Gran Canaria is an island of contrasts. From lush green valleys in the north to vast desert-like dunes in the south, the island’s landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful. But what makes this place even more remarkable is how its environment shapes the lives of its people. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Gran Canaria so unique and how its geography impacts daily life.
Gran Canaria is often called a "miniature continent" because it has so many different climates and ecosystems all in one place! In the north, abundant rainfall supports green valleys and farmland, while the south is much drier, with rolling sand dunes and a desert-like climate. Meanwhile, the center of the island is full of rugged mountains that were formed by an ancient volcano!
One weekend, my friends and I rented a car to explore the island. We started in the north, where it was warm and full of palm trees near the ocean. As we drove to the center of the island, I was shocked by how quickly the surroundings changed. Suddenly, we were in rocky mountains covered in tall, skinny pine trees, and the temperature dropped. A brisk, chilly wind replaced the warm coastal air.
