran Canaria, for example around volcanic craters, through gorges or forests. ©Uwalthie Pic Project/AdobeStock
The Cénobio in the valley of Valerón is a collection of around 300 caves that were carved into the soft stone by the island's indigenous people. They were used as granaries and storage areas. It is the largest site of its kind on the island. There are also cave dwellings in the high-lying village of Artenara in the interior of the island.
The tourist centers are located in the south, the drier and wind-protected part of the island. Here are the wide sandy beaches such as Maspalomas, which is also known for its dune landscape, or the town of Playa del Inglés, where there are also shopping and nightlife options. In the south of the island, you reach the fishing village of Puerto de Mogán. It is also known as "Little Venice" due to the canals that lead into the town. Despite tourism and the adjacent new district, the town has retained its charm. There is also a modern marina next to the old fishing port.
From Gran Canaria, the neighboring islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura can also be included in the trip. Alternatively, you can also start on the Canary Islands from Tenerife or Lanzarote.
Puerto de Mogán is more tranquil than the capital or Playa del Inglés. The "little Venice" is therefore popular for family vacations. ©zauberblicke/AdobeStock
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