Leisure Guide - Cabildo de Gran Canaria

Transcription

LEISURE GUIDE
LEISURE GUIDE OF GRAN CANARIA
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
ROUTES
Around the Island
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The Interior and the Summit
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10
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ACCOMMODATION
BEACHES
WATER SPORTS
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Sailing
Deep Sea sports fishing
Surf
Windsurf
Diving
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DAYTIME LEISURE ACTIVITIES
NIGHT TIME LEISURE ACTIVITIES
GASTRONOMY
CULTURAL LIFE
MUSEUMS
ARCHAEOLOGY
CRAFTS
SHOPPING / LOCAL MARKETS
FIESTAS AND FESTIVALS
RURAL TOURISM
ACTIVE TOURISM
OTHER SPORTS
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84
90
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100
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Golf 106
HEALTH AND WELLBEING TOURISM
BUSINESS TOURISM
INVEST IN GRAN CANARIA
USEFUL CONTACTS
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INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
Gran Canaria is the round island, the one with the
ever warm climate. It is the island of contrasts and
golden sandy beaches. The island with its doors open
wide, with a melting pot of cultures where local
traditions are kept alive. It is a corner of the South
Atlantic where you can find everything you could ever
want to relax, have fun and enjoy great holidays…
It is also one of the eight islands of the Canary
Archipielago, located just 210 kilometers from the
west coast of Africa and 1.250 kilometers from
the Iberian Peninsula. It is a piece of Europe in the
Atlantic area of Macaronesia which, along with the
Canary Islands, is made up of the Portuguese islands of
Madeira, Salvajes and Azores, Africa’s Cabo Verde and
part of the Morrocan coast.
Gran Canaria is the second most populated island,
with nearly one hundred and eighty thousand
inhabitants, highly cosmopolitan and bustling with
economic activity, which is what makes its people
open and culturally diverse; and, finally, where we
find the Archipielago’s premier city, Las Palmas de
Gran Canaria.
As with the rest of the Archipielago, it is of volcanic
origin and is not without its mythical past; round in
shape with a peninsula-like appendage sticking out at
its northern tip. With a total surface area of 1560 sq
kilometers, 43 percent of its territory is protected,
while its nearly 60 kilometers of coastline are blessed
with golden, sandy beaches. It has a cone-shaped
mountain top at its highest point, namely el Pico
del Pozo de las Nieves (1949 metros), which casts an
eye over the Roque Nublo, a natural and emblematic
monument for all Grancanarians, located right in the
middle of the island, standing some 1813 metres above
sea level.
A central mountain range splits the island in two across
the middle, creating two contrasting areas in terms
of climate and landscape, which for the islanders are
simply known as north and south. Whilst in the latter
the great sandy expanses of beach abound, such as
Playa del Inglés or the Dunes of Maspalomas, the west
and southwest are dominated by imposing cliffs, and
the north is made up of a mixture of smaller beaches
and coves.
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This geographical divide between north and south is
also reflected in their respective climates. Each area
offers microclimates which, in just a short time, allow
you to get from the warm coastal areas to the cooler
hilly areas, passing through subtropical valleys and
woods or go as far as the colder, and at times, even
snowy, summits.
All these attributes have given the island the name of
“a continent in miniature”.
Throughout most of the year, temperatures don’t
rise above 24 centigrade, while the sea temperature
ranges from 18 to 22 degrees. This allows you to
visit the whole of Gran Canaria any time of the year,
thanks to the land’s terrain and good communications
for getting around. You can go for pleasant days out
starting at the sandy beaches all the way to the dense
forests, and go from the heat on the coast to the
cooler climes of the summits.
Visitors to Gran Canaria will soon discover the locals’
hospitality, as they are used to the comings and
goings of different peoples and cultures; indeed, the
island constitutes a bridge between Europe, America
and Africa. The islanders are a friendly, unassuming
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INTRODUCTION
people, perhaps due to the spring-like climate and
beautiful natural resources, and they enjoy good
living standards, with a young population educated
to levels on a par with the rest of Europe.
Precisely this cultural melting pot gives the Canarians
a wide linguistic berth within the castillian language,
which doesn’t go unnoticed to those visiting. In their
intonation, similarities are comparable to South
American countries, along with the frequent friendly
expression with the use of the diminutive “-ito”,
saying Juanito for Juan, for example. Canarians also
turn the letters c and z into an “s” sound.
The arrival of people from all over the world started
back in the first millennium before Christ, although for
the development of the island as a tourist attraction,
we would have to wait until the end of the 1950s. The
origins of the Canary Islands are the subject of myths
and legends, not just scientific theories. In classic ages
there are already references made to Gran Canaria,
and research into the first inhabitants shows a clear
link to the northwest coast of Africa and the cultural
environment of the Berbers who colonized the island
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around the middle of the first millennium BC. SInce
then the arrival of many other different peoples has
hardly let up. The Canaries’ incorporation into the
Spanish Catholic Crown took place in the last third of
the 15th century, after facing stiff resistance from the
aborigine population. Following five years of battle,
Pedro de Vera capped the conquest, firstly with the
landing on the island and the construction of the Real
de Las Palmas, now the island’s capital city, and later
on with the total submission of the aborigines of the
north and the peace campaign in the south.
From that momento on, the Castillian Crown gradually
introduced social, political and economic regimes,
whilst the capital became the administrative centre
for the planning and design of the Archipielago
along with the Canary bishopric, Tribunal of the Holy
Inquisition, Royal Canary Law Courts, among others.
This flurry of activity then slows down in the 17th
century after the brakes are put on agricultural
exports to America and Europe until, midway through
the 19th century, the Puertos Francos are established,
an economic system which favours trade relations
between the archipelago and the outside world, with
tax exemptions and facilities for free trade, which
turn the islands into an attractive area for trade.
Around this time British shipping companies start
settling on the islands, boosting trade with America
and Europe that has kept a pace ever since. Today,
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INTRODUCTION
with the addition of Spain and the Canary Islands to
the European Union and with its status as islands, the
archipelago has its own economic regime stipulated in
the law of economic and fiscal regime.
This economic resurgence in the 19th century, plus
the continuous traffic of English ships in and out,
are key to the development of the tourist industry,
the current mainstay of the island’s economy. Gran
Canaria begins to become popular among Europeans
as a place of rest for tourists and the infirm, and
shipping companies refurbish their ships to cater for
travellers. These very British shipping companies drive
forward the creation of hotels on the island, including
the Hotel Santa Catalina (1890), in Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria, which is still today, the most emblematic
hotel in the capital. In the surrounding areas an urban
architectural framework is also created that remains a
timely reminder of the capital’s historic past.
Ensuing European wars then hold back the development
of tourism, which would have to wait until 1957 to see
the first incoming flight of a packed Swedish company
Transair AB 54 seater, this the first of a series of charter
flights to Gran Canaria that gets organized tourism off
to a start. Up to now the tourist activity has not looked
back and today Gran Canaria is not only a continent in
miniature for its climate and terrain, but because it
offers those who come to visit endless possibilities to
relax or to enjoy their pastimes.
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ROUTES
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Practical Tips
Gran Canaria is a round island where it is very difficult
to find a point of the territory from which you cannot
see the sea, and has a road system that allows you
to get anywhere on the island in a short time, as
well as change your planned route, without having to
go back over areas already visited. Visitors can rest
assured that any previously set itinerary can always
be modified. The island’s layout and its internal road
network help avoid wasting time after a change in
plans.
Another point to keep in mind during a visit to Gran
Canaria is that its warm climate varies in just few
miles. So if you want to go to the beach, but cloudy
skies where you are won’t let you lie under the sun,
just a few minutes along the coast you will find another
area with beautiful sunny weather. The opposite is
also true, if you prefer cooler temperatures, you only
have to move inland towards the summit, or check
out the weather situation elsewhere on the island.
The maximum distance between any two major
points should never exceed eighty kilometers, and
Gran Canaria can be covered from south to north,
or east to west in whatever combination of cardinal
points you choose, in a really short time. If on the
other hand, you would like to cut short a visit, and
then come back another day to finish your route off,
you can always come back via another route and
avoid retracing your steps.
With this in mind, and safe in the knowledge that the
roads are in excellent condition and cater for all types
of vehicles and preferences, visitors to Gran Canaria
should know that everything they need for a perfect
day out is completely catered for. You can choose
between a typical restaurant, a simple snack bar, or if
you prefer, set up your own picnic in beautiful natural
surroundings, just off the main road.
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Trips around the island
The majority of tourists visiting Gran Canaria stay in
the southern part of the island, in the municipalities
of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán; or in the
capital, located in the North. A trip around the
island is one of the most typical excursions among
visitors and Grancanarians themselves, are not
averse to taking on this excursion, or part of it, at
least once a year.
Visitors are made aware that the route on offer is
a real bird’s eye view for all those interested in
learning about the island’s geography. If you want
to delve further into each of the proposed routes
coming up, we suggest you choose between one of
these, or several parts of each, to the north or to
the south.
The actual route you take around the island will
depend largely on where you are starting from.
Remember that you are on a round island and may
opt to begin at the north or the south, and can
either set off from our suggested starting point, or
start at a finishing point and go the other way round,
it is up to you. In any case, always bear in mind that
these marked out routes can be joined and left at
any point, indeed you can take shorter excursions by
doing just part of the routes on offer.
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A Tour around the island
The Capital
Inland and the Summit
(Cumbre)
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From the Capital to the South
If you are in the capital and want to get to
Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés, you need only take
the south-bound motorway (GC-1), and in little more
than half an hour, the miles of
yellow sand dunes will come
into view. The journey down
the eastern coastline features
low coasts and sandy beaches,
accompanied by a mild and
sunny climate, where rain
rarely appears, if at all.
If you set off from the capital,
before reaching the beaches and shortly after leaving
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria behind you, you will
come to the second largest city of the island, Telde.
Telde was head of one of the two Aboriginal kingdoms
that split the island - the other was Gáldar. Mustsee is the neighbourhood of San Francisco, secluded
and with beautiful gardens, churches, convents and
old Canary-style mansions with quarry stonework
and tea wood balconies; and San Juan, with one of
the largest parks in the Canary Islands. In St. John’s
Church there is a beautiful Flemish altarpiece,
and an image of Christ made in the 16th century by
Mexican Indians, from corn paste. Telde also has
numerous archaeological sites, such as the Troglodyte
settlement of Cuatro Puertas.
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Moving on from Telde and heading south to the airport,
we find Ingenio. It is an eminently artesan, commercial
and agricultural municipality and there you can visit its
famous Stone Museum. This town takes its name from
the existence, at different times, of a sugar cane mill,
the ruins of which are still preserved
Further down we find Agüimes. The village was the
site of the only ecclesiastical Lordship on the island,
and a visit to its historic town centre, where the socalled Bishop’s Palace is located, is well worth it. The
parish church holds numerous works of Luján Pérez, as
well as images by other anonymous authors. Between
Agüimes and Ingenio the Guayadeque ravine opens up,
providing a beautiful landscape, and it rises to about
1,500 meters of altitude before emptying out onto the
eastern coast of the island. Judging by its settlements
and inhabited caves, it is believed to have been an
important Aboriginal village. Quite a unique attraction
in Guayadeque would be a church etched out of the
rock, as well as bars and restaurants built into the terrain.
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On the coast of Agüimes is the Playa de Vargas, where
you can go windsurfing, and at El Cabrón beach, is
one of the most beautiful spots for scuba diving. If
you return to the motorway, you immediately come
to the municipality of Santa Lucía with two distinct
areas: inland ridge, and coastline. The inland area
features the steep slopes of the Caldera de las
Tirajanas with beautiful palm groves and farming
areas, where the villages of Santa Lucia and San
Bartolomé de Tirajana are located. On the coast is
a large, open air shopping area, the largest in the
Canary Islands, and the beach of Pozo Izquierdo,
famous worldwide as one of the venues for the
World Windsurfing Championships, held annually
during the month of July.
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From the south to the east
If we follow the inland route, from San Bartolomé de
Tirajana we could then make our way down to the
coast (tourist area) along the local road alternating
from mountains to deep ravines such as Tirajana
Ravine, and Arguineguín, the
ravines of Fataga, Los Vicentes, La
Pata or Chamoriscan that open out
in Maspalomas. On the other hand,
if we continue our route by road,
we reach the tourist area starting
with the Tarajalillo Beach, where
the Aeroclub is and at which point
San Augustin opens the doors to
the beaches of Las Burras, el
Inglés and Maspalomas, by now in
the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
There are 17 kilometres of coast, with numerous
dunes that make up the landscape surrounding the
so-called Maspalomas Oasis of palm trees around a
pond of brackish water known as La Charca. This
is all part of the Special Natural Reserve of the
dunes of Maspalomas, declared a protected natural
area, covering about 400 hectares. The set of dunes
are also a peculiar habitat for rare species of plants
- some endemic to Canary Islands - interesting
invertebrates, and numerous birds.
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During the winter the pond provides food and
shelter for different migratory birds coming over
from Europe, who spend their winter on the African
continent. The area’s focal point is the lighthouse of
Maspalomas, which rises up 65 metres near the Oasis.
We also find numerous leisure places, original and
linked with the territory and history of Gran Canaria
and its natural resources. These are predominantly
botanical gardens, zoological parks and water parks.
From here we get back on the road towards Mogán,
but before you reach the village we recommend
stopping off at Arguineguín to visit the Marina
district and, from there, along the road passing
through Puerto Rico, Tauro and Taurito. In any of
these eminently tourist resorts you can enjoy a swim
and cool off for the rest of the trip, although as we
have already pointed out, the distances between all
the points are very short.
Continuing along the winding road we arrive at Mogán.
Your first must-see is Puerto de Mogán where, as in
Puerto Rico, you can go on boat trips to see the west
coast of Gran Canaria. From the port we head inland
and, within a few kilometers, reach the town centre,
an area that was formerly a food distribution depot
on the island and where the manga fruit, avocado and
other tropical products in season are quite exquisite.
In the town centre we can choose between carrying
on with our planned route, (our trip all around the
island), or taking a diversion past the reservoirs and
reach the summit bang in the middle of Gran Canaria,
and from there go on to the capital.
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If we opt to stay on our initial route, we will continue
towards the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás.
The road moves away from the coast and although
we will see large ravines, the view of the cliffs is
even more striking from a distance. We may decide
to turn off the main road for a few minutes and delve
into hamlets such as Veneguera, Tazartico, Tazarte
or to the beach of Güigüi, a natural spot that can
only be accessed on foot or from the sea. But this is
an exclusive outing so today we must carry on until
we reach La Aldea.
Once in this far away town, which is one of the largest
areas of tomato cultivation for export, serving the
main European markets, we will have to take a break,
either down on the beach or in town. In either place
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we can eat anything we like, although we strongly
recommend the local fresh fish of the day.
Before restarting our journey we again suggest you
choose to either continue to the capital via the centre
of the island, along the main road taking us past two
of the most important reservoirs on the island until
we reach the geographic centre, Artenara, or stick to
our original plans.
From La Aldea we carry on up the northwest side
of Gran Canaria. A winding road and a number of
spectacular cliffs will accompany us for a little over
20 kilometers. Agaete will gradually come into view
several kilometers before we actually get there,
as the road begins to leave behind its spectacular
terrain. At Agaete, as in the previous municipalities,
we also choose between first visiting the port or
stopping off at the town centre.
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From the North
The Puerto de Las Nieves, in addition to its noticeable
change in atmospheric conditions, particularly by the
sea, reveals the cliffs and rocky areas that will keep
us company while up here in the north. To the right
the Punta de Gáldar, to the left the Andén Verde we
passed just a few minutes ago, and opposite, views
out over the north Atlantic.
The town centre of Agaete bears the
traces left by dozens of the island’s
artists, and houses the Huerto de
las Flores botanical gardens that we
must stop off at. Neither can we
leave here without driving just a few
kilometres towards El Valle, with
its subtropical climate, perfect for
crops such as coffee, guava, mangoes and avocado.
The Hotel Los Berrazales and the source of thermal
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waters, which are also used as table water, make these
places unique.
Once we have left Agaete, we shall take the GC-2
road to Gáldar on our way back towards the capital.
Here is where the residence of the Guanartemes,
or Kings of the island, used to be, with a number
of their settlements still evident. Must-see here is
the town centre and the site of the Cueva Pintada
museum, and sooner or later, we will have to leave
the main road to get onto the road to Sardina or the
archaeological area of El Agujero which is one of
the largest concentrations of houses and Aboriginal
mounds on the island. In the same settlement is a
necropolis area in which some of the most significant
burial mounds of the Canaries are preserved.
Right next door to Gáldar is Santa María de Guía. We
mustn’t forget to stop here and buy flower cheese
made with sheep’s milk, curd mixed with wild thistle
flower. And visit the Church, and marvel at some of
the most valuable religious images of the island’s
pictorial heritage. Although the day will now be
coming to an end, we recommend you take a short
route around the hills at these two municipalities.
We cannot leave Guía without stopping off at the preHispanic village of Cenobio of Valerón, and tourists
must now choose between following our inland route
or going along the coast. If the option is the latter, the
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road will take us across spectacular ravines and over
one of the highest bridges in the country to a flatter
area where you can enjoy another refreshing dip in the
sea, although this time on a more rugged coast. For
surf lovers this is a must.
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If on the other hand we want to reach the capital via
the inland route, we must head towards Moya. We
will drive around ravines for a few minutes where we
can see laurel forests. At Moya we can enjoy views
of banana plantations and, further on, views of the
coast with the capital in the far background. Firgas
will take us just a few more kilometers into some
typical old streets and some great beauty spots such
as the square and parroquial church of San Roque,
townhall and cultural centre. From there we move
on to Arucas where, on arrival, the stunning gothic
church welcomes us in. The rum factory, the Marquesa
gardens or mountain of Arucas are other places well
worth a visit before we wind up back at the capital,
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. If we then have to make
our way to the south, some 30 kilometers of straight
motorway will get us back to our hotel or apartment.
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The Capital (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of the island
of Gran Canaria. It is a cosmopolitan city and where
the first Spanish colonisers landed, making the most of
the inlet protected from the winds by natural defences
afforded by the three mountains of
La Isleta peninsula. Located at the
northwest of the island and on sea
level, its surface area is just over
one hundred square kilometers. The
city’s pulsating heartbeat makes it
the economic, political and social
centre of the whole archipielago and
the most populated area of all the
Canary Islands. This puts it in the top
eight provincial capitals of Spain, and, as part of its
charm, a city made to live and be lived.
The capital has two very differenciated areas: the
historic old town, and the port area with the Canteras
beach, not forgetting the upper part of town. In both
areas, visits should be made on foot, leaving the car
behind.
The origins of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
date back to 1478, when an army led by Spanish
commander Juan Rejón, landed on La Isleta. He
brought with him his troops, going around the coastline
down south, to a place located at the top of a hill
on the right hand side where the Guiniguada Ravine
opens out. At this spot, where today the Hermitage
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of San Antonio Abad stands, he set up camp, and
consequently the capital of the province, known as
Real de Las Palmas, was founded. The official name
was given to the city some years later following the
end of the conquest of Gran Canaria in 1515, from
which moment the city was named as it is today.
For nearly four hundred years, Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria was surrounded by a walled perimeter
encompassing the old Vegueta-Triana part of town.
In the middle of last century, the town started
growing out northwards, stretching as far as the port
joining other key areas such as the Santa Catalina
park and the Canteras beach, which themselves had
begun to spread.
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For a visit to Vegueta, we would recommend using
Plaza Santa Ana as a starting point, where to the
west the Town Hall buildings proudly stand, the
cathedral faces east, and with the Bishop’s Palace to
the right. The cathedral, with its Gothic interior and
neoclassical exterior, houses the Naranjos courtyard
and the Museum of Sacred Art. The Regental Palace,
residence of the President of the Area High Court, is
also present in the Plaza de Santa Ana. Within walking
distance, around the back of the Cathedral, we find
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the Casa de Colón, in memory of the discoverer
Christopher Columbus stopping off in the city on his
way to America. In addition to being an art gallery,
it houses a valuable archive and American historical
collections, and puts on a variety of cultural
activities, thus holding pride of place in the history
of the Atlantic Ocean. The building is broad and
has large courtyards, and boasts beautiful wooden
coffered ceilings and stone ornaments, showing off
many aspects of the island’s architecture. The Plaza
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del Pilar Nuevo, which the main façade of the Casa
de Colón faces out onto, leads to the street of Los
Balcones which runs straight down to the sea front.
Along this street there is a neoclassical building,
hiding the sumptuous Atlantic Centre of Modern Art
(CAAM), designed by architect Francisco Sainz of
Oiza, where internationally-recognized avant-garde
art exhibitions are regularly put on. Also close by to
Santa Ana, in Doctor Chil St., is the Church of the
former Augustinian convent, headquarters today for
the High Court; the Baroque temple of San Francisco
de Borja; the sobre old Seminary, gateway to the
18th century enlightment; and the Canarian Museum,
dedicated mainly to the pre-hispanic culture on the
island and which has the most complete collection of
cromanoid remains in the world. A few yards away
is the Plaza del Espíritu Santo, with a stone-carved
tabernacle in the middle, and surrounded by several
of the greatest stately mansions of Vegueta. The
church and Plaza de Santo Domingo, where a highly
popular local flower market is set up every Sunday,
rounds off your journey of awakening through the
ancient neighbourhood of Vegueta.
Shortly after the city was founded, the district of
Triana was born, on the other side of the Guiniguada
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ravine. Looking out over from Vegueta, the Plaza de
Hurtado de Mendoza, popularly known as ‘The Frogs’,
is right opposite, along with the Municipal Library.
Nearby is the former Hotel Monopol which now houses
the Gabinete Literario, and just a few meters beyond
that is the Casa Museo Pérez Galdós, the first theatre
on the island, named after the famous writer. This
building leads to the busy commercial streets, with
Triana being the most popular. Heading north along
Triana we reach San Telmo Park with the hermitage
of the same name, with its modernist kiosk and band
stand, where concerts are held.
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The District of Triana finishes up at Bravo Murillo St.
along which the now disappeared northern city wall
ran from the sea, parallel to the harbour. This wall
closed off the ancient and noble district of VeguetaTriana and reached the top of the hillside, where its
ruins can still be seen next to the Castillo de Mata. In
Bravo Murillo street is the Insular Palace, headquarters
of the island’s government Cabildo de Gran Canaria, a
rationalist style building designed by Miguel Fernández
Torre.
Just off Bravo Murillo is Tomás Morales street which
runs all the way to Doramas park, and along which
the main secondary schools, university and book shops
are located. Here too is the Plaza de la Constitution
or Obelisk, featuring a monolith commemorating the
introduction of the Spanish Constitution. Barely a few
yards towards the sea we find the Plaza de la Feria.
A bronze statue monument of Benito Pérez Galdós,
by sculptor Pablo Serrano, stands in the centre of
the square; and in the shade of leafy laurels from the
Indies, are the headquarters of the Delegation of the
Central Government in the Canary Islands, and the
naval military command. The main administrative
buildings in the autonomous community of the Canary
Islands are located right here on land reclaimed from
the sea in the 1950s. Further on, we find the Rafael
O´Shanahan Plaza that house the headquarters of the
Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands.
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Just as we come out of this square, we find ourselves in
Ciudad Jardin, a district set up by the British colonies
on the island at the end of the 19th century. The main
highlight here is the Doramas Park in whose grounds the
Hotel Santa Catalina and the Pueblo Canario lie, both
of these inspired by traditional Canarian architecture,
masterfully recreated by the multifaceted local artist
Miguel Martín Fernández de la Torre. The gardens offer
a fantastic array of insular flora, and in the courtyard
of the Bodegón del Pueblo Canario, flanked by craft
shops, there are various folk and dance performances
held every Sunday morning. Special mention must
also go to the Néstor Museum that brings together the
work of celebrated artist Néstor Martín Fernández de
la Torre, brother of Miguel, the creator of this unique
area.
Following on from the expansion of the city to the
Santa Catalina Park is the Avenida de Mesa y López,
a large laurel tree-lined avenue. A hub of activity
with department stores, specialist shops, banks,
professional and business premises, restaurants and
bar terraces. Avenida Mesa y López is closed off to the
sea by the walls of the Naval Base which is integrated
into the Port of La Luz.
Along the Ramblas Juan Rodríguez Doreste we reach
the Santa Catalina Park. Trade and catering lend this
emblematic park a cosmopolitan air, and is a hive of
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activity for locals and foreigners alike, with its Elder
and Miller buildings providing a timely reminder of its
historic links with the port. The Miller building today
is the site for the Museum of Science and Technology.
The Parque de Santa Catalina and surrounding area
emerged at the end of the 19th century, after the
Puerto de La Luz started its operations, which at
that time was a long way from the historical district
of Vegueta, where the city was born.
From here we make our way through the hustle and bustle
of the most cosmopolitan shopping area of the Canary
Islands, to the Playa de Las Canteras. This is one of the
34
ROUTES
most beautiful urban beaches in the country. The locals
consider it a gift from nature. It is made up of almost
four kilometers of golden sand and waters bounded by
La Barra, a reef that breaks the waves without isolating
them from the open sea. The promenade, which runs
along the beach, offers numerous bar terraces in which
to spend some quiet moments.
From any of these bars, overlooking the sea to the
right, is El Confital right at the foot of La Isleta,
where waves crash in making it ideal for surfing any
time of the year. To the far left you can just make
out the northern coast. And, right ahead, La Barra,
35
a long stretch of lava from La Isleta, which plunged
into the sea and hardened to create, as we have just
mentioned, the natural barrier that forms part of the
beach’s natural water pools.
If we walk towards El Confital, keeping the port to
our right, we reach the Castillo de la Luz. Built in the
16th century, it was one of the city’s main defences
for centuries, and was coveted by pirates and
privateers. From this castle, Drake, Morgan and many
others were shot at, but they could not withstand the
attack by Dutchman Pieter Van der Does, who took
over, pillaged and burned the city in 1599.
At the end of the port, and crowned by a series of
volcanic mountains, is La Isleta. This area was built
up to accommodate sailors and workers who were
linked to the port. At the top of this small peninsula
sits the neighbourhood of Las Coloradas, from where
you can take in views all along Las Canteras beach.
There are several specialist fish restaurants around
here, again with lovely views over the “city of light”.
Right at the northwest tip of Las Canteras stands the
Alfredo Kraus Auditorium building, designed by the
Catalan Architect Óscar Tusquets, that integrates a
Congress Centre. It is a fine example of modern and
avant-garde architectural art.
Either by taking ring road, or going up Bravo Murillo
St., we get to Ciudad Alta, at the top of town. In
the 17th century the city began to expand up the
36
ROUTES
slopes along the ridge overlooking the coastline.
The districts of San José and the steep “cliffs” of
San Juan, San Nicolás and San Roque sprang up here
above the District of Vegueta. In the mid-20th century
the so-called upper town started growing with the
construction of the Avenida Escaleritas which gave
rise to the development of neighborhoods situated
on each side; and the street of Pedro Infinito, right in
the middle of the popular shopping area of Schamann.
From there the city has continued to grow to Siete
Palmas, a young residential and commercial area, and
home to Las Palmas’ football stadium of Gran Canaria,
which every other weekend echoes to the chants of
“Pío-Pío”, as the fans cheer their team on.
37
Inland and the Summit
Going inland in Gran Canaria will make visitors
think they have moved to a different island, which
is precisely what makes it so charming. In just a
few miles the landscape is transformed from the
flat southern area or the rocky
north, as you cross the island over
gently rising mountain ranges,
which take you up several hundred
metres above sea level, with you
hardly noticing the climb. The
interior hides the historical charm
and development of the island,
especially in its population growth.
The journey will take you through
thick vegetation around the northern face and
more rocky terrain on the west side.
This route starts from the capital to the centre
point of the island, at Tejeda or Artenara to then
return back along a road parallel to the one we
have come up on. We remind you again at this point
that once you are at the summit, you can get back
down to sea level via a number of different routes.
38
ROUTES
In the capital we take the ring road towards Tafira,
past the University campus, and little further on,
the Jardín Canario botanical garden, the largest of
its kind in Spain. The centre offers a wide range of
canarian flora and the Macaronesia region. The Jardín
Canario is a botanical research centre and develops
reforestation programmes.
Just over 4 kilometers on, we reach Monte Lentiscal.
We take a quick turn off at this point, to go to the
Caldera de Bandama, a huge volcanic crater with
stunning views around the island. On the hillside of
Bandama is the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, over
100 years old and the oldest golf club in Spain.
The town of Santa Brígida is our next stop, having
got back onto the main road. Pleasant countryside,
beautiful palm groves, Canary architecture and
peaceful surroundings characterize this town.
The Casa del Vino de Gran Canaria is situated here.
This historic building is the perfect place to try out
all kinds of wine varieties on offer in Gran Canaria.
Under the official “Denominación de Origen Gran
Canaria” banner, a wide range of wines have been
classified: from young wines to red, white, fruity and
aromatic wines, all of them excellent quality.
39
In the nearby Caldera de Hoya Bravo, we come across
a fine example of dragon tree, namely Dracanea
Draco, a fully-fledged and solid tree. Onto the next
central municipality at La Vega de San Mateo, the
sense of the inland mountain region becomes even
more evident. This a farming and cattle community
which comes alive at the weekends as they hold their
weekly local market, one of the most important on
the island, and where the famous San Mateo cheese
is sold.
Before moving on in our journey we can visit
Valsequillo, natural border for the middle level
hills of Gran Canaria. Famous for its almond trees
and a real spectacle if you catch them in bloom,
the highlight of your visit here is the church of San
Miguel, as well as the district of Tenteniguada. Its
sharp cliffs and flat highlands with their flowers and
40
ROUTES
fruit trees can be made out from the Mirador del
Helechal viewpoint.
When we get back to San Mateo and still climbing,
the surrounding landscapes start changing, reflecting
the three main strata on the island, determined
by height and orientation. The mountains become
steeper, there are still the woods on the hillsides,
among them pine trees at Tejeda, as we reach the
Parador national hotel.
The Parador is a crossroads: a few kilometers
further up we get to the base of the Roque Nublo,
the emblematic symbol of Gran Canaria. It rises
majestically near to the Pico del Pozo de las Nieves
at the highest point of the island (1.949 meters).
From here we can see down the whole of the
southern and eastern slopes of the island. Close by is
41
the Degollada Becerra information centre from where
you get spectacular views of the Caldera de Tejeda,
the escarpments dividing it, and the numerous
geomorphological and anthropic elements that make
up this unique landscape.
Back at the Parador we can go on to Tejeda, famous
for its almond pastries. From there we can go along
to the southwest face of the island or make our way
to Artenara, our suggested route, and look around
the highest town centre in the whole island. Not to be
missed either is the Pinar de Tamadaba.
Heading back to the capital we again arrive at the
summit where most days we can make out the whole
of the northern face of Gran Canaria, and from there
take any of the roads to get down to the coast. We
suggest following the main road to Teror, where
Nuestra Señora del Pino Basílica is situated. But
before we get there, just stop at the highest point and
take in the magnificent views of centenary canarian
pine trees, in the area known as the Pinos de Gáldar.
These particularly beautiful examples grow along the
western face of a recent volcanic formation called
the “Caldera de los Pinos de Gáldar”, a volcanic
crater in the shape of an inverted cone.
Next stop on our route is Valleseco, which despite
its name (literally “dry valley”), registers the
highest yearly rainfall out of the whole island. In
this municipality there is the Laguna de Valleseco, a
seasonal lagoon which is visited by migratory birds,
42
ROUTES
such as the common egret, every winter. Around this
piece of water is a chestnut wood and a play area.
The town of Teror is the centre for the island’s
religious fervor of the Virgen del Pino, patron saint
of Gran Canaria. The basilica was built back in the
17th century, although it conserves a 15th century
Gothic style octagonal tower pertaining to the
period immediately following the conquest. Inside
is the revered image of the Virgen, a 15th century
sculpture belonging to the Escuela Sevillana school.
The patron festivals of the island are held on 8th
September, celebrating Nuestra Señora del Pino, in
which thousands of pilgrims arrive on foot from all
over the island bringing the best choice of products
from the land as offerings to the Virgin. This is a
massive pilgrimage.
From Teror we can again reach the capital by two
routes, either by the road that connects it directly or
by the other one which leads first to Arucas and from
there to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
43
ACCOMMODATION
44
ACCOMMODATION
Gran Canaria is a destination chosen by thousands
of holidaymakers each year. It is a fashionable place
for many foreign visitors because of its climate,
its proximity to anywhere in Europe, just over two
hours away by plane, the ideal place to relax in the
sun and enjoy what nature has to offer. Added to its
natural charms, Gran Canaria provides a top class
service for even the most demanding of visitors,
making them feel right at home, in a warmer
climate.
Experience and attention to detail is reflected in the
quality of this service.
The range of accommodation is as wide as the
visitors’ imagination. From large and modern beach
or city hotels, to family-oriented bungalows and
apartments, or for those who prefer a more quiet
getaway, there are discrete private villas. All this in a
45
modern tourist area catering for the most demanding
tastes. The island also has a wide range of houses
and rural hotels, along ravines and mountains in the
northern and central municipalities. In short, the
visitor makes his choice and can be sure of finding
the best option he is looking for.
46
ACCOMMODATION
47
BEACHES
48
BEACHES
If
the visitor comes in search of sun and beaches,
there is no better destination. Gran Canaria has
a naturally rich source of beaches, most of which
are golden and sandy, making them unique for their
beauty and the condition they are in. You also have
all facilities on hand for a peaceful and quiet day by
the sea, and can have full confidence in the quality
of its waters. The island has more than 60 kilometres
of beaches, from the impressive Maspalomas with
250 hectares of dunes by the sea, to the hidden away
coves of the Grancanarian west coast such as Güigüi;
or, the lively and cosmopolitan Las Canteras beach
in the capital. From one side of Gran Canaria to the
other, beaches can be enjoyed all year round due to
the great climate. The island also has some thirty or
so nudist beaches.
The main tourist area par excellence is where the
highest concentration of hotels and apartments can
49
be found, as well as all kinds of leisure facilities. It
is also the area where you can find the best beaches
from Tarajalillo to Mogán, enjoying a dry and sunny
climate throughout the year. The effect of the trade
winds is less around here as the mountains hold up
the clouds in the north, allowing the south of the
island to enjoy clear days practically every day of the
year.
In the north of the island the most outstanding beach
is the one in the capital, Las Canteras. More than four
kilometres of golden sands, protected by a natural
reef known as La Barra, where residents and visitors
intermingle freely.
A hive of maritime leisure activity has sprung up all
around the beaches from north to south. Its excellent
infrastructure will allow visitors to choose between
fishing, sailing, scuba diving or windsurfing. Rest
assured you can make all your dreams come true here
any day of the year.
50
BEACHES
51
WATER SPORTS
52
WATER SPORTS
Gran Canaria is huge marine destination that opens
its doors all year round. Untouched natural resources
combined with its highly developed and continually
updated infrastructures means satisfaction is
guaranteed. Sea enthusiasts will find it an absolute
paradise. The port and sports facilities are second to
none, and conditions out at sea make for ideal sailing
and are great for all other water sports. The marine
currents bring with them large hordes of fish along
its 236 kilometers of coastline, with a stunningly
gorgeous sea-bed that attracts not only tourists but
deep-sea diving professionals to Gran Canaria.
Whatever your preferences, Gran Canaria provides
top class water sports facilities for all.
Sailing
Sailing as a sport has become really widespread
among the inhabitants of Gran Canaria. Sailors born
here have excelled on the world stage and have been
part of great sailing teams, even representing the
Spanish Olympic team. In the capital especially, there
are a number of sailing clubs at which hundreds of
youngsters, from a very early age, have honed their
navigating skills around the bay.
This passion for sailing has led to the emergence of a
water sport discipline called Vela Latina Canaria, to
be found only on this island, consisting of boats with
one mast, with a maximum length of 6.65 meters, a
maximum width of 2.37, and a triangle-shaped sail of
over 40 sq meters.
The boats have crews of nine to eleven members,
and compete over the race waters along the splendid
coastline of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, from April
to October. Most of the vessels represent different
neighbourhoods of the city, providing healthy
competition between rival areas. The exact origins of
this sport are not known, although it is believed to be
directly related to races between fishing vessels and
others that worked around the ports at the Bahía de
La Luz. The official start date of this sport goes way
53
back to 1904, as part of the local festivities in the
district of San Cristóbal, in the capital city.
All together, the island has nearly ten sports
harbours, with ambitious plans to significantly
increase the number of berths in the next few years.
Also, each year, hundreds of boats come together on
the island from all over the world and set off across
the Atlantic to ports on the American coast. Many
of these concentrations constitute major sporting
spectacles, highlighted by the great camaraderie
among all the sailors.
PUERTO DEPORTIVO
DE LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
Tel: 928 234 960
Fax: 928 232 378
PUERTO DEPORTIVO DE MOGÁN
Tel: 928 565 668 / 928 565 151
Fax: 928 565 024
PUERTO DEPORTIVO DE PUERTO RICO
Tel: 928 561 141-3
Fax: 928 561 632
CLUB DE YATES PASITO BLANCO
Tel: 928 142 194
Fax: 928 142 546
54
WATER SPORTS
PUERTO DE ARGUINEGUÍN
Tel: 928 736 441
Fax: 928 152 074
PUERTO DE LAS NIEVES
Tel: 928 554 227
Fax: 928 554 227
GRAN CANARIA
ESTACIÓN NÁUTICA
Tel: 629 480 403
[email protected]
www.estacionesnauticas.info
Deep sea sports fishing
The wealth of the islands waters make for a long
sea-lovers’ tradition among the inhabitants of
Gran Canaria. Species such as Blue Marlin, needle
fish or pipe fish, the albacore, patudo, Atlantic
tuna, barracuda and white tuna, among others,
are captured each year along the coastline by both
professional and amateur fishermen. Gran Canaria
undoubtedly is a world class venue for excellent deep
sea fishing. Dozens of boats set off daily from the
base ports of the north east of the island and provide
tourists with superb waters with a wide variety of
species so they can enjoy a truly unique day out.
55
Surfing
The north is for surfing, while the south and east are
for windsurf enthusiasts. No less than 23 areas on the
island are apt for the practice of these sports and also
bodyboard. Most of these have all the facilities to give
these sports people all they need for a comfortable,
relaxing day on their boards and with their boards
and sails. From El Confital in Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria itself, with Las Monjas wave, to Gáldar and
its Bocabarranco wave, the whole of the northern
coast is great sea for surf and bodyboard lovers. The
coast here is rocky and with stronger breakers you
can get waves rising up to five meters in height.
Surf Schools
3RJ SURF ACADEMY
Tel: 928 491 142 / 685 471 477
[email protected]
www.surfk.com
BRISA SCHOOL
Tel: 650 308 307
[email protected]
www.brisaschool.com
EL HOMBRE
Telde
Tel: 928 706 010
[email protected]
www.playadelhombre.blogspot.com
56
WATER SPORTS
GRAN CANARIA SURF SCHOOL
Tel: 606 830 978
[email protected]
www.gcsurf.es
MOJO SURF SCHOOL
Tel: 626 815 061 / 828 014 420
[email protected]
www.mojosurf.es
OCEAN SIDE & QUIKSILVER SURF SCHOOL
Tel: 928 220 437
[email protected]
www.grancanariasurf.es
OLEAJE
Arucas
Tel: 686 161 344
[email protected]
http://cluboleaje.blogspot.com/
PR SURFING
Tel: 928 769 719/ 628 104 025
[email protected]
www.prsurfing.com/ www.prosurfingcompany.com
SURF CANARIES SURF SCHOOL
Playa del Inglés
Tel: 677 704 781 / 686 211 996
[email protected]
www.surf-canaries.com
UNIVERSITY SURF SCHOOL
Tel: 661 360 337 / 661 360 530
[email protected]
www.universitysurfschoolcanarias.com
Windsurf
As far as windsurfing is concerned, Gran Canaria is one
of the major stop-offs along the world championship
route. Together with Hawaii it is the world Meca for
this sport with two beaches ideal for windsurfers
nearly all year round. Pozo Izquierdo, besides being
the venue for one of the world championship stages,
is the home for many sportspeople who have excelled
in this sport both nationally and internationally. The
57
other one is Playa de Vargas which has also been
a venue for some of the stages of the PWA world
championship, as well as a training base for the top
athletes and a “natural classroom” for those starting
out.
Further south is the point at which Playa del Inglés
joins Maspalomas, or Arguineguín, where windsurf
enthusiasts can also have a go at their favourite sport
in perfect conditions.
Windsurf Schools
JOAQUÍN BLANCO TORRENT SAILING SCHOOL
Puerto Rico
Tel: (+34) 928 291 567 / [email protected]
www.fedvela.es
JUAN CARLOS I SAILING SCHOOL
Tel: (+34) 928 291 567 / Fax: (+34) 928 291 042
[email protected] / [email protected]
www.fedvela.es
VENTURA QUEVEDO SAILING SCHOOL
Tel: (+34) 928 234 566 / [email protected]
www.rcngc.com
LPWS WIND AND KITE
Pozo Izquierdo
Tel: 928 121 025 / 608 462 812 / [email protected]
www.lpwindsurf.com
REAL CLUB VICTORIA
Tel: 928 460 630 / [email protected]
www.realclubvictoria.com
58
WATER SPORTS
Diving
Around ten diving schools are to be found in Gran
Canaria for those are into the sport or others who
want to find out more. Spread around the whole
island, the number of schools ties in with the number
of places available to check out some of the most
attractive sea beds in the South Atlantic. The island’s
volcanic origins reveal its ecological and biological
wealth of sea life, that will captivate those who think
they have seen all there is to see at the bottom of
the sea. The variety of its beauty is unsurpassable.
Outstanding examples in the capital are Bajas de La
Isleta on the Playa de Las Canteras; in the southeast
the beach at El Cabrón; in the south La Baja de Pasito
Blanco, and to the north Sardina del Norte, and Caleta
Baja in Gáldar would be our main recommendations.
59
North:
BUCEO CANARIAS
Tel: 928 232 085 / 649 893 653
[email protected]
www.buceocanarias.com
BUCEO MIRAFONDOS
Tel: 928 490 867 / 699 308 576
[email protected]
www.mirafondos.com
BUCEO NORTE
Tel: 928 883 807 / 628 107 479
[email protected]
www.buceonorte.com
CENTRO DE BUCEO 7 MARES LAS CANTERAS
Tel: 928 460 035 / 609 469 391
[email protected]
www.7mares.es
LAVY SUB
Tel: 928 232 530 / 639 076 245
[email protected]
www.lavysub.com
South Area:
ATLANTIK DIVING
Tel: 928 565 438 / 689 352 049
[email protected]
www.clubdemar.com
BLUE EXPLORERS DIVE CENTER
Tel: 928 565 795 / 699 125 604
[email protected]
www.blue-explorers.com
60
WATER SPORTS
BUCEO SUR
Tel: 928 564 870 / 696 477 861
[email protected]
www.buceosur.es
CALIPSO DIVE CENTER
Tel: 928 769 464 / 630 024 671 / 649 222 625
[email protected]
www.divingcalypso.net
CENTRO DE BUCEO DELPHINUS
Tel:928 566 169 / 664 009 156
[email protected]
www.delphinus.eu
DAVY JONES DIVING
Tel: 900 460 147 / 699 721 584
[email protected]
www.davyjonesdiving.com
DIVING CENTER SUN-SUB
Tel: 928 778 165 / 696 083 582
[email protected]
www.sunsub.com
EXTRADIVERS GRAN CANARIA
Tel: 928 566 077 / 687 132 688
[email protected]
TOP DIVING PUERTO RICO
Tel: 928 560 609 / 606 026 171
[email protected]
www.topdiving.net
Regulated diving centre list supplied by the Agricultural,
Farming and Fishing Council of the Government of the
Canary Islands, dated Septiember 2011
61
DAYTIME LEISURE
ACTIVITIES
62
Being bored is not an option in Gran Canaria. The
island is a huge theme park for the enjoyment of the
entire family. Recreational opportunities are countless,
both indoors and outdoors, and the island offers a
multitude of choices, all in natural surroundings.
These leisure spots are closely linked to the territory,
from the botanical gardens such at the Jardín Canario
or Los Palmitos Park zoo; aquatic parks, especially in
the south of the island, or with a scientific background
such as the Museum and Archaeological Park of the
Cueva Pintada in Gáldar, a stronghold of Aboriginal
paintings; plus the Museo Canario or the Science
Museum. In addition there are large open spaces
that bring together the island’s wildlife such as the
estate of Osorio in Teror, the Tamadaba pine forest
and the areas around Tirma at the island’s summit, not
forgetting La Charca de Maspalomas which tourists can
enjoy next to the beach of Maspalomas.
VIERA Y CLAVIJO BOTANICAL GARDEN
Created by the extraordinary Eric Sventenius, the
much-loved “Jardin Canario” shows off the great
wealth of wildlife in the Macaronesia region,
highlighted by the 500 or so endemic species
from the Canary Islands. Covering an area of 27
hectares, it is considered the largest botanical
garden in Spain.
Carretera del Centro Km7- Tafira Alta
Tel: 928 219 580 / Fax: 928 219 581
[email protected]
www.jardincanario.org
Open from 10 to 19hrs, every day
PALMITOS PARK
Botanical and ornithological garden where you
can see 51 different types of palm trees,1,500
exotic birds, and with birds of prey shows. It has
a superb collection of cacti, orchids, butterflies
and hummingbirds, 160 species of tropical fish,
crocodiles and parrot shows.
Carretera Palmitos Park - Maspalomas.
Tel: 928 797 070
www.palmitospark.es
Open from 10 to 18hrs, every day
63
HOLIDAY WORLD
Holiday World amusement park is at the heart of
this leisure centre and the largest to be found in
the Canary Islands
Avda. Touroperador Tui s/n
Tel: 928 730 498
[email protected]
www.holidayworld-maspalomas.com
Winter Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday and public
holidays, 17:00 to 23:00 hrs; Fridays, Saturdays and days
before public holidays 17:00 a 24:00 hrs
Summer Opening hours: 18:00 to 24:00 hrs.
PARQUE DE COCODRILOS
Zoological park with over 300 crocodiles, tropical
fish, tarantulas and a treasure island.
Los Corralillos km 5,5. Agüimes.
Tel: 928 784 725
Opening hours: de 10:00 a 17:00 horas
(last visit at 16:00hrs) Saturdays closed.
MUNDO ABORIGEN
Canary cultural park, with aboriginal village:
history, customs and life style of the ancient
inhabitants of Gran Canaria.
Carretera de Playa del Inglés a Fataga. Km 6.
Tel: 928 172 295
Opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 18:00 hrs.
CACTUALDEA PARQUE
Botanical gardens with wide variety of cacti, palm
trees and other tropical plants.
Ctra. de Mogán a San Nicolás de Tolentino, s/n.
Ctra. del Hoyo-Tocodoman.
Tel: 928 891 228 / Fax: 928 890 688
Opening hours: Winter from 10:00 to 17:00 / Summer from
10:00 to 18:00
SIOUX CITY
American wild west town. Horse, buffalo and cow show.
Cañón del Aguila. San Agustín.
Tel: 928 762 573 / Fax: 928 767 201
Opening hours: 10:00 t 17:00 hrs. Performances at 12:00,
12:45, 13:15, 14:00 and 15:00 hrs
Open every day except Mondays. Fridays: Barbacue + Show
(evenings), from 18:00 to 22:00 hrs.
MINI TREN
Route along the Playa del Inglés, on a cute
miniature train.
Avenida de Italia s/n.- Playa del Inglés.
Timetable: from 11:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 hrs.
Winter from 11:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00hrs
64
SUBMARINO AMARILLO
Travel deep down to the bottom of the sea and
discover its secrets.
Puerto de Mogán. Mogán.
Tel: 928 565 108 / Fax: 928 565 048
Trips: 10:00-11:00-12:00-13:0014:00-15:30-16:20-17:10 hrs
CAMELLO SAFARI - DUNAS
Fun-filled camel rides around
Maspalomas Dunes.
the
famous
Maspalomas
Tel: 928 760 781 / 609 520 233
Opening hours: from 9:00 to 16:00 hrs.
DONKEY - SAFARI LAS TIRAJANAS
Los Moricos, s/n (subida a Taidía) - Santa Lucía
Tel: 928 180 587 / Móvil: 658 938 332
[email protected]
www.burrosafari.com
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00 hrs.
KARTING - GRAN KARTING CLUB
The biggest track in the world. Toddlers, childrens
and adults circuits.
Carretera General del Sur, km 46. Tarajalillo.
Tel: 928 157 190 / Fax: 928 293 671
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 21:00 horas in winter and
from 11:00 to 22:00 hrs in summer.
AQUALAND MASPALOMAS
Water park with numerous slides, also minigolf.
Ctra. Palmitos Park, km 3. Maspalomas.
Tel: 928 140 525 / Fax: 928 140 277
Opening hours: Winter from 10:00 to 17:00 / Summer from
10:00 to 18:00
65
NIGHT TIME LEISURE
ACTIVITIES
66
If being bored is not an option by day, fun is
guaranteed in Gran Canaria by night. The springlike climate which prevails day and night and
the open friendly character of the Grancanarians
offer tourists a wide-ranging and varied nightlife
every night of the year.
If you want to kick the evening off with dinner, in
Gran Canaria your choice is endless and there is
no time restriction. Although the official time for
the residents is between nine and eleven, nobody
is tied down to this timetable, and visitors can
enjoy an exquisite dinner at almost any time,
once ‘the sun is down’. Also the visitor can choose
a variety of foods from all over the world as if it
were in the country of origin. If you go for the
local gastronomy, your choice goes from the bars
if you choose tapas, to the restaurants for typical
local food, either homemade or Canary hautecuisine. The choice is up to the tourist as, from
the capital to the summit and from the north to
the resorts, the island has a wide list of places
with a menu to cater for all preferences.
67
After dinner, options to carry on into the night are
almost as varied as there are tastes. Bar terraces
in the historic centre of the capital or by the sea;
bars with an inner courtyard where you can take
in some live music or simply feel the coolness of
the night in the villages of the interior; ballrooms,
nightclubs, pubs, are spread all over the island,
although the capital and the south have the
greatest variety, with the added advantage of
longer opening hours. If your choice is the casino,
there is one in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and two
68
others in San Agustín and Maspalomas; for show
venues, although most are in the South and the
capital, there are others in some municipalities
with performances for tourists and residents
throughout the year.
But if it is local festivals you want to try out,
each month at least one of the 21 municipalities
on Gran Canaria hold fiestas and street parties
showcasing local traditions, and these are a mustsee for visitors to the island.
69
GASTRONOMY
70
GASTRONOMY
Goat meat, pork, veal and not forgetting chicken and
rabbit are the meats used in Gran Canaria cuisine.
For fish, grouper, sea bass and old red “vieja”, as well
as tuna, are the ones to look out for, as fresh fish
will not be lacking on any good table at many coastal
restaurants.
Gran Canaria’s local popular gastronomy and the
most avant-garde cuisine go side by side, always with
a common local product base and always offering
great variety.
Visitors have an extensive menu to choose from
when it comes to food. Goat compound in “tollos”
sauce (de-salted shark meat ‘Dogfish’ flavoured with
a sauce made with garlic, cumin, saffron, paprika,
oil and vinegar); “carajacas” (veal liver with sauce,
thyme and garlic among other ingredients); “ropa
vieja” (chickpeas compound with beef and chicken,
cooked with French fries and a sauce made with
onions, tomatoes, white wine, saffron, laurel, thyme,
parsley and black pepper grain). Roast leg of pork is
a tasty choice at any time of the day. But the King
of dishes on Canary Island tables is the “sancocho
canario”: salty sea bass, potatoes, sweet potatoes,
and “pella gofio” (corn paste) all seasoned with mojo
sauce, are a delicacy.
71
Most common starters are fish soup, chickpea and
“rancho” stews as well as the fish stock sauce in all
its varieties, and so typical in the island’s cooking.
But in Gran Canaria visitors cannot go without
trying out one of its most typical traditions: the
“enyesque”, a wide range of appetizer snacks made
with such foods as olives dipped in oil and vinegar,
“papas arrugadas” boiled potatoes with their skins
on with mojo Picón sauce (that accompany almost
any dish) or the variety of grancanary cheeses that
have given the island the label of “a small France”
for their diversity and exquisite production. The
ones to try are tender cheese, cured, semi-cured
cheeses from the summit and cheese “de flor”
(matured with thistle).
72
GASTRONOMY
73
CULTURAL LIFE
74
CULTURAL LIFE
Classical music, opera and zarzuela, theatre and
dance, jazz, music from Africa and America, theatre,
cinema or video: all these can be enjoyed almost
every month of the year in Gran Canaria, through
international festivals or events held on the island.
The year starts in Gran Canaria with the Canary
Music Festival that takes place between January
and February. In successive editions, leading global
figures in classical music have assembled here on the
island, in which the Festival each year commissions
a world premiere, as well as hosting works by new
composers. Other highlights include the Opera
and Zarzuela Festival, and for cinema lovers, the
International Film Festival of Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria, with its special ‘Lady Harimaguada’ award,
has become a regular fixture on the event calendar
between March and April. The Canary International
“Jazz and More” Festival hails the arrival of summer
and has performers playing in main squares and
theatres all over the island’s municipalities. The
Autumn Theatre Festival, and Womad, which brings
together stars of ethnic music in a great popular
music fiesta, bring the yearly calendar to an end, a
year which has brought together dozens of cultural
events in nearly all municipalities, along with artists
of all genres in theatres in the capital and other
main cities on the island.
75
MUSEUMS
76
MUSEUMS
Much of Gran Canaria’s historical and cultural wealth
is centred around the many museums scattered
throughout the island. Most of them are, at the same
time, permanent research centres which make them key
centres in the subjects they specialize in. In different
parts of the island we can go from its Aboriginal past
right up to the present day; there are also buildings that
are set up as museum houses in memory of illustrious
sons of the island, or others housing the living history
of its folk traditions and customs, which are also very
common. Gran Canaria’s museums should not be missed
for the sheer quality of content on show, and to enjoy
the experience of the layout of the buildings themselves
in which they are located. The value of these centres
as historic-artistic buildings lies in the fact that they
are fine examples of the varied and rich architecture
in the Canary Islands over the last few centuries and
where different people who in their day settled in Gran
Canaria left their mark.
Gran Canaria houses everything from museums of
contemporary art, such as the Centro Atlántico de Arte
Moderno, along with the Canary Museum which exhibits
the largest collection of the island’s Aboriginal past, to
the Diocesan Museum of sacred art, and the Casa de
Colón, which brings together an important collection of
documents and objects linked to the passing through of
the Canaries by famous navigator Christopher Columbus,
and Canary’s relationship with America. To these
museums, all within a one kilometer radius, we must add
the Elder Museum of science and technology, in the Park
of Santa Catalina, as well as other illustrious museum
houses such as Benito Pérez Galdós, Tomás Morales,
Néstor Martín Fernández de la Torre, Fernando and Juan
de León y Castillo or Antonio Padrón, among others.
77
MUSEO CANARIO
Etnographic museum about the island’s
pre-hispanic aboriginal culture. Kept on show
here is the most complete collection of cromanoid
remains in the world.
C/ Dr. Vernau, 2 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 336 800 / Fax: 928 336 801
[email protected]
www.elmuseocanario.com
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 20:00
hrs; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to
14:00 hrs.
CENTRO ATLÁNTICO DE ARTE MODERNO - CAAM
National and international exhibitions all year
round.
C/ Los Balcones, 9-11- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 311 800 / Fax: 928 321 629
[email protected]
www.caam.net
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00
to 21:00 hrs; Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00 hrs. Closed
Mondays and bank holidays.
SAN MARTIN CENTRO DE CULTURA
CONTEMPORANEA
C/ Ramón y Cajal, 1 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 322 535
www.sanmartincontemporaneo.com
Opening hours: from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to
21:00 hrs; Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00 hrs. Closed
Mondays and bank holidays.
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MUSEUMS
MUSEO DIOCESANO DE ARTE SACRO
Valuable collections of paintings, works in gold,
and sculptures. Also home to the important
musical archive of the Cathedral of Canaries.
C/ Espíritu Santo, 20 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 314 989 / Fax: 928 314 989
[email protected]
www.diocesisdecanarias.es
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:30;
Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30 hrs.
CASA DE COLÓN
Specializing in the history of the discovery of
America, recreating the environment of the time.
An offshoot of the building is dedicated to the
Provincial Museum of Fine Arts.
C/ Colón, 1 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 312 373 / Fax: 928 331 156
[email protected]
www.casadecolon.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00;
Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:00, Sundays and public
holidays from 10:00 to 15:00 hrs.
CASA MUSEO DE PÉREZ GALDÓS
The house where Benito Pérez Galdós was born
in 1843. Houses a library of Spanish narrative
works from the 19th and 20th centuries, and
a documentary archive made up of Galdos’
manuscripts, his most important legacy.
C/ Cano, 2 y 6 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 366976 / 928 373 745 / Fax: 928 373 734
[email protected]
www.casamuseoperezgaldos.com
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. Closed Mondays.
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MUSEO DE NÉSTOR
Museum dedicated to the multifaceted local artist
Néstor Martín Fernández de la Torre (1887-1938),
with an exhibition of his paintings.
Parque Doramas; Pueblo Canario - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 245 135 - 928 246 265 / Fax: 928 243 576
[email protected]
www.museonestor.com
Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00
hrs; Sundays from 10:30 to 14:30 hrs.
CASA MUSEO LEÓN Y CASTILLO
Museum dedicated to brothers Fernando and
Juan de León y Castillo, politician and engineer
respectively. The refuge of the Puerto de La Luz
was down to these two. The Museum here consists
of a library and archives.
C/ León y Castillo, 43-45 -Telde.
Tel: 928 691 377 / Fax: 928 696 653
[email protected]
www.fernandoleonycastillo.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 20:00 hrs.
Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs and Sundays and public
holidays from 10:00 to 13:00 hrs
CASA MUSEO TOMÁS MORALES
Also known as the Home of Canary Island Poetry.
The poet’s personal belongings are kept here. The
Museum organizes recitals of his poetry.
Plaza de Tomás Morales, S/N - Moya.
Tel: 928 620 217 / Fax: 928 611 217
[email protected]
www.tomasmorales.com
Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs and Sundays from 10:00
to 14:00 hrs.
MUSEO MUNICIPAL DE ARUCAS
With library, municipal archives, several
itinerant exhibition rooms, and two permanent
rooms dedicated to painters Santiago Santana
y Guillermo Sureda, and another to sculptor
Abraham Cárdenes.
Parque de Gourié - Arucas.
Tel: 928 628 165
[email protected]
www.www.arucas.org
Public holidays: from 10:00 to 16:00
80
MUSEUMS
MUSEO DEL RON
Rum museum situated in the Ron Arehucas distilleries.
Era de San Pedro, 2 - Arucas.
Tel: 928 624 900 / Fax: 928 603 913
[email protected]
www.arehucas.es
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00 hrs
(July, August, September 09:00 to 13:00). For groups of
more than 10 people, a prior appointment has to be made
for your visit.
MUSEO DE PIEDRAS Y ARTESANÍA CANARIA
Museum of lacework and embroidery from Gran
Canaria and Lanzarote. Also has an exhibition of
stones of Africa, hence the reference to “piedra”
(stone) in its name.
Camino Real de Gando, 1 - Ingenio.
Tel: 928 781 124
Opening hours: Monday to Saturdays from 09:30 to 18:15 hrs.
MUSEO CASA ANTONIO PADRÓN
On show here are more than 150 items including
oil paintings, sculptures, drawings and sketches
by the artist.
Drago, 2 - Gáldar.
www.antoniopadron.com
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MUSEO ELDER DE LA CIENCIA Y LA TECNOLOGÍA
Made up of over twenty spaces dedicated to the
reconstruction and reproduction of great scientific
advancements of humanity. An interactive centre
whose byword is “Please do touch”.
Parque Santa Catalina s/n
35007- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: 828 011 828
[email protected]
www.museoelder.org
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00 hrs
(Summer from 11:00 to 21:00).
CUEVA MUSEO ETNOGRÁFICO DE BARRANCO
HONDO DE ABAJO.
An exhibition of pottery, linen, paintings, crockery,
furniture and sacred art.
Juncalillo de Gáldar.
Tel: 928 555 120
By prior appointment only.
MUSEO DE LA RAMA
C. Párroco Alonso Luján, 5 (Agaete)
Tel: 928 554 382
www.aytoagaete.es
82
MUSEUMS
MUSEO DE HISTORIA DE AGÜIMES
Here at the History Museum in Agüimes visitors can
learn about the last five centuries of the history of
the region, from the establishment of the episcopal
order following the Castilian conquest of the island,
through to the mid-20th century.
C/. Juan Alvarado y Saz, 42. Agüimes.
Tel: 928 785 453
[email protected]
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.
MUSEOS VIVOS
Three different routes along twelve areas located in
the town centre, recreating traditional rural trades
of the town. You are shown round by the elderly
volunteer inhabitants of the municipality itself.
Visits by prior arrangement.
Tel: 928 892 485 / Móvil: 629 487 907
MUSEO DE LA ZAFRA
C. Isla de la Graciosa, 33
Vecindario- Santa Lucía
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 a 17:00;
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to
14:00 hrs.
MUSEO DE ESCULTURAS ABRAHAM CÁRDENES
Space dedicated to part of the works by one of
Tejeda’s most illustrious artists, as well as a leading
Canarian sculptor of the 20th century.
C/. Leocadio Cabrera s/n, Tejeda
Tel: 928 666 189 / Fax: 928 666 252
[email protected]
www.tejeda.es
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a 15:30 hrs
CENTRO DE PLANTAS MEDICINALES
Medicinal Plant Centre
C/. Párroco Rodríguez Vega nº 10
Tel: 928 666 096 / Fax: 928 666 252 (Ayuntamiento)
[email protected]
www.plantasmedicinalescanarias.com
MUSEO DE LAS TRADICIONES
C/. Párroco Rodríguez Vega nº 6
Tel: 928 666 189 / Fax: 928 666 252
[email protected]
www.tejeda.es
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 15:30 hrs
83
ARCHAEOLOGY
84
ARCHAEOLOGY
The richest Aboriginal cultural and artistic collection
in the whole archipielago is here in Gran Canaria. The
most noteworthy of these are the settlements with
rock paintings in caves such as the Painted Cave in
Gáldar, an artificial cave dug out of the side of the
volcano tuff rock and whose walls are decorated
with friezes made up of geometric motifs, in square,
triangular and circular shapes in red, ochre and
white. These are similar to those regularly found in
the island’s pottery and motifs displayed on their
crafts. No less spectacular is the settlement that was
discovered around the cave after more than twenty
years of archaeological excavations. Visitors here can
contemplate the remains of houses, the interiors of
which are preserved with their contents that bear
testament to the activities of the time.
After a thorough restoration programme and
conservation of these cave paintings, this
archaeological site is now top of the list for those
wishing to come and delve into the cultural
and artistic heritage of Gran Canaria. Its actual
discovery dates back to 1873, and its extraordinary
historic value is now so great, that since 1970, the
island’s institutions have supported and funded the
conservation of their cave paintings.
Another group of sites tourists must not miss on
their travels around Gran Canaria are the granaries
of the pre-Hispanic settlers. Not all have faired the
same over the years, with Risco Pintado (Temisas)
being, along with the Alamo (Acusa Seca) or on the
South side of the Roque Bentayga (Tejeda), the
finest examples of these fortified deposits, as is the
Coenobium of Valerón, located in the municipality of
Santa María de Guía, in the North of the island. The
latter is a spectacular hole, protected by a natural
wide covering flap. Inside, the ancient Canarians dug
out 300 chambers or “silos”, which served as grain
deposits, along with living areas.
Following our route along the archaeological sites
in the southeast of the island we come across a
troglodytic site called Cuatro Puertas, some 300
meters above sea level. It is a settlement complex
dug out of the tuff rock. Its actual function was
85
far from clear, as it could have been the place of
residence of a figure of certain nobility, or a place for
common usage, perhaps either social or religious, but
certainly not just an average house.
Nearby, in addition to the cave, lies a curious
“almogarén” (generally high up, comfortable and
well conditioned, and a place for religious cult
celebrations).
As we follow our aboriginal settlements routes we
should not miss the Barranco de Guayadeque, a
natural ravine landscape which had a large Aboriginal
population in its day, judging by its settlement
and caves remains, or the Fortaleza de Ansite, a
fine example of a fortified village. Its eastern side
presents a number of refurbished natural caves, and
others carved out artificially into cave homes, funeral
parlours, and “silo” grain stores. The layout is on
different levels, joined up with each other by steps
and paths, just like the original tunnel that crosses
the rock and connects the village on both its sides.
It might have been the last Aboriginal stronghold to
resist the Castilian troops prior to their conquest.
The pre-Hispanic population of Gran Canaria settled
mainly in large villages of semi-urban structure. Gáldar
(the Painted Cave) Telde (Cuatro Puertas) or Arguineguín
were the most densely populated. The caves were the
most common form of housing, a tradition that lives
on today in certain areas of the interior of the island,
although important dwellings have been discovered dug
into the ground itself, with a rounded exterior topped
off with large dry-stone blocks and wooden roof.
86
ARCHAEOLOGY
The economy of the Aboriginal population was
agriculture-based rather than fishing.
From barley, a key food of the area, came gofio.
“Silos”, as we have mentioned before, were cave
deposits in which agricultural production was stored,
and give them a longstanding characteristic identity
that lives on today on the island.
Its social structure was markedly hierarchical. On the
one hand were the nobles with hereditary positions,
with decisive power in the administration, economy,
and were owners of lands and cattle; while on the
other, the villagers to whom the nobles granted land
and cattle, in exchange for spices and services. The
community’s absolute leader was the Guanarteme,
while the Faycán was the second figure in importance
and responsible for the positions and religious rituals;
87
the Harimaguada was the female figure of nobility
who was nurtured from childhood to share the
same tasks as the Faycán. The Supreme God of the
Grancanary Aboriginals was Acorán, to whom they
offered sacrifices and offerings.
MUSEO Y PARQUE ARQUEOLÓGICO
CUEVA PINTADA DE GÁLDAR
C/ Audiencia nº 2, Gáldar
Tel: 928 895 746 / Fax: 928 552 402
www.cuevapintada.com
Visits can be made by individuals or in groups by guided
tours, for which an appointment must be made, by
calling: Tel 928 895 746 o 902 405 504 or online through
ww.generaltickets.com/lacajadecanarias
Opening hours
From 16th Septembre to 14th June
Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. Sunday and
public holidays from 11.00 to 18:00 hrs
From 15th June to 15th September
Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:30 to 19:30
Sundays and public holidays: from 11:00 to 19:00
Closed on Mondays and some public holidays
88
ARCHAEOLOGY
CENOBIO DE VALERÓN
Cuesta de Silva s/n
Santa María de Guía - Gran Canaria
Tel: 928 895 537 / 618 607 896 / Fax: 928 895 451
www.cenobiodevaleron.com
Winter timetable:
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.
Summer timetable:
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs.
YACIMIENTO DE CUATRO PUERTAS
Montaña Bermeja, 3 Kms. outside Telde
Open area. For guided tours please call for appointment
on tel. 928 219 229
MUSEO DE GUAYADEQUE
(Archaeological Information Centre)
Barranco de Guayadeque s/n
Tel: 928 172 026
Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 hrs; Sundays and
public holidays from 10:00 to 15:00 hrs.
SALINAS DE TENEFE
Exterior: information boards, individual visits.
Interior: group visits by prior appointment: 928 759 706
89
CRAFTS
90
CRAFTS
Craft activity in Gran Canaria goes back to preHispanic times. The craft tradition of Aboriginal
people has lasted to the present day as well as many
of the materials they used. Clay was, and continues
to be, one of the raw materials. Today in nearly every
village there is one or more artisans who work with
this material, although the outstanding places today
are the Locero Centre and the Casa-Alfar Panchito Eco
Museum, in La Atalaya de Santa Brigida, or the Fedac
shops.
The Aboriginals also used household utensils and
icons such as the idol of Tara, small red clay figure,
a representation of women which, along with its neck
and distinct face, stand out for its exaggerated limbs.
These small mud and stone figures found on the island
have various purposes: from the celebration of fertility
rites, to the cult of the dead. The Canarian motif is
one of the characteristic elements of Aboriginal craft
and they adorned craftwork with geometric patterns.
Others materials to have survived have been baskets,
metal knives, wood, yarn, and stonework with a very
rich grain which has been used in roads, bridges,
banks, mills, pools, fountains and a host of other
applications.
FEDAC foundation craft shops
Fundación para la Etnografía y el Desarrollo
de la Artesanía Canaria
TIENDA DE ARTESANÍA TRADICIONAL
(Traditional Craft Shop)
Domingo J. Navarro, 7. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: 928 369 661
LA SALA
Domingo J. Navarro, 7 bis. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: 928 369 639
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS SHOP
Centro Insular de Turismo
Avda. de España esquina Avda. de los Estados Unidos
Playa del Inglés.
Tel: 928 767 848
91
SHOPPING AND LOCAL
MARKETS
92
SHOPPING AND LOCAL MARKETS
The low rate of tax on many of the products that
can be purchased in the Canaries, and the presence
on the Islands, especially in Gran Canaria, of all
main national and international brands, together
with an extensive network of centres where to buy
typical products, make the island an ideal place
to go shopping. The shopping areas are located in
major urban centres such as the capital and the
tourist south, as well as the cities of Telde or Santa
Lucia. Shopping centres and department stores are
interspersed with large streets and avenues, where
you can buy literally everything. Half a dozen
shopping malls and two large open areas are spread
over the area of the island’s capital. On one side of
the city, on the stately and historic street of Triana,
and on the other, the modern and bustling Avenida
de Mesa y López that gives way to the port area,
bordering onto Las Canteras beach.
A tip for you: don’t plan that special shopping day
without making to effort to pop into the dozens of
local craft shops all over the island. Neither should
you miss some of the open air markets that are set
up every day in one municipality or another. The
variety of products here is on a par with the variety
of people from all over the world who come to sell
and buy. Flea markets and craft markets on Sundays
in the capital, and the market at Teror, are places
that should always be penciled into your diary.
93
Local Markets
LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
FLEA MARKET
Every Sunday from 09:00 to 14:00 hrs, at Ramblas
Alcalde Juan Rodríguez Doreste.
MERCADO DE ARTESANÍA Y CULTURA
(Craft and Culture Market)
Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, every Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 hrs.
AGÜIMES
Thursdays from 08:00 to 13:00 hrs.
ARUCAS
GÁLDAR
Thursdays frome 08:00 to 14:00 hrs.
SAN BARTOLOMÉ DE TIRAJANA
SAN FERNANDO
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00 hrs.
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
Monday to Saturday from 19:30 to 23:30 hrs at Avenida
de Italia.
SANTA LUCÍA
VECINDARIO at Avenida de Canarias every Wednesday
from 08:00 to 14:00 hrs.
SANTA LUCÍA
Sundays from 08:00 to 14:00 hrs.
SANTA BRÍGIDA
Fridays from 15:00 to 20:00 hrs. Saturdays from 07:00
to 20:00 hrs and Sundays from 07:00 to 14:00 hrs.
SANTA MARÍA DE GUÍA
Tuesdays and Sundays from 08:00 to 14:00 hrs.
SAN MATEO
Saturdays from 08:00 to 20:00 hrs and Sundays from
08:00 to 15:00 hrs.
94
SHOPPING AND LOCAL MARKETS
MOGÁN
PUERTO DE MOGÁN
Mondays and Fridays from 09:00 to 14:00 hrs.
ARGUINEGUÍN
Tuesdays from 08:00 to 14:00 hrs.
MOYA
TELDE
PLAZA SAN GREGORIO
Saturdays from 07:00 to 15:00 hrs
JINÁMAR
TEROR
VALSEQUILLO
PLEASE NOTE: The Gran Canary Tourist Board cannot be held responsible for any changes to this programme.
95
96
Gran Canary kicks off every year with Carnival. With
Christmas celebrations still ringing in their ears,
the Grancanarians turn their attention to the most
popular of fiestas. The Carnival usually starts in the
capital around mid-February, and people don’t take
off their fancy dress masks until April. From then
on, helped by glorious weather, nearly every month
there is some kind of important festival going on
somewhere on the island. Most of these revive the
history and legacy of centuries gone by, while others
are purely religious events, but all of them are
marked with the indelible flavour of the Canaries.
JANUARY
Wise Kings Procession
DATE: 5th January.
MUNICIPALITIES: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,
San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Playa del Inglés), Gáldar.
FEBRUARY
Almond Trees in Bloom Festival
MUNICIPALITIES: Valsequillo, Tejeda
Carnivals
MUNICIPALITIES: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Agüimes,
San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Maspalomas).
MAY
Cheese Festival
DATE: between the last week of April and the beginning
of May
MUNICIPALITY: Guía.
Fiestas del Corpus Christi (Elaboración de Alfombras)
MUNICIPALITY: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas
Fiestas in San Fernando
MUNICIPALITY: San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Canary Day
DATE: 30th May.
MUNICIPALITY: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
JUNE
Festival of San Vicente Ferrer
DATE: 12th June.
MUNICIPALITY: Valleseco
Festival of San Antonio de Padua
DATE: 13th June.
MUNICIPALITIES: Santa Brígida, Mogán.
97
Festival of San Juan
DATE: 24th de June.
MUNICIPALITIES: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Telde.
JULY
Festival of “El Agricultor” Local Market
DATE: first Sunday of July.
MUNICIPALITY: San Mateo.
Fiestas del Carmen
MUNICIPALITIES: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,
Arguineguín, Mogán.
Santiago Apóstol Festival
DATE: 25th July.
MUNICIPALITY: Gáldar.
Santiago de Tunte Festival
DATE: 25th July.
MUNICIPALITY: San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
AUGUST
La Rama Festival
DATE: 4th August.
MUNICIPALITY: Agaete.
La Virgen de la Cuevita Festival
DATE: first Sunday in August.
MUNICIPALITY: Artenara.
San Roque Festival
DATES: 15th and 16th August.
MUNICIPALITY: Firgas.
SEPTEMBER
Nuestra Señora del Pino Festival
DATE: 8th September.
MUNICIPALITY: Teror,
Fiestas in San Mateo
DATE: 21st September.
MUNICIPALITY: San Mateo.
Las Marías Festival
DATE: third Sunday in September.
MUNICIPALITY: Guía
Fiestas in La Aldea de San Nicolás
DATEs: 9th,10th and 11th September (day of the Charco).
MUNICIPALITY: La Aldea de San Nicolás.
OCTOBER
San Francisco Festival
DATE: 4th October.
MUNICIPALITY:Telde.
Apple Harvest Festival
DATE :first Sunday in October.
MUNICIPALITY: Valleseco.
98
Virgen del Rosario Festival
DATES: 3rd to 8th October.
MUNICIPALITIES: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Agüimes
Nuestra Señora de La Luz Festival
DATE: second Saturday in October.
MUNICIPALITY: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
NOVEMBER
San Gregorio Festival
DATE: 17th November.
MUNICIPALITY: Telde.
Santa Cecilia Festival
MUNICIPALITY: Firgas.
DECEMBER
Santa Lucía Festival and
Los Labradores Pilgrimage
DATE: 13th December.
MUNICIPALITY: Santa Lucía.
Inmaculada Concepción Festival
(Caña Dulce Fiestas)
DATE: 8th December.
MUNICIPALITY: Telde (Jinámar).
PLEASE NOTE: The Gran Canaria Tourist Board cannot be held responsible
for any changes to the dates of these festivals and fiestas.
99
RURAL TOURISM
100
RURAL TOURISM
Almost half of Gran Canaria’s territory is protected,
which corresponds to some 1,000 sq meters of land
per 1,000 inhabitants. So, apart from the beaches,
Gran Canaria has natural resources that make it an
ideal place to enjoy nature at close quarters, and
all that entails: taking walks around areas of great
beauty, taking part in adventure sports, or discovering
endemic species you cannot find anywhere else.
This wealth of natural beauty in large areas has earned
the island the label of Biosphere Reserve. This Reserve
centres around 6 main regions, with over 18,000
inhabitants earning their living through traditional
activities related to these areas.
Because of its relief and altitude, Gran Canaria has
multiple micro climates, which in turn have given rise
to varied habitats.
Maintaining and conserving this geographical natural
wealth is guaranteed thanks to its declaration as a
Biosphere Reserve.
For this reason, rural or nature tourism is highly
developed on the island, based on a sound respect
for the environment, and the wide range of choices
on offer to the visitor looking for rural houses, nature
activities, in a variety of different terrains all over the
island.
GRAN CANARIA NATURAL ASSOCIATION
Gran Canaria Natural
Tel: 928 334 175 / Fax: 928369300
[email protected]
www.grancanariafincas.com
101
ACTIVE TOURISM
Imagine an island where you can explore superb plunging
natural ravines, where the mild climate allows you to
do adventure sports 365 days of the year, affording new
experiences in wonderful natural surroundings.
These great climatic conditions and unique terrain lend
the island a special charm, to mix an escape from it all
with fun sports activities in the great open air.
Go hiking, mountain racing, climbing, on mountain
bike or cycling tours along paths and tracks that
take you up to the highest points of the island; enjoy
charming natural strongholds and picturesque villages,
surrounded by indigenous flora; hike around our royal
trails, and reach the rocky symbol of the island, the
Roque Nublo; climb up winding ravines, ride down the
mountain slopes on bikes while taking in the wonderful
landscapes around the island, cycle all the way up
to the Pico de las Nieves, considered by professional
cyclists as the toughest peak to conquer throughout
the European continent, with gradients of up to 23%....
without forgetting that a large number of professional
102
ACTIVE TOURISM
and amateur cyclists choose just this environment all
year round to do their training. It is a real pleasure for
all five senses.
Active tourism enthusiasts have it all laid on so they can
enjoy their adventure holidays here, any month of the
year, because Gran Canaria literally keeps you active.
Hiking and Cycletourism Companies
HAPPY BIKING
Hiking, cycling, mountain biking
Avda. de Italia 2. Hotel Continental. 35100 Playa del Inglés
Tel: (+34) 928 766 832
www.happy-biking.com
FREE MOTION
Hiking, cycling
Hotel Sandy Beach. Local 9, Playa del Inglés
Tel: (+34) 928 777 479
www.free-motion.net
NORTETREK
Hiking trips, mountain bike routes, cultural excursions to old
towns and archaeological settlements, special programmes
for companies, associations and groups
c/ Dutidana, 32 Tel: 636 578 586
www.nortetrekgrancanaria.com
ELEKTRIK BIKE TOURS
Routes on electric bikes
c/ Teobaldo Power.C.C Sonnenland , Loc.114
Tel: 666 124 776
www.ecobikers.info
CYCLE GRAN CANARIA
Mountain bike routes, cycling tourism, training camps.
Edificio Princesa Arminda Portal 2,3º -D-I San Fernando
de Maspalomas
Tel: (+34) 928 769 5085
www.cyclegrancanaria.com
LIMONIUM
Hiking trails, orienteering, archery, multiadventure , climbing,
ravine descent, paragliding.
c/ José y María,69. Lomo los Frailes. Tamaraceite.
35018 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: (+34) 928 436 995
www.limoniumcanarias.com
Government of the Canary Islands, January 2012.
103
OTHER SPORTS
104
OTHER SPORTS
Gran Canaria offers a wide range of sports activities,
not just to take part in but also to watch. As well as
the afore mentioned local sports such as Vela Latina,
Canary wrestling is one of the most popular homegrown sports, but also stick fighting, rock jumping,
stone lifting and plow lifting are played on the island.
Some of these sports can be seen nearly all year
round, as there are competitions between teams
from different parts of the island, while others can
be viewed in exhibitions, or in the popular festivals
around the local municipalities.
As far as sports competitions go, the island annually
hosts various motor racing qualifiers for the European
and Spanish Championships. Each Christmas,
Maspalomas plays host to four teams from leading
European leagues in an international winter football
tournament; Gran Canaria is the starting point for
international boat races; headquarters for one of
the windsurfing World Championship qualifiers, and,
very often the chosen destination for national and
international sports events such as golf, tennis, horse
riding or cycling and biking, as well as having teams
in various leagues such as football, basketball, grass
hockey or volleyball, both male and female, and
compete in major European leagues. In addition the
island annually hosts hundreds of athletes who get
in some pre-season training, afforded by the mild
climate and the island’s natural terrain, before the
start of a new season.
105
Golf
Back in 1891 Gran Canaria was already the site
for Spain’s first golf club, the Real Club de Golf
de Las Palmas, located on natural land on the
capital’s outskirts. Since then the island has been
the perfect place for golf tourism as it is just a
short flight away from any point in Europe, with
a climate allowing golfers to play all year round.
Today there are 7 magnificent courses dotted
around the island. Designed by eminent golf
course specialists and all within 50 kilometers of
one another, Gran Canaria has become a leading
hotspot for golf enthusiasts looking to play at
different courses, all within easy reach, in just a
few days. The courses are located at points which
allow for immediate play, with fantastic beach,
sea and mountain views all around them.
106
OTHER SPORTS
Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas
GRAN CANARIA GOLF ASSOCIATION
C. Domingo J. Navarro, 1
35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: 928 362 939 / Fax: 928 369 300
[email protected]
www.grancanariagolf.com
REAL CLUB DE GOLF DE LAS PALMAS
This course has the privilege of being the oldest
golf club in Spain. Its location is at Bandama,
on the edge of the crater of a former volcano,
testimony of the area’s volcanic past. It has
stunning views of spectacular ravines all around.
Carretera de Bandama s/n, 35300 Santa Brígida
Tel: 928 350 104 / Fax: 928 350 110
MASPALOMAS GOLF
Situated right on the most important tourist
complex of the island and surrounded by the
natural Maspalomas Dunes area. Its proximity to
the sea and its gentle trade wind breezes make
this course an unforgettable experience.
Avda. TTOO Neckermann S/N - Maspalomas
Tel: 928 762 581 / Fax: 928 768 245
107
Maspalomas Golf
SALOBRE GOLF & RESORT
Nestling in the local landscape at the south of the
island, surrounded by ravines, Salobre provides a
striking contrast of the green of the golf course set
against the desert land all around. The course itself
caters for players of all levels, and the only one
with 36 holes.
Autopista GC-1, Km 53
Urbanización El Salobre. Maspalomas
Tel: 928 010 103 / Fax: 928 010 104
EL CORTIJO CLUB DE CAMPO
Just 6 kilometers outside Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria, this course is a mix of over 600 hundred
year old palm trees and six lakes. It is an 18 hole
par 72, with golf school, driving range, chipping
and putting green and practice bunker.
Autopista GC-1 Km 6,4 - Telde
Tel: 928 711 111 / Fax: 928 714 905
ANFI TAURO GOLF
Superb 18 hole, par 72 golf course, designed by
prestigious trio of architects von Hagge, Smelek
and Baril, on a surface area of 650,000 m2, with
incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean and Valle
de Tauro.
Valle Tauro s/n.- Mogán
Tel: 928 560 462 / Fax: 928 063 755
108
OTHER SPORTS
Meloneras Golf
MELONERAS GOLF
Situated on the Bahía de Meloneras, at the south of
Gran Canaria, this golf course is split into two sets
of 9 holes, one with magnificent views over the
mountains, the other 9 holes looking out over the
sea, 3 of which are right on the coastline itself.
Autopista GC 500, s/n. Meloneras
35100, Maspalomas.
Tel: 928 145 309 / Fax: 928 146 066
LAS PALMERAS GOLF SPORT URBAN RESORT
Fantastic 18 hole par 3 course in Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria with holes of up to 150 meters in length.
Facilities include a 1000 m2 putting green, plus a
short-game practice area with bunker and greens.
Avda. Alfonso Chiscano Díaz, s/n
35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Tel: 928 222 333 / 928 225 522 / Fax: 928 222 522
109
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
TOURISM
The first tourists who came to Gran Canaria around
the end of the 19th century did so attracted by the
island’s benevolent climate and its mineral waters.
Health tourism is one of the oldest worldwide. People
came from all over Europe, attracted by propaganda
and on medical advice, with ailments ranging from
lung desease, stomach complaints and nerves. The
island’s prestige as a health destination has been
kept up over the years and has been developed
as yet another alternative for visitors. There is a
wide choice of options either for the treatment
and consultation of different conditions, or if you
simply wish to pamper your body and relax. The
island has spas with mineral-rich waters and when
mixed with sea water, are ideal for rehabilitation,
chronic rheumatism, fatigue and stress. Treatments
with algae, sea mud, hydrotherapy, baths with salts,
aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, massages, Turkish
bath etc., are the order of the day. In addition to the
large number of specialist centres in Gran Canaria,
visitors have also got the entire island to feel as if
110
HEALTH AND WELLBEING TOURISM
they are in paradise, a place to recover from stress
and tiredness and try to put aside their daily hustle
and bustle. Activities on offer range from walks along
extensive beaches of golden sand and crystal clear
waters, to losing yourself in laurel forests or in among
the mountain ranges of the interior.
HEALTH TOURISM
Gran Canaria Spa, Wellness & Health Association
Tel: 928 367 508 / Fax: 928 369 300
[email protected]
www.grancanariawellness.com
111
BUSINESS TOURISM
Few places can match Gran Canaria for the
celebration of business meetings, here in the
best climate in Europe, just a few hours away
by plane from the office or workplace. Three
modern, architecturally unique congress centres,
a multitude of rooms with all up to date facilities
112
BUSINESS TOURISM
throughout the network of hotels distributed around
the capital and tourist areas, all of the highest
quality. Communications with the interior of the
island, the high level of development services and
telecommunications, and everything else one might
need, make Gran Canaria an excellent choice for
holding congresses, conferences, seminars, symposia,
product launches, incentives and conventions.
Gran Canaria also offers its many beaches, and
contrast of landscapes, for business meetings to be
complemented by a lighter, social programme that
will allow participants to enjoy the charm of the
sea, the tranquility of the beach, the mystique of
the mountains, the peace and quiet of the villages,
to the buzzing commercial activity of the large city,
with their colourful special events, contrasting with
the seriousness of the more sophisticated cultural
activities, the taste of the local restaurants, etc.
All this has led to the island earning a certain
prestige in this sector through the number of events
held annually, which translates into considerable
organizational experience, as well as the emergence
and development of numerous companies and highly
qualified professionals to provide services to all kinds
of meetings, fairs and incentive trips.
GRAN CANARIA CONVENTION BUREAU
Tel: 928 261 570 / Fax: 928 446 651
[email protected]
www.grancanariacb.com
113
PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE CANARIAS
Auditorio Alfredo Kraus
Convention Palace
Building designed by architect Oscar Tusquets, in
which the Atlantic Ocean is in full view behind
the stage, the perfect transparent backdrop for
concerts or any other events.
Playa de Las Canteras, S/N.
Tel: 928 491 770 / Fax: 928 491 853
[email protected]
www.pcongresos-canarias.com
www.auditorio-alfredokraus.com
114
BUSINESS TOURISM
PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE GRAN CANARIA
INFECAR Congress Palace
Located in the Institución Ferial de Canarias
(Infecar), an area covering some 70.000 m2 which
hold fairs and exhibitions, right in the heart of the
city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Avenida de la Feria, 1. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: 828 010 203 / Fax: 928 411 710
[email protected]
www.infecar.es
CENTRO DE CONVENCIONES EXPOMELONERAS
Set in the heart of the new tourist resort of
Meloneras, at the south of the island, this is a
multifunctional building with a surface area of
14.000 m2 with 24 conference rooms available.
Plaza de las Convenciones s/n. Urbanización
Las Meloneras, Maspalomas. Gran Canaria
Tel: 928 128 000 / Fax: 928 128 009
[email protected]
www.expomeloneras.com
115
INVESTING IN
GRAN CANARIA
116
INVESTING IN GRAN CANARIA
The Canary Islands are integrated into the European
Union, and as such, enjoy one of the more favourable
economic and fiscal regimes in Europe. The economic
regime and Fiscal (REF) of the Islands, specific and
differential to Spain and EU, is buoyed by the policy
of free trade, a strong consumer market, together
with a lower indirect taxation franchise, established
in the Canary Islands back in the 19th century. All
this aims to generate investment and modernise
the productive and commercial infrastructure. At
the same time, the intention is to compensate the
Island due to its remoteness and insularity, which
makes the archipelago in general and Gran Canaria
in particular, a very attractive area for investment,
with an average company tax band rate of just 6%. If
we add to all this the attractiveness of Gran Canaria
for the tourist and infrastructures available, as
well as the high quality of life that its inhabitants
enjoy, they make the island an ideal and privileged
place for the development of investments and for
companies who wish to settle in this territory.
Investment support measures
Canary special investment: off-shore zone with tax
rates between 1 and 5%.
Investment reserve in the Canary Islands: up to 90%
company tax relief for the reinvestment of those
funds in business activities.
Reduced indirect taxation: 5%. Non-application of VAT.
Tariff exemptions, food product import aids, various
exemptions linked to investments, state incentives
for investment projects, etc.
Infrastructures
Gran Canaria is located in the South Atlantic, a
strategic site between Europe, Africa and America,
making it a bridge between continents and key stopoff point for trade relations between countries.
117
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has first class port
facilities which place it among the leaders of the
world in the transport of containers and fishing, as
well as having a free zone in its interior. The area
has a modern airport, among the busiest in Europe,
facilitating the development of contacts abroad
and, of course, the arrival of tourists.
Wide range of technological facilities covering most
business needs from renewable energy and the
environment, to biotechnology, computer science,
telecommunications, and medical technology.
The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has
a special role to play in this area, as it provides
courses for technical qualifications, thus ensuring
the availability of local skilled labour.
118
INVESTING IN GRAN CANARIA
SOCIETY FOR ECONOMICAL PROMOTION
C/ Avenida de la Feria, 1-Apto correos 49
35080.- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: 928 424 600 / Fax: 928 427 098
[email protected]
www.spegc.org
119
USEFUL CONTACTS
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
GRAN CANARIA AIRPORT
Tourist Information Office
Gran Canaria Airport
Address: EU Arrivals – Door A.
Aeropuerto de Gran Canaria s/n
Tel: 928 574 117
[email protected]
www.grancanaria.com
Gran Canaria Tourist Board
Address: C/. Triana, 93
Tel: 928 219 600
[email protected]
www.grancanaria.com
Centre of Tourism Iniciatives + info
Address: Pueblo Canario - Plaza de
Las Palmeras, local 3
Tel: 928 243 593
[email protected]
www.citgrancanaria.es
NETWORK OF TOURIST INFORMATION POINTS
Avda. Jose Mesa y López s/n (between the two
El Corte Inglés buildings)
Plaza de Hurtado Mendoza-Plaza de las Ranas s/n
Parque de Santa Catalina (next to Local
Police Station)
Parque de San Telmo s/n
(opposite the San Telmo Hermitage)
Paseo de la Playa de Las Canteras s/n
(opposite the Hotel Meliá Las Palmas)
Tel: 928 446 824
www.LPAvisit.com
120
USEFUL CONTACTS
SOUTH AREA
Island Tourist Information Office
Address: Avda. España - esquina con Avda.
EE.UU. (Centro Comercial Yumbo)
Tel: 928 771 550
[email protected]
www.grancanaria.com
Mirador del Golf Tourism Office
Address: Avda Touroperador Tui
(campo internacional)
Tel: 928 769 585
[email protected]
www.turismomaspalomas.com
Anexo II Tourism Office
Address: Paseo Marítimo Centro Comercial Anexo II Local 20
Tel: 928 768 409
[email protected]
121
El Portón Tourist Information Office
Address: Centro Comercial El Portón , local 11
Tel: 928 769 262
[email protected]
Las Dunas Tourist Information Office
Address: Avda. de Tirajana ,1
(at Riu Palace Maspalomas Hotel)
Tel: 928 765 242
Agüimes Tourist Information Office
Address: Plaza de San Antón s/n
Tel: 928 124 183
[email protected]
www.aguimes.es
Ingenio Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. Ramón y Cajal, 1
Tel: 928 783 799
[email protected]
www.villadeingenio.org
Mogán Tourist Information Office
Address: Avda. de Mogán s/n. Puerto Rico.
Tel: 928 158 804
[email protected]
www.mogan.es
Santa Lucía Tourist Information Office
Address: Avda. de Canarias-Plaza de la Era s/n
Tel: 928 125 260
[email protected]
www.santaluciagc.com
Telde Tourist Information Office
Address: Casa Condal - C/Conde de la Vega Grande, 9
Tel: 828 013 331
[email protected]
www.teldeturismo.es
122
USEFUL CONTACTS
CENTRAL AND NORTH AREA
Agaete Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. Nuestra Señora de las Nieves 1
Tel: 928 554 382
[email protected]
www.aytoagaete.es
La Aldea de San Nicolás
Address: C/. Doctor Fleming 57
Tel: 928 890 378
[email protected]
www.laaldeadesannicolas.es
Artenara Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. Camino de la cilla, 13
Tel: 928 666 102
[email protected]
www.artenara.es
Arucas Tourist Information Office
Address: León y Castillo,10
Tel: 928 623 136
[email protected]
www.arucasturismo.com
Firgas Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. El Molino 12
Tel: 928 616 747
[email protected]
www.firgas.es
Gáldar Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. Plaza de Santiago 1
Tel: 928 895 855
[email protected]
www.galdar.es
Santa Brígida Tourist Informatin Office
Address: C/. Nueva ,13-1ªplanta
Tel: 928 648 181 ext 370
[email protected]
www.santabrigida.es
123
Santa María de Guía
Address: C/. San José,9
Tel: 928 553 043
[email protected]
www.santamariadeguia.es
Moya Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. Juan Delgado,6
(Parque Pico Lomito)
TeL: 928 612 348
[email protected]
www.villademoya.com
Tejeda Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. Leocadio Cabrera s/n
Tel: 928 666 189
[email protected]
www.tejeda.es
Teror Tourist Information Office
Address: C/ Casa Huerta 1
Tel: 928 613 808
[email protected]
www.teror.es
Valleseco Tourist Information Office
Address: C/. León y Castillo 27
Tel: 928 618 740
[email protected]
www.vallesecograncanaria.com Valsequillo Tourist Information Office
Address: C/ León y Castillo 1
Tel: 928 705 011 Ext.0411
[email protected]
www.valsequillograncanaria.com Vega de San Mateo Tourist Information Office
Address: C/.Doctor Ramírez Cabrera 9
Tel: 928 661 350 ext 123
[email protected]
www.vegasanmateo.es
124
USEFUL CONTACTS
EMERGENCIES
Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service
112
TRANSPORT
Taxi
Radio Taxi Euro Taxi
928 461 818
928 462 222
TELDE
Radio Taxi San Juan 928 683 713
928 694 908
SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHWEST GRAN CANARIA
Socomtaxi 928 772 828
Cooperativa Taxi Maspalomas
928 142 634
Taragranca 928 460 000
928 462 222
Servitaxi
928 931 931
Bus Services
Global bus company
902 381 110
928 252 630
San Telmo Bus Station Information
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 21:00 hrs /
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 9:30 to 15:30 hrs.
Planes
Airport information 928 579 088
928 579 089
Boats and Ferries
Transmediterránea Naviera Armas
Fred Olsen
902 454 645
902 456 500
900 100 107
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
Centro Meteorológico Territorial
en Canarias Oriental
C/ Hitoriador Fernando de Armas, 12 (Tafira Baja)
35017 - Las Palmas
Secretary 928 430 600
Fax 928 430 601
www.inm.es
125
126
127
Triana, 93
35002 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: (+34) 928 219 600
Fax: (+34) 928 219 601
www.grancanaria.com
For further information visit the Tourist site at
128

Leisure Guide - Cabildo de Gran Canaria

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