The Canary Islands is located approximately two hundred and ten kilometres off the coast of Africa and within the possession of Spain. The third largest isle in this chain is Gran Canaria with a population of close to eight hundred thousand. This island might not be the largest or the most populated but it is  certianly no backward locale either.

Getting around the Island of Gran Canaria is made simple by a system of highways that encircle the entire isle and run up into the mountainous locations as well. Utilizing these highways is  a fleet of modern busses, which are a great way to get around and to see the island. A railway has also been approved, and construction hinges now on the budgeting. There’s a single airport terminal on the island, the International Airport terminal of Gran Canaria-Gando, which is recognized as one of the busiest Spanish airports because with a vast amount of visitors.

This number is of course so vast because the Island of Gran Canaria is a wonderful location to visit and to vacation. Most of the two million plus visito to the island prefer the southern part of Gran Canaria, which is sunny and warmer than the northern area. Towards the west of the island, the landscape is mostly mountainous, towards the east the isle is flatter and peppered with many beaches. For those who enjoy natural wonders, Gran Canaria is interesting in that it’s almost a “mini-continent”, with a broad collection of unique ecosystems nearly unheard of in such a small place.

If you are vacationing in Gran Canaria, you will most likely be staying in one of the resort communities on the southern part of the island. There are tourist flights that offer aerial views from the isle, always a fascinating adventure, and numerous parks and preserves, most of which are open to the public. Attractions include the Dunes and Lighthouse of Maspalomas, Roque Nublo, botanical gardens, and a lot a lot more.

You will find destinations on Gran Canaria for just about anyone, from a community that welcomes gay tourists to areas for the whole family to enjoy, to spots for honeymooning couples to romance and more. There is as a lot to do on Gran Canaria with little chance that you will become bored with this popular destination isle.

Gran Canaria Airport is also known as Las Palmas Airport and is still sometimes referred to as Gando Airport. In Germany it is called Gran Canaria Flughafen. It serves the island of Gran Canaria and is the fifth busiest Spanish airport.

In 2008 over ten million and two hundred thousand people passed through its doors. A large proportion of the airports traffic comes from neighboring islands.

If you are traveling from Ireland then you may wish to try Aer Lingus for a quote. They operate a service from Dublin Airport. The only other direct flights from Ireland leave Belfast International Airports and are run by Thomas Cook Airlines and Thomson Airways.

There are nineteen airports in the UK offering flights to Gran Canaria Airport such is the islands immense popularity.  Islas Airways and Binter Canarias offer flights to the other islands such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife North and Tenerife South. Spanair offer domestic flights to Barcelona, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Málaga,  Seville, Vigo and Bilbao.

Taxis are available for hire outside all three arrival areas. There are also bus services available. If you feel like seeing some of the other islands then rather than get a flight you may prefer a relaxing ferry ride.