Chase history, Gran Canaria

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Christopher Columbus stopped off at Gran Canaria on his way to America. It must have taken an astonishing amount of willpower to leave this beautiful island behind.

Gran Canaria is a Miniature Continent and its top sights are epic in scale and well worth visiting.

Follow in Christopher Columbus's footsteps at Casa-Museo de Colon. This impressive palace is a must-see.

The Cueva Pintada Museum is built around an archeological excavation site that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. There's an elevated walkway that allows you to look down into the extraordinary site.

Las Palmas is the only city with a golden sweep of sand as spectacular as Las Canteras. You have to walk the length of Las Canteras beach if you visit Gran Canaria. Do it at sunset for the best views of Teide volcano on the horizon.

The coastline of Pozo Izquierdo plays host to some impressive surf. Sit on the sand and watch or if you want to have a go yourself, check in with the staff of one of surfing schools.

Gran Canaria boasts incredible biodiversity, both above and below sea level, so take the plunge with a scuba dive to see an impressive variety of marine life. The island's turquoise-hued waters couldn't be more inviting, with a year-round temperature of 23 degrees C.

Sure you can walk, horse ride or even quad bike the sand hills, but for something out of the ordinary, take a camel ride. The promenade is the place to people watch at sunset, and if you're lucky you'll catch the beach's resident sand artist at work.

The little and large rock of Roque Nublo is well worth a visit. It isn't actually the highest point on the island but it is certainly the most prominent. You can enjoy panoramic views of the island.

Nowadays, Arucas rum is exported worldwide. A visit to the distillery, 15 minutes journey from the capital Las Palmas, is a very enjoying way to spend an afternoon.