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To sample a little that each of the Canary Islands has to offer in the way of climate, landscape and culture, Gran Canaria is perhaps the best choice. The southernmost and most populous of the islands, Gran Canaria contains within its roughly circular framework of 1,532 square km (597 square miles) patches of semi-desert like the larger ones found on Fuerteventura just to the east, the lovely green swaths that dominate the island of San Miguel de La Palma to the north, the volcanic highlands, forested areas and the dry, sunny southern belt characteristic of each of the four other western islands. Its entertainment circuit is only rivaled by that of Tenerife. The name Gran Canaria came about as a result of packs of wild dogs or "cans" that explorers encountered after docking at what became the capital city of Las Palmas, a crucial port of exploration originally founded by order of Isabella la Catolica in 1478. Especially rewarding are a few days spent on the southern beaches or hiking in the moist highlands, exploring rural villages like Santa Lucía or trying strange cross-sports like sea parachuting. The most populous city of the Canary Islands, Las Palmas was founded in 1478 after a Spanish squadron under the command of Juan Rejón had established its military base at the site along a strand of palm trees. Along with the neighboring Triana district, the historic heart of Las Palmas is the Vegueta district, an evocative area exhibiting exceptional Latin Colonial architecture dating to the 15th century. As in the past, the Vegueta and Triana areas continue to serve as the cultural nexus of Gran Canaria. Prior to his voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus stopped in the Casa de Colón to request aid of the governor in modifying his fleet. With its exhibits of charts, maps, journals and other maritime affects, this 15th-century former governors mansion and museum can still be visited and paints a picture of the Americas before and after Columbus fated voyage and how that all ties in to the Canary Islands. Every detail is here for the traveler - where to stay, where to eat, entertainment, activities of all kinds, from hiking to canoeing, concerts to festivals. An extensive section on what you need to know when traveling to Spain in general, plus a language and Spanish vocabulary chapter is included.