GRAN CANARIA

Las Palmas.

Off the coast of Northwest Africa lies an archipelago called “The Canary Islands”. It is one of the autonomous regions of Spain, and is so named “Canariae Insulae”, Island of Dogs. Nothing to do with our yellow feathered friends.

The original inhabitants are said to be North African who may have arrived as early as 500 BC but were finally defeated by Spain under the crown of Queen Isabella I on April 29, 1483. The conquest was not easy. It lasted 5 years and involved defeating different chiefdoms and treachery amongst themselves, different factions of the Guanchos. You can learn about the pre colonisation era of Gran Canara by visiting The “Canarian Museum” in Calle Doctor Verneau, 2 in Las Palmas.

The capital of the Canary Islands is Las Palmas which lies on the Island of Gran Canaria. It is the ninth largest city of Spain, boasting an international airport and a good motorway network to the north and south of the island.

The weather on the island is so pleasant (min 15 C in winter) that it is a major holiday destination for northern Europeans, colloquially termed “Snow Birds”. The popularity of Playa del Ingles also makes it a popular gay destination, famous for its dunes (and what happens there) as well as the night-life in the Yumbo Centrum. During the day time it goes under the banner of being the one and only LGTBI shopping centre in the World! At nighttime it converts into a plethora of venues. So varied is the entertainment that it covers all spectrums from leather dens to drag show bars.

But Gran Canaria has so much to offer than just its dunes and nightlife.

For example Palmitos Park is a botanical garden and zoo only 10 km from Maspalomas Lighthouse. Amongst its exhibits are animals and plants from the 5 continents. You need to time your visit to take advantage of all the shows on display – dolphin show, parrot show, raptor show and crocodile show being popular. Intersperse that with visits to the butterfly house, aquarium and other animal recincts. Palmoitas Park is open all year round.

For art enthusiasts, visit Antonio Padrón Museum-House, this famous Canarian painter comes from the village of Gáldar. The Museum-house is an indigenous research and art centre belonging to the Gran Canaria Island Council. Housed in the painter’s former workshop, its aim is to acquire, preserve, study, exhibit and disseminate the works of this painter. It also attributes to the founding of the Canary Art movement.

When it comes to historical sites, explore the neighbourhood of Vergueta in Las Palmas City. There are even bike tours available to discover this barrio, going through narrow streets and passing historical buildings of note. You could also visit Casa de Colon – Christopher Columbus’ house. This is now a history museum, displaying some of the belongings and other items related to this famous explorer. The story goes that Christopher Columbus stopped in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1492 on his way to discovering the Americas. However this was not a scheduled stop. It happened because his crew sabotaged the ship within three days of setting sail from Spain. His crew were nervous about their journey into the unknown and did not share his conviction.

Gran Canaria has suffered through its many monocultures – one of those was the production of cochineal. Cochineal was important in the 19th century for the production of purple dyes. from insects that produced on cactii, originally form the Americas. With the renovation of this product, The Canary cochineal has a Protected Designation of Origin making the Canaries on of the most important cochineal production sites in the world.

Another important product is bananas. Indeed you can go to the Gran Canaria Banana Museum at Aruca. Go on a guided tour to learn about is cultivation and its importance to the island. One of the by products is a banana liquor which you must taste.

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Natural activities that may attract your attention may include climbing the strange outcrop of rocks at Barranco de las Vacas with its caves & village, seeing the geographical formations at Roque Nublo or strolling through the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas.

More leisurely activities may include wine tasting at the Bodega Los Lirios or boat cruising off the island shoreline. Or if you are looking for something theatrical, check out some cowboy entertainment in a Western style shoot out at Sioux City.

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