The third largest but most developed of the seven islands in the Spanish-administered Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria has been billed as a 'miniature continent' because of the variety of climates and landscapes that it offers, from the big city bustle of the capital, Las Palmas, to the serenity of its lush woodlands.

The Canaries lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 miles (200km) from the African coast and almost 800 miles (1,250km) from the closest European port of Cadiz. Gran Canaria is almost circular, with a diameter of about 32 miles (50km), and is characterised by deep ravines that radiate out from the centre down to the coast. The north of the island is humid, boasting green valleys and volcanic craters, while the south is arid and desert-like with vast stretches of beach.

The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast tip of the island, between two long beaches, Las Caletas and Alcaravaneras. The interior of Gran Canaria has steep highlands dotted with small villages, sporting white houses with red roofs, banana plantations and orchards bursting with tropical fruits. Tourists generally favour the southern coastline, flocking to the well-known beaches of Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where the sea washes soft sands and empty dunes stretch for miles.

Museo Canario

Address: 2 Verneau Dr. Gran Canaria

Admission: EUR3, concessions available Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, weekends 10am to 2pm. Guided tours are available

Telephone: 928 336 800

The main museum in Las Palmas is well worth a visit, boasting the world's largest collection of Cro-Magnon skulls and a few mummies. The museum also gives a comprehensive overview of the life and times of Gran Canaria's original inhabitants, the fair-haired light-skinned Guanche people, who were conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century.

Casa de Colon

Address: Gran Canaria

Admission: Free Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, weekends 9am to 3pm

Telephone: 928 312 373

Christopher Columbus is believed to have stayed for different periods in the Casa de Colon in the historical quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas on his way to the Americas. The house now serves as a museum displaying relics of early transatlantic voyages and pre-Columbian cultures, as well as acting as a cultural centre for the study of the Canaries' relationship with the Americas.

Pueblo Canario

Address: Gran Canaria

Admission: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Sundays 10.30am to 2.30pm

The whitewashed Pueblo Canario was the pet project of Canarian artist Nestor Martin-Fernandez de la Torre, who conceived and oversaw the creation of this idealised representation of a typical island village in Dorames Park, Las Palmas. Buildings surround a square where performances of traditional folk music and dance take place every Sunday morning. The village also contains the Museo Nestor, in which is housed a collection of the artist's modernist paintings. The village also contains a Bodegon (wine bar) serving local dishes.

Arucas

Address: Gran Canaria

The delightful town of Arucas sits beneath a dormant volcano on the northern coast of Gran Canaria, and is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. The neat town is dominated by the majestic Church of San Juan Bautista, carved in stone by local workers. The town is also the centre of sugar and rum production on the island and visitors are welcome at the Fabrica y Museo del Ron to witness how sugar cane is turned into rum. It is possible to take a short walk out of the town to the Montana de Arucas viewpoint for a panoramic look at the northern coastline.

Palmitos Park

Address: Gran Canaria

Admission: EUR16 (adults), EUR11 (children) Daily 9am to 6pm

Telephone: 928 140 276

A colourful and entertaining look at nature is presented at Palmitos Park, situated four miles (6km) inland from Arguineguin on the south coast. The park is a subtropical oasis containing thousands of birds, fish, trees, plants and particularly orchids. The orchid house is the largest in the Canary Islands and the range is astonishing. There is a cactus garden too, a huge butterfly house and an aquarium featuring a recreated riverbed. Parrots complete the picture among the lush Canarian flora which fills the park. Due to the devastating fires that swept through Gran Canaria at the end of July 2007, Palmitos Park is closed until further notice.

Sioux City

Address: San Agustín Gran Canaria

Admission: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; closed Mondays

Telephone: 928 762 573

One of the most popular days out in Gran Canaria, Sioux City was built originally as a stage set for an American western film in 1972, but developed into a Wild West theme park complete with cowboys, Indians, Mexicans and of course a sheriff. There are shows throughout the day featuring bank robberies, saloon fights, cattle stampedes, rodeos and gunfights at the OK Corral. Between shows visitors can enjoy a barbeque or taste the culinary delights of the Three Star Saloon. Every Friday evening there are barbecue evenings complete with country dancing.

Waterparks

Address: Gran Canaria

Admission: Aqualand: EUR22.50 (adults), EUR16 (children 3-12 years). Aqua Park: EUR 21,50(adults), EUR15,50 (children) ; sunbed EUR2 extra. Ocean Park: EUR10 (adults), EUR5 (children) Ocean Park and Aqualand Aquasur: 10am to 5pm, Aqua Park: 10am to 6.30pm, closing at 5.30pm in winter

There are three water parks on Gran Canaria: Aqua Park in Puerto Rico, and Ocean Park and Aqualand Aquasur, the largest on Gran Canaria, in Maspalomas. All offer enough attractions to keep children and adults amused all day, including dozens of slides and swimming pools. Aqualand also has a wave machine and a 'lazy river' where visitors can float around the complex on an inflatable tyre.

Reptilandia

Address: Parque Rural de Amagro Gran Canaria

Admission: Daily 11am to 5.30pm

Telephone: 928 551 269

Those with a soft spot for reptiles should visit Reptilandia, situated a little off the beaten tack, near Agaete in the northwest of the island. It includes a collection of snakes, tortoises, turtles and lizards - the Komodo Dragon here is believed to be the largest lizard in the world. There are also sections on spiders and monkeys.

Parque de los Cocodrilo

Address: Villa de Aguímes Gran Canaria

Admission: Sunday to Friday 10am to 6pm

Telephone: 928 784 725

This Crocodile Park is home to more than 300 crocodiles and alligators from all over the world. Visitors shouldn't miss the crocodiles' feeding time - at 12pm, 2pm and 4.15pm. The other half of the park is a zoo, which has sections on monkeys and chimpanzees, tigers, jaguars, camels and much more. There is a restaurant in the centre of the park where visitors can see a show where parrots perform various tricks, including doing a jigsaw puzzle and roller skating! The park is near the town of Aguímes, a few miles southwest of the airport.

Aqualand Gran Canaria

Address: Ctra. Palmitos Park, Km 3 Gran Canaria

Admission: EUR25 (adults); EUR17.50 (children) Open daily from 10m – 6pm

Telephone: 928 140 525

Aqualand is a must for all families visiting Gran Canaria, especially those with children. A range of slides, pools and rides will keep the kids busy all day long and older children will love the Kamikaze and tornado, while younger tots can paddle in the shallower waters of the Mini Park and Polynesia.

Go-Karting Club

Address: Ctra. Gral. del Sur Km 46 Gran Canaria

Admission: EUR18 Adults); 12 (children) Open daily. Winter: 10am – 9pm; Summer: 11am – 10pm

Telephone: 928 157 190

Young children will love nothing more than a spot of go-karting and racing their family round the track. Children under five years old can enjoy the Tiny Tots small pitch where they can enjoy battery operated Mini Formulas and Mini-Motos, younger kids can enjoy the junior track and over 16s can feel the thrill of racing at speed of up to 50mph (780kmph).

Holiday World

Address: Avda. Touroperador Tui, Maspalomas Gran Canaria

Admission: Prices start at EUR5 for 10 credits in the funfair

Telephone: 928 73 04 98

Featuring a wide variety of activities, Holiday World is a funpark which caters specifically to children on holiday in Gran Canaria. They can enjoy rides such as bumper cars, a Ferris-wheel, Roller coaster and Pirate ship as well as games such as ten pin bowling. A range of restaurants and fast-food outlets are also available.