http://www.trivago have recently revealed the top island holiday destinations so far for this summer, and Gran Canaria is one of them. Trivago is worth visiting to check out hotel prices.

Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife, the number one destination for British travellers, is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and also Spain’s busiest resort – the island receives 10 million visitors each year. The island’s crowning glory is the Pico del Teide, the third largest volcano in the world, which rises 3718 metres from the base of the island. From its peak, travellers have a remarkable view of the island’s 350km of coastline, tropical vegetation, volcanic craters and lava formations. Tenerife’s wild nature is undoubtedly the island’s best feature, but the island is also well known for its beautiful beaches. The island has a rich birdlife, and many travellers consider the bird park ”Loro Parque“ a mandatory stop. The Carnival of Santa Cruz – one of the world’s largest carnivals – takes place every year in February.

Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and while many associate its name with historical and political divisiveness, millions of tourists visit the island each year for its spectacular sights and attractions. As a result of its turbulent history, Cyprus has evolved into an intriguing and alluring blend of Greek and Turkish identities. The Tomb of the Kings, a network of underground tombs dating back to the 4th Century BC, are one of the island’s most prominent attractions, and the island’s many medieval forts and citrus groves are beautiful to behold. The Karpas Peninsula is also renowned for its breathtaking beaches.

Majorca, Spain
Majorca is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago and is one of Europe’s most popular island destinations. The island is well known for its nightlife and numerous clubs and bars, particularly in the town centre of Playa de Palma and El Arenal. Visitors are drawn to the island’s turquoise blue bays, pristine sandy beaches, antique ruins and historical buildings, such as the Cathedral La Seu and the Palacio Real de la Almudaina in Palma. It pays to escape the island’s touristic heart and venture out into the wild, however; those who do will discover the true essence of Majorca, in the form of idyllic villages, local markets and the traditional Majorcan way of life.

Gran Canaria, Spain
Located 125 miles off the coast of West Africa, the Spanish island of Gran Canaria is often referred to as a mini continent, due to its many different climates. In the south, the climate is tropical and dry; in the north, it is subtropical and dry. The result is a glorious diversity of plant and animal life, giving nature enthusiasts plenty to explore during their stay. Hikers will also appreciate the 2,000 metre high Pozo de las Nieves mountain in the centre of Gran Canaria, which attracts climbers from around the world. Another of the island’s main attractions is the dune beach, located near Maspalomas, a town in the south of the island. Culture lovers should visit the capital Las Palmas in the north of Gran Canaria which has magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral Santa Ana. Another highlight is the old fortress Castillo de la Luz that is currently used as a museum.

Lanzarote
Lanzarote is the fourth largest island in the Canary Island chain, and was the first of the islands to be settled in 1100 BC. At first glance, Lanzarote’s sparse, volcanic landscape may seem bleak, but for those willing to look a little closer, many amazing attractions are to be found. Lanzarote’s beaches are particularly well noted, and visitors to the Timanfaya National Park can witness the otherworldly beauty of the island’s volcanic craters and lava fields. Unique experiences abound; guests will certainly enjoy the park’s El Diablo restaurant, where food is cooked directly over a volcanic vent, or a trek through the ‘Tunnel of Atlantis’ – the world’s largest submerged volcanic tunnel.

Crete
The island of Crete is probably best known for its legends ties to Greek legends such as the Minotaur and the tragic tale of Icarus and Daedalus. The ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos, of Venetian fortresses and former trading ports all point to the island’s rich history and cultural legacy. Yet this ancient island has much to offer the modern world as well: Cretan art, literature and music styles (typically performed with a lyre) are very distinct, and have contributed greatly to the diversity and evolution of Greek culture. Visitors to Crete would be remiss if they did not explore the island’s many ruins and heritage sites, and the island’s fresh produce and Mediterranean cuisine will provide a tantalizing treat for the senses.

The Canary Islands have surprised analysts with healthy revenue projections for Q1 2010, with the islands claiming a turnover of 3.21 billion Euros, despite a small decline in visitor numbers compared to 2009 figures. The Canary Islands continue to attract more revenue than its traditional regional rivals Morocco, Tunisia and even Turkey. This includes a staggering 15% increase in sales of Gran Canaria holidays (http://www.travelsoon.com/gran-canaria-holidays.html ) during the period, with 1.5 million tourists having visited the island so far this year.

“The Canary Islands continue to perform strongly despite the global tourism crisis. With these recent figures, many on the island are starting to hope that the worst of it is over,” says Luke Nathan of travel consultants Travelsoon.com. “While visitor numbers are actually down a couple of per cent, the Canary Islands’ revenue estimates are incredibly healthy, particularly when compared to Spain itself – or any of the islands’ rival African and Mediterranean destinations.”

According to figures from January, 31.3% of all tourists to Spain are in fact visiting the Canary Islands, with week-long Tenerife holidays (http://www.travelsoon.com/tenerife-holidays.html ) proving the most popular package. The Canaries strong revenue performance can be attributed in part to its hotel base – with hotels on the islands being among some of the most profitable in the whole of Spain. According to a survey by the Partnership for Excellence in Tourism in Spain, Canary Island hotels and resorts have ranked in the top seven spots in terms of profitability.

“After last year’s figures revealed the worst year for Canary Island tourism in 16 years, things are finally starting to look up,” continues Nathan. “It’s a testament to the islands’ draw that even during the ash cloud chaos in May, sales of Lanzarote holidays (http://www.travelsoon.com/lanzarote.html ) were up 15% for the month.”

Meanwhile, the Canary Islands have been enjoying their warmest summer in years, with Spanish meteorologists placing them on a “yellow alert” as forecast temperatures rise to 38°C (99°F).

For the Gran Canaria weather visit yourgrancanaria.net and for a Lanzarote map yourlanzarote.net

British tour operator First Choice have chosen two Gran Canaria hotels to be on their Premier childcare list.

To see which ones click here

For today’s Gran Canaria weather visit yourgrancanaria.net

Gran Canaria holidays are great because they can be so relaxing - even in the winter time the tempeartures are good and the Gran Canaria weather helps to boost tourism.

Now a new organisation has been formed on the island to promote the health benefits of Gran Canaria.

Here’s an extract of an article from travelbite.co.uk:

The Spanish Island is famed for its healthy microclimate - averaging 24 degrees all year round – its purifying natural mineral waters and Aloe Vera.

These benefits combined with the fact there are no waiting lists make it an ideal destination to meet your medical needs safely and in the most comfortable setting possible.

To read the rest of the article click here

For more details about Gran Canaria visit http://www.yourgrancanaria.net

Where better than Gran Canaria for a romantic holiday? According to examiner.com it’s pretty good.

To read the article click here

For holidays on the island and a Gran Canaria weather forecast visit http://www.yourgrancanaria.net

In a recent survey the Grand Hotel Residencia in Maspolomas is the third best in the world - to see which other hotels made the top ten click here

There’s a new air route between Copenhagen and Gran Canaria - to read more click here

And there’s an interesting article about Playa Mogan here

For the weather in Gran Canaria visit yourgrancanaria.net

In Britain and other European countries it’s well known as an ideal tourist hideaway, and Gran Canaria continues to appeal to holidaymakers despite the recession.

The largest of the Canary Islands, often referred to as a “miniature continent,” Gran Canaria offers a lot to the visitor. The natural beauty is a mix of tropical landforms and amazing seascapes found in both tropical and cooler climates. Accommodation is available for every budget.

While the southern part of the island remains the most popular, there are things to see and do while holidaying in Gran Canaria. One of the main attractions in the south is Little Venice or Puerto de Mogan. Little Venice is a photographer’s dream, so do have your camera handy as you walk through the village.

Gran Canaria - A great holiday destination served by top companies like Thomson Holidays

Beaches

Some of the most popular are Anfi Beach, Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Las Canteras. Depending on where on Gran Canaria you are, the beaches have different views and sand. In some areas it is golden, while in others it has a grey-volcanic colour.

All beaches on Gran Canaria allow free access to the public. Some close to upscale Gran Canaria hotels may require a fee for using a lounge chair or beach umbrella. Visitors can opt to enjoy the water or just lie and enjoy the sea breezes. The beaches on Gran Canaria are one of the reasons visitors keep returning to the island time and again.

Things to do

A tour of the breathtaking sand dunes of Maspalomas is one of those experiences that will last a lifetime. In addition there are theme and fun parks and water parks for everyone. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the reconstructed village depicting ancient Canary life. The Mundo Aborigen is a true reflection of how the now extinct Guanche people lived. There is also a Guanche Museum in the Park for those who want to know even more.

Sightseeing

There are a number of towns and villages to meander through as you enjoy the island. Among these areirgas, with its 30 metre waterfall. The waterfall is part of Paseo de Gran Canaria where there are various interesting symbols of past Canarians life and culture.

If you love old churches and historic architecture, Arucas beckons. Here the visitors will find many old churches dating back centuries. Chief among these are the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, Fabrica y Museo del Ron and Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas. The Fabrica y Museo del Ron is the island’s main sugar factory, which was built in 1884. Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas, where the Water Board now calls home, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful buildings.

Activities

Water sports ranging from windsurfing to water skiing, as well as camel riding are also quite popular. Visitors can pay a small fee to trot across the sand on a camel.

Golf lovers have their pick of courses on which to practice their swing. The island has the distinction of having the oldest golf course in Spain. The 18-hole Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas was built in 1891. Other golf courses in Gran Canaria worthy of mention include Campo de Golf de Maspalomas and Anfi Tauro Golf.

Unlike many other holiday hotspots, Gran Canaria caters to members of the gay community. There are bars and exciting nightlife. Most of the activities for gays can be found in Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.

Measures to Slow Tourism Decline

Like everywhere else, Gran Canaria is feeling the impact of the global economic slide. The powers that be are not sitting idly by while tourism dies. One measure implemented by the government of Gran Canaria is a 30 percent discount offered to wellness tourists. Combined with the discount is a drive towards painting the island as the ideal place to relax and unwind.

While visitors from the UK have declined from 2007 to 2008, there has been an increase of visitors from other European countries. To save tourism in the area, the Spanish and the Canarian governments are working on a project to improve the industry. This move should result in major development in Playa del Ingles. There was also an injection of six million euros to push start the project.

Gran Canaria continues to be a popular location for European holidaymakers, and not just because of the glorious weather in Gran Canaria - the diversity of activities makes the island perfect for families, couples or singles. There is something for those just wanting to relax and for others who want to do as much as possible. Whatever your holiday needs, Gran Canaria is a fantastic destination to look into for a holiday this year.

For Gran Canaria holidays with Thomson Holidays - Click Here

A recent opinion poll of European tourists indicates that the Canary Islands are one of Spain’s top destinations. This is music to the ears of business owners in Gran Canaria and the surrounding islands. It follows a prediction of economic downturn in Europe. It is also in contrast to other Spanish destinations that are suffering economically.

The same poll gives special mention to San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria’s largest municipality. It is the biggest in all of the Canary Islands. Tourism is one of the top three industries fueling the municipality’s economy.

San Bartolome de Tirajana is home to spectacular terrain. Rugged mountains compete with portions of barren desert land, forested valleys and gorgeous coastline.

This vast and varied terrain has landed Gran Canaria the designation of World Biosphere Reserve. It’s an international conservation designation assigned by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This designation helps ensure high standards of conservation practices are adhered to. Development is strictly regulated and monitored; indigenous species are protected; and ecosystems are rigorously maintained.

Some areas have limited or restricted access due to the highly sensitive ecosystems they encompass. San Bartolome de Tirajana is home to one of the island’s most beautiful eco-preserves, the Parque Natural de Pilancones. Fortunately for tourists, this particular location is fully accessible by the public. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the region.

Gran Canaria relies heavily upon San Bartolome de Tirajana for much of the island’s annual income. Its resorts, beaches, natural sites and golf courses draw foreign and local tourists alike.

In 2007 the Canary Islands had 3.2 million overnight stays, a drop of 2.2 percent from the previous year, but still the highest number of occupied nights in all of Spain. Despite this drop, the Canary Islands saw a 2 percent increase in tourism overall. This figure has landed it in the top three tourist destinations. It suggests that people may be traveling less or for shorter durations. It clearly doesn’t support any notion that the Canaries are waning in popularity.

Tourists polled from Britain note that the Canaries have the best beaches in Spain. Holidaymakers also enjoy the slower pace found there. Island tourist destinations are usually slightly less accessible than their mainland counterparts. This may be the main reason that the Canary Islands are less crowded with sightseers. Those who do make the effort to get there seem to appreciate the extra elbow room and stay longer.

Tourism officials on Gran Canaria and the Canaries in general are cheering at these latest numbers. Far from patting themselves on the back and popping champagne corks, they are aiming to stay on top. High tourist season is winding down for the year. The down season provides a welcome slowness in which to gear up for the next high time.

Businesses in the Canary Islands and on Gran Canaria in particular expect to see continued growth in tourism. Local officials work hard to maintain clean and attractive beaches and public areas. Local businesses are often referred to by visitors as some of the friendliest in Spain. All of these put the Canaries in the running for topping the list of Spanish tourist destinations again next year.