🌍 Discover Gran Canaria

History. Gran Canaria was originally inhabited by the Canarii or Guanches, a Berber-descended people from North Africa who lived in caves and developed a unique culture. The island was conquered by Spain between 1478 and 1483 and later became an important stop on transatlantic trade routes, often threatened by pirates. In the 19th century, Gran Canaria gained economic importance through the development of the Port of Las Palmas. From the 1960s onward, mass tourism drastically transformed the island’s landscape and economy. Today, Gran Canaria is part of the autonomous Canary Islands region, with modern infrastructure, growing environmental awareness, and a rich cultural identity that blends tradition and progress. The island covers approximately 1,560 square kilometers and has a population of around 850,000, most of whom live in the metropolitan area of Las Palmas.