Gran Canaria Travel Guide | RESTART! | July - September 2013 by Restart!

E R F

E G

S LI

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013

Gran

Canaria Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

AUDIOGUIDES

themed sections

maps

places to visit

CALENDAR

tips & information

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Restart Publications PHO TO: G ran Canaria

Management & Marketing Kian Nasheri Content & Edition Restart Design Alba Arias Navas Layout Pol Campmany Salvador Photography Ana Armillas Translation Sonia Shahani Shahani Special contributions Photography: Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria | Photographer: Lorena Morín Velasco Daniel Vinuesa [fotosdegrancanaria.com] Second Edition July - September 2013 Legal Deposit GC 1135-2013

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Contents contents@restartgrancanaria.com Design & photography design@restartgrancanaria.com General information & others info@restartgrancanaria.com Restart Gran Canaria

@restartgranca

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DISCLAIMER

All the information and contents of this guide has been corroborated previously to its publication. However, the publisher is not responsible for the possible damages caused to the user due to inaccuracies or possible errors of printing or content.

R Cover photograph Puerto de Mogán [Marco2811 - Fotolia.com] download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 3

Welcome RESTART!,

WELCOME TO GRAN CANARIA Whenever we visit a new destination, our footprints design our very own guide as we take on to the journey. Gran Canaria is such an island where each visitor can write thousands of guides based on the places he has been to or what he has been looking for. This publication we are offering you today, recollects various recommended footprints of the ones who have traced them through beaches, mountain peaks, villages, entertainment areas, sports and culture offers or that “let go attitude” that gifts us the encounter with the unforgettable and unexpected.

the new practical travel guide in your hands to help you discover Gran Canaria. We have worked hard to collect in our pages the best experiences you could live in this island. But, this is not all, from Restart! we have put ourselves in your place in order to offer you all the information you may need and use during your stay here. We have used an original, entertaining and very practical manner to handover you everything you need in a take along everywhere format. All set to enjoy? 3, 2, 1… RESTART!

At times one loses his way to find himself, and in every adventure, as taught to us by Ulysses during his venture, what matters is the journey, what you discover where others are just passing by. This island is full of other small islands where you can lose yourself, places not resembling to each other, landscapes where you enjoy the silence after having experienced a few miles of walking or spaces where one could get carried away with the most festive echoes. To add on to this, is the advantage of being surrounded by friendly inhabitants and the safety any traveler demands for before penetrating into unknown corners. Wherever this guide wants you to visit or wherever it suggests you to transit, you will come across a thousand ways to be happy and reasons to come back. This is an island of returns, having travelers who have been landing for various lustrums every year to the place where they know they will find the calmness one dreams of having every single day of his life. If you are a first timer, surely you will become one of them. Just go with the flow with what comes your way. José Miguel Bravo de Laguna Bermúdez President of the Gran Canaria Island Cabildo

WE ARE ESPECIALLY THANKFUL TO OUR ADVERTISERS They are responsible for you to have in your hands the best free travel guide to discover the island.

4 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

HOW DO I USE

Contents

MY RESTART GUIDE?

You will come across this symbol very frequently in your Restart! guide. The purpose of it is to redirect you to other pages of Restart! containing more information on what you are reading in this moment. When you see this symbol, we are drawing your attention on tips, data, interesting facts needing to be mentioned separately in your Restart! guide. This icon makes reference to a Naturally Protected Area. It is said of places having great ecological value and protected by Law. Contribute to its preservation respecting signage and indications bringing out the green attitude followed in Gran Canaria [U page 20]. This icon makes reference to a Heritage of Cultural Interest. These are places having great historic, archeological or artistic value, and are protected by Law. Contribute to its preservation respecting signage and indications.

MORE ICONS

IN YOUR RESTART! GUIDE

timings

shop

Welcome [4] Map [6] Worth a notice [7] Gran Canaria at a glance [8] Calendar [11]

Beaches [13] Nature [18] Get active! [24]

History [28] Aborigine Gran Canaria [30] Islander’s nature [33]

Entertainment [34] Shopping [36] Gran Canaria at night [39] Golf [41] Health and Wellness [43]

7 restaurant | coffe shop

closed

parking area

address

price

access for people having reduced mobility

Gastronomy [45] Culture [48] Traditions and Handicraft [54]

Getting to Know Gran Canaria [58] Las Palmas de Gran Canaria [66] Interior Teror, San Mateo, 8 web site TejedaValsequillo,Santa Lucía and S. Bartolomé [Tunte] [77] South San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán [84]

telephone

see map on mentioned page

NortH Arucas, Gáldar and Agaete - Puerto de las Nieves [92] East Telde and Agüimes [98] download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 5

Discover

THIS MINIATURE CONTINENT!

MAP

This is the best way to describe Gran Canaria, a dreamlike place where whatever you imagine takes life, and such different experiences lived in a mere 50 kms diameter. In other circumstances you would have to go across a continent in order to feel these different emotions. We welcome you to Gran Canaria, the contrasts paradise. Fishing tradition and cliffs falling to the sea in the very picturesque

Puerto de las Nieves

Get to know about the Aborigine past of the island in

Las Canteras

is one of the best urban beaches in the world

Cueva Pintada

Go to Roque Nublo

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

GC-2

Arucas

the symbol of the island, at an altitude of about 2.000 meters

Tejeda Telde

SHO PINGP

Shop

GC-1

Rural tradition, historic architecture and religious fervor in

Teror

while you visit the historic area of Triana in the Capital City

Maspalomas Puerto Rico

Playa del InglĂŠs

Pozo Izquierdo, Maspalomas Dunes in Maspalomas

Puerto de MogĂĄn

is famous for being the little Venetian in the Canaries

6 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

is the temple windsurf lovers

In your Restart guide, you will find different maps of the island having indications on remarkable places, services and main roads or highways. Go to your nearest Tourist Information office and get detailed and larger sized maps to complement your Restart! guide. Restart Gran Canaria

Gran

biosp

DUNES

ere re h

ve er s

MASPALOMAS

a land and of the is re honored % 6 4 a , a 05 ce Since 20 f its marine spa cognition rt o al re great pa the internation rth having t ea with . on plane of place ue biodiversity uniq

NESCO

Canaria ABORIGINE TRADITION Travel in time to know

better about the lifestyle of the very first settlers in the island and discover the legends and heroes who stood through the conquest through resistance.

NATURE LIKE NEVER SEEN BEFORE Explore

such unexpected landscapes like a sand desert attached to the sea, reddish volcanic territories remotely located, outstanding cliffs or deep and dry canyons reminding you of the American Wild West.

PARADISE TO THE WATER SPORTS LOVERS Gran Canaria offers you the best European spots for the practice of sports like windsurf, surf, body board, kite surf and scuba diving. Make the most of your favorite sports under best temperatures throughout the year!

VERY TASTY GASTRONOMY

Try our most traditional dishes, made of fresh products from our lands or seas, like our very famous papas con mojo.

BEACH SPECIALISTS Gran Canaria offers you beaches of all colors so that you enjoy the island’s coast in thousand ways. FRIENDLY AND OPEN NATURE

We the Canarians are famous for being genuinely hospitable and social people, therefore, we are glad to have you in our land and we would love to get to know you better and help you out during your stay here.

CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF ANOTHER ERA

OPEN AIR URBAN STYLE

In the Capital City and the tourist areas of the South, the island copes up its speed with the rhythm of other Cosmopolitan cities. Shopping centers having best brands, coffee houses, restaurants, cinemas, pubs and night clubs, and to top it all, it is all in the open.

POPULAR CULTURE The carnivals, festivals, traditional romerias and saint festivities of each town of the island showcase the best of the islands’ culture lived in the streets. Gran Canaria complete your expectations with its very varied cultural offers in its numerous museums, theaters and auditoriums. RELAX AND WELLNESS Check out the benefi-

cial effects of the marine medium to our health with the treatments offered by the Thalassotherapy centers. The Thalassotherapy is one of our specialties but not the only one!

ENTERTAINMENT GUARANTEES

You don’t have time to get bored in Gran Canaria thanks to its unlimited entertainment offer: water parks, zoological centers, theme parks, go karting, water activities, golf, risky sports, attractions, nature based activities and other endless number of options.

THE MOSt OUTSTANDING

SUN

D GOUORES D N T A PERA TEM

The Grancanarian traditional architecture is fascinating and in most of the towns is perfectly preserved so that you can enjoy it fully. It is absolutely colonial, highly influenced by the dominant styles in Spain during the XVI to the XIX centuries.

ays 365 d year

in the

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WORTH A NOTICE

GC AT A GLANCE

Gran Canaria AT A GLANCE!

Some quick

facts

Population 850.391

[with tourists in the island it reaches up to a Million of inhabitants] Capital city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria [population 383.343] area 1.560 km2 HIGHEST POINT OF THE ISLAND

Pico de las Nieves [1.949 meters]

distance Tenerife: 60 kms. | Fuerte-

We are

MACARONESIANS! You will soon find out that our landscapes are unusual and our vegetation is unique, but we are just a part of a wide region popularly known as Macaronesia [Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde], having similar natural, geological and climatic elements.

ventura: 100kms. | África: 200 kms. | Madrid: 1800 kms.

More than 3 million tourists visit the island every year The island is divided in 21 towns (municipalities). The Capitals of each municipality are not necessarily the areas having the highest population in the municipality. San Agustín, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas belong to the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and its capital is San Bartolomé [Tunte]. Puerto Rico belongs to the municipality of Mogán and the capital is Mogán village.

The climate we all want The Canary Islands are known to be the fortunate islands, mainly due to one of the best climates in the world! Varied microclimates thanks to trade winds and the unusual edginess of the island In Gran Canaria, you can experience all 4 seasons in the same day! Isn’t it incredible? The South and South East of the island is throughout the year the hotter and sunnier part of the island | In the Northern and North East part of the island is where the climate is cooler, having most of the days covered with the known climatic condition of *panza de burro | At thousand meters of altitude, on the northern side, the clouds bring humidity in the ambience and thus temperatures go lower | Beyond the thousand meter altitude point, above the cloud sea, you can breath mountainous climate. *Panza de burro. The days you see the Capital City and the Northern part of the island filled with dense clouds, this hints at greater activity by trade winds. We call this clouds covering panza de burro. Beyond Telde / Aeropuerto area, complete disappearance of clouds occurs.

In Gran Canaria extreme temperatures do not exist We enjoy throughout the year temperatures rarely coming down from 15ºC [59ºF] and going be8 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

“It is always an hour before in Canarias”

this is one of the most popular expression used on television or radio, to emphasize on the fact that the Canarian time zone is -1 in relation to the Spanish mainland. Remember that you are in the same time zone as Greenwich [like the UK], so, don’t forget to set the time in your watch!

yond 30ºC [86ºF]. November to April: between 15ºC to 25ºC [59 ºF to 77 ºF] | May to October: between 18ºC and 30ºC [64ºF to 86ºF]. Although extreme temperatures don’t prevail, there are some days in winter, when you can choose between going up to the mountainous peaks to enjoy the snow or to take a dip into the sea at any warm beach spot in the south of the island. Rains are not abundant in the island The rainy season of the island is between January to March, especially in the Northern and Central part. What do I wear? When you head to an excursion to go all over the island, take along an extra clothing layer in case of possible temperature changes in different zones. Keep in mind that at nights it gets colder. Here the sun hits hard Don’t expect your dream tan very soon. With our recommendations you shall get a good tan by the time your stay here comes to an end, and most importantly without harming your skin: use solar protection with an adequate SPF [minimum 15], higher protection for kids | we advise that kids and people having sensitive skin use protective clothing | avoid sunbathing during long hours especially in the afternoon | look for shady areas | use sun glasses and sun hats to protect the face. Consult weather forecast on 8 aemet.es [Spanish weather forecast department] Restart Gran Canaria

Descubre LAs PALMAs De GrAN cANArIA Discover LAs PALMAs De GrAN cANAriA

HISTORY

SHOPPING

TASTE

LPAvisit.com City of sea and cultures

GC AT A GLANCE

Useful Information

2013

Public tourist areas. Some network Holidays in failures in mountainous areas in the interior] | We recomNEW YEAR January 1st | THREE WISE MEN mend use of bottled water January 7th | TUESDAY OF CARNIVAL just as the locals do. Tap February 12th | SAINT THURSDAY [EASwater proceeds from the TER] March 28th | SAINT FRIDAY [EASTER] sea, previously desalinized | March 29th | International WORKERS With the European sanitary DAY May 1st | DAY OF CANARIAS May 30th card you can access to free | ASSUMPTION DAY August 15th | PINO public health care. If you FEAST [PATRON SAINT] September 9th | need medical or nursing NATIONAL DAY October 12th | ALL SAINTS attendance get to the DAY November 1st | CONSTITUTION DAY nearest primary health care December 8th | CHRISTMAS center [some have Emergency December 25th service]. There are also numerous private medical consultation centers and clinics available. In case of a health emergency call 112 | Post Office [Correos] You can find letter boxes [yellow ARE YOU PUT UP colored] on the streets, in souvenir stores, in the South in some tourism offices or the post office. of the island? You can buy stamps as well here | High Consult maps of San Agustourism season: November to March and tín, Playa del Inglés, MaspaJuly and August. lomas and Puerto Rico on U page 84 | 86 | 88 | 90, where we look for you various services you Need more information? may need! There is a large network of tourism offices where your doubts can be cleared in case you still have any. At the airport you will find your first tourism office and on the maps and pages TOURIST QUALITY DISTINCTIVES in Restart! we inform you about the rest. The companies and tour operators’ possessing one Tourist Information telephone numbeR of these quality icons, have to maintain an elevated 928 771 550 service and management standard, resulting into an additional guarantee while you are choosing. Islas T Mo-Fr 09.00 – 18.00 | Sa 09.00 – 13.00 | Canarias Experience certifies in accordance to the you can be attended in Spanish, theme offered. German and English

Internet wifi access is available in most of the hotels and apartments [could be by paying] | Banks are open from Mo-Fr only in the mornings. There are exceptions | Card to pay by card is accepted in most of the shopping places. You must have photograph identification in order to pay by card. You may be asked for a minimum amount. There is a good availability of ATMs in order to withdraw cash money with your credit or debit card | Mobile phones network is available in almost all parts of the island [very high in the cities and

Official tourism website

Tourist site in:

8 grancanaria.com

For any emergency [sickness, accident, stealing, aggression or fire] you can call this number where you can be attended in Spanish, English, German, French or Italian.

restaurant

bar cofee shop

hotel*

urban hotel*

apartament*

TOURISM SERVICE PROVIDERS distinctives A standardised system to distinguish the tourist operators.

rural hotel

emblematic hotel

villa

rural house

emblematic house

*The distinctive between hotels, urban hotels and apartments, are complimented by star quality, acquired by the accommodation, up to 5 stars for apartments and up to 5 stars stating grand luxury for hotels. 10 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

· During your stay · don’t mis s anythin

in Ghappening here ran Canaria!

TIVALS FOLK FaEnSd S P ROCESSION

During summer, fun moves to the streets in the villages of our island, which become into the stage of the most expected folk festivals and procession (romerias) of the year. It is the perfect way to get to know and experience our traditions in a 100% local and traditional environment. Go to any of those that we propose you and get into our happy and feast-oriented mood. Don’t miss this opportunity!

LA ROMERÍA DEL PINO

7th of September The main celebration in Gran Canaria, in honor of the Virgen del Pino (U page 77) gathers thousands of pilgrims who go to Teror to pay tribute to the venerated image. Teror gives the visitants a wide program in which there are religious, sport, cultural, and festive events for a few weeks. During the main day of the Festival, the floats coming representing all the villages of the island, file through the Real street (Calle Real) towards the Basilica and leave their local products as an offering to the Virgin. All this is accompanied by traditional music and dances, creating a unique scenery.

H Teror

LA TRAÍDA DEL AGUA

AUGUST 11TH Lomo Magullo is a neighborhood in Telde where one of the funniest festivals of the summer takes place. Thousands of grancanarians come to this place to enjoy a real water war! This tradition was born in 1968 when a bunch of young people wanted to rescue and adapt the aborigine tradition of beg and plead for the rain. Nowadays the participants, dressed in typical customs and carrying pots, go to the ditch to take water at noon and come back dancing towards the church where they pour the water on its walls. For that time at the party everyone is wet! The end of the festival is called “la Secá” and it takes place in the square where there are music and dances. H Lomo Magullo (Telde) l free SPORTS EVENT

n page 62 l Free

CINE + FOOD

AUGUST 29TH TO SEPTEMBER 1ST In just 4 years, Cine + Food has become into one of the most favorite and visited events by residents and tourists. This event last 4 days during which you can enjoy the combination of good outdoor cinema with a wide gastronomic offer from more than 20 nationalities set in different stands around the area. H Santa Catalina’s Park [Las Palmas de G.C.] nU page. 76 l free 8 cinemasfood.com

festivals & events

FOLK FESTIVALS

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CALENDAR

out on

UMMER THISjoSy our best

CALENDAR

FIESTA DE LA RAMA

AUGUST 4TH The Fiesta de la Rama has ancestral origines. It was kind of a ritual in which the canary aborigines used to take branches (ramas in spanish) to the seashore and hit them into the water to ask for rain to the gods.Nowadays the celebration is quite different. Thousands of people, coming from everywhere in the island, walk around the Agaete’s streets, dancing to the rhythm of the 2 municipal bands while shaking branches in the air to finish all the way down giving them away as an offering to the Virgin of las Nieves in the hermitage that is located down the port (that’s why it is also known as the Rama’s slope).

H Agaete

nU page 64

l free

INGENIO’S INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL JULY 29TH TO AUGUST 4TH Since 1996 this unique event is taking place in Ingenio where musica and traditional dances from different corners around the word are represented. This year, more than 200 hundred musicians and dancers participate representing South Africa, Brazil, Armenia, Morocco, India, Valencia, Galicia and Canary Islands.

LA VARÁ DEL PESCÁO AUGUST 30TH The Vara del Pescado is a seafaring festival created in 1995 by the neighbors of the coastal village of Arinaga in order to pay tribute to the fishermen that used to go in the past into the ocean very early in the morning in their small boats and come back to the coast letting sound their shells inviting the neighbors to buy the fishes they had caught during the day. For the past years, it’s been lots of grancanarians who don’t want to miss this festival which is accompanied by the music of local groups (parrandas) (see page 54). More than 1000 kilograms of roasted sardines are shared out among the participants. H Arinaga l free

Parallel activities also take place during the Festival. H Ingenio U page 65 l consult

8 folkloredeingenio.com FIESTA DEL CHARCO

SEPTEMBER 11TH The greatest festival in La Aldea tries to remember an ancient fishing technique that was used by the canary aborigines and that it was practiced in this island until 1950. They used to pour the sap of two native plants (tabaibas and cardones) into the water. Then fishes got sleepy and they were easier to be catched with nets or reed baskets. Nowadays there are more than 10.000 people coming from everywhere in the island to enjoy this festive day in which anyone can feel the most traditional ambience in one of the villages of the island that keeps its rural and seafaring essence the most. The most anxiously awaited moment in this main celebration is when the Mayor of the village gives the signal for the crowds to go into la “Charca” with their clothes to swim. This is what it gives the name to the festivity. Once inside the water, lots of the bathers participate in a competition to get the best fish.

HLa Aldea l free 12 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

LPA sunday shopping party August 4th and september 1st H Triana [Las Palmas de G.C.] 8 zonatriana.es

TRAIL RALLY VILLA DE FIRGAS august 10th

H Firgas

PLAYA DE ARINAGA SEA SWIM september 8th

H Arinaga

TITAM TRAIL NIGHT august 10th

H El Toscón [Las Palmas de G.C.]

CIRCULAR NIGHT RUN OF SAN MATEO august 10th H San Mateo 8 paleocenter.es Restart Gran Canaria

BEACHES

PH OTO : Iván Márquez

360° OF BEACHES REACHING TO YOU Gran Canaria is the ideal destination to indulge into a sea and beaches experiences. It has 240 kms of coast and approximately 60 kms of beaches waiting for you. The high temperatures work as an added advantage for you to keep enjoying of the sun and take a dip into the sea throughout the year. Think about it, how many people you know living in Europe can bathe in a beach in the month of January? Each and every beach bordering Gran Canaria, almost 80 of them, have an identity of their own. Experience urban beaches and virgin beaches in natural and protected spaces; popular beaches having facilities for the entire family or beaches remotely located with tranquility; miles of beaches of sand and dunes versus small bays surrounded by cliffs; beaches of gold sand, black sand or even the ones formed by gravels and stones.

BLUE FLAG

It is a European distinctive certifying the environmental quality of beaches. In order to adorn a blue flag, the beaches must possess good quality water and other services like surveillance, first aid, bathrooms, cleanliness and accessibility amongst others.

Local experience

No waves

Tourist experience

Some waves

Urban surrounding

Very wavy

Semi urban surrounding

Surveillance

Natural surrounding

Cleanliness

Length

Rent of hammocks and sun umbrellas

High occupation

Showers and footbath facility

Medium occupation

Public bathrooms

Low occupation

People with reduced movement

White sand Golden sand

Water sports Naturism

Gold-Black sand Stones

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es a inu niel V PHOTO: Da

South In the south of the island you will find the most spectacular beaches, the golden sand and the sea being the main protagonists. Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés will leave you astonished.

La Caleta | Las Salinas|Castillo del Romera l [natural pools]

700 m

nU page 73 San Agustin Las Burras The beaches of San Agustin and Las Burras, connected by a maritime promenade are the anticipation to the extraordinary beaches of the south of the island. These serene and family beaches are surrounded by touristic accommodations. From the beach of Las Burras you can see Playa del Inglés where you can walk through a maritime promenade.

attract you, and to add on its length and spread: 2,7 kms of length till the end of Maspalomas beach. Another added advantage to this beach is that it offers you all kinds of services. In its parallel walk you will find all sorts of restaurants, shops, supermarkets and entertainment. In Playa del Inglés, surf, beach volleyball and beach football tournaments are carried out. Don’t be surprised if you find people landing from skydiving or trying comet flying here. 2700 m

* nU * the zone next to the Maspalomas beach

page 73

Maspalomas This is the continuity to Playa del Inglés beach, It changes its name at a turn limiting the Maspalomas beach. It is 3 kms long and ends at the Faro de [Lighthouse of Maspalomas] [HCI] [U page. 87]. Enjoy the most spectacular beach of the island where the golden sand is the actual protagonist, forming the marvelous dunes of Maspalomas. [NPA] [U page. 20]. With these amazing sand mountains you will get the feeling of being in the desert but with the advantage of having an oasis, the sea. The beach of Maspalomas is further down south of the island. From this point you can view memorable and romantic sunsets and sunrises. In the area closer to the Faro de Maspalomas you will find all the services the beach can offer you, however,along the beach you will come across the popular “chiringuitos” [street eating places], where you can buy food and beverages. 3000 m

* nU

page 73

the zone next to the Playa del Inglés beach

1000 m

nU page 73

PHOTO: Daniel Vinuesa

BEACHES

The natural pools of Las Salinas are located in Castillo del Romeral, a suburb of fishing tradition.If your hotel or apartment does not offer you an infinity pool, you need not worry, because in these natural pools you can bathe viewing the infinite ocean, and that too for free. For many years this place was occupied by a salt lake. The salt extracted from here was used to make salty fish, a very habitual form of consumption for this basic element. Very closely located to these pools is the beach of La Caleta.End your marvelous day by tasting the fish of the day in any of the local restaurants located in the area.

Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés This is one of the most popular beaches of the island. It also gives name to the most popular touristic area of the island surrounding it. Its gold and thin sand will 14 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Playa de Maspalomas

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BEACHES

Approximately 20 years ago, these were virgin beaches and were not frequented. But now, they are located in the most modernized touristic area of the island [Costa Meloneras], where the most luxurious and beautiful hotels are located. Meloneras and Las Mujeres initiate the coastal route to the southwest zone of the island. On the esplanade of Meloneras beach, there is a shopping mall offering you restaurants, fashion, entertainment and food. 900 m

* nU page 73 * At Las Mujeres beach El Pajar We are suggesting you a peaceful, cozy oasis having a local accent, very different from the usual tourist beaches in this area. El Pajar is located in the small suburb carrying the same name. Its local people earn a living by fishing and agriculture [this place is surrounded by tomatoes and banana fields]. Its “chiringuitos” specialize in fresh fish and are very popular and highly visited. 120 m

nU page 73

This pleasant beach buried in the tourist complex of Anfi del Mar will take you directly to the Caribbean beaches for its white sand and palm trees all over. There are stores, restaurants, a marina and a man-made landscape island. 120 m

page 73

Puerto Rico This is the beach belonging to one of the principal touristic spots of the south of Gran Canaria. It’s familiar to tranquil waters; it is protected by 2 sports quays offering you the most ample catalogue of water sports carried out in the island. [U page 28 | 30]. On the promenade there are stores, restaurants, newsstands, supermarkets and other services offered. 300 m

nU page 73 Amadores This beach is attached to Puerto Rico [it is connected by a maritime promenade of 1 km, this walk is highly recommended]. It has a paradise like feeling due to its turquoise waters and white sands. Moreover,the waters are very serene and calm due to its breakwaters protecting like a bay. In the surroundings various centers have been constructed having restaurants and stores. 750 m

nU page 73 Amadores

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BEACHES

Anfi del Mar

Meloneras – Las Mujeres

El Agujero

Northwest án TO: Iv PHO

In this part of the island you will find a more abrupt coast, made of black sand and stones. You will enjoy the peace of a beach with very less occupation and almost virgin, along with others nestled in traditional fishing and agricultural areas, offering you a very local experience.

Márquez

El Agujero and natural pools [Gáldar]

nU page 74 16 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

nU page 74 fotolia .com

350 m

230 m

Re yes -

We are talking about the beach most frequented by residents of Arucas [town located in the north of Gran Canaria]. Enjoy bathing in tranquil waters guarded from winds and currents, surrounded by traditional fishing boat and a small walk with local restaurants where you can try some freshly made fish. At one extreme of the beach you will find a splendid natural pool.

Bañaderos – El Puertillo

Do you think that you can enjoy of an infinity pool only in a hotel or a resort? Think again...The beach of El Agujero is a beach with local accent, where you can easily come across surf and body board lovers practicing their favorite sport. At an extreme point of the beach, there is a natural pool where you can have a pleasant bathing experience in a natural and privileged habitat.

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Sardina

GÜIGÜI PHOTO: Gran Canaria

PHOTO: Daniel Vinuesa

The beach is located in the quiet and picturesque area of Sardina in Gáldar, having fishing as tradition. This small beach is frequented mainly by the people of the town of Gáldar. Now that you are there, try fresh fish served in the restaurants of the area, and if this is not enough, you have the beaches of the Muelle and the Roquete, bordering the Sardina beach. 80 m

A unique beach. So unique and dreamlike that there are only two ways to get there: 1] Walking about 5 kms, with a slope of 400 meters by the Tasartico path. 2] By boat [from Anfi,Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán], you cannot miss out on the amazing cliffs guarding this heavenly enclave. The difficulty to get to the Güigüi beach makes it very rarely visited. This stretch of the coast is a part of the Special Natural Reserve, also called Güigüi. 1000 m

nU page 74

PHOTO: Daniel Vinuesa

East The beaches located in the east of the island are special due to their local flavour. They are a part of the daily routine of the people living in the area. Around Salinetas them there are many residential areas, even though the locals living there work and spend long hours of the day in the city, the best way to disconect from routine is to connect to the sea before they end the day.

bours of Telde, who mainly enjoy these beaches more closely and spend the day on them. 850 m

nU page 75 IN Melenara

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Playa de las Canteras All the information on this iconic beach located in the capital city is available on U page 87.

Salinetas and Melenara Both these beaches belong to the town of Telde. Long ago, the areas of Salinetas and Melenara were a second residence and summer destination for people living in Telde. As of now it has become first residence for many of them. Both beaches are connected by a maritime promenade. You will find restaurants and food stores on it. On weekends it is a thickly visited area for the neighdownload the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 17

BEACHES

Güigüi

Sardina

biosp

PHOTO: Gran Can aria

In a diameter of just 50 kms you can discover an endless amount of spaces being very different and extremely opposite to each other: the scenery of deserted dunes versus the density of a humid laurel forest, the smell of the seacoast versus the aroma of pine forests situated at 2000 meters altitude, the red and the black of the volcanoes versus the intense green of wet ravines. This is the incredible beauty of this island. A CONTINOUS CONTRASTING EXPERIENCE IN THE LAND OF VOLCANOES!

ere re h

ve er s

NESCO

Natural Areas o Roque Nubl

Tamadaba It’s known for its fabulous natural pine

woods filled with local pine trees. The scarps, ravines, massifs and the breathtaking views to Teide mountain [3.718 m] [Tenerife] will leave you stunned. nU page 62

Maspalomas DUNES

de Mas

paloma s

MASP ALOM

Roque Nublo The symbolic and iconic basaltic rock crowning Gran Canaria stands approximately 2000 meters tall and is absolutely majestic. At the highest point of the island, you can’t ignore other characteristic rock formations like the Bentayga rock. [more info on U page 32]. Beside Roque Nublo, there are two other rock formations, known as the friar and the frog [el fraile y la rana], called this way due to their form. Will you be able to recognize them? nU page 62 Fataga This scenic valley, guarded by impressive walls is popularly known as the small Grand Canyon. Fataga’s main attractions are its various 18 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

AS D U

Márqu

Charca

NES

: Iván

It’s by far the most visited place of Gran Canaria for being totally spectacular and incredible. In the Charca de Maspalomas [the pond of Maspalomas] and in the Palmeral [palm tree area] [they form a part of this NPA], you can come across endemic species like the Lagarto Gigante de Gran Canaria [giant lizard] or the Abubilla [bird of the desert] and various other migratory birds. Complete your visit in the interpretation center.T Mo-Fr 08:00 - 14:30 l free | n U page 63

PHOTO

NATURE

TAMADA

palm tree areas and plant species like the jovibarba [common houseleek plant called Jove’s beard] or the Ruda gran canaria. The small village of Fataga is another attraction worth a look; when you are visiting the village you will come across houses of traditional Canarian style. Also visit in the same area Riscos de Tirajana [Crags of Tirajana]. nU page 62 Restart Gran Canaria

rqu PHOTO: Iván Má

Guayadeque

In an island full of ravines, the most popular and amazing one amongst them is Guayadeque, having more than 80 types of flowers and autochthonous plants. If this was less, this valley was an important Aboriginal site, and many of the caves you will see on the walls of this canyon are footprints of the pre-Hispanic past [more info on U page 32].Complete your visit by going to the interpretation center located on the same road crossing the Guayadeque ravine.

e yad Gua

que

T Tu-Su 09.00 – 17.00 | l 2,50 € | 1 € <12 years.

If you are in Guayadeque, it is almost compulsory for you to try typical Canarian food in one of the ravine caves transformed into restaurants. They are very popular and, at times it is hard to get a table. nU page 65

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 19

NATURE

PHOTO: Iván Márquez

AS LAS NIÑ DAM OF

Volcanic experience!

2] The Northwest zone, much younger and having a more refined and softer silhouette. Surely in this zone, the eruptions are more prominent and can be identified at a first look as they are more recent.

The very unique and picturesque scenarios Gran Canaria offers you are a result of millions of intense volcanic episodes; although it has been more than 1000 years that any geothermal activity has taken place. The most prominent part about the island creation is that it is divided in two different zones:

Visit the volcanic corners of the island Caldera de Bandama nU page 62

NATURE

1] the Southwest zone, emerged from violent explosion episodes, has been submitted for much longer to a more impulsive erosion. The result: the spectacular massifs, canyons, cliffs and rocks forming this abrupt territory.

14,1 - 13 mya

Caldera de Tejeda and Mogán [center and southwest of the island]

Caldera Los Marteles nU page 62 Pico de Gáldar nU page 64 Caldera de Tirajana Pinos of Gáldar – Montañón Negro

1,5 - 0,3 mya

12,6 - 9 mya 9.000.000

15.000.000

14,5 - 14,1 mya

Güigüi and Horgazales [west zone of the island]

New outbreak of volcanic activity and formation of stratovolcano

300.000

5,6 - 2,87 mya

Volcano of Roque Nublo

DAMS OF CHIRA, SORIA AND LAS NIÑAS Nature, water and loads of peace is waiting for you during your visit in any of these three reservoirs closely located to each other. An ideal place to enjoy a day surrounded by nature. nU page 62

3.000

1.000.000

3.000.000

13 - 12,6 mya

mya = millions

Formation of the northwest zone of the island and La Isleta

Formation of Fataga [south of the island]

1.000

of years ago

YEARS OLD

PRESENT

3000 - 1000 años atrás Caldera of Pinos de Gáldar, Bandama, Montañón Negro

Los Tilos de Moya Would you like to

bCO. DE

LOS CER

NÍCALOS

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

Barranco de los Cernícalos [Ravine of the Krestrels] We could not have

esa

20 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

ya Tilos de Mo

PHOTO: D. Vinu

forgotten to mention one of the favorite tracks for Grancanarians. It is one of the very few ravines in the island where water runs throughout the year leaving a greener and leafier habitat for Gran Canaria. Enjoy some of its plants [some endemic ones born in the riverbed of this valley] and the sound of the birds [trigueros, canaries, tórtolas, robins and of course the kestrels]. nU page 65 Bco. de Azuaje

know about the vegetation during the Dinosaur era? The Laurel Forest is a humid and dense type of forest belonging to the tertiary era. They are formed by different species [laurels, viñátigo, til, barbuzano, palo blanco, amongst others]. Today, you can find Laurel Forests only in subtropical areas; in Europe exclusively in Macaronesia and Gran Canaria still preserves its small laurel corner. Are you planning to miss out on it? You can also visit in this area other NPAs like Barranco de Azuaje, Barranco oscuro, Rural Park Doramas or El Brezal. nU page 64

Restart Gran Canaria

Trekking! One of the best ways to discover the great variety of landscapes in Gran Canaria is by trekking. There are hundreds of different itineraries to choose from, but without doubt, a good option would be to choose a certified track, with adequate signposting and good maintenance: Circular route from Tamadaba to Tilos de Moya

From Fontanales to Teror | From Santa Lucía to Agüimes You can do trekking throughout the year in Gran Canaria, but between the months of March and May is the best time to go for it, you will get very good temperatures to walk and the entire island is green and floral with water running through most of the ravines. PREPARE FOR THE WALK wear comfortable shoes [best are mountain boots] | wear covered clothing [to avoid scratches] | take plenty of water [2 liters minimum] | take a mobile telephone [for safety reasons] | take sun protection [it can get very sunny at the peak] | when you are planning your route, do keep in mind that summer is the hottest season of the year, the hottest area of the island is the south, and the midday hours of the day are the hottest.

Go green

In Gran Canaria! countryside

Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria?

(Pilgrim Way of Saint James) You heard it right. The same rights are bestowed here as in the jubilee of Compostela [city in the north of Spain in Galicia] where the peregrine is pardoned from wrong deeds. In Gran Canaria this indulgence is bestowed by the Parish of Santiago de Gáldar as the believer walks till the church finalizing the pilgrimage, traversing the island from south to north. The Camino de Santiago in Gran Canaria is a three stages route [with various variations] traversing the island by the center: Maspalomas – Tunte → 28 kms – 8 hours 1. Tunte – Cruz de Tejeda → 15 kms – 6 hours 2. 3. Cruz de Tejeda – Gáldar → 30 kms – 8 hours Get encouraged to walk on pilgrimage path between the Canarian volcanoes by going through part of a stage, one stage, two stages, or if you are brave enough, maybe you can complete the entire route to Galdár! LOW DIFFICULTY |

MEDIUM DIFFICULTY |

don’t smoke or light fire

HIGH DIFFICULTY

don’t throw the remains until you deposit them in their respective containers respect route indications do not alter the signs, respect them do not disturb the plants or animals respect crops and private properties

on the coast

don’t use soaps, shower gels or shampoos in the beach preferably use reusable containers for food and beverages find recycling containers and separate the remains if you are smoking, deposit the ashes and the butts in a recipient, do not throw them in the sand or in the water if you are using batteries or cells, make sure you do not forget them or leave them somewhere, they are highly harmful to the environment

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 21

NATURE

maridav - fotolia.com

sceneries!

The very particular edginess of Gran Canaria, from 0 to 2.000 meters of altitude in just 30 kms, allows to find concrete spots throughout the island having fascinating views. We can detail you the most important ones. MIRADORES [VIEWPOINTS]: Mirador de las Nieves [Pico de las Nieves GC-130 nU page 62] The highest viewpoint of the island | Mirador el Guriete [Santa Lucía de Tirajana GC-65 nU page 62] Fantastic views to the reddish canyon of Tirajana | Mirador El Balcón [Andén Verde – San Nicolás de Tolentino GC-200 ] Vertiginous views to the cliffs in the West coast | Mirador de la Degollada de las Yeguas [Fataga - San Bartolomé de Tirajana GC-65 nU page 63] Views to the entire extension of Barranco de Fataga | Mirador Pinos de Gáldar [at Hoya de las Casas level – Artenara – GC-21 ] Panoramic views to Pinar de Tamaba having the ocean as the background | Mirador Degollada de Becerra [Towards Cruz de Tejeda to Pico de las Nieves GC-150 nU page 62] It is undoubtedly the most photographed in the island, due to the magic created by uniting in a single image Roque Nublo and the Roque Bentayga, having the sea of clouds and Teide [3.718 m.] [Tenerife] in the horizon | Mirador de Unamuno [Artenara – nU page 62] The great Basque writer was awestruck when he saw in this point the wide and profound scenery of ravines and peaks. You can enjoy magical sunsets and sunrises from all the viewpoints we have suggested you. Moreover, all the beaches located in the east coast are ideal to see sunrises, whereas the ones located in the west coast have awesome sunsets. Exceptionally for its situation, if you are in the Canteras beach [in Las Palmas], although you are in the oriental zone of the island, you will get to see lovely sunsets there. Also due to its situation, Maspalomas beach has dreamlike dawns and evenings reaching to you. Mirador El Balcón

22 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

-f

A different night The best way to ensure a spectacular view of a starry panorama, is to go up to the highest points of the island [Pico de las Nieves and Tejeda are optimum spots], where you leave behind pollution and possible clouds [you would be above them]. There is a possibility for you to join an organized route offered by some companies. Ask for more information!

Exclusive biodiversity!

Lagarto gigante de Gran Canaria

ígu

NATURE

BREATHTAKING

The Canaries is the ideal place in Europe if you are a plant and animal lover. The islands concentrate a very high number of endemic species [approximately 1000], some of them are shared with the rest of the islands forming the biogeographical region of Macaronesia [Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores and Cape Verde] [ U page 8]. while others are exclusively local. Only in Gran Canaria you can observe more than 100 species that are not found in any other island, or in any other part of the world! So get your senses geared for a unique encounter with nature. R. Rodr

ga Bentay

It is not a mere coincidence that two of the most important astronomical observatories in the world are located in the islands. The Canaries is the best place in Europe to see the stars. Our position on the world globe is ideal, allowing throughout the year the view of the constellations in the North and the South hemispheres. Moreover, our skies are the neatest and most transparent in the world thanks to the gentle trade winds.

O: J. OT PH

Roq u e

om a.c

lunama rin a

SO CLOSE TO THE STARS!

o li ot

CANARIAN ANIMALS

lagarto gigante de Gran Canaria [giant lizard from Gran Canaria | musaraña de Osorio [shrew] | perenquén de Boettger [lizard] | pinzón azul [bird] | mosquitero canario [bird]

The Canary bird The very adored and worldwide known singing bird is originally from the Canary Islands, and of course is named after its originator islands. The feathers of the wild canary are a mixture of grey and olive green, but not yellow, as expected [the yellow examples are originated from introduction of genetic variations]. There are thousands of them in the island and you will surely come across one while trekking. Restart Gran Canaria

Presa canario [Canarian Rottweiler] This animal is the icon of Gran Canaria and is a result of cross breading between hunting dogs from the Spanish mainland and British fight dogs. It is obvious then, that the Presa Canario has a very powerful aspect and is very muscular but also very agile. It was about to be extinguished, but since the 70s work on its recovery is going on.

Concentrated in one place The Jardín Canario is a space dedicated since 60 years to the promotion, conservation and investigation of autochthonous plants from the Canary Islans and Macaronesia. In a 10 acres occupation of the Guiniguada ravine you can see samples of the Canarian flora and of thousands of species from the rest of the world. All this is at only 15 minutes from Las Palmas de G.C. by car. H Ctra. Gral. Del Centro Km. 7 [Tafira Baja]T WINTER: Mo-Su 08.00 – 18.30 | SUMMER: Mo-Su 08.00 – 19.00 l free n U page 62

PHOTO: Daniel Vinuesa

Plants of Canaries

Jardín Canari

Traffic in the sea!

Damisela canaria tempeJose Hernaiz - fotolia.com

Thanks to the cold currents [that help to maintain the sea ratures lower than normal in our archipelago] and the diversity of existing habitats in the Canarian littoral, more than 5.000 diverse species swim in our waters. Some are closer to tropical species, whereas others are familiar to the Mediterraneans and of course we cannot forget the ones belonging to the Atlantic Ocean. We do not have space to list all 5.000 but we can give you an example of some unique ones and you might find while scuba diving [more information on U page 25] in Gran Canaria: cabrilla pintada [blacktail comber] | sargo breado | seifía | gallito | damisela canaria | tapa culos [wide eyed flounder] | gallinita | morena negra | caballito de mar | vieja [parrotfish] | barriguda | rascacio | tamboril | coral naranja | tortuga boba [caretta-caretta turtle]

Want to see whales and dolphins in Gran Canaria? Yes!!! Gran Canaria is a paradise for cetacean watching, as from 87 species that exist in the world, 26 are found in our waters! You can enjoy this activity throughout the year, because the intensity in the presence of cetaceans hardly changes. O: Artberri PHOT

The companies offering this activity respect a series of norms to help preserve and avoid agitation in the habitat of these mammals [some of the norms would be: not getting closer than 60 meters, no interfering in their trajectory, no sudden change of direction, no being near them for more than 30 minutes, no swimming at a distance lesser than 500 meters]. Help preserve the ecosystem ensuring that the company you choose for this activity complies with these rules.

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 23

The entire island is an open air sports field where you can practice various types of incredible activities that will you breathless. Experience the most active way to know Gran Canaria.

FOTO: Gran Canaria

ACTÍVATE!

GET ACTIVE!

The European Hawaii You are in the land of surf, one of the best places in Europe to slide on the waves while surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding and stand-up-paddling [SUP] throughout the year! Riders from all over

Canaria

The island has a great variety of waves all over its coast. La Cícer [headquarters of ASP Gran Canaria Santa PRO Junior] and El Lloret are important spots found in Las Palmas de G.C.. El Puertillo, El Agujero, Ojos de Garza, Arinaga and Arguineguín, are other frequented spots in the island. But, there are two internationally famous waves in Gran Canaria that stand out from the rest:

El Confital [Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]

An incredible right handed wave. On this wave gathers every year [in September] the WQS – Islas Canarias Ocean & Earth Pro 8 wqscanarias.com

El Fronton [Caleta - Gáldar] A very aggres-

sive wave, with great force, breaking in high tide in both directions. This is a very sought-after wave by Bodyboarders, but very few dare to get on to it. It is suitable for professionals only. On this wave, every year takes place the IBA Frontón – PRO Gran Canaria 8 ibaworldtour.com 24 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

WINDSURF

Ib al

or The excellent conditions of beaches en o like Vargas and Pozo Izquierdo [always windy and wavy], convert Gran Canaria into a compulsory destination for European windsurfers. In Pozo Izquierdo since 1989 [in July], one of the most important competitions in the world circuit is carried out, the PWA – Pozo Gran Canaria TBC 8 pwaworldtour.com

Ojos de Garza, Tarajalillo, Bahía Feliz, Playa del Águila, San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Tauro or Puerto Rico, are apt spaces for mid level riders.

Restart Gran Canaria

PHOTO: PWA World Tour | J. Carter

PHOTO: Gran

ez Sosa

rígu PHOTO: J.R. Rod

SURF | BODYBOARD

Europe escape from the cold and come down to the Canary Islands (especially from October to March] and take advantage of the best winds, waves and water temperatures during these months.

PHOTO: PPWA World Tour / J. Carter

KITESURF THE Moreno Twins

Bjorn DunkeRbecK

STAND UP PADDLE [SUP] SUP is a new variation of surf and its popularity is rising by the day in the islands. It’s a great alternative for riders on flat days.

oto mph

idrea

Even though his name is Danish and his passport Danish-Swiss, Bjorn is 100% Canarian as he has been brought up in the Island since the age of 3. His record is impressive, having 35 world titles in all disciplines, converting him in the best windsurfer of all times.

lia.co

- foto

MORE WATER! DEEP SEA FISHING

SAILING AND OTHER WATER CRAFTS Yacht navigation is highly enjoyed by locals and tourists in the island. There are 5 marinas in the island offering all the facilities and services: Las Palmas,Pasito Blanco, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán. Many European navigators travel in their yacht to Gran Canaria in order to spend and enjoy the winter months in the island making any of these ports a base. A proof of the passion and love for navigation in this land is that in the last decades our sailors are the base of the Olympic Sailing Team. Moreover, Gran Canaria becomes the starting point of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [ARC], every year [in November]; it is the most important transoceanic yacht race in the world.

KAYAK

SCUBADIVING AND SNORKELLING Explore the seabed of the island. Its volcanic origin is the key for the rich and unique diversity in species living in it. [more info on U page 22 [traffic on the sea]]. The most important El Cabrón [Santa Luimmersion points are Risco Verde [Santa Lucía] | Taliarte cía] | [Telde] | La Catedral [Las Palmas de G.C.] | Baja Fernando Caleta Baja [Las Palmas de G.C.] | Sardina [Gáldar] | [Gáldar] | Las Merinas [Agaete]. Many of these immersion points can be accessed directly from the coast. O: OT PH

ari an

Suitable for snorkelling practice as well.

Gra

A healthy way to explore all the corners of the coast is by doing Kayak. The Beach of Las Canteras in Las Palmas de G.C. is the ideal spot especially during low tide when its natural barrier protects it from the waves converting it into a giant swimming pool.

You can find on the ports in the south of the island various operated boats specialized in organizing a fishing day for you. A memorable day trying to get hold of various types of fish like The Blue Marlin, Needlefish, Albacore, Barracuda, Tuna or the Atlantic Bonito.

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 25

GET ACTIVE!

The twins Daida and Iballa Ruano Moreno are two of the best windsurfers in the world. Both of them have won up to 22 world titles in various disciplines [Slalom, Freestyle and Waves]. You can believe in this incredible achievement when you know that these sisters have been brought up in Pozo Izquierdo, the Mecca of windsurf.

Thanks to the trade winds Gran Canaria becomes the best place to practice a sport completely dependent on winds. The more advanced riders will enjoy of spots like Playa de Vargas and Punta de Maspalomas. For other levels Playa del Aguila, Tarajalillo, and Las Burras are optimum locations with good conditions.

ON GROUND!

GET ACTIVE!

CYCLING | MOUNTAIN BIKE There is a fondness for two wheeler sports in the island, and miles are waiting for you to practice it. Choose the route in accordance to your level, as there are a few mountain passes only suitable for mountain climber experts. Remember that this island has a slope of 2.000 meters at Pico de las Nieves [it is said to be the toughest mountain pass of Europe]. Other known routes are Ayaguayres, Tunte and la Presa de las Niñas. If what you are looking for is to practice Mountain bike and to enjoy the landscape and nature at the fullest, you have here from the easiest to the most extremists muddy tracks and runways, especially in the interiors.

ROCK CLIMBING

THE RISKS ASSOCIATED TO EACH ATIVITY. THE IDEAL SPOTS ACCORDING TO YOUR LEVEL AND THE EXPERIENCE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

If you are going in for an activity make sure the company you choose includes health care and liability insurances. If you already have experience and expertise, and are looking to carry out an activity on your own, make sure you: 1] comply with the envi-

26 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

ON HORSE It is a pleasant and active way to discover the natural side of the island, the coast as well as the interiors. Also enjoy the unique bond created between you and the horse. Get to know about the different routes and book yourself a horse stroll in one of the horse riding schools or clubs.

.com

COURSES, PRICES, EQUIPMENT | MATERIALS HIRING, GROUP OUTINGS, ETC.

A lot of adventure is waiting for in the canyons of the island with incredible rappels, ponds, leaps and slides. You can do canyoning throughout the year; however autumn to spring is the best period as there is a lot of water.

tolia

Contact with centers, clubs, schools and companies specialized to get information about:

CANYONING

al - fo ertic OjoV

If you like climbing through good walls, your expectations are in for a treat. The reason for it: the volcanic origin of the island, and thousands of years of erosion makes Gran Canaria full of steep slopes, vertical cliffs, plates, rocks, craters and other ideal rock formations for climbing purpose. The basaltic rock is the dominating one. Some climbing sanctuaries in the island are El Roque

Nublo, El Palmés, Ayacata, Ayagaures, Bañaderos, La Sorrueda and Fatagonia. In many of them there are a good number of bolted ropes having different difficulty levels.

ronmental norms [there are protected spaces with restricted access] 2] Find out about the level of difficulty in every spot and route, and about possessing the appropriate certificates to carry out the activity. For more information ask in the nearest tourism office.

INTERNATIONAL WINDSURFIN G CENTRE

Restart Gran Canaria

ADRENALINE RUSH? Do it! 3 jeep

Enroll yourself in one of the 4X4 excursions and step into the interiors of the island through muddy tracks discovering dreamlike sceneries.

banana boat

Drive one of these off-roads and leave aside conventional roads and routes in order to step into muddy tracks made for adventure

waterski | wakeboard

Get on to the famous mattress in form of banana, and have fun with speed, turns and unexpected brakes.

Wear on your skis or take your wakeboard and glide at full speed on water, dragged by an outboard.

Enter in the battle field and use your best strategy to come out victorious by marking your opponents with the famous paintball.

segway offroad

jet-ski

Hire them in any of the tourist areas in the South, and feel the speed while you skip, jump and crash the waves.

PARAGLIDING

Choose an excursion on natural trails using the off-road version of this unique and gyroscopic two wheeler.

Feel like a bird by flying over different spots of the island. You need not have previous experience as you can do it in tandem with an experienced instructor.

Enjoy the feeling of using a parachute with a difference; this time you are not landing from the sky but raising to it launched by a motor boat to an altitude of approximately 30 meters.

SKYDIVING

Make the most of this experience giving yourself an extreme adrenaline rush. You need not have previous experience to jump in tandem with an experienced instructor.

PHOT O: Ed

ube

ADRENALINE LEVEL

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 27

GET ACTIVE!

paintball

parasailing

QUAD / BUGGY

joserpizarro - fotolia.c om

Gran Canaria enjoys a very genuine personality, highly influenced by the historic course of actions taking place over the centuries. To know better the reasons behind the existence of the very singular Human and Material Heritages here, we invite you to immerse yourself in the history of the island

HISTORY

THE HISTORY of Gran Canaria

The history of Gran Canaria is very young, especially if compared to other Spanish and European regions. It all started with the settlement of the ancient Canarians [of Berber origin] proceeding from the north of Africa 2.000 years ago. For many centuries they developed their social, administrative and economical network [see Aborigine Gran Canaria U page 30]

D ABA ONIOS G.C.] ANT SAN S PALMA [LA

In the beginning of the XIV century, emerges the desire of the Spanish kingdom [Aragón and Castilla] to conquer the Canaries, although no firm offense was taken for it. Not before 1478, when the Castilians [earlier the ones who inhabited Spain’s central plateau] disembarked in Las Palmas, under the command of Captain Juan Rejón leading a battalion of 600 men. The war camp they formed in Vegueta, around the Hermitage of San Antonio Abad [U page 67], was the spot from where all the attacks were carried out, this was the embryo of the city of Las Palmas de G.C.. They won the first battles, but the Aborigen resistance was pulling towards the interiors of the island, where they won confidence and became much stronger. For 3 continuous years, the ancient Canarians demoralized the uncoordinated and failed attack of the Castilians. In 1483, having Pedro de Vera as commander of the troops, the Castilians finally took control over the guanartemato [kingdom] of Gáldar, and finally Aborigine resistance ended in Ansite. Gran Canaria was now conquered. After the conquest, a shining economical era for the island started, with the introduction and exports of important crops like sugar cane. Gran Canaria in some way also intervenes in the discovery of America, as Christopher Columbus halts in the 28 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

island to repair one of the vessels during the first expedition carried out. He would stop during other expeditions in coming years. In XVI century, the pirates appear in Gran Canaria desiring the loots coming from America. The failed trials of the British pirates like J. Hawkins and F. Drake in October 1595 were considerable. The Dutch attack carried out by Van der Does had worse consequences; the attack was made by 73 vessels and 9.000 men. Although they lost, while withdrawing they left behind a remarkable amount of burnt buildings in the City of Las Palmas de G.C.. Half of the XIX century was another prosperous period for the economy of Gran Canaria coinciding with the crops and consequently exports of the mealy bug [a parasite that lives in the tuno sage and produces the natural colouring principle of carmine]. With the emerging of synthetic inks, Canarian trading was back to a critical phase. In the last quarter of the XIX century, Gran Canaria becomes free port [with important tax benefits and free trading facilities], a very important step in the present of Gran Canaria. This added incentive gave way to the establishment of important shipping companies and English trading companies, marking a before and after in the outlook of Gran Canaria. The growing sea trade traffic made it necessary to project a sea port in Las Palmas [called La Luz], finally constructed in 1883. It was the British residents in the island who started the tourist activity promoting the island as a relaxation destination. The European ships and cruises earlier used to transporting merchandise had now created cabins for passengers. Restart Gran Canaria

The first few hotels were constructed and the island was in demand.

FEEL THE HISTORY OF GRAN CANARIA IN... ....The various ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES in the island, where you will relive our aborigine past. [U page 32] ...Vegueta, that was the origin of the Castilian colony established in 1478. [U page 66] ...Every street in the different historic centres in various towns of Gran Canaria, that remind us of our colonial past.

...la Casa de Colón (Columbus house), the best witness of the

June 24th 1478

Arrival of the Castilian troops in the island, having Captain Juan Rejón as the leader for 600 men.

timeline

b.C. 1000

500

500 b.C – 1000 b.C.

Arrival of the first inhabitants [Berbers] proceeding from Northern Africa.

...Ciudad Jardín [Las Palmas de G.C.], that was the residential area of the British colony settled during the end of the XIX century. If you notice the façade of the houses located in this area, you can guess how prosperous the British living there were. The Hotel Santa Catalina, operating even today, cherishes the days of tourism initiation in Gran Canaria, highly promoted by the Britishers. [U page 72]

During the phase of important wars in the beginning of the XX century, Gran Canaria was the victim of extreme poverty and famine [especially during and post the Spanish civil war]. The inhabitants of the island, who were already used to migration during earlier centuries [after the discovery and colonization of America], initiated a new and massive migratory movement, especially to Cuba and Venezuela. Many returned to their land much later and impregnated Gran Canaria with cultural elements inherited from the other side of the ocean.

1890

August 9th 1492

Cristopher Columbus halts in Gran Canaria, during his journey to the discovery of America.

1883

The Port La Luz is constructed in Las Palmas de G.C.

Tourist activity starts. Hotels like Santa Catalina are constructed in the capital city.

1982

Canarias is constituted as an Autonomous Community with two capitals: Las Palmas and Santa Cruz [Tenerife].

a.C. 0

500

April 29th 1483

Surrender of the last Aborigine resistance in Ansite. The Spanish kingdom [Aragón and Castilla] conquer Gran Canaria.

1500

june 1599

Powerful Dutch pirate attack [having as captain Van der Does].

1852

Establishment of free port and arrival of the British colony in the island.

1912

The Island council [Cabildo] is established [Gran Canaria now has its own public organisation, having as administrative hub the island].

2000

December 1957

The first charter flight lands in Gran Canaria proceeding from Sweden. The modern era of tourism starts.

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 29

HISTORY

...Many of the buildings and historical monuments you shall visit in the Capital City of Las Palmas de G.C. [some constructed after the arson attacks by the Dutch pirates].

halts made in Gran Canaria by Christopher Columbus during his search for the new world. All you want to know about the journeys and discovery of America is right here. [U page 52]

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

ABORIGINE GRAN CANARIA TADA

A PIN CUEV

The first settlers in the islands were Berber descendants, who would have maybe arrived in Gran Canaria about 2.000 years ago, proceeding from Northern Africa. They got established here and developed during various centuries [until the Castilian conquest] a strongly linked to nature lifestyle.

ABORIGINE GC

How was life in Gran Canaria

2000 YEARS AGO? They would live in settlements of houses and caves or even both. They would also construct artificial caves forming big complexes, with barns and collective spaces [for ceremonies]. Their main activity was agriculture and cattle rising. They would also fish, hunt and harvest. The language they would communicate in was a variation of Amazigh language [in use even today amongst Berbers]. They would manufacture clay products like utensils or decorative elements, and would paint them with geometric forms. With stone they would elaborate knives and mortars to grind the gofio [corn flour]. With the skin and bones of animals they would make punches, spatulas, clothing, footwear, bags and others. They would use wood to manufacture arms, but also for coffins, walking sticks, spoons, covers, hair combs and other elements.

The island was divided in 10 kingdoms [guanartematos] and each one of them was ruled by a king [guanarteme]. With time they got united and became two “guanartematos”, Gáldar and Telde. They were divided in social classes, guanartemes [kings], fayzagues (noble class), the common man and villains. The plebeians were distinguished by short hair and no beard. The noble class would carry long plated hair tied with strips of reed and leather. The Aborigine of Gran Canaria would believe in astrology. Acorán was the God of the Sun and the Almighty, but they also worshipped other Gods and mystic elements. The Faicán [Spitritual leader] would head the worships. They would also consecrate mountains and rocks [Bentayga] and would religiously respect the dead [they would mummify the dead bodies].

Heroes and legends during the conquest

oscurecido - fotolia.com

The ancient Canarians stood by with great resistance the Castilian troops sent by the Catholic Kings to conquer the island. The conquest went on for 5 years [1478 – 1483]. The Canarians went on moving towards the interior of the island, surrounded by ravines and ridges they were perfectly familiar with. But for the Castilian troops on the contrary, this territory became very difficult as it was unknown and hostile.

Doramas He was a warrior and became the great resistance leader before the conquerors. He obtained various heroic victories on the battle camp and was idolized by its people. In 1481, the Castilians organised a killing campaign against him. With his dead, the Canarian resistance started to weaken. 30 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

ABORIGINE GC

Tenesor Semidán [baptised as Fernando de Guanarteme]

PHOTO: Gran Cana

ria

GUAYARMINA [SCULPTURE - GÁLDAR]

He was the guanarteme of Gran Canaria and played a very important part during the conquest. In 1481, he CENOBIO DE VALERÓN travelled to the Spanish mainland to sign the Letter of Calatayud, a pact ending the war. Some think that by taking this measure, he saved the resistance from a fatal destiny. Others think that he betrayed the people of Gran Canaria.

Guayarmina This noble Aborigine princess, member of the Tenesor family, was unhappy with the intentions of the later for coming to terms with the conquerors, and decided to follow the last Canarian resistance leader, Bentejuí, who took refuge with his close ones in the Fortress of Ansite. Bentejuí named himself the guanarteme [king] of Gran Canaria, as he received the support of Guayarmina and decided that Tenesor was not deserving of the kingdom for being a traitor. Bentejuí During the conquest, he stood as a great warrior and was the leader of the last Grancanarian resistance. After the signing of the very beneficial pact with the Castilians, Tenesor got to the Ansite Fortress to negotiate surrender with Bentejuí, but the later preferred to die before giving up on his freedom. Guayarmina and the rest of the resistance changed their minds and decided to follow Tenesor. Finally, Bentejuí during a dramatic scene, jumped into the precipice screaming “ATIS TIRMA” [long live to the sacred mountain].

ÍDOLO DE TARA

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 31

Symbols for the Canarians... Tara Idol It’s a small clay idol representing femininity and was used by the Aborigine in order to worship fertility. It is showcased in Museo Canario. Pintaderas They were elaborated by the ancient settlers of

the island, in fired clay, measuring between 2 and 12 cms. At the backside they would have small holding handle similar to how tampon stamps look today. They were impregnated with natural inks and used for body painting and stamping of other elements.

TAKE IT ALONG!

You can find in any souvenir store the replicas of the Tara idol. The Pintaderas are sold in souvenir shops too and in almost all the street markets, in the form of bracelets and pendants.

EXPERIENCE

OUR ABORIGENE PAST IN...

ABORIGINE GC

Cueva Pintada [Gáldar]

[more info on U page 50]Visit one of the most important and best preserved sites of the island. The rock paintings accommodated in the interiors of this cave are attention seeking; they have great artistic and archaeological value. Cueva Pintada is besides an archeological site, one of the most modern and best equipped museums of Canary Islands, where you can move around the prehistoric era of the island in a dynamic and entertaining way. nU page 95

Canarian Museum [Las Palmas

de G.C.] [more info on U page 51] Here the biggest archaeological collection of the Canaries is exhibited. Amongst other objects, you will find numerous Pintaderas and the Tara Idol. nU page 69

Cenobio de Valerón [Guía]

It is a complex cave structure, constructed by the ancient Canarians in order to collectively preserve the grain. 298 compartments [between 1 and 3 m2] excavated though 8 floors. This place was ideal to preserve the grain [here it could be defended easily | the mountain arch would act as a natural winter coat | there was good temperature and humidity]. Cenobio de Valerón is a very valuable arquelogical site, because pintaderas, ceramics, human bones and ashes have been found here. nU page 64

Punta mujeres [Meloneras Maspalomas] Having very easy access, this site is

found in the beach promenade of Meloneras, nearby Faro de Maspalomas. In this area the Aborigine Canarians established their domestic households taking advantage of the proximity to the Charca de Maspalomas [pond of Maspalomas]. Here they would have animals for fishing and hunting, and would also obtain water throughout the year. nU page 88 32 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Cuatro Puertas [Telde]

It receives its name from the four entries to the main cave of this archaeological ensemble. The doors give way to a grand room having engraved signs on the walls, where religious rites were performed. nU page 65

Cuevas del Barranco de Guayadeque [Agüimes] This is a highly

valued archaeological area due to the presence of hundreds of caves anciently settled by Aborigines. Here the largest collection of mummies and pre-Hispanic utensils was found, now kept and exhibited in Museo Canario. Before you start your visit, do go to the Interpretation Center. [more info on U page 19]. nU page 65

Roque Bentayga [Tejeda] The visit to Roque Bentayga in the middle

of a mountainous area is by itself a spectacular one. To this we add on that Roque Bentayga has a very important significance in the Canarian history as it was the place where the ancient Canarians would worship. That’s why the almogarén [praying place] excavated in the base of Bentayga is the most interesting space in this basaltic rock. nU page 62

Los Barros [Jinámar] and Llano de las Brujas [Jinámar]

The first site is integrated in the lands of El Mirador Shopping Center [U page 38] and the second one is found very near the first one. In these two archeological sites you can observe some local constructions from the ancient settlers of the island. For more information please ask on El Mirador information booth.

Restart Gran Canaria

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

If there is something that makes the visitors of Gran Canaria fall in love with the place, is the friendly personality and hospitality of the people of the island. It is almost impossible that a Grancanarian does not offer help or guide, or simply have a relaxed conversation with you. Do not miss out on the opportunity to know more about Gran Canaria through its people!

ISLANDER’S NATURE What is the reason behind our

Here we talk

Our way of being is marked by the historic exposure to other open cultures [Berber origin [African] of our ancestors and migratory flows with Latin America since the conquest period of the islands]. But our personality also comes from the fact of living in such a climatically privileged and fabulous place, generating multiple positive effects on our health and state of mind.

The Canarian is a modality of Spanish language owned by the island, very similar to the South American dialects, and having similar pronunciation. The Canarian language is highly influenced by the Latin terms [due to the migratory flows from the Caribbean and South America, after the conquest], by Portuguese terms [migratory flows with Portugal] and by Aborigine terms [coming from Amazigh, spoken anciently]. In smaller intensity, there is vocabulary adapted from English language as well [due to the British colonization during the end of the XIX century].

genuine personality?

to identify a Grancanarian A Grancanarian uses loving expressions while talking like “mi niño” [my boy], “mi cielo” [my sweety], “mi amor” [my love] and others of this sort, even if you have just met him/her. Do accept this sign of hospitality and affection and do not take it offensively. The Grancanarian takes his own sweet time for everything. He likes to take things“al golpito” [calmly] and savor everything. It’s a way of seeing and living life. They don’t like to be stressed nor to be rushed or hurried. You can notice this characteristic while walking on the streets, because if you see someone walking very fast, he may not be Canarian.

It is easy to recognize a Canarian at the beach as they usually have the ideal skin tan, elaborated throughout the year. Another hint to identify them is that they wear cholas [sandals] as footwear all the time, even if they are not going to the beach. If you are going for example in the bus, you will easily recognize a local by his voice tone when he is talking. To “armar escandalera” [being noisy] is a very important trait in them. The islander has a very teasing and somewhat ironic humor, used in his daily dealings with people. Generally they are happy people and always carry a smile on their face.

SOME TYPICAL CANARIAN WORDS [not the

SOME TYPICAL CANARIAN EXPRESSIONS [not

same in Spanish]

the same in Spanish]

guagua bus

agüita Gosh, this is

papa potato enyesque appetizer millo corn calufo unbearable heat fisco chunk cholas sandals fleje loads sancochar boil / cook canelo brown tuno prickly pear baifo small goat queque pound cake cambao bent roscas popcorn pulóver pullover

awesome!

al golpito take it easy! chosss! used to em-

phasize on something in an exaggerated form

se me fue el baifo!

completely lost my mind! qué pasó? what’s up salpica! leave me

alone!

enterao de la caja del agua someone

who thinks to know it all estar abollao having full stomach

flis spray buche gulp

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 33

ISLANDER’S NATURE

Some hints

CANARIAN!

In the island a great variety of entertainment is waiting for you not allowing the boredom factor to creep in. In this section of Restart! we shall talk about the theme parks and family entertainment activities in the island. But if you are the sorts who is looking for a greater adrenaline rush, movement and adventure, you can consult GET ACTIVE! section on U page 24 giving out more entertainment suggestions.

ENTERTAINMENT! A. Fisechko - fotolia.com

O: Loren Sztajer OT PH

Aqualand Maspalomas

[WATER PARK] At any time of the year you can slide on the toboggans of this huge open air water park counting with 15 different attractions. It has a wave pool and a minipark of toboggans for the younger ones.

Holiday World Maspalomas

45 Bahía Feliz – Palmitos Park 70 Puerto Rico – Palmitos Park [REDUCED FREQUENCY]

[AMUSEMENT PARK] It is the only permanent park in the Canaries and counts with attractions for all the ages [big wheel, looping coaster, sky-drop, bumper cars, merry-goround, pirate ship, etc.]. There is also a bowling alley, clubs and a wellness center.

ENTERTAINMENT

H Ctra. Palmitos Park, km 3 [Mas-

Palmitos Park Maspalomas

HOLIDAY WORLD

[THEME PARK] If you like plants and animals, you are absolutely right if you choose to spend the day at the Palmitos Park, located in the interiors of a valley full of palm trees. The favorite attraction of the park is the dolphin show, the prey birds exhibition, the parrot show, and the exotic birds exhibition. Palmitos Park also counts with various bird samples, mammals [gibbons, orangutans, etc.] reptiles, tropical and coral fishes, butterflies, cactus and orchids.

various lines available

H Avda. Touroperador Tui [Maspalomas]

TSummers: Mo-Fri and PH 18.00 – 24.00 | Winters: Su-Th and FD 17.00 – 23.00 Fr,Sa and PH eve 17.00 – 24.00 l You pay per attraction [park entrance is free ] | other discounts u | e | 7 | P | nU page 88 8 holidayworld-maspalomas.es

Sioux City San Agustín

H Bco. de los Palmitos, s/n [Maspalomas] T Mo - Su and PH 10.00 – 18.00 l 28,50 € | < 13 years old: 21 € | other discounts u | e | 7 | P | nU page 88

[THEME PARK] Live an experience surrounded by Red Indians and Cow Boys, with all the action coming from the American Wild West: duels, loots, fights, hangings, dances, horses, cattle-drive and much more. In Sioux City you will again find different samples of species like reptiles, spiders and amphibians. On Fridays, the park opens at night with night shows and barbeque.

34 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

45 Bahía Feliz – Palmitos Park 70 Puerto Rico – Palmitos Park [REDUCED FREQUENCY]

Her by fo

tolia. com

29 [Faro de Maspalomas – Sioux City] [reduced frequency]

H Barranco del Águila, s/n [San Agustín] T Mo-Su and PH 10.00 – 17.00 | Fr 20.00 – 24.00 l 22 € [Friday nights: 55 €] | <12 years old: 16 € [Friday nights: 25 €]. u | e | 7 | P | nU pag. 84 8 siouxcity.es

Lago Oasis Taurito

[Mogán] Being right next to the Taurito beach, this is the largest salty water pool in the island. Moreover, it counts with various toboggans and attractions for the younger ones.

01 [Las Palmas – Puerto de Mogán] 32 [Playa del Inglés – Puerto de Mogán] 33 [Playa del Inglés – Puerto de Mogán] [Only Saturdays and public holidays]

H Urb. Taurito s/n [Taurito-Mogán] T Mo-Su and PH 10.00 – 18.00 l 10 € | <13 years old: 5 € u|e|7

Cocodrilo Park Agüimes

[ZOOLOGICAL PARK] Visiting this familiar zoological park, you shall contribute with the labor of shelter and protection for these animals, many of them retrieved from illegal traffic. The main attraction of this park is the crocodiles [more than 300], but there are Bengal tigers, tropical fishes, baboons and even zools. There is a parrot and crocodiles show in the mornings. H Ctra. Gral. Los Corralillos km. 5,5 [Agüimes] T Mo-Fr and Su 10.00 – 17.00 l 9,90 € | <13 years old: 6,90 € | other discounts u|e|7 |P

PHO TO: N

ick A

llen

ENTERTAINMENT

aime

TO: S PHO

ACTIVITY CATALOGUE

[OFFERED IN ALL THE MAIN TOURIST ZONES IN THE SOUTH OF THE ISLAND]

ON WATER yellow submarine [Puerto de Mogán] | regular boat services [Arguneguin – Anfi - Puerto Rico - Puerto de Mogán] | boat excursions [catamaran, sailing boats, antique wrecks, pirate ships] [some of them having anchorage in beaches of difficult access like Güigüi [U page 17]]

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PHOTO: Gran Canaria

SHOPPING! Start making space in your bags as it is hard to resist the temptation of shopping here. You will not be able to return back home without having spent on whims, fancies, souvenirs and gifts. In this island, especially in the capital city, the commercial movement is absolutely frantic and has nothing to envy from cosmopolitan cities.

SHOPPING

HANDICRAFT Handicraft [U page 57], is the best souvenir you can take from the island. Choose stores like FEDAC [an institutional programme to promote Canarian craftsmen], where apart from finding a good variety of creations in different artisan fields, you will also have the complete guarantee that what you are acquiring is made by Canarian gurus of handicraft. You can also find handicrafts in the Mercadillo de Artesania y Cultura de Vegueta [Street market of craftsmanship and culture of Vegueta] [U page 69] and in other traditional street markets of the island.

Fedac Stores Las Palmas

H C/ Domingo J. Navarro, 7 T Mo - Fr 09.30 – 13.30 and 16.30 – 20.00

Canary Islands

TAX FREE

For years, the Canaries were very popular for being tax free zones. This very beneficial situation gave a boost to the economical activity in the island and gave way to a golden era. In that period many businessmen settled in the islands to establish all sorts of commercial activities, especially perfume and electronics stores, initiated by a very active Indian community. Today tax reductions have changed, but some remain, like the REDUCED VAT [called IGIC here], generally a 7%. Being electronics and perfume stores so prominent in the island, [you shall find this type of stores in all the shopping malls of the south and in the area of Parque Santa Catalina in Las Palmas de G.C. [U page 76]], the price offers are vast and very competitive, helping you to get away with a good purchase. Keep in mind that in the majority of these stores you can test your bargaining skills!

Playa del Inglés

H Tourism Office [corner of Avda. España / Avda. Estados Unidos] T M - Fr 10.00 -14.00 and 16.00 – 19.30

Street Markets

36 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Keep in mind the timings and days of the street markets during your excursions to different towns of the island, in case your visit coincides with them.

ari PHOT O: Gran Can

If what you are looking for is to shop in a local style, you must go to any of the markets we recommend you in section “Swarning Gran Canaria”. In a street market, the action of buying becomes something totally secondary. What matters is the interaction with the people, the hustle, the movement, and feeling the rhythm of life of the locals working there. The most important one is the Rastro de Las Palmas [U page 74].

Restart Gran Canaria

Canarian FASHION The climate, sceneries, colors and mixture of cultures inspire the fashion created by Canarian designers. Their creations based on lively colors, mixture of tissues and fabrics, and original cuts and volumes, will surprise you. Remarkably the Canarian bathing and swim line, it is extremely trendy and creates tendency in the international fashion scenario. The platform Gran Canaria Moda Calida brings together many designers from the island and organizes an international fashion show named Gran Canaria Moda Calida [means hot fashion] [exclusively swimwear] and Gran Canaria Fashion Week.

TAKE IT

DON’T FORGET ALONG TO TAKE BACK WITH YOU

Aloe Vera [U page 43] Cheese, mojo [Canarian sauce], gofio [Canarian cereal made of corn], sweets, etc. [U page 46] Even though you can find them anywhere in the island, purchasing these products in the local street markets is an experience in itself. Pintaderas canarias and Ídolo de Tara [U page 32]

Shopping Areas Triana [U page 70] and Mesa y López [U page 76] are the main

outdoors shopping areas located in Las Palmas de G.C.. You will find here boutiques, stores, and international and exclusive brands.

SHOPPING MALLS IN THE SOUTH

[U page 84| 85| 86 | 88 | 90] They have a very different structure from the usual shopping malls. They are entertainment centers, having restaurants, bars, night clubs and pubs. At night, after dawn, is when the actual ambience is seen here. Certainly they offer a wide range of commercial offer in fooding, electronics, fashion and perfumes.

descárgate la versión electrónica en www.restartgrancanaria.com | 37

LARGE SHOPPING CENTERS

There are 7 in the entire island. When we talk about large shopping centers what we mean to say is that they are big enough to find anything you need. They provide you with cinema halls, ample parking space, hypermarket chains, and restaurant area.

Las Palmas de G.C.

C.C. Las Arenas Located at the end of Las Canteras beach, it has beautiful views from the roof top.

H Carretera del Rinc贸n, s/n SHOPPING

C.C. El Muelle With wonderful views to the

Avenida maritima [Sea Avenue] and the Puerto of Las Palmas [Port of Las Palmas] from any of the roof tops of the mall. It does not have any supermarket. H Muelle de Santa Catalina, s/n

C.C. La Ballena H Avda. Gral. Del Norte, 112 C.C. Siete Palmas

H Avda. Pintor Felo Monz贸n, 44 TELDE

C.C. El Mirador y C.C. Las Terrazas Located next to each other at a 2 minutes distance by car. The main characteristics of Las Terrazas is that it is the only large shopping center offering OUTLET stores in the island, it also has numerous outdoor spaces and it offers ample entertainment options.

H GC-1 | 5,5 km VECINDARIO

C.C. Atl谩ntico

H C/ Adargoma s/n

5 El Mirador | 6 Las Terrazas

GC-1

MASPALOMAS

C.C. El Tablero It has no cinema.

HAvda. Fco. Vega Monroy, 21 GC-1

INFO! SALES PERIOD

SUMMER from July 2nd to September 1st WINTER from January 7th to March 6th

In almost all the shops and stores in the island CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED | Some stores demand a minimum purchase of 5/6 Euros approximately to pay by card. Generally, the LARGE STORE CHAINS ACCEPT RETURNS AND REFUNDS | The small stores only accept returns | It is compulsory for them to keep complaint forms | Know more about your consumption rights on 8 ec.europa.eu/ consumers. In the Canaries, THE STORES CLOSE DURING LUNCH AND SIESTA TIME! Many stores [family business, boutiques and other types of small shops] close during lunch time. But usually the shopping malls and large store chains have continuous opening hours, FROM 10 TO 22 HOURS. On SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THE SHOPS CLOSE. In tourist areas some very specific stores remain open [convenience stores, 24/7, pharmacies, etc.]. On following public holidays stores remain open: 7/1, 28/3, 9/9, 12/10, 1/11, 1/12, 8/12, 15/12, 22/12, and 29/12.

48 El Tablero

38 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

Take note!

Gran Canaria AT NIGHT

NIGHT PLANS

for the entire family! A perfect family night plan is to visit any of the open air shopping centers in the South of the island [San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico] where we guarantee you fun and good ambience. If you are put up in the Capital city, you would like to end the day with your loved ones at Las Canteras beach, where every night you have great ambience and flow of people in its entire 3 kms. of promenade area having multiple restaurants and open air bars. YUMBO SHOPPING CENTRE [P. DEL INGLÉS]

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 39

G.C. AT NIGHT

If you have treated yourself with a sensational day under the shinny sun and the most pleasant temperatures, it’s time for you to take rest and charge your batteries, because your day is not over yet. The night is here and Gran Canaria gives you everything to live it like never before!

We th a fun e Canaria we lo DNA buil ns have t night ve to live -in and On w until pea the think eekdays d k hours. ends that stre o not e love early her t life e t a drin o meet u . We p enjoy k or dinn for resta ing an op er, maki urant or b en air n the d g the mo ar, the t ay! Week st of e i for u me to par nds are s but t midn not b y hard that’s ight beca efore u be st when we se e club! pping in would to a

A night of performances It is difficult to be in the island and not coincide with the celebration of some festival, concert or an open air popular festivity. [See calendar on U page 11]. Do keep in mind that the theatres and auditoriums in the island also offer a vast schedule of performances by artists offering world class mise-en-scenes [U page 53].

More NIGHT

entertainment alternatives

Go partying...

G.C. AT NIGHT

In Las Palmas de G.C.

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

Holiday World [U page 34] |Sioux City [U page 34] | Shopping centers [U page 38] | starry night [U page 22]

You have various party options in the Capital City depending on what you are looking for. Vegueta and Triana are ideal locations to start your night with tapas and good music in trendy joints, having as background the charm of cobbled streets and historic buildings. On Thursdays, the joints in Vegueta get crowded thanks to a new initiative of tapas and drinks at very reasonable rates. On Fridays too, this particular area tends to get crowded. IN muelle deportivo [marina]

of the Capital City you will find a more sophisticated ambience to start your night in its restaurants or bars.

in Plaza de EspaĂąa

you will find numerous open air bars and pubs. This is the perfect prelude before you hit the night clubs of the city, located very nearby. The main party zone of the Capital City is around the area of Parque Santa Catalina, where the most popular night clubs of the city are located. Days with more ambience are Fridays and of course, Saturdays. In Playa del InglĂŠs [U page 85]

In Maspalomas and Meloneras

VEGUETA [LAS PALMAS DE G.C.]

40 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

[U page 87]

In Puerto Rico [U page 89] Restart Gran Canaria

GOLF samott - fotolia.com

If your passion is golf you have found the perfect place to play it! In Gran Canaria there are eight golf courses; most of them constructed recently, in unique and incredible surroundings with best equipments and services.

DO YOU WANT TO PLAY GOLF IN A DIFFERENT COURSE EVERY DAY? In Gran Canaria you can do it, because all eight golf courses are placed in a mere area of 60 kms.

Maspalomas Golf Can you imagine an

oasis in the midst of the sand, in the midst of the desert? This is the very sensation you will get while playing golf in this course, where the grass melts in the horizon with the spectacular dunes of Maspalomas. Have fun while practicing your favorite sport on a flat, broad and wide surfaced course.

Lopesan Meloneras Golf Placed in the

new and luxurious area of Meloneras, practicing golf in this course is an authentic treat; a large number of holes are found attached to the sea giving you the sensation that the green of the grass is melting with the blue of the Atlantic Ocean in the horizon. The Meloneras Golf is a wide and flat course having 4 tees of exit per hole, in favor of players having different types of handicaps. Ca FOTO: Gran naria

EL CORTIJO

s and s Palma lf de La he Capital o G e d ser to t al Club The Re o, located clo igher dedicah ij t h r it o C w timing l s E e , having e cours en City, ar heir members acquire a gre s, e t tion to ns in order to f these cours o io restrict u choose one ur ways with is e o o fee. If y surely cross y alomas cours of p l you wil yers. The Mas e in the south re a n local plat traditional o rest of them n. e s io h t o t c s m u a r e t e th er ns nd, wh cent co the isla ized and of re n r e mod 18 holes [par 72] DESIGN: Ron Kirby Driving range, Pitching area, Chipping green and Putting green Golf School Club house, restaurant and coffee shop Hotel Rent buggies, carts and clubs Pro shop T WINTERS: Mo-Su and PH 07.00 – 19.00 | SUMMERS: Mo-Su and PH 07.00 – 21.00 8 lopesan.com

Green fees The courts are open throughout the year, but during winters [October-April] is high season period to play golf in Gran Canaria. In all the clubs you can acquire your green fee [with time restrictions in the Real Club and El Cortijo] at a price of 30 to 60 € during low season, and in the range of 90 to 110 € during high season. There are discounts available for clients of hotel resorts having golf course.

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GOLF

18 holes [par 73] DESIGN: Mackenzie Ross Driving range, Pitching area and Putting green Golf school Club house, restaurant and coffee shop Rent buggies, carts and clubs Pro shop Pilates T WINTERS: Mo-Su and PH 08.00 – 21.00 | SUMMERS: Mo-Su and PH 08.00 – 22.00 8 maspalomasgolf.net

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Canari a

El Cortijo

PHOT O

: Gran

One of the largest golf courses of Spain is located at only 6 kms from the Capital City, next to the GC1 highway, occupying the space of an antique agricultural estate farm. Its green carpet is displayed all along 3 valleys and there are more than 600 centenary palm trees covering it. Its up to 6 tees of exit per hole give an endless number of game alternatives for golf players having different sorts of handicaps.

ANfi tauro GOLF

an appealing contrast with the reddish volcanic rock of the valley. From this golf course there are magnificent views to the Tauro coast. The course is very wide but has various difficulties and obstacles making your golf session very entertaining.

GOLF

Salobre Golf and Resort This golf complex

has 2 fascinating golf courses in the middle of an extraordinary landscape simulating an American desert, where you can breathe absolute tranquility. The architectural design of Salobre Sur [south] makes the most of the raised shape of the ravines and offers you awesome views to the sea as well as the mountains. The Salobre Norte [north], is a course designed and adapted to the irregular range of volcanic rocks, making its holes very demanding.

Sur: 18 holes [par 71] | Norte: 18 holes [par 71] DESIGN: Sur: Roland Favré | Norte: Ron Kirby Driving range, Pitching area, Chipping green and Putting green Golf School Club house, restaurant and coffee shop Hotel Rent buggies, carts and clubs Pro shop T WINTERS: Mo-Su and PH 07.30 – 18.00 | SUMMERS: Mo-Su and PH 07.30 – 20.00 8 salobregolfresort.com

Anfi Tauro Golf The Anfi Golf displays its green carpet at the starting point of the Tauro ravine, generating

18 holes [par 72] DESIGN: Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril Pitch & Putt [9 holes – par 3], Driving range, Pitching area, Chipping green and Putting green Golf School Club house, restaurant and coffee shop Hotel Rent buggies, carts and clubs Pro shop T WINTERS: Mo-Su and PH 07.30 - 18.30 | SUMMERS: Mo-Su and PH 07.30 – 20.00 8 anfi.com/golf

Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas You can

breathe tradition in the oldest golf course of Spain, inaugurated in1891 for the first British tourists who would travel down to the island to spend their long winters here. It is located next to the crater of a volcano having incredible views to the sea and the mountain peak. 18 holes [par 71] DESIGN: Mackenzie Ross Driving range Club house, restaurant and coffee shop Rent buggies and carts Hotel Tennis T Mo-Fr 08.00 – 13.00 [other timings for members only] 8 realclubdegolfdelaspalmas. com

42 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

18 holes [par 72] DESIGN: Blake Stirling and Marco Martín Driving range, Pitching area and Putting green Golf School Club house, restaurant and coffee shop Rent buggies, carts and clubs Pro shop Tennis, paddle, pilates T WINTERS: MoFr 07.45 - 18.30 | SUMMERS: Mo-Fr 07.45 – 20.00 [other timings for members only] 8 elcortijo.es

Las Palmeras Golf [pitch & putt] In the Capital

City you can play golf in this pitch & putt course [the most recent in the island] having 18 holes and 1.200 meters of extension. Even though you are in an urban surrounding, don’t miss out on the fantastic views to the Las Canteras beach.

18 holes [par 3] DESIGN: Stirling and Martin Driving range, Putting green and Chipping green Golf School Club House, restaurant and coffee shop Rent of clubs Pro shop Paddel, gimnasio and piscina T WINTERS: Mo-Fr 08.30 - 18.00 Sa, Su and PH 08.00 – 18.00 | SUMMERS: Mo-Fr 08.30 - 20.00 Sa, Su and PH 08.00 – 20.00 8 laspalmerasgolf.es

Restart Gran Canaria

lunamarina - fotolia.com

Get your body geared up in Gran Canaria because the island turns into a huge open air SPA, in a natural and privileged environment, totally capable to give you multiple health benefits. Make the most of it, because it will never be as easy anywhere else!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

We tell you whyâ&#x20AC;Ś 1] The best way to improve your blood circulation and tone your body is by walking barefoot on the wet sand of the seashore. No other surface will give better results 2] A sunny dip with suitable protection gives energy, allows vitamin D synthesis in the skin, stimulates your defenses and acts like an antibiotic for your body 3] The sea water stimulates your muscles thanks to the contribution of sea salts, minerals and trace elements like the iodine [disinfectant and regulator] and sodium 4] The humid sea breeze supports our breathing system and gives negative ions producing a relaxing and antidepressant effect in the body 5] The sand is excellent natural exfoliant for your skin.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

ALOE VERA

THE BEACH An integral and comprehensive treatment

TAKE IT ALONG!

This by excellence medicinal plant for skin care is cultivated and grown in Gran Canaria like nowhere else, and is considered by many experts as the purest in the world thanks to the favorable climate of the island. Aloe Vera has multiple properties good for the skin: Rejects bacteria and fat blocking of pores Regenerates tissues and cells Powerful healing agent and toner Anti wrinkles Anti acne Sunscreen Helps sun mark eradication Helps soothing post waxing and shaving irritation Helps the elimination of small stretch marks It also has medicinal properties: Antiseptic Anti allergic Bactericidal Muscular anesthetic Nutritive [contains vitamins, minerals and sugar]

Thalassotherapy Gran Canaria is a specialist in thalassotherapy due to its various centers making the most of various therapeutic elements benefitted from sea water, algae and the marine iodine in order to carry out treatments. The thalassotherapy centers offer a great variety of alternatives like: pool circuits, hydromassages and sea water jets | steam baths and marine inhalations | beauty treatments with seaweed wraps or marine iodine.

While purchasing pure aloe vera, make sure it contains at least 99% of gel or extract | buy creams and other cosmetic products containing at least 20% of Aloe Vera [its combination with other moisturizing factors is normal as pure Aloe Vera would dry your skin] | Aloe Vera can be consumed with juices and tea.

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Spas Spas

You have at your disposal in the entire island an ample range of health and wellness centers specialized in taking good care of you with the most innovative and trendy treatments. Pool circuits, bubbles, water jets, jacuzzis, saunas, Turkish bath, therapeutic massages, volcanic stones, beauty treatments and many more alternatives, so that you can gift your body and mind the perfect balance.

ria

PHOTO: Gr an

The Aloe Vera treatments are the most requested | Majority of spa centers in Gran Canaria are found inside the hotels | Las Palmas de G.C. and other cities have smaller urban spas.

Mind

AND SPIRIT

Gran Canaria is the ideal place to transport your mind and spirit into a relaxation and absolute calm mode. In order to do that, it gives you the suitable dosage of sunsets and sunrises in its majestic sceneries making best use of sounds and colors. On U page 22 we are suggesting you the best viewpoints in the island, where you can enjoy all these sensations.

PHOTO: Gran C a na ria

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

a is a health Gran Canari nce the sesi n destinatio ury, the XIX cent of lf ha nd st co fir ry ve e th during which northern om fr ts touris ld come to Europe wou of bathing s fit take bene of inal waters in the medic ne and Los vi the Azuaje ra the north of in â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Berrazales, uring the 60 the island. D y center was ap er a helioth s in the dune established the re he w , as of Maspalom benefit from ld visitors wou ties of the er healing prop nd. sa sun and the

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Restart Gran Canaria

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GASTRONOMY

Gran Canaria AN ISLAND OF INTENSE FLAVOR

TAKE IT ALONG!

Canarian Dishes

products packed with the purpose of being suited to be taken in your baggage.

Papas arrugadas Without any doubts, one of the star dishes of the islands. You can eat it as a tapa or as a garnish. The secret lies in the type of potatoes used, and in boiling them with loads of salt. In fact, earlier they would be boiled in sea water. It’s eaten with mojo canario. The mojo and potatoes are inseparable!

to local products: fish, fruits and vegetables. But the Canarian diet is very varied and has been enriched over the years with many dishes and products from outside the island, mainly the mainland [Mediterranean diet] and South America.

Potaje de berros A mishmash based on berro [watercress], a vegetable cultivated in the island and with high usage amongst the Canarians. [There even is a variation of it, it is consumed in a sandwich, and you can try it at many eating joints].

Conejo en salmorejo Rabbit meat marinated in garlic, spices and white wine.

Puchero canario Meat and vegetables stew.

TAKE IT ALONG!

The mojo is the very famous Canarian sauce. Even though it is served as accompaniment to papas arrugadas, the mojo is very polyvalent, and is used for many other Canarian dishes. There are various types of mojo and many ways to prepare it. These are the most common ones: mojo rojo (red) [red capsicum, paprika, oil, vinegar, garlic, parsley and salt]. It is served with meat dishes based and with papas arrugadas. mojo verde (green) [coriander/parsley, cumin, oil, vinegar, garlic and salt]. It is served with fish dishes and with papas arrugadas. Fixed Menus Many restaurants especially in Las Palmas de G.C. and local areas offer very reasonable rated fixed menus on weekdays during lunchtime. Timings The timings in tourist zones during

Ropa vieja Stew made of meat, chickpea, spices, fried potatoes and other ingredients. You can see the bond between the Canaries and America by just knowing that this very own Canarian dish is also a very typical and popular dish in Cuba and Venezuela.

lunchtime are quite wide, but in local areas the typical Spanish timings are followed: approx. 13.00 – 16.00 and 20.00 – 24.00 Tips Although service charge and taxes are already included in the bill, there is a habit of leaving a tip if you have liked the food and the service. Restaurant areas in the Capital City are detailed in the maps of page 69 | 71 | 76.

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GASTRONOMY

Mojo canario

material production later giving way to the gastronomy. The traditional cuisine is based on simple dishes but very unique, making the most of and at the same time bestowing the best opportunity

PHOTO: S. Spivak

way of living for the islanders! The land, the sea, and the good climate give way to the best fooding raw

PHOTO: F. J. Toledo

In order to enjoy at the fullest of Gran Canaria you will need to frequently restore your energies. Eating out is no luxury in Gran Canaria, on the contrary it is a part of the culture and a

Gofio

the products of the land TAKE IT ALONG!

Gofio is a type of elaborated flour having corn as its principal element. It is and has been since Aborigine times a basic element in the Canarian diet. From here the expression “You are more Canarian than the Gofio”. By the day more and more deserts are elaborated with gofio in the most traditional way, we suggest you the following 3 ways to consume it: gofio escaldado Gofio diluted in fish stock turning into a paste. It’s usually eaten with onion. gofio amasado Knead the gofio with water and make balls out of it called pellas. It is served as a substitute to bread.

: Sergio Sá OTO nc

Gofio with milk

the Canarian kids have it this way to give them energy in the morning. z

GASTRONOMY

Bienmesabe

TAKE IT ALONG!

It’s probably our most famous sweet dish, elaborated in the interiors of the island. It has a smooth jam like structure and is made of grated almonds from the town of Tejeda, egg, sugar and lemon. It can be eaten just like that but it’s a good accompaniment to ice cream amongst others.

Bizcocho de Moya

TAKE IT ALONG!

There are two secrets to this very tasty sponge cake: the icing of glaze syrup covering it and the double baking given to it.

Suspiros de Moya

TAKE IT ALONG!

This is the way the meringues from the village of Moya are called in Gran Canaria.They are smaller than the traditional ones from Mainland and have a slight taste of lemon.

SWEETEN B YOURSELF!

Canarian banana The banana is the most cultivated fruit in the islands and along with tomato, the most exported one. It’s differentiated from the Central American banana by its smaller size and its brownish characteristics little specks, but most importantly by its flavor and much creamier texture. While discovering the island it is impossible for you to not come across a crop of banana trees. Canarian Tomato This is the star product of our land. What differentiates it and gives it so much fame is its taste, with that pinch of sweetness and aroma not found in any other tomato. Tropical fruits: Thanks to the climate in the Canaries a big variety of fruits and vegetables are produced here. We encourage you to try our season tropical fruits, like mangoes, papaya, pineapple and avocados. Fish and seafood It could not be any other way in an island of fishing tradition where there is an abundance of sea products. VIEJA [autochthonous fish], SAMA, CHERNE [wreck fish], MERO [sea bass], CHOCO [white sepia], SQUID, TUNA, CANARIAN LOBSTER, CRAB and OCTOPUS, are the most popular ones. In fishing villages you can ask this variety of fishes in grilled, fried or coated way. Do try pulpo a la gallega (octopus made in Galician way).

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g mornin t mid- ed with A . le p peo t fill along leche ces ge coffee che yians are very nd coffee pla se. This habite leche e l n o a U h Canar e bars ce of t offee d We the tea time, th heir daily c the existen nd another t a o t r t k a il fo y d a g m ! an lookin gives w a little where people sweet tooth offee cut by sk for it any a c a n o with : express u ca ilk. Yo e y lech ndensed m o c little [milk

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Chorizo [Sausage] de Teror It’s the sausage of our land made in the most traditional way with the tastiest pork meat. It’s of soft texture, ideal to spread on baguette bread. You can get it in red [with paprika] and white [without paprika], and you can buy it in most of the supermarkets.

BIENMESABE OF TEJEDA

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Restart Gran Canaria

TAKE IT ALONG!

Do try and take along one of the most popular Canarian delicacies. It is commonly served in restaurants as starters or tapas. What makes the cheese from here so special is the great milk quality coming from autochthonous races of goats, fed with endemic plants. The rest of the work of cheese elaboration is done by Canarian cheese masters. There is a long list of cheese variety depending on the type of milk, cure degree, origin or layering.

majorero and palmero [With designation of origin] These are the cheeses coming from the islands of Fuerteventura and La Palma. The majorero was the first Spanish cheese to get certificate of origin. Fresh Cheese They are highly consumed in Gran Canaria. The most popular are the ones from Valsequillo and San Mateo. As they are fresh, we do not recommend you to travel back home with them.

Flor de Guía [With designation of origin] It’s one of the few cheeses elaborated in Europe with vegetable rennet; in this case the cardoon flower gives this cheese its characteristic aroma and taste. It is elaborated with sheep, cow, and goat milk, and it is made in the most traditional way. It is difficult to find this cheese outside the towns of Guía, Moya or Gáldar, where it is produced.

Going For Tapas! The especial

Going for tapas is part of the gastronomical culture of Spain and is a very social form to experiment the island dishes. There are various places serving tapas, but the area of Vegueta and Triana [see “I am hungry” on U page 77] are reference points and you can breathe in them the best tapas ambience, especially on weekends, starting from Thursdays.

SANDWICH For a good Canarian, it’s not sufficient to have a normal sandwich only with baguette bread and its components [like chicken, beef, filet, squid, etc.]. By nature the Canarian is a good eater and loves sauce accompaniment. The special sandwich is “very local” and consists in adding oil and garlic sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, ham and at times egg, bacon and many other ingredients to the sandwich you choose. You can ask for your special sandwich in almost all the cafeterias and bars of the island.

Paella

THE SECRET TO LEARN THE ART OF TAPAS IS BY:

1] doing it in a group of people, because it’s all about asking for a variety of portions to share, 2] change your place and don’t eat in the same joint and 3] do not get confused about the concept of TAPA [usually small portions of main dishes being eaten with a fork ], PINCHO [very small portion with various components brought together with a stick or toothpick] and MONTADITO [similar to the PINCHO concept but with a piece of bread holding at the top all the ingredients together]. Although in some places of Spain a TAPA is served free with a drink you ask for, in Gran Canaria this custom is not carried out .

Your food table should not lack of the Spanish dish by excellence during your stay. Although originally the paella from Valencia was made of rice with meat [chicken, duck, rabbit, and snails], today more variations have been created, like the sea food paella [with fish and sea food]. This paella variation is the most popular one in the Canaries for obvious reasons. Many restaurants offer this dish, but if you are looking for a good paella make sure you choose a specialized place where the dish is prepared in a traditional way.

Chocolate con churros Don’t miss out on the opportunity of having breakfast in the very popular and traditional churrerías. You can find them in the Capital City and also in various villages of the island, but not in the tourist areas. The most frequent way to have it is at breakfast, but you can also have it at tea time. Enjoy it anyway or anytime but get ready because the chocolate con churros is quite hearty!

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GASTRONOMÍA

a.com César - fotoli

Canarian Cheese

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

CULTURE

AN ISLAND,A MIXTURE OF CULTURES

Gran Canaria has a very personal and genuine cultural identity, marked by the mixture of influences coming from 3 different continents; this is due to the privileged geographical situation, permitting for many centuries the coming and going of people from Europe, South America and Africa.

Made in Gran Canaria!

Alfredo Kraus - El día que me quieras Alfredo Kraus - Islas Canarias

Mestisay is a pop group that integrates and fusions popular Canarian sounds and music with other rhythms, essentially latins. Their music is very rooted to the islands.. Mestisay – Arroró

El Sueño de Morfeo is a Spanish

pop-rock group formed in the year 2002. Its music has a very prominent Celtic influence. Its lead singer Raquel del Rosario, was born in the town of Teror, she is considered the daughter of the town. They will represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest (Sweden 2013). OTO: J.L. Ma r

Alfredo Kraus was an international artist born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and was always attached to his roots. He is considered as one of the best lyrical tenors of the XX century. He performed and made it compulsory for the audience to give him a standing ovation in the most important theaters of the world, while performing and playing the most renowned classical operas. In 1991 he received the prestigious Prince of Asturias Arts award.

CULTURE

MUsic

There are lots of artists from Gran Canaria that have crossed out our borders as well as foreign artists who has chosen Gran Canaria as an inspiration for their works.

El sueño de Morfeo - Nunca volverá El sueño de Morfeo - Esta soy yo

José Vélez is a singer of easy-listening music born in the town of Telde in Gran Canaria. He has been since the last 30 years performing on stages and has a lot of fame outside the island, especially in South America. He represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest in the year 1978. José Vélez - Bailemos un vals José Vélez - Canario latinoamericano

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Restart Gran Canaria

Javier Bardem The universal and Spanish actor,

winner of an Oscar Award has a small but important relation with Gran Canaria; he was born and brought up here till the age of 4 years.

Mateo Gil is a movies writer and director having international fame and as birth place Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. MOVIES director of Blackthorn | writer of Ágora [Alejandro Amenábar], Mar Adentro [Alejandro Amenábar] and Vanilla Sky [Cameron Crowe]

Moby Dick

The exteriors of this very famous movie were shot in Gran Canaria. The entire crew of the movie was brought down to the island headed by the director

LITERATURE

John Huston, and the main protagonist of the movie Gregory Peck.

Fast & Furious 6

PHOTO: Webn-tv

Cinema

Some of the action scenes of the famous film saga were shot in the North of Gran Canaria. The film will be released in May 2013.

JAVIER BARDEM

Benito Pérez Galdós has been one of the most important writers of Spanish language. He was born [1843] and he lived in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria till the age of 19 years, when he moved to Madrid on to pursue University studies. Galdós was a dramatist, a chronicler and the biggest exponent of realistic writing. BOOK La Fontana de Oro | Doña Perfecta | Marianela | Fortuna y Jacinta | los Episodios Nacionales. The Thompson Agency and Co. [Jules Verne]

B. PÉREZ GALDÓS [SCULPTURE - LAS PALMAS DE G.C.]

The thirteen problems [Agatha Christie]

PHOTO: Paukr

The queen crime also had visited Gran Canaria and was awestruck with the sceneries in the island and the nature of its people. Her stay in the island helped her to come out from a very powerful depression. In some of the chapters of her novel The thirteen problems, the author describes the sceneries, ambiences and places through the characters of the novel.

Miguel de Unamuno

was one of the most prominent figures of Spanish literature in the XX century. He travelled to Gran Canaria and visited the interiors of the island, and was totally fascinated by its beauty. JULes VERNE

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CULTURE

This novel from the very famous writer Jules Verne, considered the father of science fiction, was published 2 years after his death. The story line revolves around a group of British tourists initiating a journey to the Canaries, where they will live various adventures. It is curious that the book does not offer a very positive image of the island, but on the contrary, its shown to be a wild and dangerous place. Without any doubts, this is pure science fiction!

PAINTING

Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre

Antonio Padrón Natural

from Galdár, he was a [1887-1938]. A painter, set painter wanting to get away designer and designer from external influences who participated in the and artistic trends, even European artistic trends of though his painting style modernism and symbocan be defined as expreslism. He bequeathed a sionist. In his artwork, you very esthetically impactful can see the prominence of artwork you can appreciate the folklore, the customs VISIONES DE GRAN CANARIA [NÉSTOR] even today in his Museum and in and traditions of the island. ARTWORK Aguadoras | the projects he intervened in [Parador La Alfarera | En el Mercado | de Tejeda, Pueblo Canario]. Los ídolos canarios ARTWORK Visiones de Gran Canaria | Poema del Atlántico | Drago

Museums

CULTURE

Archaeological museum and park Cueva Pintada GÁLDAR Cueva Pintada is a pre-Hispanic site of great archeological value; having as prominence the walls decorated with geometric motives located in the interiors of the cave, being the most relevant example of artistic representation of the Aborigine culture in Canarias. Besides visiting the site, in this modern museum, you will know about the form of living of the ancient settlers of the island through a guided explanation and with audiovisuals of that time [Aborigen GC on U page 30]. H C/ Audiencia, 2 [Gáldar] T Tu-Sa 10.00 – 18.00 | Su and PH: 11.00 – 18.00 [last guided tour at 16.30] 24/12 | 25/12 | 31/12| 1/1 | 5/1 | 6/1 | 1/5 l 6 € | free: <18 years and first Sa-Su of the month | discounts for students and others u | e | nU page 95 8 cuevapintada.com

León y Castillo´s House Museum TELDE If you are in Telde, the house where Fernando León y Castillo was born in 1842, is worth a watch. Illustrious Canarian citizen, he was the minister of Overseas and later became minister of Governance too. With the help of his brother he gave a socio economical boost to the island, promoting various public works like the Port of Las Palmas [La Luz]. 50 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

This house is a typical example of traditional Canarian architecture with central courtyards and with elements of Mudejar inspiration. In the rooms there is a collection of furniture and decorative products of that period, a collection of paintings, the original plan of Puerto de La Luz and other elements. H C/ León y Castillo, 43-45 [Telde] T Tu-Su 10.00 – 18.00 l 2 € | 1 €: students, >65 and others | free: <18, first Sa and Su of the month and others u | 8 fernandoleonycastillo.com

Casa Museo Antonio Padrón GÁLDAR In this museum, promoted by the family of the artist, you will be able to observe the main artwork of Padrón. Besides the collection of paintings, there are sculptures of stone and mud, and objects of decorative art created by the author. H C/ Drago, 2 [Gáldar] T Tu-Su 10.00 – 18.00 l 2 € | 1 €: students, >65 and others | free: <18, first Sa and Su of the month and others

nU page 95

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Museo Canario [Canarian Museum]

LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

Élder Museum of Science and Technology “Don’t be scared of touching” is the slogan of this ideal space so that all age groups enjoy it, specially the younger ones. Situated in the Puerto area of Las Palmas de G.C, the museum recommends you to get closer to the fascinating world of science through its planetary, its greenhouse, its projection room in 3D as well, and through its temporary exhibitions. H Parque de Santa Catalina, s/n TTu-Su 10.00 – 20.00 25/12 | 1/01 | 06/01 | 12/02 | 01/05 l 5 € | free: <6 years | discounts: students and >65 u | nU page 768 museoelder.org

Working since 1879, this center is dedicated to preserve, study and show the largest archeological collection of Canarias to the public. In its various spaces you can go through the pre-Hispanic past of the island and know how the Canarians would carry out daily chores in the olden days, about their economical activities, their funerary practices and their rituals. [“Aborigen GC” on U page 30]. H C/ Doctor Vernau, 2 TMo-Fr 10.00 – 20.00 | Sa, Su and F 10.00 – 14.00 25/12 | 1/1 l 4 € | free: <13 years and Mo | discounts: students and others e | nU page 69 8 elmuseocanario.com

Atlantic Center of Modern Arts [CAAM] The main museum of contemporary art

of the Canaries offers you the possibility to go through the temporary exhibitions of painting, photography and sculptures, complementing other activities. The center also offers an owned collection of work of art elaborated under the concept of three-continent principle, highly present in the Canaries; in this way you can recreate yourself with African and Latin American artwork apart from the work of numerous Canarian artists. H C/ Los Balcones, 11 T Tu-Sa 10.00– 21.00 | Su 10.00 – 14.00 PH | 24/12 | 31/12 l 5 € | 2,50 €: students, >65 and others | free: <12, We from 18.00 and others u | e | nU page 69 8 caam.net

ÉLDER MUSEUM

CULTURE

ATLANTIC CENTRE OF MODERN ARTS (CAAM)

CANARIAN MUSEUM

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Casa de Colón [Christopher Columbus’ house]

Casa de Colón occupies one of the most emblematic buildings [traditional Canarian style] of Las Palmas de G.C., the old island governor’s house, very probably visited by Christopher Columbus during his stay in the island in 1492. In its exhibition spaces you can get information on the expeditions carried out in the end of the XV century for the discovery of “the new world” and the important role played by the Canaries. You can also know about the way of life of the Pre-Columbian cultures in America and how the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has evolved during its more than 500 years of history. H C/ Colón, 1 T Mo-Sa 10.00 – 18.00 | Su and PH 10.00 – 15.00 1/1 | 24/12 | 25/12 | 31/12 l 4 € | 2 €: students, >65 and others | free: <18, first Sa and Su of the month and others| nU page 69 8 casadecolon.com

Pérez Galdos Museum House The house where the famous writer Benito Pérez Galdós was born and lived invites you to a journey through the domestic customs of the author and the bourgeois ambience settled in the area of Triana in the XIX century. It is a property that becomes the living example of traditional Canarian architecture with 2 central courtyards [patios]. The decoration

52 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

of the rooms is completed with personal furniture and objects from Galdós residences in Madrid and Santander. H C/ Cano, 2 y 6 T Tu-Fr 10.00 – 18.00 [last guided tours at 17.00] | Sa, Su and PH 10.00 – 14.00 [last guided tour at 13.00] NÉSTOR MUSEUM 1/1 | 6/1 | 12/02 | 1/5 | 25/12 | 31/12 l 3 € | 1,50 €: students, >65 and others | free: <18, first Sa and Su of the month and others | u | nU page 71 8 casamuseoperezgaldos.com

Néstor Museum This museum occupies one of the houses in Pueblo Canario, and in its rooms you can see exhibited works by the prestigious Canarian author. H Pueblo Canario [Parque Doramas s/n] T Tu-Sa 10.00 – 20.00 | Su and PH 10.30 – 14.30 l 2 € | free: <18 years, students, >65 years and others nU page 73 8 laspalmasgc.es/mnestor

Restart Gran Canaria

If you are a culture curious person, and even though you are away from home you still are looking for a good dosage of art, Gran Canaria does not stop from offering you options for all tastes and pockets: operas, concerts, theme festivals,

dance, cinema, musicals, humor, theater, children shows, and an endless list of possibilities. In Gran Canaria there is no shortage of variety in entertainment, from successful national or international productions, to work by local authors and not

Theater Pérez Galdós Working since 1890, it is the main theater in the island of Gran Canaria and it is one of the most representative buildings of Las Palmas de G.C., having a classic style at the exterior and romantic in the interior. The theater Pérez Galdós has seen stepping into its stage through the years the most prestigious theatre plays, concerts and operas. Actually, it’s the headquarters of the Opera Festival of Las Palmas. Do one of the guided tours the premises are offering or go through its wide and varied programming with world class artists, and choose to see one of the shows.

M. Novello - fotolia.com

Gran Canaria AN ISLAND OF PERFORMANCES to forget the important space multicultural events occupy. In Gran Canaria important festivals are celebrated: cinema, opera, theater, dance, music and but of course the most famous one: los Carnavales [carnivals]. In our calendar [U page 11] we have selected for you the most recommended ones in the months of April - June. In the island, many cultural events take place at the outdoors, but there are permanent spaces where you will get stage activity always:

H Plaza Stagno, 1 T Guided tours: Mo-Fr 10.30 –

Alfredo Kraus Auditorium

Cuyás theater

The auditorium is located in the impressive area of the Las Canteras beach and it’s sea facing. This premise of Las Palmas de G.C. is offering the most important world class stage representations. It’s the headquarters of the prestigious Music Festival of the Canaries. H Avda. Príncipe de Asturias s/n u | nU page 76 Go through schedules on: 8 auditorio-alfredokraus.com

12.15 | S 11.00 – 12.15 l Guided tours: 5 € u | nU page 71 Go through schedules on: 8 teatroperezgaldos.es

ExpoMeloneras This modern and wide spaced premise located in Meloneras in the south of the island, it’s a polyvalent space grand events. In its auditorium the most varied shows are carried out [musicals, concerts, theater, classical music, etc.]. H Plaza de las Convenciones s/n u | nU page 88 Go through schedules on:

8 expomeloneras.com THEATRE PÉREZ GALDÓS

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CULTURE

A benchmark theater in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria presenting the most important titles of national and international play works. H Viera y Clavijo s/n u | nU page 71 Go through schedules on: 8 teatrocuyas.com

PHOTO: Gran canaria

TRADITIONS AND HANDICRAFT If you wish to connect completely with this island, spend a part of your time to get closer to our popular culture. In Gran Canaria we pride the fact that we love our traditions and make the most of them, as thanks to them we are who we are. Attend any of the popular festivals [celebrated in towns and neighborhoods] and romerías [processions] celebrated in the island, where there are sales stalls of Canarian gastronomy and handicraft, music and dance shows, and traditional games. [go through the calendar on U page 11]

TRADITIONS AND HANDICRAFT

Music and Dance Feel the different rhythms of Canarias; the joy of dancing an isa in a group choreography [derived from the Jota form of Aragon]; the sentiment and longing transmitted by a malagueña or a folía; the colors and dynamism of the seguidilla, dance,

the satire and fun of the verses from a polca picona; or the memories of Aborigine period awakened by the drums and chácaras [Canarian percussion instrument] of a tajaraste.

JOIN THE “parranda”!

There is no claimed romería or festival in the island lacking amusement by a good parranda. A parranda is a group of musicians playing traditional Canarian songs using various instruments like the guitar, the mandolin, the timple, the traditional lute, drums, or the pandero [typical tambourine]. The best parrandas are the informal ones allowing you to sit on a table while listening to them, accompanied of some good tapas and drinks, and of a lively and joyful conversation with family and friends. PARRANDA [PTO. DE LAS NIEVES]

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Restart Gran Canaria

THE timple yto. San Bart O: A ol o OT m é

Totoyo Millares has been one of the pioneers in giving the timple a main instrument condition. Jose Antonio Ramos and Benito Cabrera are other performers exploring new possibilities of fusion between the timple and symphonic music, jazz or pop.

The timple is the musical instrument of Canarias and the most characteristic sound of these islands. It belongs to the guitar family, but is much smaller in size and has 5 cords. It is due to the smaller dimension of the echo box that the characteristic sharp sound is produced. Its production is until today handcrafted. A few luthiers are in charge of producing the instrument following the instructions of the timple musician, so it can be hard to find two timples alike.

BENITO CABRERA

benito cabrera nube de hielo | jose antonio ramos orquesta filarmónica

We love to party!

THE Gofiones

We the Canarians are very social by nature and we love one to one contact with people, we enjoy outdoors, eating, drinking and having fun with our family and friends. In Gran Canaria, throughout the year you can enjoy festivities like neighborhood festivals, romerías, open-air dance festivals and carnivals. These become best opportunities to meet up and have fun times.

It’s the most recognized popular music group of Gran Canaria, having an important international projection. They have 38 musicians investigating, rescuing, and expanding the traditional song book of the Canaries. los gofiones himno canarias

Carnival PH

niel Vinue

: Da OTO

El Pino [Teror], la bajada de la Rama [Agaete], El Almendro en Flor [Valsequillo and Tejeda], la Fiesta del Charco [La Aldea], la Fiesta del Agua [Lomo Magullo [Telde]] and la Suelta del Perro Maldito [Valsequillo] Go through the calendar on U page 11

Amongst all the official shows carried out during the Carnivals of Las Palmas de G.C., the most important ones are the election of la Reina [the carnival queen] [having awes tricking and majestic dressing by the candidates], the Drag show [with dancing by the very joyful and uninhibited drag queens] and the Cabalgata [a grand parade on the roads with the participation of groups, street bands, the carnival awarded, along with carriages decorated for the occasion]. download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 55

TRADITIONS AND HANDICRAFT

The best known Romerías and Festivals of the island are

We are known to have the best carnivals in Europe and one of the best carnivals in the World. Thet are so good because: 1] of the tradition [celebrated for more than 5 centuries], 2] of the enormous gathering of people [the entire island is involved in the festivity by participating and by funny/fancy dressing up] and 3] of the display [impressive open aired stages, a great amount of private parties, grand shows, massy concerts, funny/fancy dressing competitions, parades and much more]. Each and every town of Gran Canaria has its own carnivals celebration giving you the possibility of joining any of them in the time period of 2 months [end of January - mid March]. The most important carnival in the island is the one of Las Palmas de G.C. [it goes on for 3 weeks], counting with the presence of all the carnival lovers in the island. The carnivals of Maspalomas have lately become very popular and massy. The Canarian carnival is a street party, where everybody gets fancy/funny dressed up with whatever they can [by reusing dresses of earlier years, inventing and designing dresses with least costing possible or by exchanging].

LUCHA CANARIA

Salto del Pastor

TRADITIONS AND HANDICRAFT

[Shepherd’s leap]

Imagine yourself coming down the mountains with the help of a long stick, fixing the end at a lower point help you slide down! The aboriginal inhabitants of the islands would use this mean of transporting themselves safely across the island ravines. Later on, the shepherds in the island continued using this technique and preserved it for centuries, and today, there are various organized groups continuing the tradition.

If it is a Sunday [between April and October] and you are in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, get to the Avda. Marítima in the Capital City, where you will see various vela latina lovers looking from more closely at the regular competitions carried out in this discipline [some with binoculars]. What makes vela latina different is the sail boat used for competing: they are replicas of boats used in the olden days for fishing and transport. The impressive measurement of the triangular sail in comparison to the size of the boat is the other distinctive characteristic of this watercraft.

PHOTO: J. Muñiz Padilla

O: Gran Can PHOT ari

VELA LATINA

luchada

Sports and games

Vela Latina [Lateen sail]

This form of fight practiced by the ancient settlers of the island [generally for conflict resolving] is today the most representative sport of Canarias. The main distinctive aspect of “lucha canaria” is the elegance in which it is practiced, as the aim here is not to hurt physically your rival. The fight is won by making your rival touch with any part of his body [excepting the soul of the feet] the terrero [the circle field where the fight is carried out]. To knock down the rival, the fighter uses mañas [techniques]. At time you can take advantage of the self physical force of your rival while he is attacking. Go to the Canteras beach [Cícer area] where various teams from the Capital city have training sessions. Try to practice a hand to hand with a friend or family member. Sea sand is the best surface to start trying your skills on lucha canaria!

PHOTO: Rita Risager

LUCHA CANARIA [CANARIAN FIGHT]

Palo canario

[CANARIAN STICK]

Just like fencing, the Canarian stick fighting is a combat with sticks between two players who mark and defend each other through retained strikes avoiding hurting each other. For the antique Canarian settlers this was a way of training for the combat. palo canario

salto del pastor

El silbo We could not forget to talk about the gomero very unique and genuine means of [Whistled language of LA GOMERA] LD HERITAG OR E W

UNESCO

communication used for generations by the inhabitants of the island of La Gomera [it was used at a point of time in Gran Canaria as well]. It consists in the phonetic reproduction of a spoken language [it could be any language] through different whistling sounds. Till the end of the last century, the shepherds of the

56 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

island would have fluency in it and would use it to make long distance communication easier, without the need of moving between mountains and ravines. In order to preserve this ancestral tradition that became an Intangible World Heritage since 2009, the “silbo Gomero” has been introduced as a subject in the schools of La Gomera. silbo gomero

Restart Gran Canaria

Handicraft

naife

TAKE IT ALONG!

We are talking about the Canarian knife, its name comes from English [knife]. Even though it has an Arabic mosaic finishing and is very fine and much elaborated, this knife is actually used as an instrument to work in the fields, especially in banana tree crops. The very peculiar form it has is due to its usage.

Canarian embroidery IT and openwork TAKE ALONG!

The very talented Canarian female artisans have worked through generations making table covers, handkerchiefs, fancy rags and other articles made of cloth. They have converted these cloth pieces into unique artworks.

Clay articles

TAKE IT ALONG!

Pottery has been one of the most traditional professions in the island. Earlier only home utensils were made out of clay, but today you can find a great variety of articles and souvenirs made out of this material. Take with you the famous pintaderas canarias reproduced in bracelets or pendants made of clay, or for decorative purpose the Tara idol [U page 32].

ethod is ional m y change it d a r t wh If a aead g well, workin is what the cle e to say! Inst of v s a is t h h n ere me it? T d equip rvices h they ning se ing improve eir workers, lm in h a t a p r g fo in g s of obt weepin like before, u aning s t e e r t s to do it ique cle cy are left ves. A very un oved efficien r a p le g e tre avin d but h metho ars! e y since

Every island has its own typical mago or maga dress [traditional Canarian dress]. In this image, you can see an example of a woman in her traditional Canarian dress.

When you are purchasing handicrafts, make sure they are made by Canarian masters of craftsmanship and are following a traditional elaboration process [check the labeling and the origin]. The FEDAC stores [U page 36] are a safe option.

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TRADITIONS AND HANDICRAFT

PHOTO: Gran canaria

ote

en Tak

GETTING TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA!

Move all through the island easily by car or motorcycle. Feel complete liberty to move wherever and whenever you want. To move around the asphalt of the island is not complicated at all, but with our indications it will be much easier. THERE ARE TWO MAIN HIGHWAYS IN GRAN CANARIA GC-1 – Autovía del Sur [South highway] [it covers the distance starting from Las Palmas de G.C. passing through the entire east coast of the island up to Puerto de Mogán] | GC-2 – Autovía del Norte [North Highway] [recovers the distance from Las Palmas de G.C. passing through the entire north coast up to Agaete - Puerto de las Nieves].

THE AIRPORT IS LOCATED IN A PARELLAL WAY TO THE GC-1 HIGHWAY between Las Palmas de G.C. and

the tourist zones in the South, having directs exits to both directions.

LAS PALMAS HAS A RING ROAD AT ITS ENTRY POINT

GENERALLY THE INTERIOR ROADS ARE INITIATED IN THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND AND DRAW A RADIUS UP TO THE COAST Usually they have one lane for

each direction. Some are quite sinuous, bordering ravines going to the direction of mountain peaks. The main ones are GC-21 [Las Palmas – Teror], GC-15 [Las Palmas – Santa Brígida – San Mateo – Cruz de Tejeda], GC-41 [Telde – Valsequillo – San Mateo] and GC-60 [Maspalomas – Fataga – San Bartolomé de Tirajana – Tejeda]. TOURIST SIGNPOSTING The main points of tourist

interest are indicated on the roads. The brown color boards indicate natural spaces and the ones in magenta indicate patrimonial goods. Cuatro Puertas

Roque Nublo

GETTING TO KNOW G.C.

GC-3 GC-23 If you are at the GC-2 – North Highway, and you want to connect with GC-1, without entering in Las Palmas de G.C. you can take the ring road

following the indications: GC-23 Aeropuerto | Maspalomas. If you want to connect with GC-2 coming from the South through GC-1 – South Highway and you do not want to enter in the Capital City, follow the indications: GC-3 Gáldar, to connect through the ring road.

58 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

MSPhotographic - fotolia.com

In the next few pages we will give you practical information for you to organize your visits around Gran Canaria, and we discover for you, one by one, the charm of the different towns of the island, starting with the Capital City, Las Palmas de G.C.. Plan well your routes but remember that the best journeys and trips are the ones where you can improvise!

y Gas Stations

You will easily find service stations on GC-1 and GC-2 highways, in the cities and in the most important tourist areas. But on the contrary, going through the interiors of the island and all along the west coast, there are fewer service stations, so it is important for you to take on your drive with sufficient fuel in your tank.

Are you thinking of renting a convertible car? Don’t doubt doing it, as our wonderful climate makes this place the best to enjoy it.

Rent a car You can easily rent a car at the airport, tourist zones or from the reception of your hotel or apartment. There are also companies specialized in renting motorcycles.

The prices are very reasonable and discounts are applied on tariffs after the 3rd day of renting | Minimum age to rent a car varies between 21-25 years and 1 year of valid driving license is usually a must | any EU driving license is valid in the island, licenses from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the International license are permitted too; other driving licenses, please consult | in Gran Canaria you always will be offered unlimited kilometers consumption for car renting | make sure to check on the insurance coverings e! the price includes, because it is not always risk and not e k liability. There are companies offering insurance cobus Ta ove by m ’t n verings of risk of collision, basic stealing and/or with o ed rias w e way in deductibles, and you pay separately in case you In Canaid in the samby guagua! a want to increase your coverage | many companies [it’s s h], we move lled the ocean only accept payment via card. Spanis uagua has trave . The Cubans g an lary The word in our vocabu age the Americ Guaguas [bus] ig p u to end u in Spanish lang guagua. The b in a Move around the island in guagua at reasonable rates adapted on turning out rants from Cub use g s ig and with full commodity. To cover the various points term wa f Canarian em nd extended it o a t n rd u o o w of the island you must take buses from the company e am along th Global [turquoise buses], offering regular and punctual brought nds la is e services, with much frequency in some lines. in th Guaguas municipales [yellow buses] offer regular service in the area of Las Palmas de G.C., covering the Capital City of the island with more than 35 lines.

Global 8 The turquoise guaguas from the company called Global join all the points of the island. The main bus station is San Telmo [n U page 71], in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, becoming a strategic point with a big amount of connections. Moreover, right outside the bus station there is a connection with the principle urban lines [guaguas municipales]. OTHER HIGHLY FREQUENTED BUS STATIONS AND BUS STOPS BY GLOBAL The bus interchanger of Santa

MAIN LINES 30 [Santa Catalina – Faro de Mas-

palomas] [direct] [high frequency] [stops at San Telmo, San Agustín and Playa del Inglés] | 60 [Airport – Las Palmas de G.C.] [direct] [high frequency] [last stop in San Telmo or at the interchanger of Santa Catalina depending on timings] | 66 [Airport – Faro de Maspalomas] [direct] [normal frequency] [stops at San Agustín and Playa del Inglés] | 91 [Las Palmas de G.C. – Playa del Cura] [direct] [normal frequency] [stops at Puerto Rico

*not recommended to go from Las Palmas to the South of the island because it is an indirect line going through various stops. Recommended to cover the stretch from Puerto de Mogán – Amadores -Puerto Rico – Maspalomas – Playa del Inglés – San Agustín. There are other lines available with lesser frequency also covering all or some of these stretches.

TICKETS individual ticket [price depends on

chosen journey | it is bought directly at the bus] | cards – 10 trip pass [multipersonal | discount of 20% | price depending on route | valid for same destination | it is acquired at the bus stations] | roundtrip cards [45% of discount | price depending on journey | it is acquired at the bus stations | valid on saturdays, sundays and public holidays for routes Las Palmas – San Agustín – Playa del Inglés – Maspalomas – Puerto Rico – Amadores] Consult timings, route options, maps and more information on 8 globalsu.net

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GETTING TO KNOW G.C.

Catalina [Puerto area – Las Palmas de G.C.] [nU page 76] | Aeropuerto | Faro de Maspalomas [nU page 88] | Puerto Rico [nU page 90]

and Amadores] | 01* [Las Palmas de G.C. – Puerto de Mogán] [indirect] [high frequency]

Guaguas Municipales 8 The yellow guaguas will ease out your travelling through the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. MOST FREQUENTED BUS STATIONS AND BUS STOPS BY PUBLIC “GUAGUAS” San Telmo bus station [from

outside] [nU page 71] | Teatro Pérez Galdós [Triana area – Vegueta] [nU page 69 | 71] | Juan XXIII [Ciudad Jardín area] [nU page 73] | shopping area Mesa y López] [nU page 76] | Interchanger of Santa Catalina [Puerto area] [nU page 76] | Manuel Becerra [Puerto area – Playa de Las Canteras] líneas Principales 1 [Teatro – Puerto] [through

San Telmo, Ciudad Jardín, Mesa y López and Las Canteras beach] | 12 [fast lines, with fewer stops] [go through Teatro Pérez Galdós [Triana – Vegueta area],

San Telmo bus station [Triana area], Juan XXIII [Ciudad Jardín area], Alcaravaneras – Mesa y López [shopping area Mesa y López], Interchanger of Santa Catalina [Puerto area], Manuel Becerra [Puerto area – Las Canteras beach]] Bus tickets individual tickets [1,30 € | acquired at the bus] | card – 2 trip pass [2,20 € | acquired at bus stations and kiosks] | card – 10 trips pass [7,50 € | multi person use | acquired at bus stations and kiosks]

Consult timings, route options, maps and more information on 8 guaguas.com

In the island you shall not have problems if you are looking to move around by taxi. Actually it turns out to be a very good transport alternative with the facility to get a taxi stop anywhere or catch one at the road [especially in tourist areas, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and at the airport] The rates per traveling are very reasonable. The fares are official, with slight differences between them depending on the town the taxi belongs from. For you to have an idea, we detail you the actual tariffs in Las Palmas de G.C. TAXI METER DOWN 1,70 € | km. covered 0,63 € | WAITING HOUR 11,50 € | AIRPORT ENTRY +1,65 € | NIGHT FARES +0,60 € | SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS +0,60 | NIGHT FARES ON DECEMBER 24th, 31st AND JANUARY 5th +3 € | radio-taxi +0,50 € | BAGS 0,35 € per bag | ENTRY IN PORTS +0,60 € *The official taxis are white in color and have designed the corresponding shield representing the town it belongs from; they also have a municipal license number [LM].

GETTING TO KNOW G.C.

Organized Excursions If you prefer to relax and not think about anything else but about enjoying the incredible beauty of Gran Canaria then allow others to do this work for you: planning the best tours and visits of our island. Various specialized companies offer excursions t bus by bus, jeeps, helicopouris The t Palmas ters, boat or even quads s of La . guides driven by yourself. The de G.C ough the options and routes are hr you t emblemamultiple. Most of them st f o m ces o can be reserved at the tic pla city. reception of your hotel e th or aparthotel. 60 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

TAXI

APPROXIMATIVE PRICES FOR MAIN ROUTES Las Palmas [move in the city] 4-7 € | AIRPORT / Las Palmas 25-35 € | AIRPORT / Playa del Inglés / Maspalomas 30-40 € | Playa del Inglés / Puerto Rico 18-28 € | Playa del Inglés / Maspalomas 5-8 € | Playa del Inglés / Las Palmas 50-60 €

For radio-taxi service call on 928 460 000 or 928 154 777. You can ask for vehicles with more sitting area, also adapted for people having reduced mobility, kids seat, or the ones accepting payment by card.

WHAT DO I WEAR AND

WHAT DO I TAKE ALONG? Remember that in Gran Canaria you can live all 4 seasons in the very same day. The variations are not extreme and permanent. The best is to take with you for your excursions, an extra layer so that you can easily wear it and remove it whenever required. Moreover, always take with you your solar protection [even though you are not going to the beach] and enough water to hydrate yourself every now and then. [MORE INFORMATION ON THE CLIMATE OF GRAN CANARIA ON U page 8 – [GC AT A GLANCE]].

Restart Gran Canaria

YOUR ITINERARY There are infinite possibilities of journey creation around the island. It depends entirely on you, on the experiences and combinations you are looking for, the time you dispose of and the rhythm you would like to set.

Would you like to go around the entire island?

It seems that when one comes to an island the first thing he wants to do is to border it by its coast. In Gran Canaria you can do it in one day. Almost the entire route [3/4th parts] is via highway [GC-1 and GC-2] but the west side is by National route and is very sinuous but spectacular as you are bordering various cliffs. If you do this route, start it early in the morning so that you get time to stop and enjoy the interesting spots through the journey. We recommend you to stop at the Aldea de San NicolĂĄs, an agriculture based town maintaining intact its customs and traditions.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Delight your senses in the very charming city of Las Palmas de G.C., waiting for you with open arms in order to surprise you. The incredible Las Canteras beach and a very strategically located Maritime Port having frantic movement are two of the most important identity references of this city. You cannot imagine how open to the sea Las Palmas de G.C. is. The streets of the colonial neighborhoods of Vegueta and Triana disclose the aroma of history and culture mix. Las Palmas de G.C. [page 66]

Santa Catalina Station

Port of Las Palmas

Playa y de las Canteras Port Area

GC-2

San Telmo Station Triana Vegueta

GC-1

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GETTING TO KNOW G.C.

Ciudad JardĂn | Parque Doramas

TEJEDA

Few of us would be expecting to reach in Gran Canaria and find ourselves admiring mountain sceneries. At only 45 minutes from the coast, you can start discovering the centre of the island and feel the majesty of a unique volcanic landscape, created and sculptured during millions of years. Imposing ravines, fertile plains, pine forests and traditional rural villages will complete your ideal picture crowned by Pico de las Nieves and the Roque Nublo, at about 2.000 meters of altitude above sea level. Teror [page 77]

San Mateo [page 79]

Tejeda [page 80]

Interior

Valsequillo [page 81]

Santa Lucía [page 82]

San Bartolomé de Tirajana [Tunte] [page 82] Las Palmas de Gran Canaria GC-3 GC-1

Jardín Canario Teror

GC-21 GC-110

Santa Brígida

Tamadaba GC-216

Mirador de Unamuno Cruz de Tejeda Artenara GC-210 GC-607

Roque Bentayga Tejeda

GC-42

Mirador Degollada GC-15 Becerra

GC-150

GC-605

GC-1

GC-41 GC-131

Barranco de los Cernícalos

Telde | GC-1

GC-130

Mirador | Pico de las Nieves

GC-60

San Bartolomé de Tirajana [Tunte]

Dam of Chira Dam of Soria

GC-3

Caldera de Bandema

GC-132

GC-600

GC-60

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

GC-802

GC-41 Valsequillo

Caldera de los Marteles

Roque Nublo

Mogán

San GC-15 Mateo

GC-15

GC-65

Santa Lucía

GC-60

Fataga

GC-65

GETTING TO KNOW G.C.

Mirador El Guriete

GC-60

62 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Agüimes Mirador Degollada de las Yeguas | Playa del Inglés | Maspalomas

Restart Gran Canaria

PUERTO DE MOGÁN

South

The south of the island combines natural beauty, charming places and urban and tourist areas offering the best entertainment you can imagine [shopping centers, spas, theme parks, golf courses, restaurants, pubs, night clubs and many other facilities and services]. The fact that you can choose amongst different experiences in a mere 30 km extension is the best part of this side of the island!

San Agustín [page 84]

Puerto Rico [page 89]

Playa del Inglés [page 85]

Puerto de Mogán [page 91]

Maspalomas [page 87]

Fataga | San Bartolomé [Tunte]

Mogán

Puerto de Mogán

Mirador Degollada de las Yeguas Aeropuerto | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

GC-60

GC-501

Playa de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

GC-1

Playa de Anfi del Mar Playa del Pajar

San Agustín

GC-500

Playa y de Meloneras - Las Mujeres

Maspalomas

Playa del Inglés

GC-1

Playa y de La Caleta Playa - Salinas de San Agustín - Las Burras

GC-500

Playa del Inglés

Dunas de Maspalomas

ENP

Playa y de Maspalomas

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GETTING TO KNOW G.C.

Playa de Amadores

North Do you like beaches and coastal zones of wild and abrupt nature? The north of the island, away from the hustle of Arucas most tourist areas, offers you a different experience, with green sceneries punctuated by big extensions of banana tree and other crops, villages having agricultural vocation and tradition, small ports, fishing areas, and much more. Arucas [page 92] Gáldar [page 94] Agaete – Puerto de las Nieves [page 96]

Playa del Agujero and Piscinas Pico de Naturales Gáldar Playa y de Sardina

GC-202

Playa de Bañaderos | El Puertillo

Cenobio de Valerón

Gáldar Guía

GC-75 GC-350

Puerto de las Nieves

GC-20

Firgas Arucas

Moya

GC-2

Agaete

GC-700

GC-30

Barranco de Azuaje GC-160

GC-2

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria GC-23

Tilos de Moya Doramas Rural Park

64 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

Beaches having a very local ambience for the practice of windsurf, kitesurf and scuba diving is what the east coast of the island claim to have. But, it does not stop here; the East also offers the possibility to go through the tranquil streets and corners of two towns located here, having most history and tradition in the island.

East

Telde [page 98] AgÜimes [page 99] TELDE

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria San Mateo

Valsequillo Tejeda

Telde GC-10

GC-41

Barranco de GC-132 los Cernícalos

GC-131

GC-1

Cuatro Puertas

GC-130

Santa Lucía

Playa de Salinetas and Melenara

GC-100

Barranco de Guayadeque

Ingenio

Airport of Gran Canaria

Agüimes GC-65

GC-551 GC-100

Playa del Inglés | Maspalomas

RECORRIENDO G.C. download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 65

Las Palmas

de Gran Canaria THE CAPITAL OF GRAN CANARIA WILL NOT LEAVE YOU INDIFFERENT Even if you are entering the city from the South or coming from the North you will see the silhouette of a city dominated by the sea with a serene, open and especially welcoming personality.

VEGUETA Audioguide

PILAR NUEVO SQ

UARE [COLUMBU

S HOUSE AND REA

R CATHEDRAL]

The Vegueta area is the historic heart of the city of Las Palmas de G.C. You have not lived the Capital City if you have not strolled around the colonial streets of this neighborhood; this area founded the city in the end of the XV century [see “history” on U page 28]. Live one of the most emblematic and best preserved places of the island; walk through and lose yourself in these tranquil streets and observe how time stop in its narrow and paved streets.

LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Vegueta is...

1 Cathedral of Las Palmas This is the most important monument of the Canaries and is considered as the grand architectural work of Castilia outside the mainland. Although its construction started in 1497, the same did not end before the end of the XX century. This is because, even though we see a building maintaining a unique internal unit in front of our eyes, there are actually different styles used to build it, like the later introduced Gothic style in its interiors and the Neoclassical style in the façade [the most characteristic and visible part of the Cathedral]. In the interiors highlights the image of the Patron Saint of the city Santa Ana [the mother of Virgin Mary].Make sure you go up the southern tower, from where you will get an incredible panoramic view to Vegueta and the whole city. On the left side of the cathedral and directly connecting 66 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

you can find the Patio de los Naranjos [courtyard of the orange trees] of colonial style, with a unique balconada canaria [typical Canarian balcony]. This building next to the Cathedral is the headquarters of the 2 Canarian Diocesan Museum of

Religious Art.

MUSEUM OF RELIGIOUS ART AND CATHEDRAL INTERIORS

T Mo-Fr 10.00 – 16.30 | Sa10.00 – 13.30 l 3 € ACCESS TO THE TOWER OF THE CATHEDRAL

T Mo-Fr 10.00 – 16.30 | Sa10.00 – 13.30 l 1.50 € 3 Town Hall and Main square of Santa Ana As of today, this is the institutional headquar-

ters of the city council of Las Palmas de G.C., but, centuries ago the justice administration of the island was located here. The actual building, having a ReRestart Gran Canaria

[VEGUETA | TRIANA]

We suggest you to try the cuisine of any of the restaurants in this area. Since few years the streets of Vegueta and Triana have been converted into reference trendy areas as per gastronomy is concerned. You can find restaurants of great tradition, although nowadays we see more abundance of modern restaurants; these restaurants maintain the charm of the olden architecture around them, but at the same time try fusions of Canarian cuisine with the Mediterranean one introducing innovative elements. On weekdays, majority of them offer reasonable rated fixed menus during lunch time, and on weekends, the streets of Vegueta and Triana are highly frequented places by the inhabitants of Las Palmas de G.C. for tapas and dinner. Thursdays night, from 20h onwards, some bars of Vegueta offer tapas, pinchos or montaditos accompanied with a drink at very low pricing, a successful initiative attracting more people by the day. RESTAURANT AREAS HIGHLIGHTED ON THE MAP n

naissance façade, was built in 1855 after a fire incident that destroyed the interiors of the construction during the mid period of the XVI century, making the archives of the city disappear and a great part of the island’s history as well. In the interiors what stands out is the majestic Salón Dorado (gold room). Santa Ana is the biggest square in the city and is traced since the year 1500. Around this square since more than 5 centuries, the most important administrative, political, and religious buildings have been built. Take note of the sculptures of iron dogs, installed by the end of the XIX century, at one of the entries of the square, made of natural measurements and different postures.

Cathedral of L

as P almas

Plazoleta de San Antonio Abad

In this square Captain Juan Rejón camped with his troops; earlier this was the heart of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Here, in those days, the most important buildings of the new city were located, amongst them the hermitage having the same name of San Antonio Abad, initially the Cathedral of Las Palmas. In its interiors you will find a beautiful Baroque style altar. What makes this hermitage absolutely singular is that Christopher Columbus prayed here before taking on his journey to America. T Tu-Sa 10.00 – 21.00 | Su 10.00 – 14.00

e Tak

not

DATION e Castilian CITY FOUNlead by Juan Rejón, thp in the small

The troops ttled a military cam . It was se 78 conqueror, n Antonio Abad in 14 cement, the square of Satilian overseas empla the Spanish of is is the first Cas e grand expansion nturies. Th th prelude to g the XVI and XVII ce [previously n in or ur b d e as empir city w e colonial the way th e Las Palmas). d l ea R called

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 67

! Take note PIRATE ATTA

On June 25th CK ON THE CITY attack of th 1599, the very importan e commande Dutch army was carrie t d out d by General Pi in an expedi tion carried eter Van der Does, out against nish overse as th of seventy fo dominance. The squad e Spaur ships and fo more than ei 4 war ships, rmed gh officials, was t thousand soldiers an having on Canarian the most powerful ever d w seen lost against aters. But much later, ha th of conqueri e islanders and incapa ving ng bl city and dam the island, they burnt e the aged variou withdrawin s bu ildings while g.

Plaza and Iglesia de Santo Domingo

You will find a lot of history in this remote premise of Vegueta. At first, when you go there, stand in the middle of the square and observe how the stylish pillar of the XVII stands out, constructed for the easy provision of drinking water for the residents. The church was constructed in the beginning of the XVI century, but before that, in this very building, the headquarters of the Dominican order of Las Palmas was placed, constructed in the year 1522. After the Dutch looting of 1599 the Church and the Convent were reconstructed, these were later on used as a hospital for leprosy and psychiatric patients, until it was demolished more than 60 years ago. T mass time.

ters of the Supreme Court of Justice of Canarias, but in the earlier days it was occupied by the Agustino Convent, and later on by the School of San Agustín. In this corner, you have to notice the San Agustin parish tower, the oldest in the island. The tower is striking due to the balconada [typical Canarian wooden balcony] surrounding it from underneath the bell tower and the pyramid like form at the top. The actual church belongs to end of XVII century. T Mo-Su 08.00 - 13.00 and 17.00 – 19.30 | Su and PH 08.00 – 12.00 and 18.00 – 19.30.

8 Mercado de Vegueta [food market]

Enter in it and live a mixture between local experiences and history. Today the market functions like a real one and you will be able to buy all the local products you desire; it’s a great place to observe the rhythm of the day to day life of people living in Las Palmas de G.C. The Mercado de Vegueta was constructed in 1863.. T Mo-Th 06.30 – 14.00 | Mo and Th 17.00 – 20.30 | Fr-Sa 06.30 – 15.00 06.30 – 15.00

PLAZA SANT

6 Plaza and ermita del Espíritu Santo

Every corner of this square is witness to the splendid moment lived by this city in the XVII century. In the surroundings of the square the main stately houses of that period are located. In the centre you cannot miss out on the singular fountain of neoclassical style, having a very elegant shape covering the dispenser. While seeing off this ensemble we will find the simple hermitage constructed in the year 1615. Tmass time.

LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

7 Iglesia and Plaza de San Agustín

This is another corner having charm and history in Vegueta. Today a part of this premise is the headquar-

How to get here? From the South

30 Maspalomas - Las Palmas 91 Playa del Cura - Las Palmas Teatro Pérez Galdós or San Telmo bus station

GC-1 | Las Palmas

Vegueta - Triana

68 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

O DOMINGO

A P L A Z A N TO US SPÍRIT

ote

en Tak

BALCÓN CANA

RIO

Veguehouses lonial very present in in the co is ian rs Canarhitectural styley the first settle land and This arc s introduced b Spanish main rian coe a ta. It wa oming from th years, the Can character c island, l. With passing ilding its own materials u Portuga use went on b e climate and uses are o o th h l to ia d n lo lonial h most pte . The co ing ada e by gett in the island practical. Th s and now y le e availab imple and ver colonial hous is the ia s usually element of the of Gran Canar aving h n striking sentative ico rian balcony], isting in re a x the rep anario, [Can s of balcony e alconies C e The b s Balcón s of both typ e Arab. . Thank ce n e u fl n and th r proprietors e cases a in m o R e t fo om Spain: thymbol of flaun ourselves in s d jewelry. e t s were a we can deligh ned and carv structure ig e to them entically des element in th open air th e with au worth a notic l houses is the house. e r Anothe narian colonia e middle of th a th C e in th d te of rd situa courtya Restart Gran Canaria

9 Canarian Museum [U page 51] 10 Atlantic centre of Modern Art

Vegueta - Triana

Pérezz G Pé Galdós ldós Theatre ea r

[U page 51]

Columbus House

[U page 52]

2 min

12 Handicraft and Culture Street Market of Vegueta Having

Triana

Ob isp

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more than 40 stalls you can find here pottery products, leather goods, complements, fooding, traditional confectionary, embroidery, traditional dressing and much more. Moreover, you can enjoy of live musical performances and other parallel activities, converting it into a highly visited event. T Su 11.00 - 15.00

Vegueta

Bus stop

Tourism Office

Mo-Fr 09:00 - 18:00 Sa-Su 10:00 – 14:00

I am hungry!

Airport South

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PHOTO: Gran Canaria

TRIANA

Audioguide

The Triana area and its main representative Calle Mayor [Main street] traversing it, are two places with a lot of history and tradition in the city, but as of today, Triana is one of the areas with most social and commercial movement of the city. Get in and lose yourself in these historical streets [many of them are pedestrian] and contemplate the stately buildings of the XIX century and beginning of the XX century, giving proof of the economic and trading golden era lived by the island.

Main Street of Triana Existing since 1514, this is the delineation of one of the most commercial and traditional streets of Las Palmas de G.C.. The buildings you can observe today, guarding this street are a live sample of the different architectural styles settled here through the years. This Triana Street is a must during your visit. Feel and live one of the streets with maximum movement in the city, strolling around in it and treating yourself with whims and fancies from one of its boutiques, without missing out on the elegant façade of the buildings.

2 Modernist Houses on Main Street

of Triana This block of houses is a sample of the

LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

splendid modernism of the city. These façades can be seen on the street numbers 78 and 80 [Architect Laureano Arroyo] and on numbers 76 and 82 [Architect Navarro y Navarro]. Floral forms and curvy and organic lines are characterized in these buildings, symbol of identity of modernism.

3 Hurtado de Mendoza Square [Las Ranas] Popularly known as Plaza de las

Ranas [square of the frogs] because of the frog sculptures on the fountain placed at the center of the square. This square has been, all along its 2 centuries of existence, a meeting point for the inhabitants of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and has been doing justice to its purpose in actual days as well. The main building occupied by the square was constructed in 1904 and has been settled by various institutions since then. Today works as a library.

Alameda de Colón and Gabinete Literario Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was living in

NOT TO BE MISSED in Triana is...

results of it, was the construction of this boulevard and the most characteristic building in this space, working as the first theatre of the city. In present days and since the end of the XIX century, the building is a property of the Sociedad del Gabinete Literario [Society of Literary Board], created for the purpose of contribution in the progress of the island through the promotion of literature, science and culture. At this building of neoclassical style, during its last restoration in the beginning of the XX century, a new modern air was blown, visible today in its façade. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of sitting and having something on the terrace of the Gabinete or right in front of it, in the coffee shop of the historic Hotel Madrid, where you can see photographs of some important personalities who stayed there, like the entire crew of the movie Moby-Dick.

e Tak

not

s her Columbu d to Christop in charge te ca di de t en as The monum over this boulevard w ury of the nt es that presid emoration of the IV Ce made in as m for the com America in 1892, and w Discovery of a marble. ar Italy of Carr

5 Palacete Rodríguez Quegles This very luxurious residence is an authentic example of the economic prosperity in the end of the XIX century. This architectural project initiated the modern style homes so very appreciated in those days. Today the building is occupied by some services of the Government of Canarias.

the middle of the XIX a modern era and one of the

70 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

6 Parque San Telmo Not very long ago Parque de San Telmo was the area where the old maritime port of Las Palmas de G.C. was located and it also was considered as the city limit coming from the North. For you coming to San Telmo means to get out of the hustle and rush of Triana in order to enter in a more paused and tranquil space. The jewel crowning this park is impossible to miss out on. It’s about the colored modernist kiosk designed in 1923, where the garlands of fruits and the mosaics of tiles stand out. We suggest you to stop by here and have something in one of the open aired bars, always frequented by strolling neighbors. Also notice the other two modernist monuments of the park, the flower kiosk since 1926 working as Tourism Information Office today, and the music kiosk placed at the center. Complete your visit to the park having seen the [HCI] hermitage of San Telmo made in the XVI century, reconstructed post the Dutch attacks by Van der Does in 1599. Important in this small shrine is its Gothic-Renaissance façade, its interior roofing of Mudéjar style, and its bigger altarpiece in Baroque style.Tmass time 7

PARQU

L MO

SHO PINGP

SHOPPING

around Triana

The commercial artillery of this area is without doubt the Main Street of Triana but in all the cutting and parallel streets you can get interesting shopping options and offers as well. In the Main Street you will find the principal multinational and Canarian chain of stores of fashion and complements, intermingled with traditional stores of jewelry, perfumes, electronics and others. But, if what you are looking for is to get a different shopping experience you can do it on the parallel and perpendicular streets of Triana, where you can come across small boutiques and stores dedicated to a more selective crowd. In these streets you will come across boutiques having a more exclusive line of Spanish and European fashion. MORE INFORMATION ON “SHOPPING” ON U Page 36

Pérez Galdós Museum House

[U page 52]

TE E SAN

SEE COMERCIAL STREETS SHADED IN THE MAP n

Pérez Galdós Theatre [U page 53]

9 Cuyás Theatre [U page 53] Ciudad Jardín

Bus stop

20 min

Bus station Tourism Office

Triana

Pérez P érez Galdó Gald ós T eat re Theatre

Airport South

ina

Vegueta - Triana

r reg

Teatro Pérez Galdós or Estación San Telmo

e C/ P

30 Maspalomas - Las Palmas

GC-1 | Las Palmas

Vegueta - Triana

Vegueta 2 min

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LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

so avie C/ Tr

From the South

91 Playa del Cura - Las Palmas

RIO

GC-1

How to get here?

nar

C/ S

E LITERA

Pri

5 er an B

na rie Tr i a Gou r de s co ayo C/ M

av i j y Cl

GABINET

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T ] ERNIS MOD [TRIANA E D A FAÇ

ingo J. N C/ Dom

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Cab

I am hungry!

i ranc C/ F

Mo- Su 09:00 - 15:00

iera C/ V

ires os A uen C/ B

TRIANA

Shopping around Triana

ael

Mo-Fr 09:00 - 18:00 Sa-Su 10:00 – 14:00

n af C/ R

PARQUE SAN TELMO AND PLAZA HURTADO DE MENDOZA

CIUDAD JARDÍN

Audioguide

PARQUE DORAMAS

The residential area of Ciudad Jardín was created thanks to the English colony present in the city since the end of the XIX century, who dominated during the past the exports and economy of the island. A stroll from its quiet streets and reliving that period observing the façades of the houses is totally worth it.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Ciudad Jardín – Parque Doramas is ... 1

Parque Doramas Is the lung of the city where you will find an interesting sampling of the Canarian flora.

2 In the surroundings of the park, the emblematic Hotel Santa Catalina, is located. Being inaugurated in 1890 is the oldest in the city of Las Palmas de G.C. The hotel is of Canarian colonial style and was constructed to accommodate the very select British colony present in the island. In this hotel, personalities like Sir Winston Churchill, María Callas, Agatha Christie, Gregory Peck, Charles Princes of Wale and the Kings of Spain amongst others have stayed.

It was conceptualized in 1930. Inside pueblo canario the Néstor Museum [U page 52] is found, dedicated to the very famous Canarian artist. Also, you will find handicraft stores, an open air bar and a restaurant here.

How to get here? From Las Palmas de G.C. [San Telmo]

From the South

30 Maspalomas - Las Palmas Juan XXIII

3 El pueblo canario [Canarian village]

is a picturesque square surrounded by homes representing the Canarian architecture.

GC-1 | Las Palmas Juan XXIII - Carvajal

ote!

en Tak

TALINA HOTEL SANTA CA

inning of in the beg ny in rn o b s a w naria tish colo in Gran Ca presence of the Bri ated by the sm ri u to e e h sc T th fa in tury with started mpletely the XX cen This colony was co e island, and thus estid . th n d f o n o ti la rm is xa la cha the ally as a re formal imate and beauty, cl Gran Canaria inform the years, these in ized h n g g a n u rg promoti reat Britain. Thro y more o G stituted b e island. Who could b su g in e nation in went on b rism to th make out initiatives order to attract tou rst initiatives will estinafi d in se st s o ri m u th e t to nt syst tha ght then, st importa have thou aria one of the mo n of Gran Ca world? e tions in th

72 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

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Puerto

15 min

Ciudad Jardín Parque Doramas

Bus stop

Tourism Office Mo-Su 09:00 – 14:00

C/ de Br

GC-1

Juan XXIII - Carvajal

C/ Pío

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XII

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Jua Av.

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JJuan uan n XX XIIII

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Airport South XX

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Triana 20 min

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Audioguide

0 EL PUERTO

In El Puerto [Port area], the city offers you a cosmopolitan, urban and extremely attached to the sea experience, because here the city gets literally narrow and makes the Atlantic Ocean the lead protagonist in every sense.

NOT TO BE MISSED in El Puerto... 1 Parque de Santa Catalina is the heart of El Puerto and a neighborhood marked with the diversity of origins. It is difficult to stroll around this park without getting the feel of the multicultural ambience in the commercial and social activity carried out here. Moreover, in Santa Catalina it is rare not finding a stage, because this park is the place where the carnivals are carried out but it’s also the headquarters to the Jazz Festival or the WOMAD Festival, amongst others. All these festivals are celebrated in the open; it could not have been in any other way!

In El Puerto you will come across various restaurants, coffee places, bars, open air bars and tapas offering joints. This area of the city stands out due to its very varied gastronomical offering, having restaurants of international cuisine. In El Puerto you have selective restaurants of Persian, Lebanese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai, Indonesian and much more. Usually, these restaurants offer very reasonable rated fixed menus during lunch time. All along Las Canteras beach promenade you will find plenty of restaurants, coffee places open air bars, and ice cream parlors. Occupying first row to the spectacular sea view has its price, but don’t think it is restricted luxury; it turns out to be a tiny bit more expensive than anywhere else. Some restaurants at the beach are known for offering fresh fish dishes.

How to get to Parque de Sta. Catalina? From Las Palmas de G.C. [San Telmo]

From the South

30 Maspalomas - Las Palmas Santa Catalina Bus Station [last stop]

GC-1 | Las Palmas

RESTAURANT AREAS SHADED IN THE MAP n

LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

Santa Catalina [parque]

2 Rastro Municipal [Street market]

It is worth getting to the main street market of the city, with more than 25 years of history. While you are buying, you can live a genuine experience by feeling the rhythm of life of the people of the Capital City. You will get more than 400 stalls designated to the selling of all sorts of products like traditional gastronomy, confectionary, handicraft, antiquities, clothing, home appliances and much more. Moreover, many of the stalls are lead by the ethnical group of “gitanos” [gypsies], and therefore you will get 74 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

ST RA

U OM

NIC

IPA

Restart Gran Canaria

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

PLAYA DE LAS CANTERAS

to know about the great commercial abilities and natural grace they have while selling. T Su 09.00 – 14.00.

Playa de las Canteras [blue flag]

Without doubt, this 3 kms long strip of blond and thin sand is one of the grandest symbols of the city and nothing lesser than that. We are talking about one of the most important urban beaches of the world [as per studies carried out], but Las Canteras beach is much more, it’s one of the most favorite places to socialize, relax, stroll or bathe for the inhabitants of Las Palmas de G.C.; this is the place with most rhythm in the city. And this doesn’t happen only during the day, it also happens in the night, thanks to the splendid promenade covering one end to another, and the ambience extended all along because of the restaurants and coffee places having open air terraces.

How do I get to the Playa de las Canteras? From Las Palmas de G.C. [San Telmo]

From the South

30 Maspalomas - Las Palmas Santa Catalina Bus Station [last stop] 5 minutes by walking

GC-1 | Las Palmas Santa Catalina [parque]

Castillo de la Luz [Light Castle]

It was constructed in 1494, after the addition of Gran Canaria to the Castilian crown. It became the first defensive force of the island to confront possible pirate attacks. It was burnt by the Dutch attack in 1599. Was reconstructed and continued serving as fortress till the XIX century. h Juan Rejón - Plaza Castillo de la Luz

5 Élder Museum of Science and Technology [U page 51] 6 Alfredo Kraus Auditorium [U page 53]

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LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

Something that makes this beach so special is its protection throughout its extension by a natural seawater barrier [la barra] of sandstone and beach reefs. This bar acts when the tide is low creating a sort of pond that tempers the water and creates a personal ecosystem of great ecological value. The bar extends paralleled to the seashore, and you can reach easily to it by swimming when the tide goes down. This is something the GranCanarians practice usually, specially teenagers and youngsters. At the end of the beach at the auditorium level, it gets wilder because there is no seawater barrier there and thus gives way to the Cícer, one of the most popular surf areas in the island. In this part of the beach, the practice of sports is allowed specially of beach football and beach tennis. Cícer area is highly frequented by youngsters.

ALF

Q PAR

TA AN ES

ALI CAT

RAU

5 min

SA UDI

TO R

IUM

Playa de las Canteras

C / L u í s Mo rot e

S anta Catalina Catalin Station

5 1

a ll

di Pa c.

Se C/

C/ Mo nte vid eo

Bus stop

Bus Station

C / Pd te. Alvear

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n er

d an

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Santa Catalina [parque]

GC-1

C / Ge ner al Viv es

an ez C/ Nicolá s Estév

Tourism Office

PARQUE SANTA CATALINA

Mo-Fr 09:00 - 18:00 Sa-Su 10:00 – 14:00 LAS CANTERAS

Mo-Su 09:00 – 14:00

I am hungry!

Ló pe z Av. de Me sa y

10 min

El Puerto

C/ Galícia

15 min

SHOPPING around Mesa y Lopez and Santa Catalina

The Mesa y Lopez boulevard and the surroundings of Parque Santa Catalina are ideal places to shop in the city. In Mesa y Lopez you will find Spanish and prestigious multinational store chains of fashion and complements. Moreover, in the avenue, two department stores of the popular chain El Corte Inglés are present as well. In direction towards Parque Santa Catalina you will find the main bazaars settled by the Indian colony, mainly designated to electronics, but also perfumes, table linen and souvenirs.

MORE INFORMATION ON “SHOPPING” ON Page 36 SEE COMERCIAL STREETS SHADED IN THE MAP n

76 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Shopping around Mesa y López and Santa Catalina

Alcarava Alcara vaneras ner s

Ciudad Jardín SHO PINGP

LAS PALMAS DE G.C.

RED

Airport South

How to get to Mesa y López From Las Palmas de G.C. [San Telmo]

From the South

30 Maspalomas - Las Palmas Alcaravaneras

GC-1 | Las Palmas Av. Mesa y López

Restart Gran Canaria

TEROR

CAL

EA LE R

L DE

LA P

LAZA

Teror is one of the oldest towns in the island and also the Audioguide religious capital of Gran Canaria. It is home to the Patron Saint of Gran Canaria, the Virgin of Pino. The religious fervor is felt in the entire town, and not to be considered mild, as it is also the pilgrimage place for the inhabitants of Gran Canaria. To visit Teror is to visit their own basilica and the highly revered image of Nuestra Señora del Pino. But Teror is also an important agricultural region in the island. Although the region development has always been linked to the devotion of the Virgin Mary, it is thanks to the agricultural development carried out during the XVII and XVIII centuries that a strong push in the economic field occurred. This economic boost is reflected in the architecture of the area, having colonial style September 7th residence adorned with elegant and striking Canarian balconies converting into the typical picture images of Teror today. All Romería del Pino these elements make +info calendar of Teror a Heritage of page 11-12 U NOT TO BE MISSED in Teror is ... Cultural Interest [HCI]

Basílica

T Mo 13.00 – 20.00 | Tu-Fr 09.00 – 13.00 and 15.00 – 20.00 | Sa 09.00 – 20.30 |Su 07.30 – 19.30 l free Chapel of Virgin Mary - Museum

T Mo-Fr 13.00 – 15.00 | Sa 11.30 – 13.00 | Su 11.00 – 14.00 and 15.30 – 17.45 l 1,50 €

Take note! Ma

rtel

PHOTO: J.L .

La Vir g The leg en del Pin en o

rance o d says that t f of the X this image in he appeaV t c e n t u The im ry was he end a ter tall ge appeared miraculous. a p by all p ine tree, and t the peak of r a of Cana eachers and started being 50 meb a Virgin Mrias. The ima y the very fir dored ............ ary with Ch ge represent st bishop s Pino [c ....................rist-child in h a teenager .. e o commo ming from M ....................r arms. .. a precise n name amon ría del Pino] ............ is a ver ly in ho gst Can y trend is nor of V arian la as well followed in o irgin of Pino. dies, , where ther pla T h is various there is ces of S María d Virgin Mary im veneration t pain ow el Pilar, a Montse María ges. Names li ards r to girls rat or Soleda de los Dolore ke s , as a p d roof of are common , Merced, devotio ly n and t given raditio n.

Ay Teror que líndo eres [Nestor Álamo]

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 77

INTERIOR: Teror

Basílica del Pino This is one of the most important religious buildings of Canarias, as it accommodates in its interior the image of the Saint Patron of the island, the Virgin of Pino. In 1916, the pope Benedict XV gave this building the recognition of Minor Basilica. Since 1514, there already existed a small temple guarding the Virgin. Another small temple was constructed later to substitute this one, and finally in 1760 the construction of the present one was carried out, where the bell tower made in Portuguese Gothic style stands out [preserved from the previous temple] made of the local yellow stone. In the interiors, apart from the Virgin’s figure, the altarpieces of the XVIII century will draw your attention.

Episcopal Palace Located behind the Basilica, it was constructed at the same time as the temple, between 1760 and 1767, making use of the remains of materials used for the construction of the later; due to this a similarity can be seen between the Basilica and the Palace as far as style and esthetics are concerned. How to get here? From Las Palmas de G.C.

216 From San Telmo 220 From San Telmo

The palace has broad halls and three courtyards. Today, a small part of this building is Cultural Center of Teror.

Museum House of the Trustees of the Virgin This residence of XVII century having a traditional patio canario [Canarian courtyard] is located right next to the Basilica. In the interior you can find an ample number of items like furniture, arms, paintings, photographs, coaches, carpets and other objects giving us an idea of the lifestyle of rich people in those days. H Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pino T Su-Fr 11.00 – 16.00 l 3 €

Façades and balconies of Calle Real de la Plaza Here you can find the most distinguished

229 From San Telmo

houses of Teror, mainly constructed in the XVIII and XIX century, and also the most elegant Canarian balconies in the town, giving out an especially charming ensemble. During the last 5 centuries, the social, commercial, cultural and religious life of this town has taken here, in the prelude to the Basilica of Pino.

From the South

GC-1 | Las Palmas 4 GC-3 Tafira | Gáldar | Tamaraceite [11 km] 9 GC-21 Teror [14 km]

Do you want more Teror?

ote

en Tak

Tourist information H C/ Casa Huerta, 1 T Mo-Fr 09.00 – 16.00

eror t of T around marke urs

et 0 ho rir stre eet ma 0 to 15:0 Open Anday from 08:0 f the oldest str turies of

o n u Every S r Basilica, one kes place [2 ce ere you can h ro ta e w T , ia r s e a ll n th ror ta Gran Ca ts of Te en air s kets of It has 140 op pular produc nfectionary, o o ]. history al and very p es, cheeses, c nir articles e ic g buy typ popular sausa of course souv f Pino. like the andicraft, and to the Virgin o h related bread,

INTERIOR: Teror

CANA [CALLE RIAN BALCON IE REAL D E LA PL S AZA]

EPISCOPAL CITY H

78 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

PALACE

ALL

Restart Gran Canaria

SAN MATEO CHURCH OF SA

N MATEO

Just like Santa Brigida, San Mateo is a stop by place coming from Las Palmas going towards the peak of the island. San Mateo is one of the greenest towns in the island, and has a notorious agricultural activity thanks to the very fertile land where a great variety of fruits and vegetables are cultivated.

NOT TO BE MISSED in San Mateo is ... Alameda de Santa Ana, Church and City hall

T Mo-Su 08.00 – 19.00

La Caldereta In this restored traditional Canarian house of the XIX century having an internal courtyard, you will find an interesting exhibition room and the tourism office. H C/ Doctor Ramírez Cabrera, 9 T We-Fr 10.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 20.00 | Sa-Su 10.00 – 14.00 l Free Agricultural market of San Mateo

H C/ Antonio Perera Rivero s/n TSa 09.00 – 20.00 |

Su 09.00 – 14.00

Tourist information H C/ Doctor Ramírez Cabrera, 9 T We-Fr 10.00 – 14.00 and 16.00 – 20.00 | Sa-Su 10.00 – 14.00

How to get here? From Las Palmas de G.C.

303 From San Telmo From the South

INTERIOR: San Mateo

Do you want more San Mateo?

AGRICULTURAL MARKET

TEJEDA

We have now come to the heart of the island, in a town with a special charm, as you will be surprised to know that Tejeda town is situated inside a volcano caldera, decorated of numerous almond trees and guarded by the Bentayga and Roque Nublo rocks, symbols of the island. Tejeda has one of the most incredible viewpoints in the island. The feeling of being above the sky and having a sea of clouds under your feet will impact you for sure, but this is not all, then comes the view of the silhouette of the Teide peak [3.718 metres [Tenerife]], standing out from the neighboring island.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Tejeda is... Parish church of Nuestra Señora del socorro Abraham Cárdenes sculptures museum

H Leocadio Cabrera, 2 T Tu-Su and PH 10.00 – 15.30 l free

The traditions Museum of Tejeda It attracts

your attention because it is located in one of the most unique buildings in the town, a traditional Canarian house having all the characteristic elements. In this museum you can have a vision of the history of Tejeda through the traditional rural professions. H Plaza del Socorro T Tu-Su and Ph 10.00 – 15.30 l 3 € | discounts applicable

Medicinal Plants Center 5000 square meters to know about the contribution of plants as a health How to get here? From the South

18 From Maspalomas [low frequency] Avda. Tirajana [Playa del Inglés]

GC-60 | Fataga | San Bartolomé de Tirajana [22 km]

INTERIOR: Tejeda

GC-60 | Tejeda [17 km]

In the surroundings of Tejeda Cruz de Tejeda It is found at a distance of about

9 kilometers from Tejeda at a point where various mountain roads cross their path. You can find here the only Parador Nacional (State Heritage Hotel) of the island, some restaurants having open air terraces and stalls selling local products from this particular area.

curative and preventive remedy, and also the place where we can find out about the beneficiary effects of local products, like the sour almond oil. It counts with an exhibition room, a polyvalent room, and an interpretative garden. H C/ Párroco Rodríguez Vega, 10 T Tu-Su and PH 10 – 15.30 l 3 € | discounts Do you want applicable more Tejeda?

Don’t forget to try and buy the bienmesabe and marzipans of Tejeda

Tourist Information

H C/ Leocadio Cabrera, 2 T Tu-Su and Ph 10.00 – 15.30

[more info on U page 46]

Take

note

les Paradores Naciona

s] [State Heritage Hotel are a set es nal cio Na res ado Par all over d ute trib dis s tel ho of 93 g to the chain gin on bel s tel ho Spain. The e they are found aus bec l cia spe Paradores are a prominent locain or ngs ildi in emblematic bu cultural interest. or c isti art tion having historic, one on nt cou Gran Canaria can only Cruz de Tejeda. in d ate loc r ado 4 star Par

Roque Nublo [U page 18] Roque Bentayga [U page 22 | 32] Caldera de los Marteles [U page 20] Mirador de Las Nieves [U page 22] Mirador Degollada de Becerra [U page 22] Mirador de Unamuno [U page 22]

Sombras del Nublo [Nestor Álamo] interpretada por el tenor Alfredo Kraus 80 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

Placed at 800 meters above sea level, at half way from the coast and the peak of the island, Valsequillo offers a especially attractive natural surrounding thanks to the ravines all over it. Notice the charm of an agricultural and rancher area that was very significant for the Aborigine Canarians many years ago.

VALSEQUILLO

NOT TO BE MISSED in Valsequillo is ...

Do you want more Valsequillo?

Church of San Miguel and old city center

T Mo-Fr 09.00

- 14.00 l free *to visit, you must go first to the tourism office

Flemish carvings from Era de Mota exhibited in the municipal library H Plaza

Audioguide

Tourist information H C/ León y Castillo, 1 T Mo-Fr: 09.00-14.00

de San Miguel, 8 T Mo-Fr 08.00 – 20.00 l free

How to get here?

Municipal market

H C/ Isla de la Gomera T Su 08.00 – 14.00

From the South

Valsequillo has an intense production of goat, cow and sheep cheese

You can get cured, semi-cured and fresh cheese here, but also at other places of the island, like supermarkets [more info on cheeses on U page 47].

In the surroundings of Valsequillo Ravine of the Cernícalos [U page 20]

90 Maspalomas - Telde

Telde

13 Telde - San Mateo 43 Telde - Valsequillo [Low frequency] GC-1 | Las Palmas 8 GC-10 Telde/Valsequillo [2 km] cross Telde [Avda. del Cabildo] [1km]

GC-41 | Valsequillo [10 km]

INTERIOR: Tejeda download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 81

SANTA LUCÍA and SAN

BARTOLOMÉ DE TIRAJANA [TUNTE]

SAN BARTOLOMÉ [TUNTE] SANTA LUCÍA [HISTORIC CENTRE]

Located in valleys filled with olive and palm trees, guarded by the majestic and rocky walls of Tirajana, you will be fascinated with these two small but charming localities, capitals of their respective municipalities.Santa Lucía and San Bartolomé de Tirajana are the two most populated municipalities of the island. They grew a lot with the tourist sector boost in the South in the middle of the last century, giving way to new cores of inhabitancy in the coast, like San Fernando and Vecindario, where the main municipal services are placed as well. This is the reason, when you visit these capitals you don’t see much change in them through the years because they maintain their genuine beauty, as if time had stopped for them.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Santa Lucía is...

How to get here? San Bartolomé [Tunte] From the South

18 From Maspalomas [low frequency] INTERIOR: S. Lucía & Tunte

Avda. Tirajana [Playa del Inglés]

GC-60 | Fataga | San Bartolomé de Tirajana [22 km]

Santa Lucía From the South Avda. Tirajana [Playa del Inglés]

GC-60 | Fataga | San Bartolomé

Santa Lucia church Museum Castle of the Fortress A very peculiar museum having a very unique castle form façade. In this museum you can mainly see archeological remains found on the sites of this area but also traditional and botanical elements and utensils, and also related to zoology items. H C/ Tomás Arroyo s/n T Mo-Fr and Su 09.00 – 14.00 l2€ Traditional market

H C/ Tomás Arroyo Cardoso T Su

08.00 – 14.00

In the surroundings of Santa Lucía

de Tirajana [22 km]

GC-65 | Santa Lucía [6 km]

82 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Mirador el Guriete [viewpoint] [U page 22]

Restart Gran Canaria

NOT TO BE MISSED in San Bartolomé [Tunte] is... City Hall, Square and Church of San Bartolomé de Tirajana Casa de los Yánez This is an example of the traditional rural

PHOTO

: Gran

Canaria

homes of Canarias in the XIX century, converted later on into an ethnographic museum where you can see furniture, utensils and other objects of that period. H C/ Antonio Yánez, 1 TMo-Fr 09.00 - 14.30 l free

FATAGA

In the surroundings of San Bartolomé [Tunte] Riscos de Tirajana and

Fataga [U page 18]

Mirador Degollada de las Yeguas [viewpoint] [Fataga] [U page 22] Reservoirs of Chira, Soria and Las Niñas [U page 20]

Do you want more San Bartolomé [Tunte]? Tourist Information H C/ Antonio Yánez, 1 [Casa de los Yánez] T Mo-Fr 09.00 – 14.30

SANTA LUCÍA

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 83

SAN AGUSTÍN San agustin is the first amongst tourist areas to get extended in the South of Gran Canaria. It specially stands out for being tranquil, cozy and colloquial if compared to the lively Playa del ingles or Maspalomas. This tourist area owns a very cozy golden sand beach and nearby are located all the hotels and tourist complexes. San Agustín also counts on a Commercial Center having complete offers in entertainment, restaurants and stores.

NOT TO BE MISSED in San Agustín is ...

How to get here? From Las Palmas de G.C.

1 Casino Meliá Tamarindos

30 Las Palmas [Santa Catalina |

San Telmo] – Faro Maspalomas

2 Playa de San Agustín | Las Burras [U page 14]

91 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Playa del Cura GC-1 | Aeropuerto | Sur | Maspalomas

In the surroundings of San Agustín

37 | Bahía Feliz | San Agustín GC-500

Sioux City [theme park] [U page 34]

From Airport

66 Aeropuerto – Faro Maspalomas

Playa de La Caleta | Las Salinas | Castillo del Romeral [U page 14]

90 Telde – Faro de Maspalomas GC-1 Sur | Maspalomas 37 | Bahía Feliz | San Agustín GC-500

Sioux City 10 min

n H

C/ de

aritas

O las rquíde

e C/ d

M la s

rdones l o s Ca

SOUTH: San Agustín

San Agustín

e de la s R

del Inglés 10 min

Playa de las Burras

84 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

m ta

i C/ de las Ahu lag as San Agustín S.C. C/ de la s Dali a s e d Playa C/

GC-500

d e lo s

Jazm

ines

2 Playa de San Agustín

i Supermarket

H Hospital Promenade Shopping Center

Pharmacy Bus Stop

Restart Gran Canaria

PLAYA DEL INGLÉS

O: OT PH

Playa del Inglés is the tourist space in the South of the island by excellence, placed right next to Maspalomas. Here 24 hours of entertainment is guaranteed, be it in its spectacular beaches, lively shopping centers, the very varied restaurants, the night clubs and pubs, or in the different spaces created for sports and entertainment. Get ready, because in Playa del Inglés you don’t have time to get bored!

.R J.R

od r

SHOPPING

SHO PINGP

CentERs

Almost the entire entertainment offer, restaurants, stores and services is concentrated in the various open air Shopping Centers spread all over Playa del Inglés. The stores are usually open till 10 at night or even later [normally closed during lunch time]. The stores are open all the days of the week and you can get articles of fashion, souvenirs, perfumes, electronics and other products. Also the places working with recreational and gambling machines are very popular. It is at night, from dinner time onwards, when more people and ambience is found in the shopping centers. The biggest and most important ones are Yumbo, Cita, and the set formed by Plaza, Kasbah and Metro. MORE INFORMATION ON “SHOPPING” ON Page 36

How to get here? From Las Palmas de G.C.

30 Las Palmas [Santa Catalina |

GC-1 | Aeropuerto | Sur | Maspalomas 43 | Playa del Inglés GC-500

From Airport

66 Aeropuerto – Faro Maspalomas 90 Telde – Faro de Maspalomas

So sa

NOT TO BE MISSED in Playa del Inglés is ...

Playa del Inglés [the beach] [U page 14]

Dunas de Maspalomas [U page 18]

In the surroundings of Playa del Inglés Fataga and San Bartolomé [Tunte]

[U page 82]

Playa del Inglés at

night

ng you will not If there is somethi lés is fun and Ing l miss in Playa de is here. It is ht party when the nig ne in the South of zo rty pa in ma the le ere you will be ab the island and wh nces offered bie am nt ere diff to enjoy the , bars, clubs, night clubs by multiple pubs, and les sty all to ed ter open air bars ca the nteed throughout ages. Fun is guara is It . ek we the ys of year, and all the da ow the islankn d an th wi le ng easy to mi ns many GranCanaria ders, as there are rty. The pa to lés Ing l de the choosing Playa places are found in majorities of party rs and their surrounshopping cente C.C. Plaza, dings, especially in and C.C. Kasbah and Metro always in s thi ep Ke o. mb Yu lés never Ing l de ya Pla : mind ATION RM FO IN RE MO sleeps! ON T” GH NI ON “GC AT

U Page 39

GC-1 Sur | Maspalomas 43 | Playa del Inglés GC-500 download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 85

SOUTH: San Agustín

San Telmo] – Faro Maspalomas

91 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Playa del Cura

ígu ez

San Agustín 10 min

Fataga | San Bartolomé [Tunte]

Playa del Inglés

Maspalomas

1 min

Maspalomas

re ce s

i Maspalomas Golf

ia A

P r ov i s i o n

Yumb bo b o

Y Av. d e G r a n C a n a r

Y i Y

Kasba sba ah a le

Y ia

l It a e .d Plaza lazza Av Pl Metro ro

Y Y

i fe

Playa del Inglés

Y Av. de Bon Y

d v.

e ne r eT

Cita a

i An Anexo

e Fr a n c i a Av. d

fe d e Al

GC-500

e m an

Av .

y Y

Av. T i r a j a n a

GC-1

10 min

GC-1

. Av

[Interpretation Centre - Maspalomas Dunes]

SOUTH: Playa del Inglés

86 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

MASPALOMAS

Audioguide FAR O

MA SPA

LOM

Maspalomas is the other grand tourist center of the island; it is attached to Playa del Inglés. Here you combine the grand hotels with a large number of bungalow type accommodations. On one hand, we have the charm of the newly made tourist area of Costa Meloneras, where the most luxurious resorts and hotels of the island are concentrated, and on the other hand, the most outstanding aspect of Maspalomas: the miles of beaches and their dunes. However, this is not the only thing Maspalomas has to offers, there are plenty other entertainment and relaxation possibilities to make your stay a dream sequence.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Maspalomas is ...

1 Playa de Maspalomas and 2 Playas de Meloneras – Las Mujeres

How to get here?

[U pages 13 | 14]

From Las Palmas de G.C.

30 Las Palmas [Santa Catalina |

San Telmo] – Faro Maspalomas

3 Faro de Maspalomas This is the most popular lighthouse of the Canaries and one of the oldest ones functioning even today. It is used as a signal for the navigators since 1890. It is formed by the tower and the residence of the custodian, having in the interior a centrally located courtyard of traditional Canarian style. 4

From Airport

5 Holiday World [amusement park]

66 Aeropuerto – Faro Maspalomas 90 Telde – Faro de Maspalomas

[U page 34]

6 Maspalomas Golf and

GC-1 Sur | Maspalomas

7 Lopesan Meloneras Golf [U page 41]

46 | San Fernando | Maspalomas

ore njoy a m ou can e d night y s a m alo te In Masp and sophistica Playa del to e selectiv in comparison ly concentrain ce ambien night life is ma of Meloneras tre he Ingés. T Shopping Cen alomas. Even e p s th a M in de You can ted is area. und Faro and aro ngsters get to th lubs in Faro II c u local yo pubs and night e theme park th also find Centre and in O ON “GC AT g F Shoppin orld. MORE IN W y 3 a 4 d e li o H Pag ON U NIGHT”

8 Punta Mujeres [archeological site] [U page 32]

9 Expomeloneras [U page 53] In the surroundings of Maspalomas Aqualand Maspalomas [water park] and Palmitos Park [zoological and botanical park] [U page 34] Salobre Golf & Resort [U page 42] Fataga and San Bartolomé [Tunte] [U page 82]

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 87

SOUTH: Maspalomas

Mas

s paloma

t at Nigh

Dunas de Maspalomas [U page 18]

Aqualand

Palmitos Park 10 min

5 min

GC-1

Clinic

Pharmacy

rado

H Hospital GC-500

M áb o

Bus stop Bus station Tourism Office

Varadero Vara adero ro

iYY i

Faro 2

Av. To u r

Amusement Park Shopping center

88 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Playa del Inglés 10 min

Maspalomas Golf

Maspalomas Dunes

Y 3

borg

i Supermarket

h a ns

a Paseo d e l a C h a rc

ric

r rá

P M la y el a on er

it a

e C / Mar M

Playa laya ya Meloneras Me eloneras s

Av. L u ft

ón Co l Av. C r i st o b a l

Av. To u ro p e

Police

Ho oliday World d e

i Tu

or T j a er

Service Station

Y Y y

Playa de Maspalomas

n Maspalomas

Restart Gran Canaria

PHOTO: Gran Canaria

PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico is one of the main tourist destinations in the South, and is very different from the rest. Its grand attraction is that it gets extended till the sea occupying an entire valley and its slopes, keeping away the trade winds, so dominant throughout the island; it is also that area of Gran Canaria where more hours of sunshine prevail during the day. Puerto Rico has become a tourist complex specially focused on families having children, as apart from counting with all types of services, and a great entertainment offer, it also transmits a tranquil sensation, lesser hectic than Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, reminding you the days when this was a fishing tradition village. Moreover, Puerto Rico counts with a marina where most water activities are offered in the island. NOT TO BE MISSED in Puerto is...

1 Playa de Puerto Rico and 2 Playa de Amadores [U page 15]

3 Walk from Puerto Rico to Amadores

We recommend you this very tranquil and relaxing walk of a little more than a kilometer bordering the coast and communicating the Puerto Rico beach to the Amadores beach.

4 Water sports at the marina

How do I get here? From Las Palmas de G.C.

91 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Playa del Cura GC-1 | Aeropuerto | Sur | Maspalomas | Mogán Puerto Rico

From Airport

91 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Playa del Cura

In the surroundings of Puerto Rico

Lago Oasis [Taurito] [pool and toboggans]

[U page 35]

LOCATED AT THE HIGHWAY GC-1 GC-1 ]

GC-1 | Sur | Maspalomas | Mogán Puerto Rico

Playa del Pajar and Playa de Anfi del Mar

Puert

t night o Rico a

From Playa del Inglés | Maspalomas

bience in ight am the main n t s e b e to To get th you have to go Puerto Rico, . a this are center, the C.C d night clubs g an shoppin e pubs, bars ubs and bars p ll th o a ls a re e ial re h a w d. The in the commerc nd in te a c lo a , rt are la o a P c s la E .C. sca in the C t next to the E ATION ON M h zone rig s. MORE INFOR age 43 P Amadore IGHT” on U N “GC AT

Las Palmas – Puerto de Mogán

Playa del Inglés – Puerto de Mogán [SATURDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS]

Playa del Inglés – Playa de Amadores

[INDIRECT SERVICE]

[REDUCED FREQUENCY]

GC-1 | Mogán

Puerto Rico

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 89

SOUTH: Puerto Rico

[U page 15]

Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Puerto de Mogán [INDIRECT SERVICE] [BUS STOP

Pue uert erto Rico Ri S.C.

Y Y i Y

Europa pa Cente Center

Playa Amadores

Y d v.

C/D

i Supermarket

Promenade

Playa de Puerto Rico

4 Bus Station Tourism Office

lE oq

Y Ro d r

íg u

Puerto Rico Playas Anfi del Mar and El Pajar 10-15 min

SUR: Puerto Rico

Shopping center

Dí C/ Juá n

t es

ste

zar a

GC-500 y

ot e

20 min

ogá n

Lan

Lago Taurito | Anfi Tauro Golf

Av. de

la C orn i

Y Clinic Y Pharmacy

Av. T omás Ro c a C/ B os G ra n ch C anari a

GC-1

90 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

PUERTO DE MOGÁN

Audioguide

Puerto de Mogán offers you a uniquely seen vignette in the island, having flowery garden areas, narrow pedestrian walking streets, Mediterranean style villas, water canals and a pleasant walk near the marina bay, where you can see small and modern restaurants, cozy coffee places, and some jazz bars. This very singular image gives the title of Small Venetian in the Canaries to Puerto de Mogán.

In the last few years, Puerto de Mogán has developed a lot around its beach area, where new tourist complexes have been constructed, and a new service zone has been created offering stores, restaurants and other facilities.

How to get here? From Las Palmas de G.C.

Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Puerto de Mogán [INDIRECT SERVICE | 2 HOURS JOURNEY]

NOT TO BE MISSED in Puerto de Mogán is... Playa de Mogán If you are in Puerto de Mogán, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the beach of thin and golden sand. Even though it is not a big in size beach, it counts with surveillance service, renting of parasols and cleanliness.

Water sports at the marina

From Airport

Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Puerto de Mogán [INDIRECT SERVICE] |

[BUS STOP LOCATED AT THE HIGHWAY GC-1 ]

H marina T Fr 08.00 - 14.00

Las Palmas – Puerto de Mogán [INDIRECT SERVICE]

32 Playa del Inglés – Puerto de Mogán 33

In the surroundings of Puerto de Mogán

Playa del Inglés – Puerto de Mogán] [ONLY SATURDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS]

GC-1 | Mogán | end of highway Puerto de Mogán

Lago Oasis [Taurito] [pool and toboggans] [U page 35]

Anfi Tauro Golf [U page 42] download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 91

SOUTH: P. de Mogán

Open Air market

Entering into Arucas, you will have the feeling of a city preserving even today the footprints of a very prosperous past linked to agriculture and exports, especially of banana and sugarcane.

ARUCAS

The profits of these and other cultivations allowed the establishment of an agricultural middle class in this town during the XIX century, and embark the urban development we can observe today while visiting its wonderful historic center. Arucas has more people movement than other towns in the north and the interiors of the island because in the last few years, it has become a dormitory town for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria due to the closeness between them, and thus inheriting part of the urban nature and activity of the later.

Audioguide

NOT TO BE MISSED in Arucas is... 1 Iglesia de San Juan Bautista The church of San John Baptist [popularly known as the Cathedral of Arucas due to the grandeur it displays] is the symbol of this city. Its construction started in the beginning of XX century and the style chosen to make it was Neo-gothic, this allowed the masters in stone workmanship of Arucas to show off their talent in the ornamental details while polishing the popular blue stone of Arucas so very predominantly used in the premise. In the interior of the church, the beautiful French glass windows, valuables paintings and carvings stand out, like the one of Cristo Yacente. T Mo-Su 09.30 - 12.30 and 16.30 - 18.00 l Free At one side of the church the Square of San Juan, is found around which, important buildings of the XVII to XX are located, like the Parochial house [in traditional Canarian style].

NORTH: Arucas

2 Casa de la Cultura [cultural center]

At the address calle Gourié number 3, you will find the cultural center of Arucas, a residence of traditional Canarian style of the XVII century. At the interior you can find a 150 years old example of a drago canario [endemic tree from Canary islands] and fancy wooden Canarian balconies. T Mo-Fr 08.00 – 14.30

How to get here? 234 Direct | Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Arucas 206 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Arucas 210 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Arucas GC-2 | Arucas-Gáldar

3 León y Castillo street It is the main and most traditional street of the city. Here we come across stately residences of the XIX century and beginning of XX century placed right next to stores, tascas [typical Spanish pinchos and tapas bar] and open air cafes, making a very pleasant pedestrian space. 4 Plaza de la Constitución At the end of León y Castillo street, this representative square is situated. Here you will find 2 very important buildings: Town Halls [1875] and the Old Municipal Market [1882]. We can also see the sculpture in honor to Doramas, the Aborigine resistance leader during the conquest [more info on Doramas on U page 30]. 5 Municipal Park Next to Plaza de la Constitución, this manor garden is an oasis of peace and tranquility, occupying 10.000 square meters. It possesses plants form all the continents. Thanks to the great floral diversity in this park and in the Garden of the Marchioness, Arucas is known as the city of flowers. We want to defy you a bit: try and find the goblin in this park so that you can ask for a wish to come true! 6 Mountain of Arucas Don’t miss out on the opportunity of going up to this viewpoint stored in the Volcano of Arucas, from where you have incredible views in 360 degrees. You can see Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the interior part of the island, Arucas and the extension of cultivations of banana. The restaurant located at the peak is very popular amongst the islanders.

GC-20 Arucas

92 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

Restart Gran Canaria

7 Jardín de la Marquesa [Garden of the

e Tak

Marchioness] It is located in the outskirts of the city, and due to its name, it is easy to deduct that in those days this was the property of the Marquises of Arucas. These great lovers of botany would add on to their diverse travelling destinations the collection of different types of seeds. Today, we find one of the most complete collections of tropical and subtropical flora with more than 500 types to be contemplated in these 5 acres. The style of these gardens is romanticist, including a few garden ponds and kiosks. H GC-330 Las Hoyas, 2 T Mo-Su 09.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 18.00 l 6 € | u

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a it Although ne is not blue, but s for posseso u trachyte st grey. Arucas is famo ic stone and y terist ac ar rand shinn ch is es of th tivity of ca sing quarri n because of the ac ploitation ex ow e , is also kn ne by artisans. Th o XVI century ving this st ries started in the ruction of ar st u n of these q nquest, with the co you will see y after the co an cores. This is wh e island the th rb f u o s ew re n e co th c tethe histori you are in in most of of the color grey. If is ancestral th ry dominance owing more about sit the quar rested in kn we suggest you to vi u can see an , yo profession Cantera” 8 where “Piedras la n this activity. o exhibition los callejones, 4 o H cam-Finr 09.00 – 19.00 T Mo

9 Open air Market If it is Saturday morning and you are in Arucas get to the popular weekly market. From the various articles sold here, you can find typical products of the area. H Parque de la Paz T Sa 08.00 - 14.00

7 5 min

Arucas

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In the surroundings of Arucas

Tilos de Moya, Azuaje, Barranco Oscuro, Doramas and el Brezal [U page 20]

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Tourist Information H León y Castillo, 10 T Mo-Fr 09.00 - 16.30

5 min

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Playa de Bañaderos | El Puertillo [U page 16]

NORTH: NORTE: Arucas download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 93

MUNICIPAL MARKET [ENTRANCE]

GÁLDAR

Audioguide

The city of Gáldar reminds us of another period, when this was the glorious headquarters of the Aborigine kingdoms in the island [Guanartematos]. This footprint is smouldering even today in the entire town, counting on the most important archeological sites and museums of the Canaries [La Cueva Pintada], where we can relive the pre-Hispanic era of Gran Canaria [more info on U page 33]. But today, Gáldar is also a prosperous agricultural region, specially dedicated to the cultivation and exports of tomato and banana. Not only that: Gáldar is a town with great artisan tradition, where you can easily find clay, wooden [timples [canarian music instrument] and other utensils] and ceramic products, table linen or the Canarian knives [naifes] [more info on page U page 65]. Obviously, we recommend you a stroll through the streets of this historic center, where you will find period buildings, terrace cafes, bars and stores.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Gáldar is... 1 The first building of the Church of Santiago was constructed after the conquest, on

top of the Palacio del Guanarteme [King’s palace]. The actual construction is from 1778 and is of neoclassical style, bringing out the 35 meters tall twin towers. The dorada [golden] stone used for its construction stands out, obtained from quarries of their own town. H Plaza de Santiago s/n T Mo-Fr 08.00 – 12.50 and 18.45 – 19.30 l free

NORTH: Gáldar

2 Stopping by the building of the Old City

Hall is totally worth it, guarding in its interior a sample of one of the oldest drago [endemic tree of the Canary Islands] in the island, from the year 1718. H Plaza de Santiago, 1 T Mo 08.00 – 15.30 | Tu-Fr 08.00 – 18.00 | Sa-Su 10.00 – 17.00 l free

3 Next to the City Hall is located the Consistorial Theater of Gáldar since 1912, recently res-

tored and having in its interior a vault to stand out in the form of a conch and decorated with Aborigine motives from the Canarian artist Pepe Dámaso. TMo 08.00 – 15.30 | Tu-Fr 08.00 – 18.00 | Sa-Su 10.00 – 17.00 l free 94 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

4 Being in an agricultural area with so many local products, there is no better place than theMercado Municipal [1945] to buy them and feel the daily rhythm of the people of Gáldar. Don’t forget to buy from here and aromatic queso de flor [flower cheese] [one of the star products in the area] [U page 47] H C/ Capitán Quesada, 29 T Mo-Su 07.00 – 13.30 | Fr evenings 16.00 – 19.00 5 Museum House Antonio Padrón

[U page 50]

6 Museum and Archeological park Cueva Pintada [U page 50 | 32] 7 La Casa Verde de Aguilar [Aguilar’s Green House] actually functions as

an exhibition room. The worth noticing elements in this premise are the façade, the courtyard and the Arabic tiles roofing. H C/ Guillén Morales, 13 T Mo-Fr 08.00 – 15.30 l Free

Restart Gran Canaria

FOT O: G

ran C an

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THEATRE OF GÁLDAR

How to get here? IGLESIA DE SANTIAGO

105 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Gáldar 103 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Puerto de las Nieves

GC-2 | Gáldar

23 | Gáldar-Guía

Playa del Agujero

In the surroundings of Galdar

rag C/ D

5 C / C a pitá n Q u e s ad a

M o r a le s

Plaza de Santiago

C / G u a i re s

C / Te n e s o r Se mi dá

C/ A ie

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Playa de Sardina

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Pinos de Gáldar – Montañón Negro and Pico de Gáldar [U page 20] Playa de Sardina and Playa del Agujero [natural pools]

[U page 16]

Do you want more Gáldar? Tourist InformatioN H Plaza de Santiago, 1 T Mo 08.00 – 15.30 | Tu-Fr 08.00 – 18.00 | Sa-Su: 10.00 – 17.00

GC-202 download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 95

NORTH: Gáldar

Cenobio de Valerón

[U page 32]

i r o fe C/ Alj

C / G u i l lé n

Gáldar

Agaete - Puerto de las Nieves

Without doubt, what more draws the attention when you enter in Agaete is the dominant white color, result of Audioguide the whitewash carried out to all the buildings of the village producing a contrast with the intense colors of the valley in which they are located. Agaete combines agricultural and fishing tradition. Today a great part of its land is destined to the cultivation of tropical fruits and coffee, whereas in its port, fishing activity for local consumption still exists. Stroll around its narrow streets filled with history and enjoy its gardens. You can leave the port of the town [Puerto de las Nieves] for later as a desert or main course to this wonderful meal called Agaete.

IGLESIA DE LA CONCEPCIÓN [BELL TOWER]

NORTH: Agaete- PN

NOT TO BE MISSED in Agaete is... 1 Iglesia de la Concepción This church was 4 Huerto de Las Flores This constructed in the year 1874 and is heading the Plabotanical garden is outstanding because za de la Constitución substituting the previous it used to be a meeting point in those hermitage of 1515, which was burnt. The days and also the inspiration for church stands out due to its simplicity famous Canarian poets, amongst August 4th and soberness and for the red stone them Tomás Morales. In it you can used in its construction. find more than 300 tropical flora bajada de la rama samples from all over the world, H Plaza de la Constitución s/n especially from America. T Mo-Fr 11.00 – 13.00 and mass timings +info calendar H C/ Huertas T We-Su 12.15 – 2 Cultural Center and 3 City page 11-12 16.00 l 1,50 € Hall Both these buildings are of traditional Canarian style from the XIX century, with the characteristic interior courtyards and wooden Canarian balconies around the distribution of the different How to get here? houses.

CULTURAL CENTER

H C/ Concepción 11 T Mo-Fr 09.00 – 14.00 l free CITY HALL

H C/ Antonio de Armas, 1 T Mo-Fr 08.00 – 14.00

96 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

103 Las Palmas [San Telmo] – Puerto de las Nieves

GC-2 | Gáldar-Agaete Agaete | Puerto de las Nieves

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Puerto de las Nieves [at 2 kms. from Agaete]

PHOTO: Iván

Má rq

Puerto de las Nieves is one of the best reviewed corners of the island; it is a small locality of intense marine tradition and is based in a pictorial framework, with spectacular views to the first and prominent cliffs [popularly known as cola de dragón [dragons’ tail]] drawing the steep hillside of the west coast of Gran Canaria. In fact, if you observe the cliffs from the coastal side, you can distinguish the silhouette of one of the symbolic figures of Gran Canaria: the “Dedo de Dios”, [God’s finger], a huge separate rock that has taken a very special form due to the sea erosions for thousands of years. The sad part is that in 2005, due to a storm, z the thin superior part of the rock got detached, and thus, the very precise eleue ment giving that particular form of a finger pointing out at the sky was blown away. But this unfortunate occurrence hasn’t driven the Grancanarians to stop loving this natural monument. Many evenings with clear skies you can observe the majestic silhouette of Teide mountain [3.718 metres] from Tenerife in the background. Strolling through the streets of the Puerto, you will not have any doubt that this is a fishing village. All the residences are white and have lines in sky blue color drawn on them, and some of them, have their balconies and rooftops decorated with hanging utensils and fishing related objects. You will find many PUERTO DE LAS NIEVES restaurants here and will be getting it right, by choosing a fish based dish from the area, like the famous fish soup. Take the opportunity to give yourself a good bathing experience if the heat is squeezing you. The beach is of black sand and stones having very tranquil waters, but what takes importance here is the breathtaking views we mentioned earlier.

Do you want more Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves?

In the surroundings of Agaete C/ Le ón

Tamadaba [U page 18]

Puerto de las Nieves

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Pza. de la Cons tituc ión C/ C

Tourist Information H C/ Nuestra Sra. de las Nieves, 1. Puerto de las Nieves T Tu-Fr 09.00 – 17.00 | Sa 09.00 – 14.30

10 min

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being The coffee of Agaete is special for the only one cultivated in Europe. of In fact, this cultivation is in process n in the XIX being regained after its introductio et product gourm a as d century. Today, it is treate tities in an artisabecause it is cultivated in small quan grain quality. You nal form, and also because it has top Tomás Morales,10 Plaza [ gaete H Agroa in it buy can [Agaete]]

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Agaete

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 97

NORTH: Agaete- PN

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PHOTO: Gran Canaria

Telde

Telde has always been and will continue being an outstanding city of the island. Before the conquest it was the capital of one of the 2 kingdoms that divided Gran Canaria. After the conquest, the urban cores were formed and this town prospered thanks to the agriculture and trading of sugar cane. Today, this is the second most important city in the island, having 100.000 inhabitants throughout various residential areas distributed all over, from sea to mountain.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Telde is ... Foundational area of San Juan

The historic center of Telde started taking form around the tranquil and pleasant Plaza de San Juan, presided by the Minor Basilica, having the most worshipped figure of Christ in Canarias in its interiors, originally from America and made of an unusual Audioguide material; a mass of corn. Around the square, you will come across Council Hall and the Casino of Telde, working today as a coffee place and restaurant that has a terrace in the corner Plácido Fleitas.

San Pedro Mártir’s church is a XVI century building [of Gothic-Renaissance style] where the history of Telde is exhibited. Area of San Francisco This is the other historic area of the city and one of the oldest residential areas of Canarias. Strolling around its streets you can observe the traditional and peculiar architecture of this place, visible in the residences and in the church and square of San Francisco. Commercial area of San Gregorio

Nearby the Neoclassical styled church of San

Gregorio, started the trading activity centuries ago. Even today San Gregorio is the center of commercial activity in Telde.

Museum House of León y Castillo [U page 50]

Urban park of San Juan You can go through it and spend time in this immense park [it is the second biggest urban park in the Canaries] at a few minutes distance from the historic center of San Juan. The attractive part of this park is that it has a few animals for you to see [like ostriches, goats, exotic birds and others.]. Street Market H Avda. Cabildo Insular s/n [Near the bus station] T Sa 07.00 – 14.00 In the surroundings of Telde Playas de Salinetas and Melenara [U page 17] Cuatro puertas, Los Barros [Jinámar] and Llano de las Brujas [Jinámar] archeological sites [U page 32] Cernícalos ravine [U page 20] El Cortijo Golf [Upage 42]

EAST: Telde

How to get here?

Do you want more Telde? Tourist Information H C/ Conde de la Vega Grande, 9 T Mo-Fr 08.00 – 15.30

From Las Palmas de G.C.

GC-10 Telde [2 km]

From the South

90 Direct GC-1

98 | Free and practical guide to discover Gran Canaria

80 Direct GC-1

36 8

GC-10 Telde [2 km]

Restart Gran Canaria

Agüimes

Audioguide

The village of Agüimes is the perfect example of a traditional Canarian one, in perfect harmony with the scenery in which is located. The very popular Barranco de Guayadeque [Guayadeque ravine] stands out from all its natural spaces. As you get closer to Agüimes, you will see an emphasized building above everything, this is the San Sebastian’s Parish Church, located in the very well maintained and renovated historic center of the village. You will fall in love with this very charming small town.

NOT TO BE MISSED in Agüimes is ... To enjoy better of the historic center of Agüimes, we recommend you a stroll by the Interpretation Center, where you will find necessary information to give you a historic perspective for the start of your visit. Moreover, the tourism office is located here as well. H Plaza de San Antón s/n T Mo 08.00 – 15.00 and 16.00 – 18.30 | Tu-Fr 08.00 – 15.00 l free

HISTORY MUSEUM

Do you want more Agüimes? Tourist Information

H Plaza de San Antón s/n T Mo 08.00 – 15.00 and 16.00 – 18.30 | Tu-Fr 08.00 – 15.00

In the surroundings of Agüimes

San Sebastián’s Parish Church and historic center

Barranco de Guayadeque [U page 20]

centuries the property of the Bishops of Canarias. It gives you an insight on Agüimes through its eight theme rooms. H C/ Juan Alvarado and Saz, 42T Tu-Su 09.00 – 17.00 l 2,50 € | <12 years old: 1 €

Street Market

H Doctor Joaquín Artiles, 42 [In front of Municipal pool] T Th 08.00 – 13.00

How to get here? From Las Palmas de G.C.

21 lesser stops

From Las Palmas de G.C. and the South

GC-1

25 Arinaga | Agüimes

GC-100 Agüimes [8 km]

download the electronic version at www.restartgrancanaria.com | 99

EAST: Agüimes

Episcopal Palace and History Museum of Agüimes Do visit this singular building for various