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Urban beaches, fishing villages and water parks are just some of the wonderful things to enjoy while travelling to Gran Canaria. When summer arrives, it's time to escape Britain and head for the beaches of the Canary Islands for holidays in Gran Canaria.

Essentials in Gran Canaria

The island of Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the beautiful Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. It also has the largest population and the best infrastructure for tourism. The capital is Las Palmas, where most visitors will step off their flights to Gran Canaria. To the south of the island, you'll find yourself among some of the best resorts in Spain. With world-class amenities and spectacular beaches, it's hard not to love this place. During the day when you're not lounging on the beach soaking up the sun, you can hike, bike and explore the rural sites around the island, particularly Valsequillo.

Beaches: Gran Canaria is famed for many things but what most tourists look forward to are the beaches. The longest ones are Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas.

Surfing: Being the Hawaii of the Atlantic, you'll notice that many surfers head here to catch a good break. When the weather and the waves cooperate, you can sit for hours watching the surfers along the northern part of the island. Don't know how? There are a few great surfing schools and it's a safe and easy place to learn.

Parque Nacional de Garajonay: This park covers 10% of the island's surface. 400+ species of flora can be found here. There are plenty of great hiking trails (nothing too difficult) unless you want to climb to the peak of Alto de Garajonya, the tallest point on the island.

Dunas de Maspalomas: These mounds of white sand are best viewed from the main balcony of the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas and while it doesn't look like it's possible, you can walk on the dunes as long as you stick to the designated walking trails and pathways.

Dedo de Dios: Until 2005, this basalt monolithic rock was a serious tourist attraction. Today it's a mere stump after a losing battle with a hurricane. It's still worth visiting though, don't miss the photographs outside of the restaurant with the same name.

Find more information on grancanaria.com.

Accommodations in Gran Canaria

The options are almost limitless when it comes to hotels in Gran Canaria. In order to cater to the many holidaymakers on the island you can find everything from apartments, bungalows, hotels, guest houses, country hotels and even country villas to rent during your trip to the Canary Islands. If you visit Gran Canaria in the summer, be sure to book your accommodations at least 6 months in advance. The same goes for your budget flights to Gran Canaria.