When deciding to visit the Canary Islands, even if you wanted to meet several in one trip, the most common is to take a tour of one or two islands. When having to decide on some of the islands of the archipelago, it is important to know the differences between them. In this article, we will explain what characterizes the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife or, which are among those visited by tourists.
However, to choose between Tenerife or Gran Canaria, it is important to note that although both islands have similarities, each is characterized by having its own identity.
In this sense, in this article, we will describe some of the most peculiar and emblematic features of these islands that have great cultural wealth, with South American and Spanish influences on which they join African features.
Gran Canaria: the splendor of being on a miniature continent
The contrast of the landscapes, rocky in the north, desert in the south, and green forests in the center of the island, make Gran Canaria a whole continent in miniature.
In addition to landscape diversity, this island offers alternatives for all types of tourists, regardless of whether they travel alone, as a couple or with family, or with friends.
This is an island with extraordinary resorts and hotels, which are close to wonderful beaches. In addition, for those who want to live new adventures, they will have the chance to practice numerous water sports, such as diving or surfing, on the island’s spectacular beaches.
For those who are looking to soak Gran Canaria will also be able to visit the traditional markets that are organized in several locations around the island, taste the typical gastronomy and also buy native gifts.
Tenerife: nature and tradition
This island is distinguished by its natural and cultural wealth, as well as having excellent tourist destinations.
On this island, you can visit wonderful small towns and its historical centers surrounded by mountains and coasts, towns of vibrant cultural activity, such as La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as natural areas protected, like the Teide National Park.
The Teide National Park declared a World Heritage Site, is located in the highest area of Tenerife and its summit represents the highest peak in Spain, at 3,718 meters. Its volcanic landscape of an extension of almost 19,000 hectares houses a large number of Canarian endemism and exclusive species.
Gran Canaria or Tenerife, what are the particularities of each one?
Some of the things you can consider before making your choice about traveling to Tenerife or Gran Canaria are its beaches, natural pools, parks and festivities, that grant to these two islands a great wonderful tourist attraction.
Beaches of the Canary archipelago
Gran Canaria and Tenerife have numerous beaches, which are one of the main claims sought by the thousands of tourists who visit them annually.
The spectacular Maspalomas beach in Gran Canaria is, without a doubt, one of the most recognized and popular in the Canary archipelago; However, the island also has many other beaches that are worth knowing and visiting, from small hidden coves such as Playa de Güi Güi, to Playa de las Canteras, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, considered one of the best urban beaches that exist in Europe.
It is characterized by its calm waters and golden sands; it has several kilometers of extension across the bay and it is in the heart of the city.
On its side, Tenerife also hosts numerous beaches, among which the crowded beaches of Costa Adeje and Arona stand out.
Also, for lovers of surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, Playa del Médano is an ideal place for its constant wind and wave conditions. Nor should we forget Playa de las Teresitas, very close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Gastronomic offer
Tenerife and Gran Canaria have excellent gastronomy. In the case of Gran Canaria, this has been created from the fusion of flavors from three continents, Europe, Africa, and America, since this island is considered the great port of the Atlantic.
On the other hand, the gastronomic offer in Tenerife is also very rich and varied, including the Guachinches, establishments typical of this island that offer traditional homemade food, as an accompaniment to home-grown or local wine.
Unique Festivities
Gran Canaria is an island that has a rich tradition in cultural and religious festivities such as La Fiesta del Pino, celebrated on September 8th, in which thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Villa de Teror, where they place their offerings at the foot of the Virgen del Pino.
It also highlights the celebration of the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Carnival of Maspalomas, which attract thousands of tourists every year and in whose event program the Gala of the Carnival Queen’s election and the Gala has a leading role Drag Queen.
The island, too, stands out for its tournaments and sports competitions, such as the surfing world championships held at Pozo Izquierdo Beach, and other popular festivals, such as festivals, solo dances, traditional music concerts, and an open-air cinema.
Experiences that will allow you to enjoy to the fullest during your stay and soak up the local culture.
In the case of Tenerife, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a prominent role for the island’s cultural and leisure agency, being one of the most recognized celebrations in Spain and declared in 1980 as a Festival of International Tourist Interest.
Likewise, this island also has other cultural and religious celebrations of great importance such as the Fiestas del Carmen that are held in honor of the Virgen del Carmen or the Fiestas de la Candelaria, in which honors are paid to the Virgen de la Candelaria.
Natural pools in the Canary Islands
In the case of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, it should be mentioned that in addition to their beaches, both islands have beautiful natural pools, which are usually less known to tourists and which makes them ideal for a different experience.
In Tenerife you can find some of these natural spaces, which are perfect to relax and enjoy memorable moments such as: the natural pools of Garachico, the Charco de Isla Cangrejo, Bajamar, Charco de la Laja, Charco de la Araña, Charco del Cumplido, among others.
On the other hand, Gran Canaria is not far behind with its alternatives in terms of natural pools, highlighting by some such as the Charco de San Lorenzo, Piscinas del Faro de la Sardine, Charcones de Bañaderos, Pools in Las Salinas or Blue puddle.
Distinctions and recognitions
Whether it is Gran Canaria or Tenerife, both islands have distinctions that show that they are a true paradise on earth.
In this sense, Gran Canaria has been declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve due to its volcanic relief, the flora of Macaronesia, and its wonderful expanses of pine.
Also, the archaeological settlement of pre-Hispanic origin Risco Caídos and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria has recently been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Tenerife stands out the National Park del Teide, and the Historic Center of La Laguna, which for its spectacular colonial architectural style and the exceptional natural environment that surrounds it made it worthy of being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Parks of the archipelago
The leisure offered in Tenerife or Gran Canaria is of great variety like their theme parks. If you visit Tenerife, you can go to Siam Park, which is the largest water park in all of Europe, distinguished by its scenarios inspired by Thai architecture.
In Gran Canaria, you can also enjoy the Aqualand Maspalomas water park and the Holiday World amusement park, which also has a restaurant area, bowling alley, karaoke, and escape rooms ideal for families to enjoy.
If you have read this article and finally decided to visit Gran Canaria, in the hotels of the Lopesan Group you can enjoy incredible facilities in some of the best tourist areas of the island: Meloneras, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín.
If you want to know more about our hotel services where we will make you feel at home, contact us.
