“If you want to know what beauty is, go out into nature” – Albrecht Dürer
NATURE PURE
The Maspalomas Dunes are a unique place in the world where you can admire the beauty of this amazing ecosystem. They are designated as a nature reserve (Reserva Natural Especial) and for good reason. Its 400 hectares include a beautiful beach on the Atlantic Ocean, dreamy dunes of golden sand, a palm oasis that makes the landscape seem even more paradisiacal, and a saltwater lagoon. This huge sea of sand changes its appearance depending on the whim of the wind.
Caldera de Bandama The Bandama Natural Park is a protected landscape area with beautiful short hiking trails. This natural space with enormous natural diversity was formed five million years ago around the ancient volcano Pico de Bandama. Here you can see epidemic plant life and many different birds.
Reserva Natural Especial de los Tilos: Over 50 different species thrive in the Los Tilos de Moya nature reserve, one of the last bastions of Gran Canaria’s former laurel forests. The nature reserve, with various paths through the laurel forests, is a delight for hikers. In the primeval forest “Selva de Doramas” it becomes clear why many call Gran Canaria “their grandiose holiday island”.
The Roque Nublo is the landmark of Gran Canaria, which looks out at us from its imposing position.
Nearby is the Barranco de Guayadeque, the Guayadeque Gorge, a little treasure of nature, located between the municipalities of Ingenio and Agüimes and only a stone’s throw from the south of the island. Here in the Barranco de Guayadeque you can still find infernal dwellings. The original inhabitants lived there in the mountains, cool in summer and pleasant in winter.
Cenobio de Valerón: The vertical fortress with its more than 350 niches is reminiscent of a beehive, but in reality it is a huge storage reservoir built more than 800 years ago by the aboriginal primeval Canarians.
Unique in its kind and size, the archaeological site is now open to all visitors who want to take a trip back in time – just half an hour from the city!
Pico de los Pozos de las Nieves: The highest point on the island lies in its centre and is 1,956 metres high. You feel very small up here in view of the impressive natural spectacle that makes the climb to Cima de Las Nieves absolutely worthwhile.
Barranco de las Vacas: The valley with the impressive volcanic stone formations is on the way from Agüimes to Temisas and on to Santa Lucia. An excursion there is well combined with a tour of the south-east of Gran Canaria, Aguimes, Temisas, Santa Lucía and San Bartolomé.
Risco Caído: Recently declared Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, the cave ensemble of the Risco Caído cultural landscape and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria earns worldwide admiration. The archaeological ensemble covers large areas of the mountainous region of Gran Canaria in the municipalities of Tejeda, Artenara and the high-altitude areas of Gáldar and Agaete.
BEAUTIFUL PLACES
Tejeda, famous as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, turns into a sea of colours in spring. Tejeda is also famous for its almonds, which are handmade into traditional baked goods and sweets such as “bienmesabe” and marzipan.
La Aldea de San Nicolás de Tolentino: A visit to the fishing village of Puerto de San Nicolás or Puerto de la Aldea is worthwhile because of its originality. There are also some restaurants there that offer freshly caught fish at reasonable prices.
The beautiful landscape can be admired on a drive through the Barranco de la Aldea on a narrow and very serpentine road.
Once a year, always on 11 September, one of the oldest popular customs of Gran Canaria lives on with the Fiesta del Charco of La Aldea.
It is one of the oldest, most serene, popular and most visited manifestations of ancient Canarian customs. The small lagoon on the shore of the sea is both a landmark and a symbol of nature for the town.
A trip to the south-east of Gran Canaria, Agüimes, Temisas, Santa Lucía and San Bartolomé. Also worth seeing here is the Barranco de las Vacas, the valley with the impressive volcanic stone formations is on the way from Agüimes to Temisas . In Agüimes, the historic centre is remarkable, with the parish church of San Sebastián, which resembles a cathedral and has one of the most beautiful façades in the Canarian neoclassical style.
In a rugged landscape, away from the hustle and bustle and heat of the Canarian south, lies the brilliant white village of Fataga.
At the Artenara Information Centre you can deepen your knowledge of the aboriginal world and the culture of a people who lived in complete isolation from the world for more than 1500 years. From here you can get to Risco Caído.
Galdar: In the north of Gran Canaria there is a time machine that makes it possible to travel back in time. The Cueva Pintada, with its cave paintings, is an obligatory visit for anyone interested in the origins, history and culture of the aboriginal people who lived on this island many centuries ago.
A significant legacy that is now accessible to all who wish to discover their history.
Las Palmas: Las Canteras is the name of the 3-kilometre-long city beach behind which a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis can be discovered: the largest city in the archipelago (almost 400,000 inhabitants), one of the largest Spanish ports on the Atlantic. In the southern districts of Triana and Vegueta, Las Palmas is full of history. This is where Columbus went ashore, where you can stroll to the cathedral and through old alleys. The atmosphere is much more modern in the younger districts behind the big beach, around the Parque de Santa Catalina, with shopping streets and nightlife.
SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, BARS and NIGHTLIFE.
Yumbo Center: Supermarkets, pharmacies, perfumeries, all kinds of shopping, there is even a hardware store. Many international restaurants and bars with exciting shows.
CITA Center: Shopping, German restaurant and bars, German baker.
Anexo II: Many different restaurants and bars with live music, karaoke and DJs.
LA SANDIA: Supermarkets, restaurants and bars just around the corner.
The 19th hole: Let’s rock n’roll. Great live music pub in the Varadero shopping centre in Meloneras.
Hardrock Cafe: Thursdays and Fridays always very good live acts.
DELICIOUS…
El Poncho: Steakhouse near the Cita. Strikingly delicious tapas and well-stocked wines, great service.
WAPA TAPA (in the Yumbo): Very tasty tapas, be sure to book is only open Wednesday to Saturday evenings.
Pepe Chiringo (near Cita): Canarian fast food, has been around for decades and is delicious.
Relax Beach Club located directly on the beach of San Augustin / el Punto de las Burras. Great vegetarian and vegan dishes, great live music on Thursday evenings.
NOCHE DE TAPAS (Vegueta me pone) in Las Palmas: Always takes place on Thursdays in the old town from 20:00 to 0:00. Around the pedestrian zone in Calle Mendizábal and in the adjoining side streets above the market hall “Mercado de Vegueta” you can feast and enjoy tapas in the most diverse variations on this evening.
“Man does not live by bread alone. After a while he needs a drink too.” Woody Allen