Gran Canaria Things to do
where is Gran Canaria
WHERE IS GRAN CANARIA?
WHERE IS GRAN CANARIA?
That is THE question for all of those visitors thinking about coming for the first time. Where is Gran Canaria? Here you will find the answer.
The coast of Africa
The coast of Africa
Gran Canaria and Tenerife stand in the middle of a group of seven islands right next to the west coast of Marocco
Spain
Spain
Although over 1.000 kilometers away from Mainland, the Canary Islands have been a part of Spain for over 500 years
The European Union
The European Union
Gran Canaria & the islands are among the ultraperipheric regions of the European Union. But, where is Gran Canaria?
The Coast of Africa
The Coast of Africa
If you are looking forward to find where is Gran Canaria the continent you should point your eyes to, is Africa. Yes, although the islands are part of Spain and the European Union, our location lies exactly nexto to the coast of Marocco. That is in the NorthWest corner of Africa.
Lanzarote is the island on the far eastern side, but it is Fuerteventura the island that is closer to Africa, only 120 kilometers far away from the coast of Marocco. Gran Canaria and Tenerife, the two main islands are exactly in the middle of the island group which counts with a total of seven islands.
If you are still looking for where is Gran Canaria because you are not sure where Marocco is, than take as a reference that Gran Canaria is in the same latitue than places like Miami, México, Iran or India, and in the same longitude than the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal or Spain.
Spain
Spain
So Yes! You shouldn't be looking where is Gran Canaria in a map of Spain. The islands are actually around 1.000 kilometers far away from Spain. Gran Canaria is as close to Madrid as Algeria, Italy, Croacia, Austria or Germany.
The Canary Islands were conquered by Spain at the birth of the Spanish Empire. The islands were the first territory conquered by the Spaniards in the 15th century. Just before discovering America. The Empire where the sun never set had colonies in America, Asia (the Phillipines) and Africa (Marocco, Mauritania or Guinea Ecuatorial). Over the centuries all territories fought for their independece. The Canary Islands were the first colonial territory and the only one who has remained in Spain all along and until today.
The Canary Islands, although far away, are one of the main regions in Spain. With a higher than average economic relevance compared to other Spanish regions and the 9th biggest city of Spain (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), the islands are a relevant element in the Spanish society.
The European Union
The European Union
The Canary Islands are one of the ultraperipheric regions of the European Union. Being so far away from the continent has such a big relevance for the life of its people that the European Union has specific policies for these regions. Even though very far away from the heart of Europe the Canary Islands are a relevant part in the world of the European Union. Take a look at a euro banknote and you will find where is Gran Canaria. Have you ever wondered why you can see such a big portion of Africa in the banknote. Well, it's because of us!
