© 2025 EmCan Media - Hosted By canaryfone Olsen Express has brought together 200 people in Agaete the main port town they use in Gran Canaria for the first coastal and seabed clean-up action of 2025 organised in collaboration with Terramare Medioambiente and the Office for Environmental Participation and Volunteering (IDECO) This initiative is part of the company’s environmental care project which promotes social participation as a tool for raising awareness and preserving the natural environments of the Canary Islands will focus on the eastern islands throughout 2025 155 volunteers from three educational institutions - IES Guía and IES Agaete - as well as experienced divers from various diving clubs Among the attendees were Noemí del Rosario Padrón Councillor for the Environment of Agaete Council; Sara Perdomo Councillor for Beaches of Agaete Council; Germán Beltrán Director of Terramare Medioambiente; Bethsabé Navarro Technician at the Office for Environmental Participation and Volunteering (IDECO); Marina González the company’s representative in Agaete more than 180 kilograms of plastic and other waste highlighted the company’s enthusiasm for the second phase of the initiative She explained that the coastal and seabed clean-ups are part of ‘In Harmony with the Sea’ an umbrella programme covering over 70 environmental sustainability actions this year we aim to improve or at least match last year’s results,” González added located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean receive waste from various parts of the world due to ocean currents “This is why our awareness programme extends across all the islands we are focusing on the province of Las Palmas,” he said As part of the coastal and seabed clean-up in Agaete volunteers also witnessed the release of two loggerhead sea turtles that had been rehabilitated at the Tafira Wildlife Recovery Centre The turtles had been rescued after becoming entangled in marine debris provided insights into the species and explained the rehabilitation process leading to their return to their natural habitat The project aims to encourage social participation as a means of conserving the coastline and raising awareness among residents and tourists of all ages about the importance of protecting the marine environment These goals align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) as well as the Canary Islands’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda on the NW coast of Gran Canaria is one of the highest cliffs in the world and guardian of amazing biodiversity This giant looks out over the Atlantic from a height over 1,000 metres It gazes straight down over the sea following the flight of shearwaters Only it knows what it’s really found so fascinating to look at for millions of years Maybe it’s just seeking its own reflection over the waters that soak its stone feet rocky Titan is the highest cliff in Europe and one of the largest in the world El Roque Faneque also expresses the nostalgic calm that comes with the passing of time Fire conceived and nurtured El Roque Faneque This gigantic formation is actually the result of the patient sculpting of erosion on the primitive plateau that emerged after the massive volcanic eruptions over several million years is an open book that shows page after page of the island’s geological evolution as the different flows of lava piled layers These are the scars from the old umbilical cord of an island territory that would not exist without the volcanoes you can immerse yourself in the waters that act like a mirror and look up to catch its gaze sometimes covered by shreds of clouds that stick like a bandage over its eyes The ancient population of Gran Canaria observed the sun the moon and the stars to control the time and the seasons and thereby organise their society including farming and all types of rituals They believed that places where the earth seems to touch the sky are particularly significant It should come as no surprise therefore that El Roque Faneque lies within the boundary of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape, an area that was declared a World Heritage Site, overlapping with the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve El Roque Faneque stands vigil over this legendary scenario following word-for-word the script written with indelible ink at a time that nobody remembers Each project and asset is legally independent and has its own managers Construction of a section of road on the island of Gran Canaria that includes an 8.5-kilometer-long route between El Risco and Agaete The project requires an investment of €153 million The contract involves the construction of the second phase of the town highway and also includes improvements on a half-kilometer stretch of the existing road an 8-kilometer-long road in the northern part of Gran Canaria runs along a steep slope of the island; the construction is therefore highly complex since most of the route also runs underground Eight tunnels and two viaducts were built for this project This new route will replace a current trajectory measuring about 15 kilometers on the GC-200 the travel time between the Village and Agaete will be reduced The construction of the double tunnel at Faneque is part of the second phase of the works on the new town road The section that runs under the Faneque Cliff is made up of two lanes running in each direction for a 2.5-kilometer stretch This double tunnel replaces the three-kilometer section of the GC-200 along with the five connecting galleries between the two tunnels for evacuation in case of emergency In the Agaete direction around the area of Hoya del Segura two major drainage projects and an exposed stone wall have been undertaken in order to start the tunnels 30,000 square meters of polyethylene sheets were used to redirect water leaks; 4,500 meters of iron pipes were used in fire extinguishing systems; and 7,200 meters of buried concrete pipes and 14,000 meters of pipes to filter water were used The excavation of the aforementioned tunnels was carried out by blasting with explosives in compliance with the strictest safety measures set by the Spanish explosives regulations Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress Roque Nublo is the tallest of several rock towers along the rim Hiking Roque Nublo is a bit like landing on the moon The island enjoys pleasant temperatures of around 70 degrees year-round The port provides a sheltered bay perfect for recreational use This handsome 19th century house is painted red and sits in several acres of manicured grounds This enchanting town manages to live up to the billboard proclaiming it as “one of the most beautiful towns in Spain\" A winding six-kilometer descent back to town guides us down the trail used by the world’s most elite trail runners in the Transgrancanaria race We head to Gran Canaria and discover why this island has been captivating adventurers for centuries a 260-foot high monolith that sits atop a broad expanse of volcanic rock in the center of Gran Canaria panoramic views of the Tejeda Caldera reveal a wealth of geographical treasures: to the northeast pine-covered mountains of Pico De Las Nieves a glimpse of the famous Maspalomas Sand Dunes the distinctive peak of Teide on Tenerife Island – the highest point in all of Spain an outdoors camp that sits at 5,577 feet above sea level and serves as a base for outdoor adventurers I’m quickly learning that surprises and fascinating contrasts lie round every corner on this island I stood at a cliff edge where the cool tradewinds were strong enough whip my hat off I took just one step backwards and found myself enveloped in a warm stillness disturbed only by the lazy buzzing of a fly and occasional chirp of a native canary bird.  when I arrived to the agricultural town of La Aldea the surrounding mountainsides appeared barren and parched my knowledgeable guide Guillermo from Gran Canaria Natural and Active showed me signs of life at every turn The seemingly dead vegetation turned out to be balsam spurge dotted upon closer inspection with tiny yellow flowers and the dark coastal rocks turned out to be blanketed with an unassuming lichen that was historically mixed with ammonia to make purple dye used in clothing Off the coast, there’s diving and surfing (two windsurfing world champions hail from here) and inland you’ll find via ferrata routes and a plethora of hiking trails that draw people from all over the world during the island’s annual October walking festival tips and guides to help you plan your next Advnture People have lived on Gran Canaria for 2,000 years when the first settlers arrived from northern Africa Their descendants lived here harmoniously until the 1400s when they fought off two invasions by the Normans and two more by the Portuguese before finally succumbing to the Castillans in 1496 after years of bloody battle.  The celebrated Spanish writer Miguel de Unamuno was exiled to the Canary Islands in 1930 and had the last laugh falling in love with the landscape and urging those traveling across the ocean not to bypass the islands writing: “Don’t miss out on stepping onto dry land and if you have time Rather than the hot summers and mild winters I’m familiar with on mainland Spain’s Mediterranean coast the island enjoys pleasant temperatures hovering around 70 degrees year-round providing a welcome break from winter’s cold but largely remaining extremely hospitable to those of us who like to hike and bike something these islands are world-famous for After a night at the town’s only hotel where I encounter rustic charm and a sparkling pool with rugged mountain views to cool off by after hiking we drive north along the exhilarating GC-200 with plans to turn this one into a stunning walking and cycling route) we’re wandering along the seafront of Agaete a picture-perfect seaside town where all but three of the low-lying buildings are painted white with cobalt trim in pleasing contrast to the black volcanic rock surroundings is the best view of the west island’s stunning rugged coastline known affectionately as “the dragon’s tail.”  After a feast of smoky green peppers and freshly-caught white Sama fish washed down with a dry Canarian white wine – the grapevines in the Canary Islands were spared the decimation of the 1858 phylloxera plague and the islands boast Europe’s only heirloom grapes – we drive a couple of miles up valley where Hotel Rural Las Longueras delivers another bewitching surprise this handsome 19th century house is painted red and sits in several acres of manicured grounds at the edge of one of Europe’s few coffee plantations Settling into the sun room to enjoy the last of the rays over the sea it’s the type of place I can imagine coming to convalesce or writing a novel I breakfast with views of the Tamadaba mountain range and I’m a little bereft to be leaving my tranquil retreat so soon but we begin another scenic drive around the northwest corner of the island before turning inland to climb a winding road the arid terrain falls away and is replaced by green pine forest thanks to the constant moisture that gets trapped between the trade winds and the mountains just one of many microclimates that grant the island its nickname of “the miniature continent.”  My final destination is the idyllic mountain village of Tejeda At 3,400 feet above sea level and flanked by the two tallest mountains in Gran Canaria this enchanting town manages to live up to the billboard proclaiming it as “one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.”  the temperature seems to drop 10 degrees thanks to what Jaime calls the “magic of the pine trees” and I’m comfortable again A winding six-kilometer descent back to town guides us down the trail used by the world’s most elite trail runners in the Transgrancanaria race We make it in time for one more dreamy sunset that makes the otherworldly landscape seem all the more magical before the view slips into the velvety darkness and twinkling constellations emerge overhead I can’t help thinking there’s so much more waiting to be discovered here skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing Nestled in the heart of Gran Canaria, a sunflower field has captured the hearts of visitors and the attention of renowned international publications such as National Geographic, Vogue, and Traveller. This picturesque spot, located in Agaete’s Barranco de Guayedra, offers a stunning fusion of vibrant yellow blooms and a pristine landscape making it one of the Canary Islands' most enchanting destinations. Situated within the Parque Natural de Tamadaba, the sunflower field is part of the Risco Caído and Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magical location provides more than just beautiful scenery; it’s a serene retreat where nature thrives unspoiled. The sunflowers stand against a backdrop of breathtaking contrasts: Beyond its visual appeal, the sunflower field is a sanctuary for biodiversity. It attracts native wildlife, including the Canarian bee and endemic bird species, fostering an ecosystem of balance and tranquillity. Its serenity and connection to nature have made it a popular location for high-profile photo shoots, including collaborations with magazines such as Vogue and Elle. It has also become a sought-after backdrop for content creators, including YouTubers and Instagram influencers. For families and tourists alike, the field provides a place to connect with nature and create lasting memories. The sunflower field is part of the Redondo de Guayedra project, an initiative over two decades in the making, dedicated to environmental restoration. Its purpose extends beyond tourism, incorporating elements such as: Visiting the sunflower field is more than a visual treat, it’s an immersion into the rich tapestry of Gran Canaria’s history, biodiversity, and natural splendour. Its tranquil atmosphere and stunning surroundings leave an indelible impression on all who visit. The field is accessible year-round, but the blooming season offers the most spectacular views. Combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Tamadaba forest or the archaeological sites for a comprehensive adventure into the soul of Gran Canaria. The Deméter system has been implemented in the Villa de Agaete Irrigation Association, in the Island of Gran Canaria. This association has chosen the Hidroconta System to remotely control their irrigation network, enabling access to all the data needed to control consumption, water status and pressure in the water distribution network. Controlling the system remotely allows making decisions on the behaviour of the network directly and immediately, from a distance. With a surface of more than 900 hectares growing a wide variety of crops: vegetables, citrus fruits, as well as tropical and coffee crops, the need to monitor and control the water used and its quality is obvious. "Controlling the system remotely allows making decisions on the behaviour of the network directly and immediately, from a distance", said Iker Uribesalgo, responsible for software development at Hidroconta, to Smart Water Magazine. The Irrigation Association system includes two regulating tanks with two distribution lines branching out of each of them, that is, a total of four. The water used in the 900 hectares of land is a combination of desalinated water and reclaimed water that is mixed and controlled from the tanks located upstream in the distribution system. Deméter 4H remote units ensure optimal control of parameters, to obtain quality water and act swiftly to correct the parameters. To ensure optimal control of all necessary parameters, obtain quality water and be able to act swiftly to correct the parameters, Deméter 4H remote units were installed in all the upstream tanks, which can record up to 4 analogue entries, in this case pH, conductivity and the water levels in the tank, and also allow operating the valves directly. On the other hand, at the distribution outlets, where they branch out, hydrants that combine hydraulic electrovalves and Hidrowoltmann meters by Hidroconta fitted with Deméter 1H remote units were installed, a total of six, in order to control the volume at each of the meters. The Hidrowoltmann meter is an essential water meter in any installation in which accuracy and consumption control are a must. The Deméter remote units can open and close valves manually or they can be programmed, according to volume or a schedule As mentioned earlier, these water meters are fitted with communications technology with a Deméter 1H remote unit, which sends the data collected to a server, which in turn displays them in an application. From the application you can see the data records and the daily consumption of each of the water meters, as well as the timing of water use and the status of the 1H remote units, the battery in the equipment, charge, connectivity and the last time it communicated with the server. Also very important is the capability of the remote Deméter units to operate the valves. They can be opened and closed manually or they can be programmed, according to the volume of water or the schedule planned. Finally, we should note the client chose to use the Deméter Web platform, where all the water system’s data can be found, in order to achieve maximum optimisation, thanks to readings of the different parameters in real time, as we have already mentioned. The Deméter Web platform has been developed to offer users an agile navigation in order to facilitate their management work. Thus, for example, from the control panel or dashboard we can see all the information related to an element and those that depend on it, as well as reports, graphs and alarms. In the dashboard we will find: The easy installation of the Deméter ecosystem by Hidroconta has allowed the implementation of the equipment to be carried out autonomously and efficiently by Microrriego, a commercial company that operates in the Canary Islands and works in the sale, installation, automation and distribution of irrigation materials. crafting artisanal cheeses or enjoying Michelin-starred meals Around 540 miles east of the southern Morocco coast the Spanish Canary Island of Gran Canaria ranks high among Europe’s most-loved warm-weather escapes with long sunny days and January temperatures sometimes climbing to over 20°C  Gran Canaria's broad range of activities range from hikes through dense pine forests and volcanic caves to opportunities to discover crafts and traditions dating back centuries there’s no better way to embrace the island's unique culture than by diving into its flourishing local food scene tropical fruits and freshly caught seafood — seasonal ingredients fuel a world of regional Gran Canaria specialities while new Canarian cuisine sees creative cookery pioneered by a crop of ambitious local chefs as any adventure into the island-wide Ruta del Vino (Gran Canaria wine route) shows combining generations of tradition with innovative new ideas Lush Valle de Agaete, in north-eastern Gran Canaria, is home to several speciality coffee producers. Surrounded by the valley’s rugged mountains, the 30-acre family-owned farm La Laja pours over 200 years of history into its fragrant Arabica beans which are grown around 1,300ft above sea level as they’re locally known — also produces oranges and tropical fruits and its rippling vineyards deliver rich Canarian wines from rare local grape varieties such as listán and malvasía you’ll learn all about the island’s coffee-making heritage You’ll then have the chance to sample a raft of local products including a cup of steaming café de Agaete Stop for lunch at the team’s nearby Casa Romántica where superb tasting menus are fuelled by fresh La Laja produce Gran Canaria's speciality coffee can be sampled across the island including at speciality farms such as Finca La Laja set amid the forests of Valle de Agaete.Photograph by Tourist Board of Gran Canaria2 Enjoy a Michelin-starred mealPoemas by Hermanos Padrón  an elegant dining experience in the lively capital Led by respected chefs (and brothers) Juan Carlos and Jonathan Padrón and with El Hierro-born chef Iciar Pérez at the helm Poemas sits within the five-star Santa Catalina hotel market-fresh menus spotlight Canarian produce with innovative twists from wreckfish with fried kale to baked cuttlefish in citrus and black garlic Nearly 300 labels grace the extensive wine list including on-the-up favourites from across the archipelago Whether you’re planning on rustling up a soul-warming potaje de berros (watercress soup) or loading up a platter of local goat’s cheeses, heading out to the market to pick up the day’s freshest ingredients is a key practice of any Canarian kitchen. At Las Palmas’ grand Modernista-style Mercado del Puerto cardamom and saffron waft through the air as stalls are packed with fresh pineapples and bananas jars of almogrote (cheese and pepper paté) olives and papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) or a plate of huevos rotos (‘broken eggs’) with Teror chorizo you'll find plenty of fresh local ingredients as well as a number of lively restaurants and bars at which to sample them.Photograph by Tourist Board of Gran Canaria4 Venture into volcanic landscapesRestaurante Vega You’ll look out across rust-red volcanic slopes, rolling greenery and spring-season almond blossom from the terrace of this much-loved cave-restaurant — a second-generation family establishment that’s been going strong since 1981 squirrelled away in the protected Barranco de Guayadeque a verdant eastern ravine where hill-hugging caves have been reimagined as quaint restaurants Work up an appetite with a hike along one of the canyon’s varied trails before digging into Gran Canaria specialities such as conejo frito (fried rabbit) gofio escaldado (roasted-grain flour prepared as a purée) and queso frito (fried cheese) with blueberry jam cochino a la sal (suckling pig cooked in the style of salted oven-roasted fish) – the recipe was created by current owner Airam Vega’s father Manuel Francisco Javier González Ramos and Tania Rivero Santana keep a long family tradition of cheese-making alive In-depth tastings celebrate a range of artisanal cheeses produced from the milk of their free-roaming sheep you can learn how to make your own cheese with a masterclass on the sun-soaked terrace overlooking the pine-dusted hills Many major airlines offer flights to Gran Canaria from airports across the UK. An efficient bus system covers most parts of the island though to reach more remote rural spots you’ll need to hire a car Rental companies are readily available at the airport and in the capital For more information, visit www.grancanaria.com Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media: Firefighters on Spanish island say blaze is out of control and spreading on several fronts About 9,000 people have been evacuated from their homes on Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands where firefighters are battling a wildfire that has burned more than 23 square miles of land More than 700 firefighters supported by 11 helicopters and five aeroplanes are struggling to contain the fire which began on Saturday near the town of Tejeda and is advancing on several fronts propelled by a combination of high temperatures described the blaze as voracious and an environmental disaster and said it had been “neither contained nor controlled” Smoke billows from a forest fire near Montaña Alta Photograph: Desiree Martin/AFP/Getty ImagesThe head of the local emergency services said the fire’s main front was “impossible to extinguish” and that firefighting efforts were concentrated on containing the right-hand flank He said the front was vast and that “whatever we do in the west which could send the flames back and reignite what we have extinguished” The fire has so far affected the central part of the island rather than coastal areas busy with tourists in the summer months The area is mainly mountainous and criss-crossed by ravines Grillo said the flames had reached heights of 50 metres (164ft) as the fire devoured swaths of Tamadaba natural park He said the fire had made the only land access to the park impassable and that trying to fight it on the ground would be suicide “We’re not going to be able to do anything in that area where the situation is really bad,” Grillo said strong winds and low humidity were forecast for the rest of the day A satellite image of smoke emerging from Gran Canaria island (on the right) Photograph: Nasa Handout/EPAAbout 40 people are trapped in a cultural centre in Artenara Nine municipalities were evacuated on Sunday night Local officials have asked central government and the Red Cross for as many as 600 beds to accommodate people displaced from their homes Those remaining at home have been told to stay away from their windows as the heat may cause the glass to explode Residents in Montaña Alta Photograph: Desiree Martin/AFP/Getty ImagesThere have been no reports of injuries but Grillo said a large number of homes had been affected and many destroyed The head of Gran Canaria’s authorities, Antonio Morales, said he believed the fire had been started intentionally, but the cause has not been conclusively established. The blaze comes barely a week after another that began near Artenara destroyed 3,700 acres A helicopter carries water to drop on the fire near the village of Gáldar Photograph: Borja Suarez/ReutersSpain’s acting agriculture minister flew to the island to review the situation and King Felipe had also called to express their concern Ferrovial, Acciona, and Lopesan have in consortium been awarded the construction contract for a stretch of highway on the island of Gran Canaria It’s the first major construction project awarded after signing the road agreement between the Canary Islands and the Spanish government at the end of 2018 The contract involves building a second phase of the Aldea highway an 8.5-kilometer long route between El Risco and Agaete which also entails improvements to a half-kilometer stretch of the existing highway and the last tunnel will be 600 meters long with three lanes which will connect the existing stretch at the El Risco semi-link HEAD OF EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION AND INSTITUTIONAL RELATIONS EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS HEAD OF US CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AND BRAND Jen Duthie Senior Innovation Manager at Cintra will join Sajid Khan General Manager Smart Cities amp Transportation Strategy amp Marketing Intel Corporation The panel will be moderated by John Roman.. Earth Hour is one of the largest international initiatives in defense of the environment This event takes place on the last Saturday of every year and the mission is to.. Can try another term or browse the main menu to find what you are looking for A 64-year-old man has been arrested at the port of Agaete on charges of drug trafficking after being found with 1,129 grams of cocaine and more than €30,000 hidden in a secret compartment of his vehicle during a routine search carried out by the Guardia Civil after disembarking a ferry led by various units from Santa María de Guía and supported by the K-9 department was conducted at the Port of Agaete in the north of the island Officers were inspecting vehicles arriving on ferries from Tenerife as part of a broader initiative to crack down on drug smuggling and illegal trafficking During the inspection of the man's vehicle a police dog detected the presence of drugs inside officers discovered a secret compartment containing four vacuum-sealed packages Three of these packages contained cash in various denominations while the fourth held a white powdery substance later confirmed to be cocaine through a drug test The packages were reportedly treated with strong-smelling substances in an attempt to evade detection by the K-9 unit The cocaine and cash were immediately seized The case is now being handled by the Investigative Unit of Santa María de Guía and the suspect has been placed in pre-trial detention by the local court pending further legal proceedings the Faneque double tunnel is finally set to open this Friday marking a monumental milestone in the completion of the second phase of the new La Aldea highway in Gran Canaria Following rigorous testing to ensure seamless operation and the construction of two connecting roundabouts to the existing GC-200 everything is in place for the handover of the double tunnel to the Government of the Canary Islands tomorrow although the official transfer of management to the Gran Canaria Cabildo is scheduled for Friday bringing with it a heightened sense of excitement and anticipation "This marks the beginning of a two-month period dedicated to refining any potential imperfections in the project," announced Augusto Hidalgo the Public Works Councillor of the Cabildo equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology will set the benchmark for all future subterranean sections of the island's road network." Technicians from the Cabildo gave their approval after conducting a thorough inspection of the facilities last week measuring 2,050 metres on the seaside lane will initially be monitored from the control centre in the first phase of the new road control will shift to the tunnel control centre located on the GC-1 at Puerto Rico The journey through these tunnels is expected to take a mere 1.5 to 2 minutes compared to the current 8-minute drive along the GC-200 depending on the prudence of each driver and weather conditions This time difference is attributed to the superior characteristics of the tunnel route covering a distance of 2.5 kilometres compared to the 3 kilometres on the GC-200 an array of advanced equipment awaits commuters four galleries connecting the two tubes every 400 metres 550 light points excluding emergency lighting a closed-circuit television system with 50 cameras a pipeline for collecting flammable liquids and 40,000 square metres of waterproof lining While the rest of the second phase of the new La Aldea access is not expected to open before the end of 2026 the completion of the Faneque double tunnel marks a groundbreaking achievement in enhancing road safety and connectivity in Gran Canaria which connects the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás with Agaete in Gran Canaria suffered the consequences again yesterday (Thursday) of major landslides on the road which caused the temporary closure of some sections while they were cleared up The most affected part was the area near the base of the cliff The landslides took place on the straight line of the La Palma ravine residents and workers of the town who were travelling along the highway to return to their homes since "stones and earth did not stop falling onto the highway said that once again road users have put their “lives at risk due to the political negligence of those who manage the execution of the works on the new road” "There were traffic queues immediately imagine the fear that those people must have gone through trapped on a road with the threat that those cliffs could collapse," said Ramos adding that this happened with only 10 litres per square metre of rain “What would have happened if it had been 30 or 40 litres of rain?” A new set of regulations governing the use of the Agaete coastline in Gran Canaria have come into effect imposing a series of restrictions on beaches Among the most notable measures is the prohibition of engaging in sexual activities in the water or any public “maritime-terrestrial domain” The ordinance also bans smoking (with any device) and playing music in sunbathing areas and access points as well as cooking on the beach and using traditional umbrellas although shade structures that do not pose a risk to other users if displaced by the wind are permitted Camping and setting up tents on beaches or in coves is also prohibited all year-round and any items like these may be removed by municipal workers or the Local Police the regulations prohibit reserving spots on sun decks and bathing platforms Wasting water or using public showers to fill containers or wash with soap Shellfish collection is banned throughout the entire bathing area including submerged and emerged rocky formations Turning over stones without returning them to their original position is also restricted Fishing with a rod is not permitted in or within 150 metres of bathing zones Nudism is allowed in bathing areas except at El Risco they may be walked on a lead and remain in the public maritime-terrestrial domain if accompanied by their owners pets are not allowed to access or swim at Las Nieves beach The authorities also advise that failure to comply with these regulations will result in fines Minor infractions will incur fines ranging from €30 to €750 serious offences between €751 and €1,500 while very serious violations may lead to fines of up to €3,000 Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and 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splendour of Gran Canaria's centre © Gran Canaria Natural and Active once you get away from Gran Canaria’s built-up south-coast beach resorts you’ll find an astonishing landscape that combines barren outcrops with cool pine forests and sunken calderas with sky-skimming ocean views There’s no better way to discover this outdoor wonderland than to strap on your boots and get walking Gran Canaria is not as established a hiking destination as Tenerife its rival Canary Island; yet it more than holds its own with a fantastic network of trails that crisscross this diverse and mountainous island Whet your appetite by trying one of these three top hikes Start: Degollada de La AldeFinish: Aldea de San NicolásLength: 10kmDuration: 4 hours 30 minutes This route starts and finishes on the route of bus 38 between Puerto de Mogán and Aldea de San Nicolás so if you're using public transport you could base yourself anywhere between these two towns as well as views over Aldea de San Nicolás (known as La Aldea) The route down from Viso towards La Aldea takes you through a lunar-like lava field where the ground you tread is pockmarked with vivid patches of red head to the streets around its church San Nicolás de Tolentino to rest with a well-deserved cerveza Start: Llanos de La PezFinish: San Bartolomé de TirajanaLength: 10kmDuration: 3 hours 45 minutes This route is known as the Camino de Santiago and it's one of Gran Canaria’s historic caminos reales (king’s highways); it is still possible to cross the entire island along these routes Your best bet for the walk might be basing yourself at the charming small town of San Bartolomé de Tirajana stunningly located above the Tirajana Valley then taking a half-hour taxi ride to the lush pine forest of Llanos de La Pez for the start of the route You’re right in the centre of the island here and it doesn’t take long to emerge from the shade of the trees at the Ventana del Nublo a huge natural rock arch occupying a dramatic location There are views of the island’s highest peak Pozo de las Nieves; and of the island’s extraordinary emblem a volcanic monolith often enveloped in cloud as its name suggests an ancient paved farming route that winds steeply down the edge of a valley pine-dotted landscape framed by mountains and sweeping ravines leafier descent along the final few kilometres into San Bartolomé de Tirajana Start: Lomo de San PedroFinish: AgaeteLength: 10kmDuration: 4 hours 30 minutes The verdant seaside town of Agaete makes a good base for this walk in the island’s northwest you can get a 102 bus further up the Valle de Agaete to the village of Lomo de San Pedro It’s a punishing climb to the Era de Berbique plateau but the rewards are ample: here in Gran Canaria’s fertile north the views are of dramatic ravines and intensively tilled fields and terraces you can look not only back inland but also far out to the distant blue of the Atlantic Ocean beyond Agaete The route gently descends through the valley to the town with some vertiginous drops from the side of the path into the valley below providing an extra thrill there are stunning views of the cliffs along this coastline with each successive ridge marked out in an ever-darker shadowy mantle a fishing-village vibe and great seafood restaurants Both ascents and descents can be tough; they require at least a reasonable degree of fitness and in some cases a head for heights Make sure you wear well-fitting walking shoes or trainers and bear in mind that you’re exploring mountainous terrain so the weather is liable to change quickly Wear layers and come prepared for rain or shine Check out informative websites such as the one run by Rambling Roger, who publishes his own guides to walking on the island; or buy a dedicated walking guide like Gran Canaria: The finest valley and mountain walks by Izabella Gawin There is a comprehensive network of buses around the island, with Las Palmas and to a lesser extent, Maspalomas, serving as hubs. All corners of the island are covered by Global more remote towns are often served by just one or two buses a day Car hire is good value: there are car-rental firms at the Las Palmas airport ferry terminal and throughout the city's Santa Catalina district If you prefer organised expeditions, take a guided walk with an operator like Canarias On Foot or Vivelo Rural. Or the Gran Canaria Walking Festival held every autumn is a wonderful way to explore the island on foot with various group hikes organised over the five-day event Tom travelled to Gran Canaria with support from One Foot Abroad and Gran Canaria Natural and Active. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. provides great fun thanks to an age-old tradition here at this stunning corner of the island That’s the sound of silence and hushed emotions Just minutes before five o’clock in the morning the silvery light of the growing moon is etched over the sea blending in with the night time shadows that reign over the plunging cliff edges the expectant and murmuring crowds are just waiting for something to happen a firework that rips through the early morning calm at 05.00  to announce the start of the great fiesta day of La Rama de Agaete The explosion of the firework up into the dawn sky to signal the start of the fiesta is greeted by loud cheers and the heady melodies of the local band It is time to let yourself be carried along by the music and become another link in the human chain eager to enjoy one of the most popular and widely supported festive events not only in Gran Canaria but in the Canaries as a whole The day has duly arrived with you hardly noticing it It is now the turn for the sun to spread out its luminous empire affording views over the human waves  and giving us the opportunity to take in the extraordinary setting that is La Rama a deep and fertile valley filled to the brim with fruit trees Then all this beauty opens up into the sea into which the ravines plunge with the same impetus as the kids as they dive head first from the dock It is now the perfect moment to get our strength back and breathe in the pure air that oozes the essence of both the land and the ocean The name of the fiesta did not come about by chance The branches obtained by the Town Hall of Agaete are deposited in the aptly named street called Callejón de la Rama where you can pick up yours and dance along with it a ritual which connects you to nature and the history of this quite unrivalled location which for a day at least becomes a mobile forest inhabited by giants in the form of the over-sized papagüevos heads And now you too are part of this happy bustle La Rama is on the move. La Rama ends a day with a difference All the participants fuse into one single green maze that snakes its way down to the coast the village keeps the fiesta coals smouldering maintaining its growing phase for another night *Note: Updated dates for the 2023 Fiestas From the sand dunes of Maspalomas and volcanic pools of Salinas de Agaete to the stunning historic quarter and epic culinary offering of the capital city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — the options are endless on this sun-soaked island paradise And it’s this variety of experiences that makes Gran Canaria the perfect twin-centre option for travellers seeking a fun-filled city break and a high-end beach holiday wrapped into one trip So diverse is this beautiful island that it is often referred to as a ‘miniature continent’ a bounty of high-end hotels and stunning scenery at every turn A perfect twin-centre luxury escape could include the Gran Luxury Santa Catalina Part of the Barcelo group and home to an outstanding Michelin-starred restaurant this stunning property is the perfect base from which to explore the capital’s charming historical quarter the gastronomical delights of Vegueta and Puerto markets and the beautiful golden sand Las Canteras beach Combine the capital with a visit to the north of the island authentic haciendas such as La ReKompensa and highly regarded wineries Visit the Finca La Laja and Los Berrazales winery in the Agaete Valley This 200-year-old farm produces its own wine and is one of the island’s best-kept secrets holding the title of Purveyors to the Royal House and Court of Spain from 1885 As you cross the island from north to south opt for a scenic drive to Tejeda and the magnificent central massif of Gran Canaria passing pretty villages and archaeological sites highlighting the island’s pre-Hispanic heritage eventually reaching the summit for sweeping volcanic views renowned for its gastronomy based on local recipes with the modern twist Marking the geographical centre of the island The Parador offers breathtaking panoramic views you’ll quickly see why Unesco has declared half of the island a Biosphere Reserve head to the Gran Luxury Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia This hidden gem with impeccable gardens and superb service is a haven for relaxation by the magnificent Maspalomas Dunes and its 1,000-year-old palm tree grove And the beautiful Meloneras promenade along the ocean front with stylish bars restaurants and boutiques is within the walking distance www.grancanaria.com subscribe to get 3 months of unlimited access for just £3 Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3 Already a subscriber? Log in The National Police have arrested 13 members of a criminal organisation for drug trafficking in the Canary Islands In an operation carried out at regional level by the Drug and Organized Crime Unit The investigation started after they found out that a gang was transporting drugs by sea from the ferry port in Agaete (Gran Canaria) to Santa Cruz (Tenerife) and were then distributing it around the island so they set up surveillance teams at the two ports they arrested one suspect in Agaete when he was getting onto a ferry to Tenerife in possession of 30kg of hashish aware that there were more people involved and that the activity carried out by this group could be significant After gathering more evidence and identifying more suspects the UDYCO investigators put together a plan to dismantle the criminal organization and arrest all the members in one go This involved the collaboration of the Local Police Canine Unit in Santa Cruz and took place simultaneously on the two islands After getting the correct judicial authorisation the agents of the National Police carried out six house searches in Tenerife and Gran Canaria When the detainees were brought before the courts eight were ordered straight into prison whilst the investigation continues and they await trial One of the Armas Trasmediterránea fast ferries had an accident yesterday afternoon (Saturday) after crashing into the dock and causing a leak on board in the port of Morrojable in Fuerteventura The ‘Villa de Agaete’ was performing a docking manoeuvre which is usually a relatively simple process when the captain completely misjudged what he was doing and hit the pier whilst turning which has prevented it from leaving the dock in Fuerteventura whilst it is repaired there was no damage to passengers or vehicles on board the ferry at the time who were able to disembark after the captain docked the ferry successfully and Armas had to bring in a replacement so that the service to Gran Canaria could continue The ‘Villa de Agaete’ is awaiting evaluation to assess the extent of the damage so that it can be repaired and to determine whether it can be done in the water or dry dock when the light dances over the landscape soaking it in a warm glow that makes everything we see through the lens of our camera seem magical when the yellow and orange tones give way to pink hues The island of Gran Canaria has a lot of places where you can take in this symphony of colors Our sunset route starts with the Dunes of Maspalomas an amazing setting to bid the day farewell and watch the shadows skirt away into a romantic and captivating sea of sand Another historic monument in the south of the island is the Maspalomas Lighthouse As you head from the lighthouse towards Meloneras beach The coast Mogán offers up a world of opportunities a haven for anyone who thinks that love is all around you tourist areas and head towards its interior and the afternoon is the perfect time Watch how the blue night falls onto its fascinating and  quiet beauty Remember to take warm clothing because the best places to take in the brief twilight are over 1,400 meters high and in the very center of the island For the most magical sunsets head to the Pozo de las Nieves Roque Bentayga and La Degollada de Becerra From the Pinos de Gáldar viewpoint we can take in the sea of clouds generally found on the island's northeast slope and to make out the silhouette of Spain’s highest mountain The Pinar de Tamadaba is a spellbinding place somewhere magical when night falls and the sea embraces the sky The Northwest Coast is full of great little places to capture duskt from the Paseo de los Poetas in Puerto de las Nieves to any of the rock pools of the Northern Coast Los Charcones in Arucas or El Charco de San Lorenzo Our route of Gran Canaria’s sunsets ends in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria There are two popular spots to wave the day goodbye and watch the stars begin to brighten up the night the most popular and beautiful; where people come to chat It’s the beating heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria The evening’s peacefulness will wash over you and summon you back island again and again Several paintings  by the painter Pepe Dámaso light up Triana Tourist Information Office one gets the feeling that the air lights up and a warm breeze starts to blow as when the rays of the morning sun creep into a room with views of the ocean born in Agaete (Gran Canaria) in 1933 and one of the Canary Islands most universal artists is the ambassador of light and colour of his island birthplace Pepe says that one has to “emborregar” (a local word for rolling in the sand) tourism in flour and give tourists a taste of fried moray eel who from an early age followed the trail blazed by such renowned artists as Néstor Martín Fernández de la Torre and César Manrique with twenty-four years crammed with creativity he painted a series of works inspired by the tourism boom he created a universe of banana tree groves in such a way that the make the island “a warm and vital call a cry of culture in the very being of tourism” in the words of Gran Canaria’s Official Chronicler that almost juvenile work of the holder of the Canary Islands Fine Arts Prize and Favourite Son of Gran Canaria shines on brightly once again The artist and the Council of Gran Canaria have created a new promotional framework called ‘J.Dámaso & Gran Canaria’ inspired in six of the paintings of this collection entitled  ‘Gran Canaria en los ojos de Pepe Dámaso’ (Gran Canaria through the eyes of Pepe Dámaso) These paintings with their overflowing luminosity will take pride of place in the Tourist Information Office in Calle Mayor de Triana This is one more of the many branches of Pepe Dámaso’s art as they join the sculpture ‘El Árbol de Llull’ (Llull’s Tree) which also bears his signature and presides over the entrance to the space Dámaso & Gran Canaria’ paves the way for “another tandem that the chronicle of an essence of the development of identity that unfolds in that encounter between peoples and individuals that tourism fosters today The island of white rooms and the dragon tree with its roots in prehistory that looms over the future the palm trees that one can make out on a welcoming horizon cactus and an unrepentant sun that shows itself in the sand and in the sea an island that is also Atlantean and the multi-coloured fish that inhabit its waters” the images that comprise the collection will serve as the basis for the creation of an extensive catalogue of promotional products including bookmarkers t-shirts and reproductions of the paintings that make up ‘Gran Canaria through the eyes of Pepe Dámaso’ thus making the most of the work of a “visionary” The log of the brand ‘J.Dámaso & Gran Canaria’ will be worn on the lapel of the promoters of the island in Europe’s leading tourism trade fairs and his tireless brushes will expand along with his island Related link:Bio de Pepe Dámaso [PDF] Located in the north-west part of Gran Canaria Agaete also organizes its own carnival event just like many other municipalities on the island The event is especially popular among locals so it's a good occasion to mix with the local people and get to know more about their culture and ways of celebrating The carnival is a festival of great tradition in Agaete celebrated even in the years of prohibition The most notable event is the Burial of the Sardine a procession of laughter and tears that accompanies the sardine to its burning ending the one in Agaete has a different theme every year and it usually takes place between February and March See ideas of more things to do in Gran Canaria The theme of the 2025 Carnival in Agaete is "The Universe" Info about the weather in Gran Canaria in March Read about other Carnivals in Gran Canaria Gran Canaria is truly a paradise on Earth and of the best places to spend a magical beach holiday in the Canary Islands We highly recommend to anyone visiting the island to venture outside the hotels and to explore the natural highlights of Gran Canaria While many visitors already know about the best beaches in Gran Canaria which are usually located in the northern part of the island If you want to discover the other face of Gran Canaria we encourage you to take a tour of its best natural swimming pools Los Charcones natural pool is a really cool and lively place in Arucas The entire area around the natural pools has been redone in recent years and it's now a family-friendly place in Gran Canaria where one can enjoy a relaxing day in the sun and a refreshing dip in the pool's ocean water.  Las Salinas Natural Pools are located in Agaete and they are a MUST if you're looking for a fabulous spot and a unique place to swim overlooking the Atlantic Ocean This place is extremely popular during the summer months when hundreds of sunbathers come every day to enjoy the natural pools of Agaete which are one of the most popular natural pools in Gran Canaria These pools are protected from the open sea and on some days you can see the huge waves crashing into the rocky walls around the pool This unique natural pools in Gran Canaria is sheltered by tall cliffs in a wild surrounding formed by volcanic rocks El Clavo pool has crystal clear waters and you can see the power of the ocean when you look at the waves in the distance You can access this pool by going down a few steps This place is not well known among holidaymakers in Gran Canaria and it's more popular among local residents.  At the natural pools of Moya you can see the big and strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying the safety of the pool which is completely isolated from the ocean by a stone wall.  There is also a small bar which serves good food and drinks.  Charco de San Lorenzo is usually popular during weekends so if you like a relaxing and quiet atmosphere it would be best to visit during the weekdays Not so far from the historical center of the municipality of Gáldar sits this popular bathing area that is formed by three natural pools so this place is a favorite among surfers in the north of the island where you can feel safe while swimming and watching the fury of the Atlantic