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The Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria, have had many successful industries over the course of history, including banana cultivation and exports, sugar, tomatoes and cochineal to name a few, although ever since the 1960's the leading industry has been tourism, and although suffering a decline at the moment toursim and the travel industry maintain the top spot when it comes to the islands economy. The travel industry actually began in 1800's with the British coming on holiday to the suburbs of las palmas for what were called health holidays. Many stayed, and a thriving British colony was formed in what is now the Capital city of Gran Canaria. Many travel guides mark the start of the travel industry with the building and marketing of San Agustin, and if you are talking about the 1960's boom then they are correct. San Agustin is still an extremely popular holiday destination, and has it's crowning glory the famous Gloria Palace Hotel. Perched atop one of Gran Canaria's more subtle hills the Gloria Palace gotel stand proud and tall. Almost regal and majestic as it overlooks San agustin with views across a dark sandy beach, and out over the Atlantic Ocean. So began the major tourist, travel industry in a very big way, so large is it that it spreads from San Agustin to Mogan and beyond. Sadly many, and much of these areas were built so rapidly, to meet a demand that seemed insatiable,that Gran Canaria has been left with some rather bland looking resorts. Don't let that discourage you though. What the island may appear to lack in aesthetics, it most certainly compensates for in it's welcome, and atmosphere, which at times is electric. That is all well and good but if you really want to get to know and understand this island while you are here then you have to get out and about it. You will not find Gran Canaria's hidden treasures, hiding in the resorts. Did you know for example that evidence has been discovered that suggest the romans were here for some time. The Greeks also knew about the canary islands, and they are mentioned in some ancient Greek texts as the Fortunate isles. Gran Canaria, is simply brimming with history. There are no fewer than 18 arghaeological sites on this little island, and all can be visited. Inside of some of Gran Canaria's archaeological site pottery dating back to pre Spanish Conquest times times has been found, with the most important archaeological find being Cueva Pintada. These historically important sites are spread right across the island, with the exception of the major tourist resorts. This is a little odd given that we have records of this area of Gran Canaria being populated certainly from just after the Spanish Conquest. Who knows? If major refurbishment gets underway to liven up the appearance of the south east corner of Gran Canaria, maybe even more discoveries will be made. So with no less than 18 archaeological to be visited, you could turn your summer holiday into a real journey of discovery.
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I am originally from England, and I settled in Gran Canaria 8 years ago with my partner and family, after falling in love with this magical island. Whilst still learning about Gran Canaria, and I hope that never stops, we decided to create www.justgrancanaria.com. It was originally intended to be a holiday booking site, but that has all changed now. www.justgrancanaria.com has evolved into the perfect site for tourists and r
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