Spain: Gran Canaria

Overview

Gran Canaria with a population of around 790,000 is the third-largest Canary island with an area of 1,532km2 (592mi2). The capital, Las Palmas (population 350,000), is the largest town in the Canaries (with the largest port in Europe) and is the region’s capital and seat of government. It’s a bustling cosmopolitan town with an interesting old quarter, a 7km (4mi) coastline and a large foreign population. The north (the most beautiful part of the island) and west coasts are rugged and remote with steep cliffs, while the south is noted for its excellent long beaches such as La Playa del Inglés, Playa Canteras, Playa de San Augustín and Playa de las Maspalomas, interspersed with traditional fishing villages. Huge modern resorts dominate the south coast, most of which are ugly and lacking in charm (one of the few exceptions is Mogán Port). Inland, there are stark mountains and tranquil valleys cultivated with sugar canes, banana plantations (in the north), papaya and mango trees. The island is also famous for its magnificent sand dunes.

Gran Canaria has a stable property market, although property is more expensive than on the other islands and it’s difficult to find a two-bedroom apartment below €125,000. Three-bedroom villas generally start at €400,000.

Gran Canaria has good communications between the airport, the capital and the southern resort areas. The airport has frequent year-round flights to many destinations, particularly the UK and Germany. Ferries from the capital sail to neighbouring islands and mainland Spain (Cadiz).

© Survival Books Limited 2005

“Buying a Home in Spain 2006” 5th Edition, David Hampshire.

Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on this topic can be found in “Buying a Home in Spain 2006” 5th edition, by David Hampshire.

For extensive, annually updated information about buying a property in Spain, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net