2. Diving

Due to its volcanic origins Gran Canaria often surprises divers with the wealth of its marine-scape and the variety and beauty of its underwater landscapes. There are interesting scuba diving areas spread all around the island’s coast, and you can find different scuba schools where you can learn to dive and participate in organised dives without having to own your own equipment.

PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, lists 15 dive sites around the island, of which 10 are reef dives, 8 are ocean dives and 8 are wall dives. Nice spots include Bahia Lila (a long overhanging wall, with a cave to swim through, a nice arch and plenty of anemones to gaze at), Cueva Grande (the Big Cave), where you might see stingrays being cleaned by shrimps and Sardina del Norte (a calm spot off the north coast where you can observe a huge variety of marine life, including seahorse, angelfish, barracuda, octopus, and even angel sharks).

For wreck fans, head to Mogán in the south-west for Como II – the wreck of a small fishing boat bustling with yellow snappers, plus visiting angel sharks, hunting tuna, and butterfly rays or electric rays.

But one of the most dramatic dive locations is Hole in the Wall and Punta de la Monja on the east side of the island. Hole in the Wall is entered via a v-shaped channel from a reef, leading to a large archway filled with Trumpet Fish and Bream; swim further and you might encounter around 2,000 roncadores in a large ‘fish ball’, shoals of bream – and barracudas in search of a snack. Around the point of the Punta de la Monja, in the calmer waters of El Cabrón bay, you can spot conger eels and huge shoals of Atlantic Damselfish.

3. Sailing

The fantastic wind conditions and the mild climate of the island have made sailing one of the more widespread activities both for islanders and visitors. The main spots to go sailing on the island are the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, mainly the bay of Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras, and on the south coast, Maspalomas and Mogán. Gran Canaria is particularly well-known in international sailing competitions, as the national Olympic team is made up of sailors from the island.

Gran Canaria has also developed an extensive harbour infrastructure, which includes marinas and fishing havens equipped with basic long-term mooring services, which make many water sports possible. Popular harbours include Puerto de Mogan, Puerto Deportivo de Puerto Rico, Puerto Deportivo de Pasito Blanco and Muelle Deportivo Marina Anfi del Mar.

However, Muelle Deportivo de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a marina in the heart of the island’s capital, is the leading centre. It boasts fantastic sport facilities, high quality services and is considered as one of the most important and strategic harbours in the Atlantic. Gran Canaria has a long tradition of being a port of call among sailors crossing the Atlantic and heading for the Caribbean. Even Columbus anchored here before heading west!

4. Kayaking and SUP

A great way to enjoy the sea is to go on a relaxing or fun kayak trip, and even more so if you do it in a setting such as the coast of Gran Canaria. This activity is perfect to enjoy on your own, as a couple, with your friends or family. It is very popular with children and perfect for an unforgettable day out. Top of the list for a great family day out would be to explore the Mogan Caves on the south west coast, and combine your paddling with some snorkelling.

SUP, or Stand-up Paddle boarding, combines an incredible full body exercise which increases your strength, cardio fitness, balance and flexibility. This activity is very easy to learn and provides great exercise. Playa del Ingles is a popular spot to get into this activity.

5. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

There are many places on the island where windsurfers (and kitesurfers) can enjoy stellar wind and wave conditions, with areas suited to every level. There are well-known spots like Pozo Izquierdo and Vargas, for the more adventurous windsurfers. But there is also Ojos de Garza, Tarajalillo, Bahía Feliz, Playa del Águila, San Agustin, Playa del Inglés, Anfi del Mar o Puerto Rico for the lesser mortals among us.

Pozo Izquierdo, located in the municipality of Santa Lucía, is the most widely known windsurfing spot internationally in the whole of Spain. Here, it seems as if the wind has taken up permanent residence, with outstanding conditions.

On the ‘Arenal’ (as the beach is known by locals), the wind blows in from the left and tends to be very strong, for which reason sails of 2, 8, and 4 metres in height are necessary to enjoy one of the world’s windiest spots. The waves on average don’t fall below a metre in height, and sometimes they reach 3m. Pozo Izquierdo is the perfect destination for all those with the skills and the chops to begin somersaulting or practising other daring manoeuvres.

6. Swimming and other activities

Gran Canaria’s best-known beaches offer wonderful opportunities for swimming, especially for families, but for something a bit different, try diving into the magical rock pools of Northern Gran Canaria. When the tide goes out, it leaves behind cool rock pools, perfect for a relaxing swim in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. We suggest a selection of 8 rock pools you didn’t know existed (until now): Los Charcones, El Altillo Rock Pool, Charco de San Lorenzo, Roque Prieto’s rock pool, Emiliano and ElAgujero, Los Roques and Las Salinas.

And, of course, where there’s a beach, not far away you’ll find specialist companies offering the opportunity to try jet-skiing, parasailing, flyboarding and sea excursions to go dolphin and whale watching. Something for everyone, indeed.

For more information about the outstanding watersports on offer in Gran Canaria, head over to grancanaria.com