Gran Canaria, the third-largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is often described as a 'miniature continent' due to its remarkable diversity of landscapes and microclimates. Within its 1,560 square kilometers, the island transitions from the lush, green north with its tropical vegetation and dramatic cliffs to the arid, desert-like south with its famous sand dunes. At the center rises Pico de las Nieves, a volcanic summit reaching 1,949 meters that influences the island's distinct weather patterns. Gran Canaria's human history is equally diverse, with evidence of aboriginal Guanche settlements dating back to 500 BCE, later shaped by Spanish conquest and centuries of maritime trade. Today, the island balances its role as a major tourism hub, particularly around the southern resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, with protected natural spaces covering nearly half its territory.