If there is one song, that will entice you to get on a plane to Gran Canaria, it has to be this one by Edward Fox and the Animal Kingdom. Information on the band is a bit sketchy but they are based in Gran Canaria with links to Poland, Italy and Denmark. They say the song was written because “This place made us believe in ourselves and made us resurrect, it seemed natural to start from there”.
Take time to listen to the lyrics. Soon you will be booking your tickets.
“I’ve seen dunes, jungles, volcanos and hills. Beaches and mountains that give you the chills. Those microcomos appear disappear. Product of Africa since million years. From Las Palmas to Mogán. It’s a trip around the Sun in Gran Canaria.” At the end of the song, you’ll how to correctly pronounce all the popular destinations on the island.
Gran Canaria is the second most visited Canary Island after Tenerife which we visited in May. In terms of landscape, it provides everything from beautiful beaches to mountains.
Since 1987 the Maspalomas Dunes have been designated as a nature reserve. Many tourists will be heading to the hotels close by but if you venture far enough into this desert like environment you will feel like you are miles from humanity. The beach here is over 7 miles long so you can usually find a place to lay down your towels and soak up the sun.
The Maspalomas Lighthouse was built in 1890 and the dunes are located to the east of here. The represents the importance of the islands in helping to guide vessels on their journeys between Spain and Latin America. It can be seen 19 nautical miles out to sea. The lighthouse reopened to the public in 2019 after being closed for 10 years.
Visting the Nublo Rural Park is a great way to spend a day out. Here you will find the third highest point on the island, the Roque Nublo. Located almost in the centre of the island, at a height of almost 6000 ft you can touch the past (the rock is over 4 and half million years old) and see fantastic views of island or the cloud base depending on the day. There is a circular route of about 3 miles (5km) from the main road that will also take in other prominent sites.
Not on many people’s list for a city break is the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. You can also visit on a day trip from the popular beach destinations such as Maspalomas in the south. Christopher Columbus once lived here for a period of time in 1492 when his ship anchored in the port for repairs. The house where he lived is now a museum, the “Casa de Colón”. The Casa de Colón can be found in the old district known as Veguetta. This was the first part of the island conquered by the Castillians in 1478.
For followers of the arts you might be interested visiting the birthplace of the writer Perez Galdos or the Museo Mestor which is dedicated to the modernist painter Nestor Martin-Fernandez de la Torre.
For a city Las Palmas has a number of very accessible beaches. The most popular is the Playa de Las Canteras. It is almost 2 miles (3km) long and is one of only three beaches in Spain that has received ISO 14001 certification. If laying on the beach is not your thing, then take in the atmosphere by strolling along the Paseo de Las Canteras that runs alongside. The average temperature all year round is over 20oC even in January. So there is not excuse to visit anytime.
Finally as the song says ” From Las Palmas to Mogán ” before we go, we should mention the later. The town of Mogán is 5 miles from the coast, not far away from Puerto De Mogán. It has a beautiful sheltered bay which is great for kids and right next door is a lovely harbour which is a great base for a sailing holiday.
There is plenty more to visit not just in Las Palmas but throughout the whole island so we will be back. In the meantime contact Maggie today to book your holiday in Gran Canaria.
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