-	All photographs of Gran Canaria

Blessed with some truly exquisite natural resources, miles of sandy beaches and a perfect climate, Gran Canaria is an absolute paradise.

It's located in the Atlantic Ocean just 130 miles of the west coast of Africa and is the surrounded by Fuerteventura and Tenerife. It's the largest of the Canary Islands. Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria, located in the north east of the island.

The Island has in total, 236 kilometres of coastline with some of the most celebrated white sandy beaches in the world. Don't miss the sand dune region of Maspalomas or the unspoilt Güigüi beach.

Gran Canaria has a consistent average temperature throughout the year; it ranges from 18ºC in winter to 22ºC in the summer. You'll see sun worshippers on the beaches all year round!

It's known as the "miniature continent". It has a fantastic diversity of climate, flora and fauna, all within a relatively small geographic area. Gran Canaria is volcanic in origin. The north of the island is a lot cooler than the sunnier south.

The south of the island draws thousands of holidaymakers each year. This is where you'll find the world famous Playa del Ingles - the island's most popular beach. Other attractions include the picturesque village of Puerto de Mogan, (also known as "Little Venice") as well as Maspalomas and Puerto Rico.

IF you want to get away from the more touristy areas, take a spin over to the west coast or through the islands interior, where the scenery and landscapes are truly spectacular.

The island has everything; superb beaches (with fabulous transparent and clean waters), massive sand dunes with a backdrop of the stunning verdant mountains and some of the best hotels, nightclubs, bars and cafés in Europe.