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Windsurfing The island has developed a reputation as one of the best in the world for windsurfing, with the sport being practiced in over 20 venues along the coast. The ever-present trade winds and constant sunshine create ideal conditions for beginners and professionals alike, with Gran Canaria regularly hosting the World WIndsurfing Championships in Pozo Izquierdo.
Water sports With over 200km of coastline, sunny skies and clear warm waters, Gran Canaria is a water sports enthusiasts' paradise. As well as the world-renowned windsurfing, the island sees plenty of surfing and bodyboarding, with facilities for pedalo rides, jet skiing, parascending, water skiing and kayaking also available.
Sailing The wonderful climate and constant winds mean that Gran Canaria is an excellent venue for yachting and sailing. With numerous harbours and marinas, and plenty of sailing schools on the island offering equipment hire and tuition, taking to the seas to explore the Atlantic and the islands' coastline is an extremely popular pastime whilst on holiday.
Scuba-diving Gran Canarias' volcanic history offers a wealth of fascinating underwater scenes for the avid diver, full of rich marine life and an array of wrecks and caves. There are dive centres all over the island, with perhaps the most popular areas being the marine reserve at El Cabron, Pasito Blanco and Las Palmas.
Fishing During the summer, enjoy the big-game fishing season, with trips setting off from many harbours including Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogan and Pasito Blanco. The rich waters of the Atlantic provide exciting sport for fishermen, with an abundance of marlin, tuna, barracuda and albacore.
Hiking Away from the beaches, the rich interior of the island is a haven for walkers. A popular destination for hikers and nature-lovers, the 'continent in miniature' really offers an array of spectacular natural beauty, with over 30 protected areas and an extensive network of trails and paths.
Camel rides Cross the sand dunes of Las Maspalomas in unique fashion - on a camel safari. Experience this challenging and unforgettable way to travel whilst taking in the beautiful scenery and spectacular landscapes of the region, and get a true taste of the desert.
Theme Parks Holidays in Gran Canaria also promise a good choice of theme parks, with family attractions such as the water parks at Aquasur and Ocean Park, bird and animal centres Palmitos Park and Crocodile Park, the funfair at Holiday World and the WiId West park Sioux City. A number of museums in Las Palmas also offer visitors the chance to explore the islands' historical and cultural past.
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