Gran Canaria, the third largest island in Spain's Canary Islands, is a paradise for beach lovers, hobbyists and families.
Featuring black lava rock, white sand beaches, rolling mountains and a subtropical climate, February is the hottest month in the Canary Islands, with temperatures reaching a high of 22 degrees Celsius.
Located just off the coast of Africa, Gran Canaria offers diverse landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and crystal clear waters. The year-round warm climate is the perfect escape from the UK's cold and miserable weather.
The island's capital, Las Palmas, is home to Vegueta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the towering Cathedral of Santa Ana.
Admission to this impressive building, which features Gothic, Renaissance and neoclassical architecture, costs around £5.
One of Gran Canaria's most breathtaking natural wonders is the Maspalomas sand dunes.
Spanning approximately 400 hectares, these sand dunes were formed over thousands of years from sand blown in from the nearby Sahara Desert. Today, they reach a height of 10 meters and are home to a variety of plant species.
Visitors can explore the dunes through walking tours, camel rides, sandboarding, bird watching and more, reports the Mirror.
Next to the dunes is Maspalomas Beach, one of the many beautiful beaches on the island. Here, vacationers can relax on a vast golden sand beach before swimming in the sea against the backdrop of the picturesque Maspalomas sand dunes.
Nestled between the dunes and the beach, La Charca Lagoon is teeming with wildlife.
Another must-see is La Garita, a small black sand beach that features its own fumaroles and caves.
For a unique experience, head to Puerto de Mogán, known as the “Venice of the Canary Islands.” This delightful fishing village is colorful and boasts charming houses and narrow, winding streets.
Like Venice, the village has several canals that tourists can explore by boat.
Traveling between towns is a great activity on the island, with local buses running between different towns and villages.
Another port town, Arguineguín, is a hub for local fish sellers, small markets, and seafood shacks.
Thrill seekers and families will enjoy a visit to Aqualand, one of Europe's largest water parks.
For those planning a visit in February, Las Palmas Carnival is a must-see event, with grand parades, music, and street dancing in the island's capital. The official language is Spanish, but English is also commonly spoken.
Additionally, the island is home to a major airport with numerous international flights.
