Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved HomeDestinationsInterestsTop Places to Travel by MonthSearchMenuBest time to go to Canary Islands Enjoy the beautiful beaches and carnival fun during the Gran Canaria Carnival Two quintessential aspects of the Las Palmas Carnival are the comparsas and murgas competitions. Comparsas are dance troupes that perform lively routines to Afro-Caribbean beats, while murgas are satirical singing groups that entertain crowds with witty songs and humorous commentary on current events. These competitions are held at Santa Catalina Park, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the captivating performances. For those who want to dance the night away, the Nights of Carnival events are not to be missed. Held in various open-air venues around the city, these parties feature live bands, DJs, and a euphoric atmosphere. The streets of Las Palmas come alive as revelers celebrate together, embracing the freedom and fun of carnival season. The festival concludes with the whimsical and symbolic Burial of the Sardine, held on Las Canteras Beach. This satirical ceremony involves a mock funeral procession where a giant sardine effigy is paraded through the streets before being set ablaze. The event symbolizes the end of carnival and the start of Lent, blending humor and tradition in a fittingly theatrical farewell. The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival is a feast for the senses, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Canarian culture, history, and festive joy. Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago but accounts for almost half the population It lives up to its reputation as a continent in miniature with dramatic variations of terrain ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert south You can also run headlong into three or even four seasons in one day with microclimates dotted around the coast and hills that can transport you from piercing sunlight into clammy fog banks at the drop of a hat To capture a sense of Gran Canaria's breathtaking diversity where the sheer drama of the mountains reaches a crescendo Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with… Casa-Museo de Colón This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic… Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro grey cathedral was begun in the early 15th century Dunas de Maspalomas These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never… Playa de las Canteras The fine 3km stretch of yellow sand is magnificent and is considered by many to be one of the world's best city beaches Iglesia de San Juan Bautista neo-Gothic church stands sullen watch over the bright white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion and contrast Parque Municipal de Arucas de las Flores These terraced municipal gardens are laid out in French style with fountains Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino Dominating the square is this neoclassical 18th-century church View more attractionsArticlesLatest stories from Gran CanariaRead more articlesFilter by interest: The heavy lift in Canary Islands travel: deciding between the beloved fashionable island of Tenerife and its compact Get to the heart of Gran Canaria with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopCanary Islands $24.99 Visit in ShopAndalucia $24.99 No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission Feature Films Database Southern Mediterranean films database Scriptwriters European Film Schools Production Companies Distributors International Sales Submit a Film Industry Reports Co-Production Podcast Online Screenwriting Training Course Guided Course for Feature Film Writing Script Analysis Analysis of the potential of your series Cineuropa's Training Catalogue Film Festival Photographs Newsletter Photogalleries EUFCN Location Award Euro Film Fest 27 Times Cinema GoCritic! Advertise on Cineuropa Logos and Banners LAS PALMAS 2025 by Alfonso Rivera many of them award winners at other film festivals will be featured across competitive sections and tributes along with screenings that connect past cinema with its present Sergei Eisenstein's masterpiece, Battleship Potemkin, turns 100 and will take centre stage (starting with the festival poster itself) at the 24th edition of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival which will be held from 25 April-4 May on the beautiful island of Gran Canaria This exciting edition also includes a special tribute to the recently deceased David Lynch several short films and episodes of Twin Peaks The festival will also remember the late actors Gena Rowlands was screened in the Official Selection at Berlin 2025 Blind Love by Julian Chou (Taiwan) was screened in the Official Selection at Rotterdam 2025 and La Quinta by Silvina Shnicer (Argentina/Spain/Chile/Brazil) won the Special Jury Prize at Marrakech 2024 a film that not only won the Best Cinematography Award at the Malaga Film Festival but has also been screened at film festivals in Venice (Translated from Spanish by Vicky York) Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox 05/05/2025Festivals / Awards – Czech Republic Czech Republic’s Anifilm goes sci-fi 05/05/2025HOFF 2025 The Shadow and U Are the Universe win at Estonia’s Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival 05/05/2025Crossing Europe 2025 – Awards The New Year That Never Came and The Flats crowned at Crossing Europe 30/04/2025Cannes 2025 16 works to be presented in the Immersive Selection at Cannes 30/04/2025Festivals / Awards – Romania The New Year That Never Came sweeps the Romanian Gopos 30/04/2025goEast 2025 – Awards Holy Electricity comes out on top at goEast Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the most important daily or weekly news on European cinema Cannes 2025 Marché du Film AFCI runs its second annual Global Film Commission Network Summit at Marché du Film Festivals / Awards Czech Republic Distribution / Releases / Exhibitors Europe European Arthouse Cinema Day set to return on 23 November Cannes 2025 Marché du Film Indie Sales presents a three-star line-up at Cannes HOFF 2025 Crossing Europe 2025 Awards Cannes 2025 Marché du Film Be For Films to sell Love Me Tender in Cannes Cannes 2025/Sponsored Latvia set to shine bright at Cannes, led by Sergei Loznitsa’s competition entry Two Prosecutors Las Palmas 2025 MECAS/Awards Manuel Muñoz Rivas and Joana Carro win awards at the eighth MECAS Cannes 2025 Marché du Film Playtime to present some high-impact and entrancing trump cards at Cannes Production / Funding Italy Shooting begins on Walter Fasano’s Nino, a portrait of scoring maestro Nino Rota goEast 2025 Review: My Magical World Market TrendsFOCUSA busy spring festival season awaits the European film industry. Cineuropa will continue to keep its readers up to date with the latest news and market insights, covering the buzziest events, including Cannes, Kraków, Karlovy Vary, Tribeca, Hot Docs, Annecy, Brussels, Munich and many others Distribution, Exhibition and Streaming – 02/05/2025Slovak crime-thriller Černák becomes the highest-grossing film in domestic cinemasThe second film in the saga about a local mafia boss, directed by Jakub Króner, outgrossed its first part, which dominated Slovak cinemas last year Animation – 30/04/2025Mirko Goran Marijanac • Media sales executive, DeAPlaneta EntertainmentDuring our chat, the exec shared key insights from this year’s Cartoon Next and touched on the current climate for the animation sector Jaśmina Wójcik • Director of King Matt the First The Polish director discusses her approach to taking on a 1920s children’s literary classic in an unexpected way Želimir Žilnik • Director of Eighty Plus The Serbian director discusses his deep suspicion of ideologies in relation to his irresistibly charming latest feature, which follows a man whose life spans three political systems Paulina Jaroszewicz • Distribution and marketing manager, New Horizons Association Cineuropa sat down with the Polish distributor to discuss her company’s strategy as well as the connection between its distribution line-up and BNP Paribas New Horizons Festival’s programme Lorcan Finnegan • Director of The Surfer The Irish filmmaker discusses his mystery-thriller, how he created the character with Nicolas Cage and his approach to the use of colours in the film Privacy Policy The images used on this website have been provided by journalists and are believed to be free of rights if you are the owner of an image used on this website and believe that its use infringes on your copyright We will remove the image in question as soon as possible We have made reasonable efforts to ensure that all images used on this website are used legally and in accordance with copyright laws About us | Contact us | Logos and Banners Mission | Partners | Team | Donations | Terms and conditions and Video Games — the first and only festival in Spain officially designated as an “Oscar Qualifying Festival” by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the animated short film category also the only one of its kind to qualify the best Best Animated Short Film from a Spanish-Speaking Country —has unveiled a preview of its upcoming 20th edition The festival will take place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from May 7-10 and its online program will extend through September 2025 The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday morning at the headquarters of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria President of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria; Carolina Darias Mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; and Fernando Fernández General Director of the Fundación La Caja de Canarias — main sponsors and partners of the festival “Animayo places our island on the international map of animation cinema with a trajectory of continuous expansion and global recognition,” said Morales has been unique in both the Canary Islands and worldwide — born in Gran Canaria and projecting the island’s name internationally through its global venues The Cabildo of Gran Canaria has always understood Animayo as a key platform for showcasing the potential of this film industry which supports the projection of our creative talent and contributes to the diversification of our economy studios such as Gigglebug and Platige Image will attend Animayo 2025 and plan to establish operations in Gran Canaria after evaluating the advantages of our territory and human capital which they know well after attending the festival for 10 years.” Gran Canaria is emerging as a strategic hub for talent in the animation The island offers an unmatched combination of factors: a temperate climate year-round excellent connectivity with Europe’s main airports and a thriving local scene increasingly aligned with the audiovisual sector Morales highlighted that “the quality of this festival is evident in the fact that Animayo’s official international competition section has secured one Oscar and four nominations in recent years The festival’s international prestige is undisputed and it’s programming consistently features leading professionals and companies Executive Director of ASIFA-Hollywood — the world’s most prominent animation association  —will serve as president of the Animayo 2025 International Jury the Cabildo proudly continues to support this festival for its remarkable innovation and its vital role in the future of Gran Canaria’s audiovisual industry Offering a preview of the upcoming edition festival director Damián Perea revealed that world-renowned production companies and studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios Illusorium Studios and Fortiche will be sending delegates Some of these will also take part in one of the festival’s key components: creating real professional opportunities through “Professional Encounters” that include in-person recruitment sessions (by prior registration) the festival will host exclusive media activities such as meet-and-greets with guest speakers as well as the “Animated Breakfast,” offering the press an up-close opportunity to meet international industry guests Animayo Gran Canaria 2025 will feature over 40 top-tier speakers and special guests production houses and academic institutions—both national and international the program will include: 14 in-person masterclasses (90 minutes each) on topics such as animation VFX and leadership; five practical workshops (240 minutes each) covering storyboard creation dubbing and video game development; 15 educational talks; two panel debates; screenings; three auteur presentations; school and talent booths; and 18 hours of recruitment sessions portfolio reviews and signing events involving more than six companies from the industry Distinguished guests will be joining from around the world More star guests will be joining us to share their knowledge convey their experiences in an engaging and relatable manner These professionals not only take the stage but also interact with festivalgoers Animayo will also spotlight iconic “Voices of Cinema” — voice directors and actors who have shaped generations: Participating institutions in this year’s edition include: U-Tad University Center for Technology and Digital Art (Madrid) School of Film and Animation of Catalonia (Barcelona) School of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (Madrid) In addition to portfolio reviews for young students the Animayo Talent Scholarships program will once again offer over €600,000 in scholarships to support both online and in-person studies at several of the aforementioned schools and universities for the 2025–2026 academic year with some application periods extending until August 2025 (depending on each institution’s terms) and applications can be submitted online through the Animayo website Screenings hold a prominent place within the Festival’s programming As the first and only festival in Spain to be designated a “Qualifying Festival” by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the Oscars in the category of Best Animated Short Film the only festival of its kind that qualifies Spanish-language animated works Animayo offers two direct entries into the Oscar® pre-selection the Festival will present five Official Competition Sections at the Teatro Guiniguada open to both pass holders and the general public The selection comprises short films chosen from an annual competition of over 2,000 submissions will be screened across the five Official Sections culminating in the Animayo 2025 Official Awards The Festival experience extends beyond the screenings to the Fan Zone and Animayo Experiences area (CICCA) where attendees can explore talent showcases and interactive games in virtual environments the space will also host the launch of the latest book by Raúl García and animator with over 40 years of experience García is a Madrid-born artist based in Los Angeles and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and numerous internationally recognized works His published books are considered essential reading by leading animators and directors in the field García has served as a bridge between European animation and major Hollywood studios working on classics such as Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast he set out on his own path as a director and producer he returns to Animayo Gran Canaria to present his new publication and participate in the portfolio reviews reaffirming his role as a mentor and influential figure for the next generation of creatives His award-winning experience and independent vision solidify his status as a key player in the global animation landscape two graphic novels will be unveiled by their respective creators: Take Care of Ángela by digital illustrator and content creator Ivart (Iván Pineros) Animayo Gran Canaria once again places the spotlight on the youngest members of the family “Animayo is a festival that teaches how to watch We aim to nurture a future audience from an early age — among whom we are sure the talents of tomorrow are already emerging.” The “My First Festival” event (a special program for family audiences) will be held again this year on Saturday with free admission until venue capacity is reached this screening allows attendees to vote for the best animated short film of the edition from a curated selection of international animated shorts These works promote core social values such as solidarity the pursuit of dreams and joy through creativity The 20th edition of Animayo Gran Canaria launches its programming with the unveiling of the winning poster of the Animayo 2025 International Poster Contest — a celebration of the fusion between art and technology once again driving limitless talent forward titled “A Journey into the Unknown,” was created by 19-year-old Ukrainian artist Kateryna Cheromukhina the characters in the poster came to her in a dream and captivated her so deeply that she felt compelled to draw them — aspiring to create an image that looked like a frame from an animated film “I deliberately drew the characters from behind so that viewers could feel like part of the scene and imagine their own story,” she explained Cheromukhinais currently a first-year student at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology studying Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts This year’s international poster contest received a total of 893 submissions from artists representing 77 countries Popular techniques used in the entries included traditional illustration Available in both in-person and online formats expands its reach through its “Animayo Itinerant” version bringing its program to cities and countries including Los Angeles Animayo Gran Canaria continues to thrive thanks to the strong support of its sponsors including the Cabildo of Gran Canaria through the Presidency Department the Society for the Promotion of the City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Industry and Commerce of the Government of the Canary Islands through Promotur and from the Canary Islands Institute for Cultural Development (ICDC) along with the collaboration of production companies is essential in advancing the film industry and promoting access to audiovisual and technological culture and education for all audiences We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will 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ad campaigns Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal SportsMason Hickok SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC will play host to La Liga’s Union Deportiva Las Palmas in a May 31 friendly Last August, the two clubs signed a partnership to share opportunities around player development and team growth The match had been announced last year; however San Antonio and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria also share a sister city partnership “We’re excited to host another major international match here at Toyota Field and to welcome UD Las Palmas to San Antonio,” said Sr Director of Toyota Field and Ricos STAR Soccer Complex Jose Lizardo The May match will be the first time a Spanish team will play at Toyota Field “This match is an opportunity to showcase our football connect with fans in the United States and celebrate the strong historical ties between Las Palmas and San Antonio,” said General Director of UD Las Palmas Patricio Viñayo SAFC, currently undefeated under first-year head coach Carlos Llamosa leads the Western Conference of the USL Championship Las Palmas currently sits 19th out of 20 in La Liga with a month left in their season Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved Mason Hickok is a digital journalist at KSAT He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a communication degree and a minor in film studies He also spent two years working at The Paisano Email Newsletters KSAT RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us KSAT Internships Careers at KSAT Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Nov 13 (EFE).- Chinese President Xi Jinping departed for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru with an initial stop on Spain’s Gran Canaria Island where he will meet local leaders and tour the historic city of Las Palmas he will be welcomed by the President of the Canary Islands Government and the President of the Gran Canaria Cabildo in recognition of his visit to the autonomous region the historic district of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria including a visit to the Casa de Colón museum a key cultural site in the Canary Islands In Peru Xi will join other leaders for the APEC summit which represents over a third of the global population accounts for nearly 54 percent of the world’s GDP He may also meet with outgoing US President Joe Biden and the Prime Ministers of Japan and South Korea where he plans to sign a protocol updating the Free Trade Agreement originally established between the two nations in 2009 he will continue to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Leaders’ Summit from November 17-21 where he will also make a state visit to Brazil Chinese media highlighted that Xi’s tour underscores “China’s pursuit of solidarity with the Global South” and Beijing’s commitment to providing “stability and certainties” in a world facing complex challenges such as geopolitical conflicts © 2025 EmCan Media - Hosted By canaryfone wanted by British authorities for multiple sexual assault offences against an underage family member has been arrested in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria The man was the subject of an International Arrest Warrant issued by the United Kingdom where he faces charges carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison According to a statement from the National Police the arrest followed a months-long investigation launched on 25th December 2024 after a communication from the Fugitive Location Unit of the General Commissariat of Judicial Police flagged the warrant The UK request for extradition stems from a case first reported on 5 October 2020 filed a complaint with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) The complaint detailed allegations of inappropriate sexual contact between the teenager and the accused The suspect was initially arrested but later released on bail prompting the British authorities to issue an arrest warrant After evading justice for more than three years he was finally tracked down by officers from the Drug and Organised Crime Unit (UDYCO) in Las Palmas which involved intensive investigative work and close cooperation with the Provincial Brigade of Immigration and Borders culminated in the man’s arrest on 25th April 2025 the suspect was brought before the competent judicial authority in Spain The necessary legal procedures have been initiated to transfer him to the UK to face trial Video Cine Import and ROE Visual team to deliver one of the largest virtual-production facilities in Europe Gran Canaria Studios one of Europe’s largest virtual-production stages to date Located on the 12,900-square-foot Stage 1 of Gran Canaria Platós, 35019 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain, the virtual-production infrastructure was designed and delivered by Arri Solutions, Video Cine Import and ROE Visual Arri Solutions delivered end-to-end consultancy supervision and commissioning for the project; VCI was the integrator and the volume uses ROE Visual Black Pearl BP2V2 LED panels Designed to accommodate a wide range of productions the volume comprises a 131' x 26' fixed horseshoe-shaped wall and two adjustable ceilings (969 square feet and 484 square feet) suspended from variable-speed motors The whole volume is suspended from an internal steel structure designed to hold the volume and prepared for holding lighting Further configurations can be delivered through two supplementary 10' x 16' mobile LED walls or “side wings,” providing continuity with the main wall or as part of the physical scene set Keep up with American Cinematographer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Act now to receive 12 issues of the award-winning AC magazine — the world’s finest cinematography resource. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) American Society of Cinematographers. All Rights Reserved and a whole host of other great LGBT activities which will not only provide great entertainment but are a great way to get to know the island too Maspalomas Gay Pride is about to hold its 15th edition 2023 – Boys dressed up as women at the gay nudist beach of Gran Canaria for the Maspalomas Winter Gay Pride festival | Canary4stock / Shutterstock Kiosk Nº 7 Between the beaches of Maspalomas (near The Lighthouse) and Playa del Inglés spread across the coast of this large part of the island What better way to enjoy the the paradisiac and sunny atmosphere of the beaches than by grabbing yourself a seat at one of the chiringuitos and ordering yourself a refreshing cocktail or a Clipper (a typical soft drink made in Gran Canaria)?Most places will also serve a selection of snacks and sandwiches – try a bocadillo de tortilla (Spanish omelette sandwich) to really revitalize your body One of the most popular chiringuitos in the area is Kiosk Nº 7 located on what is locally referred to as ‘the Gay Beach.’ It’s easy to spot this kiosk because of the rainbow flag waving to the rhythm of the most popular hits of the moment This popular shopping mall located on the Playa del Inglés, is one of the biggest and most emblematic spots for the LGBT community in Europe. Located just a kilometer away from Kiosk Nº7, it is the perfect stop after a long day at the beach, as it offers plenty of fun activities any time of day or night. During the day, Yumbo Centrum is like any other shopping mall in Spain with the benefit of being totally LGBT-influenced when the sun sets and the neon lights of the storefronts are turned on Yumbo Centrum becomes home to some of the hottest nightlife in Europe Top up your energy levels with a wholesome meal from one of the many restaurants in the area then head to one of the busy show-bars located in the mall like Mykonos or Terry Show to dance the night away The vibrant atmosphere of the area is perfectly complemented by the open-minded and friendly attitude of those there to have a great time Many colorful people at the Yumbo Center in Playa del Ingles to celebrate the Maspalomas Winter Gay Pride festival | Canary4stock / Shutterstock which was home to Christopher Columbus in 1492 before he made his first travel to America Los Almendros is a wonderful complex of bungalows located in the heart of one of the busiest and most popular spots on the Maspalomas island The resort’s name has become synonymous with fun and relaxation and guests will be able to choose from any number of great activities ranging from diving excursions in the Maspalomas’ reef (where rays and even angel sharks live) to getting some refreshing respite from the salty water of the Atlantic in the resort’s luxurious pool area Lay back in a comfortable hammock or sink into one of the Jacuzzis and enjoy as all the stress of daily life simply fades away… Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Explore the island Our final word of advice: explore all of the island Whether you want to wander through the streets of Agaete hand in hand or enjoy some mountain sports with your partner near Roque Nublo the open-minded locals of Gran Canaria will not think twice about who you choose explore the island with Forget about eyes staring and heads turning it’s something people have left in the past don’t hold back from discovering the scenic beauty and vibrant nightlife of Gran Canaria His childhood interest in drawing and painting evolved into a passion for photography and digital editing especially visual aesthetic works such as music videos as well as East Asian animation (he loves their romantic but simple environments) He believes that learning about foreign cultures and languages is the key to a better understanding of the world we live in Find him on Instagram @rubnru and check his work on: www.rubngr.com Guides & Tips How to Spend the Perfect 24 Hours in Santander Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November Food & Drink The 5 Best Food Markets in Madrid See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Architecture Spain’s Most Impressive Bullrings Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September Guides & Tips How to Attend a Bullfight in Spain See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Sports The Most Epic Hiking Trails in Spain's Sierra Nevada See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd César Robledo has work to do, but wouldn't have it any other way. It's a bit before seven o'clock on Saturday evening and the big yellow bus he drives has just rolled into the Vall d'en Bas hotel in the Catalan countryside. His passengers, footballers for Union Deportiva Las Palmas individually prepared in paper bags with squad numbers penciled on Happy? They're delighted, a party breaking out on board and rightly so: the passengers have just become the first team this season to beat Barcelona away, winning 2-1 at Montjuic the Las Palmas-born former midfielder who now works in the sporting directorate "You don't know what you've done," he tells them This is their first win at Barcelona in 53 years Las Palmas are based in the Canary Islands and travel more than one thousand miles to play away games in Spain. Carlos RecioIt is 1,350 miles from Las Palmas to Barcelona it is different to the rest of Spain: different climate On the penultimate session before its football team fly off to face the league leaders on the mainland a kalima mist of desert sand giving an orangey haze to the light Imagine Liverpool playing in Athens or Moscow That's pretty much what Las Palmas have to do every other week "But we never highlight the negative; if you do we always carry out an analysis," says fitness coach Victor Lafuente "One of the conclusions we reached was precisely this: that the travel micro-stimuli inserted as a priority throughout a schedule that's squeezed tight where there are many "disruptors." It takes in everything from biorhythms and metabolism to the central nervous system Travel is conceived of as a "pseudo training session," another stress factor impacting players' performances and well-being "You plan everything to the millimetre," Bennasar says César Robledo stands outside the bus which transports Las Palmas players in Spain to their away games. Sid LoweRuben Fontes knows It is also some challenge: moving a football team is a mammoth operation and as he sits sketching out details there are arrows and lists and numbers everywhere Charter planes fly from a base in Valencia charge by the hour and can cost €50,000 per game "We do fly charters sometimes," Fontes says especially when the league fixes dates late offices close early and fans book the same flights a third goalkeeper -- always taken in case basically." Then there's the luggage: 750 kilos of it a document is sent to a WhatsApp group where only Fontes posts or it would be chaos: departures The flight for Barcelona -- VY3007 with Vueling -- leaves at 3:45 p.m The return is after the game: flight VY3006 and get back to Barranco Seco at 11:45 p.m. Ruben Fontes is tasked with figuring out the logistics for travel coaches and others involved in the long trip. Carlos RecioOnly they don't the document did say in red capital letters: ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE Fontes thinks that Father Christmas has come C or D against the clock is what he does best Extending the stay means extending everything else; it means more flights, more hotel rooms, more everything. More cost too: the flight home will now be a charter, taking off from El Prat at 12:45 a.m. Pray there's no extra time. It also means finding somewhere to train. Espanyol and Barcelona will help but actually having a pitch available at a good time is a different matter The solution is is found 68 miles north of Barcelona: Vall d'en Bas is a hotel with sports facilities Melania fills a bag: four days' of training kit for each player Two complete sets of match kits too: three shirts per player per game Oscar is the kitman and just about everything else He packs metal cases and giant bags with everything Thirty balls for the league game and 30 more for the cup go in Then there's this big responsibility he says Next it's up to the second floor where doctor Diosdado Bolanos "I can't be out in a city looking for a pharmacy," he says Las Palmas's players are working on a plan leave them by the stairs before training tomorrow There are numerous people involved in preparing Las Palmas for an away game including Melanie who helps with the laundry. Carlos Recio"The processes and protocols are never standard; it's always made to measure," Diego Martinez says "It's a long journey with specific logistics The management of this situation from everyone has been very and the coach has arrived early with Larry Alvarez the director of communications and protocol He praises the management of travel plans that are still new to him six weeks into this job and explains what his team intends to do the following day is busy sorting directors' travel: the president will be going early to join Barcelona's 125th birthday celebrations with the club ambassador Las Palmas manager Diego Martinez led the team to their first victory at Barcelona in 53 years. (Photo by Felipe Mondino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Lunch ends Everyone in the Canary Islands calls buses guaguas which is said "wawa." It drops them at the airport at 2:53 p.m Oscar is there waiting with a kit bag: they fill it with their wash-bags so he can take it to the desk Someone has to be squeezed into the middle seats A WhatsApp arrives with the gate information the flight already boarding when they're through security Which might not be a bad thing: too much time at the airport might mean "wandering about aimlessly 15 players and two physios missed a charter to Seville The captain, Kirian Rodríguez "The experience is back there." Back there The plane is full and it's not just their space but a commercial flight is different so instead there's "normalisation," a stretching session "I might sleep for 20 minutes but usually I can't," he says Mario Alonso Puig's "El Camino del Despertar." And: "El método Fábrika." Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and others to bring you the latest highlights and debate the biggest storylines. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only). the guagua is waiting outside the Terminal Las Palmas have two buses: one on the island driven by Vicente; another on the mainland but that one is basic inside while this is LaLiga's best because it has to be although today Robledo has come from a depot in Logrono An encyclopedia of rest stops and roadsides, most of his miles are covered alone, an iPod Classic plugged in. Once he picks up the team, Manolo, the director of security, sits alongside him. "The navigator," Robledo says; "more like the guy telling him to slow down," Manolo says. Midfielder Alberto Moleiro likes to sit down in the front sometimes the bus reaches the Grand Marina hotel at 9:05 p.m Straight to dinner on the eighth floor and then one last sleep Match day morning and Doki is first in as always with Cinthya distributing supplements and pills before breakfast There's one long table for players and two small It's an early kickoff and there's brunch at 10:45 a.m. There's activation on the second floor at 10:30 a.m Police outriders rev and Robledo pulls out at 12:20 p.m. but on days like this it all feels worth it The guagua waits outside the Olympic stadium The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council has announced the suspension of several Carnival events scheduled for today due to a pre-alert issued by the Government of the Canary Islands for widespread and heavy rainfall across the archipelago The affected events include the children's choreographic festival and the body makeup competition The children's choreographic festival has been rescheduled for next Sunday and a new date for the body makeup competition will be announced in due course The adverse weather has also impacted the Gáldar Carnival where Puerto Rican singer Tito El Bambino's concert initially planned for last night was postponed due to persistent rain The Canary Islands Government brought forward the pre-alert for rain from midday on Sunday to 3:00am following an updated forecast from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) The forecast indicates a potential change in wind direction to north-northeast which could accelerate rainfall over Tenerife The expected rainfall ranges from light to moderate The heaviest rainfall is predicted for the western islands overnight from Saturday to Sunday continuing through the afternoon on Sunday and into Monday the most intense rainfall is anticipated during the midday hours on both Sunday and Monday The unstable weather is forecast to persist until Monday coinciding with numerous Carnival and other festive events across the island The Government urges residents and visitors to adopt precautionary measures during this period of meteorological instability particularly when attending Carnival events Driving during heavy rain should be avoided if possible and those who must travel should take extra care it is crucial to check the weather forecast and road conditions and follow the guidance of security authorities Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is set to welcome the Three Wise Men of the East in a grand celebration today will arrive at the city’s Naval Base at 12:00pm (midday) marking the beginning of a day filled with enchantment and joy The Wise Men will arrive aboard three separate vessels a unique touch facilitated by the Naval Command of the Canary Islands This symbolic gesture grants them access to visit every home in the capital to deliver gifts Doors to the base opened at 9:30 this morning to allow the public to gather for the festivities except for emergency and organisational ones The morning will be filled with entertainment including the musical show Cantajuego presents: Mi amigo Buby building excitement for the arrival of the Three Wise Men the highly anticipated Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men will bring joy to the streets of Las Palmas the parade will travel through iconic city streets except in designated noise-sensitive areas including the stretch between the Julio Luengo tunnels and Santa Catalina Hospital and near Perpetuo Socorro Hospital are designed to accommodate children sensitive to sound The cavalcade will feature 14 dazzling floats each crafted around imaginative themes such as flying carpets on clouds and private companies will contribute their own creative floats accompanying the Wise Men on their journey A troupe of 400 dancers and performers will lead the parade adding vibrancy and energy to the procession to spread the spirit of the season across Las Palmas de Gran Canaria This is the unique beauty of the Canary Islands Pico del Teide The cable car provides the easiest way to get up to the peak of El Teide The views are great – unless a big cloud is covering the peak Fundación César Manrique César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre Parque Nacional de Timanfaya the eerie 51-sq-km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya sprawls around the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) formed by… Cueva de los Verdes the Cueva de los Verdes is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube left behind by an eruption 5000… Jameos del Agua When molten lava seethed through this volcanic cavern around 5000 years ago forming the startling clear azure lake that… Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África this tantalising market is housed in an eye-catching building that combines a Latin American feel with Moorish-style arches and patios… View more attractionsPlanning ToolsExpert guidance to help you plan your tripBest Things to Do Anyone who loves the Canaries knows that it’s hard where to start. Here are 20 ideas. From catching local buses, hiring a car or hopping by plane between islands, here's what you need to know to get around in the Canary Islands. Save these tips on how to explore this stunning Spanish archipelago, with its beaches, volcanic landscapes and vibrant local culture, on a budget. ArticlesLatest stories from Canary IslandsRead more articlesFilter by interest: These 10 sunny destinations in Europe’s southern reaches provide a welcome respite from long nights and biting cold Read more articlesBuild a memorable collectionGet to the heart of Canary Islands with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopCanary Islands $24.99 Visit in ShopAndalucia $24.99 Go to checkout (0 items)in partnership with getyourguide Beyond Canary IslandsFor Explorers Everywhere Thousands of people took to the streets today across the Canary Islands in a wave of May Day protests demanding better wages Demonstrations organised by Spain’s largest trade unions saw major turnouts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marchers voiced concerns about worsening pay conditions and what they described as the region’s failing healthcare system Protesters accused private healthcare providers and the hospitality sector of underpaying staff despite the island's booming tourism industry Many carried signs reading “Defend What We’ve Achieved” in a push to protect labour rights they fear are under threat Héctor Fajardo from UGT Canarias warned that a shift towards right-wing politics across Europe was putting workers’ protections at risk He said it was vital to defend the social and labour rights of Canary Islanders who he claimed are being left behind despite the islands’ strong economic contribution with demonstrators marching from key locations including Parque San Telmo in Gran Canaria and Plaza Weyler in Tenerife Unions said the region continues to have the lowest wages in Spain Many also took aim at the public healthcare system and underinvestment as key problems driving staff shortages and low morale demonstrators called for the introduction of a 37.5 hour working week and stronger collective bargaining rights There were also demands for action on gender equality The protests come at a time of growing discontent over economic inequality in Spain particularly in regions like the Canary Islands where many workers say they are not seeing the benefits of the post-pandemic recovery How to watch La Liga match between Las Palmas and Atletico Madrid Atletico Madrid will look to extend their winning streak in La Liga to three matches when they visit relegation-threatened Las Palmas on Sunday Las Palmas showed signs of revival under Diego Martinez who took over during the October international break their momentum fizzled out as they went more than three months without a win after the turn of the year had to rally from behind against last-placed Real Valladolid last weekend but came away with a 4-2 victory at the Metropolitano while Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth added goals to complete the comeback GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch The match will be shown live on Fubo, ESPN+, DirecTV Stream and ESPN Deportes in the US. Live updates can be found here on GOAL If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport La Liga match between Las Palmas and Atletico Madrid will be played at Gran Canaria Stadium in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria It will kick off at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT on Saturday The hosts remain without long-term absentee Kirian Rodriguez while Benito Ramirez and Jasper Cillessen are still nursing injuries Diego Martinez may stick with the same lineup that drew against Getafe where Marvin Park is tipped to replace Viti Rozada Angel Correa continues to serve a suspension and Samuel Lino and Rodrigo De Paul are unavailable through injury No new setbacks were reported after the Valladolid match so Diego Simeone may stick with a similar XI While Alexander Sorloth is pushing for a starting spot Antoine Griezmann is expected to retain his role up front Koke is set to benefit from De Paul's absence in midfield Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries visits to historic towns and more: here’s what you’ll want to do on the enchanting Canary Islands Isabella is one of the writers on the new Canary Islands guidebook After spending weeks of research on the road she shares the top experiences for your next trip Anyone who loves the Canaries can attest that the most challenging (and exciting) part of visiting these bewitching volcanic islands is where to start Indeed, it’s this astounding variety – of landscapes, cultures, activities – that makes the beloved Atlantic archipelago such a thrill to discover. Beach lovers will of course be particularly drawn to the Canaries – yet many of the islands are also great bases for adventurous types, perhaps a surprise for first-time visitors. Of Spain’s 16 national parks while a network of other nature reserves protects everything from coastal cliffs to age-old laurisilva (laurel forests).  Keep in mind that each island lends itself to distinct experiences. The three smaller western Canaries, for example, are top spots for hiking, while the three easternmost islands have the loveliest sandy beaches. Tenerife genuinely brings a bit of everything.  Here’s our roundup of the many top experiences you can look forward to on the Canary Islands.  Whether glimpsed when dusted with snow in winter or surrounded by spring blooms El Teide is an unmissable Canarian experience and hiking to its sky-high summit is a temptation few walkers can resist.  The UNESCO-listed national park is understandably popular (almost 4.6 million people visited in 2023) – and it’s also strictly protected A cable car zips up El Teide’s southern flank to viewing platforms at 3555m (11,663ft) but since there are tight regulations for hiking onwards to the peak Visit first thing or in the late afternoon to sidestep some of the national park’s crowds we recommend taking advantage of the many other trails weaving across the lunar landscape Detour: Tenerife has plenty of other spectacular hiking paths, especially around the Parque Rural de Anaga and the Parque Rural de Teno.  perched 2396m (7861ft) at the top of the island.  Planning tip: The Parque Nacional del Teide in Tenerife is another great spot for enriching stargazing experiences.  where Manrique lived in his final years.  Planning tip: If the master’s residences pique your interest in his work, Manrique left works all over the Canaries, including the soaring Mirador de la Peña in El Hierro and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique pool complex in Santa Cruz de Tenerife which was founded by a marine biologist.  Southern Gran Canaria is another beach hotspot, especially Maspalomas whose rolling dunes make up a protected 400-hectare (162-acre) nature reserve opening onto a 3km-long (2-mile-long) swath of honey-colored Follow marked paths through the dunes to discover palm-studded oases ospreys and other birds at La Charca lagoon.  Check online for current shows; the space itself – with its light-flooded library – is worth visiting at any time.  Santa Cruz also has the archipelago’s liveliest street-art scene with particularly vibrant works adorning the Puente Serrador near the TEA and old-town streets like Calle Castillo and Calle Pi y Margall.  The Canary Islands escaped the 19th-century phylloxera that swept through other European vineyards Atlantic-influenced wines here are largely produced from grape varieties that are both local and ancient Vines were first planted in Tenerife back in the 15th century – and today the island rivals Lanzarote as the archipelago’s top wine-making island El Hierro has started making a name for itself on Spain’s wine map during which you’ll learn all about the unique growing techniques adapted to the extreme landscapes These include the cordón trenzado (plaited cord) in mountainous northern Tenerife and Lanzarote’s famous circular vines planted in volcanic-ash pits.  Planning tip: While many large-scale wineries have drop-in tours and tasting sessions, it’s always best to book ahead for smaller vineyards. Wine Tours Lanzarote and Tenerife Wine Experience run superb bodega-hopping tours.   (Climb the towers for knockout views.)  Then there’s the blossoming food scene, packed with innovative flavors and local produce, anywhere from plaza-view tapas bars to Michelin Green Star kitchen Muxgo. Playa de las Canteras is up there with Spain’s loveliest urban beaches lagoon-like waters and a buzzy promenade.  If you only have time for one thing in low-key La Gomera, head straight to the ethereal national park that crowns the island. The 40-sq-km (15.5-sq-mile), UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional de Garajonay protects around half of the Canaries’s ancient laurisilva whether you choose to tackle a short but wonderfully scenic walk to the Alto de Garajonay (the island’s highest point at 1484m / 4869ft) or descend through verdant canyons to colorful villages like Hermigua.  Just outside the national park’s southern boundary, Casa Efigenia is one of the best places in the Canary Islands to sample traditional cuisine.   Planning tip: While it’s perfectly possible to visit La Gomera on a day trip from Los Cristianos in Tenerife (the ferry across takes 50 minutes) this charmingly slow-going island rewards longer stays Detour: Further west, Santa Cruz de la Palma (La Palma’s laid-back capital) also counts among the Canaries’ most beautiful and architecture-rich cities bursting with flower-filled wooden balconies and cobbled squares.  The smallest, westernmost and least-visited of the seven main Canary Islands combines rural charm, an offbeat bohemian energy and an entrancing lava-shaped landscape. All of which makes El Hierro one of the most rewarding places for quiet hikes anywhere in the Canaries Even better: most of its trails can be walked within a day.  The best way to soak it all up is by tackling the 27km-long (17-mile-long) Camino de la Virgen (or at least part of it): the trail tracks across the entire island from the windswept La Dehesa region to the capital Valverde via eerie cloud forests The trail (allow eight hours) follows the route of El Hierro’s most-loved fiesta which has been held every five years since the mid 18th century.  Planning tip: The best months for hiking in El Hierro are October to December and March to May.  Sometimes called the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Canary Islands rank among the continent’s top spots for surfing. Easily the most-loved surf destinations are El Cotillo and Corralejo in northern Fuerteventura, Famara in northern Lanzarote and Playa de las Américas in southern Tenerife Kitesurfing and windsurfing are big on all three islands and even La Palma is becoming popular for water sports.  Many of the famous surf hubs in the Canaries are best suited to those with some experience but there are also plenty of beginner-friendly courses and camps (often with accommodation included) Local surfers recommend winter (November to March) as the best season to ride the waves.  try kayaking and paddle boarding along the craggy coast on any island.   A series of important archaeological sites scattered across the islands sheds light on the cultures of their Indigenous pre-conquest communities. For many experts, Gran Canaria’s Cueva Pintada colorful geometric paintings that decorate the cave’s walls It is believed that these complex shapes crafted from natural dyes could possibly be connected to lunar and solar calendars of some kind Much more off the beaten track are the superbly preserved petroglyphs etched into lava flows by the Bimbaches at remote El Julan which can only be reached by pre-booked guided hike or 4WD tour.  Since the islands’ remote location made self-sufficiency essential a wave of modern-day artisans are sharing their skills with anyone keen to learn the secrets behind the archipelago’s most curious traditions from pottery-making to embroidery to basketry.  In Lanzarote, you can pick up original Canaries-inspired ceramics and meet their makers in the tiny northern village of Teseguite, or join a ceramics-making class at Tinajo-based Timijota Studio, which also has a second outpost in Tenerife. Over in La Gomera, discover how Canarian palm-leaf baskets are crafted with Gomera Corazón Verde.  The whole place revolves around a miles-wide caldera you can ogle at both from lofty lookout points and out on the trails.  Routes around the park range from short scenic loops to strenuous full-day hikes taking in the Roque de los Muchachos. Our favorite time to hit the hiking trails is spring the tiniest of the Canaries only became the official eighth island in 2018 So it is no surprise that secluded Isla Graciosa is still one of the archipelago’s most magical places for refreshingly go-slow beach escapes The entire island is part of the Chinijo Archipelago and sits within a wider nature reserve Simply catching the half-hour ferry across from Órzola in Lanzarote (the only way to get here) is a thrill with views of Lanzarote’s cascading 600m-high (1969ft-high) Famara cliffs dazzling as the journey trundles on A day trip to Isla Graciosa is best enjoyed by hiking or cycling out from the sandy-floored “capital” of Caleta de Sebo to untouched golden beaches backed by stark volcanic cones We love peaceful Playa de La Francesa (with great snorkeling) and wild Playas de Las Conchas (where swimming isn’t advised) the Canary Islands burst with fabulous beaches Yet some of the region’s most memorable attractions are its glittery natural pools these rocky visions of turquoise and cobalt were created largely by past eruptions and now fill up with water from the swirling Atlantic Ocean according to the tides Some feel almost like calm little lagoons; others have been lightly developed as sprawling swimming pools where you’ll often be joining a local crowd doing laps.   Punta Mujeres in Lanzarote, La Maceta in El Hierro and anywhere along Gran Canaria’s north coast are all blissful places to jump in.  Planning tip: Always check the tides before heading to a natural pool as it can be dangerous to swim at high tide.    Most Canarian towns have a weekly fresh-produce market which is as much a lively local event as a place to stock up on ingredients Stalls are typically crammed with goodies sourced from the immediate region often from small-scale producers on the island itself Drop in to soak up the atmosphere and pick up beloved Canarian ingredients like palm honey almogrote and locally grown bananas.  In the bigger cities, you’ll find fun permanent markets open most days. Don’t miss Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s wonderful, 1940s Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África with whimsical Moorish-inspired architecture Planning tip: They say the Canary Islands consume more cheese per person each year than anywhere else in Spain. You can meet cheese-makers on visits to queserías like Montesdeoca in Tenerife and La Casa del Queso Cabrera Pérez in Fuerteventura Planning tip: Most experts rank October as the best month for diving in the Canary Islands. 18 Feb, 2025 | News The countdown is over and a new edition of one of the best trail races in the world is starting The North Face Transgrancanaria will have the Classic as the main event which will once again be part of the international circuit Gran Canaria World Trail Majors the 47-kilometer Marathon will be scored for the Short Series of Gran Canaria World Trail Majors the race will distribute 36,000 euros in prizes for the first three finishers in the Classic 126 kilometers with 6,866 meters of positive elevation gain The queen race will be the third stop of the Gran Canaria World Trail Majors after Hong Kong 100 and Black Canyon Ultras A thousand runners will take the start on the beach of Las Canteras on Friday 21 at 23.59 hours a spectacle worth seeing in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria The debutant Yngvild Kaspersen will be one of the favorites to cross the Parque Sur finish line first winner in CCC and Zegama-Aizkorri has an ITRA ranking of 822 the highest among the riders of the main event winner in races such as Festival des Templiers and Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB will be another of those who will fight for victory some of the main runners to follow are Jonathan Albon runner of The North Face team and trail world champion with ITRA 910 ranking makes his debut in the Gran Canaria race and is one of the main favorites for the victory who was already champion in 2010 and runner-up last year the Catalan of The North Face team Pau Capell with four consecutive victories between 2017 and 2020 which premieres new starting line in the municipality of Teror will be the last to kick off on Saturday at 9.00 am 82 kilometers with 4,265 meters of elevation gain where runners will be able to discover a miniature continent Some of the runners who start as favorites are the Swedish Ida Nilsson winner in big races such as Marathon du Mont-Blanc The North Face Endurance Challenge California or Zegama-Aizkorri; the Japanese Yuri Yoshikumi who was sixth last year in her debut in the race; Gemma Arenas with two podiums in the Marathon distance or the Belgian based in Gran Canaria Dominique Van Mechgelen winner of the Promo and Starter in 2015 and 2016 who also already has two participations in the Classic several of the runners who will have to put the magnifying glass are Andrzej Witek reigning champion of the distance; Raul Butaci last winner of the Classic; the Italian Daniel Jung or the Portuguese Andre Rodrigues It will be one of the most spectacular races with a fast pace between Tejeda and Maspalomas it is the race where the number of registered participants has grown the most who will start in three waves from the center of the municipality Jennifer Lichter; Sylvia Nordskar and Rosa María Lara will be some of the names to follow in the 47-kilometer distance The North American from The North Face team already won the 2024 edition The Spaniard Rosa María Lara also climbed the podium last year while the Norwegian of the HOKA team makes her debut in the Gran Canaria race In the men’s category there will be a tough rivalry between several top riders such as Francesco Puppi The Italian Puppi has an ITRA ranking of 928 and it will also be his first time on the island Kenyan athlete Robert Pkemoi will try to chain his third consecutive victory in the race and make history he is the recent winner of the international circuit Gran Canaria World Trail Majors and has participated twice in the Classic modality The 21-kilometer race between Tunte and Tejeda will start at 10.30 a.m despite being a rookie in The North Face Transgrancanaria will undoubtedly be one of the top favorites in this distance without forgetting other names such as the national runner Sheila Avilés This distance has an important line-up of Spanish runners who can opt for the final victory The race that will demand a greater power in the lower train of the athletes but with 1,130 meters of elevation gain through the Tamadaba massif Several runners who will be repeating in this race will be running with KV El Gigante the North American athlete of The North Face will participate for the first time in this distance being one of the big names along with others like the Spaniards Alain Santamaría and Yoel De Paz or the aforementioned Henri Aymonod Modalities for all types of runners and families The North Face Transgrancanaria will once again have the Youth and Family modalities for the youngest athletes and those who want to enjoy outdoor sports with their families The Youth will be held for the first time this year in Teror and will have two distances of 5 and 10 kilometers The basilica of the Villa Mariana will witness a race where athletes of all ages can participate the Family Trail modality will provide the opportunity for the youngest members of the family to have fun in the mountains with their parents This modality will also be held entirely in Teror an ideal municipality for adults and children to share a unique experience will be the event for the youngest and this year moves its start and finish line to Las Canteras Beach The main objective of the race for children between 7 and 12 years old is to promote the love for mountain sports among the youngest and the practice of sports as a family The North Face Transgrancanaria is a race organized by Arista Eventos that is sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria institutions through Turismo de Gran Canaria and the Insular Sports Institute; the Government of the Canary Islands with the Canary Islands Latitude of Life; Maspalomas Costa Canaria; the Municipal Sports Institute of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; the Teror City Council and the Tejeda City Council it has the support of private companies as The North Face Responsable del tratamiento ARISTA EVENTOS LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA (Las Palmas)Finalidad Sus datos serán usados para poder atender sus solicitudes y prestarle nuestros servicios.Publicidad Solo le enviaremos publicidad con su autorización previa que podrá facilitarnos mediante la casilla correspondiente establecida al efecto.Legitimación Únicamente trataremos sus datos con su consentimiento previo que podrá facilitarnos mediante la casilla correspondiente establecida al efecto.Destinatarios Con carácter general sólo el personal de nuestra entidad que esté debidamente autorizado podrá tener conocimiento de la información que le pedimos.Derechos Tiene derecho a saber qué información tenemos sobre usted tal y como se explica en la información adicional disponible en nuestra página web.Información adicional Más información en el apartado “SUS DATOS SEGUROS” de nuestra página web We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences More information about our Cookie Policy Aberdeen-based offshore drilling contractor Stena Drilling has sent one of its drillships to undertake a special periodic survey (SPS) at Astilleros Canarios (Astican) in the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria the rig will sail from the Canary Islands to Morocco to embark on its drilling assignment with London-based Energean After wrapping up its drilling campaign with Shell in Egypt Stena Drilling’s Stena Forth drillship went to the Astican shipyard in Las Palmas to get its SPS out of the way before heading to the Anchois gas field this drillship has operated in 14 countries where the Anchois gas development project is located “We are pleased to welcome the Stena Forth which has travelled from Egypt to undertake the SPS at our Las Palmas shipyard before heading to her next contract,” highlighted Astican This content is available after accepting the cookies The 2009-built sixth-generation harsh environment dual-activity dynamically positioned (DP3) drillship is scheduled to start drilling the Anchois East appraisal well in the third quarter of 2024 and undertake a drill stem test on the main gas-containing sands targeting an additional 11 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gross unrisked prospective resource these operations are anticipated to assist in moving the project closer to a final investment decision (FID) Energean is the operator and holds 45% and 37.5% of the respective interests in the Lixus and Rissana licenses offshore Morocco has 30% and 37.5% of the respective interests in these licenses while ONHYM maintains a 25% stake in each The Stena Forth rig’s deal with Energean brings the flexibility to drill an additional option well in Morocco Since the Stena DrillMAX and Stena IceMAX drillships have completed drilling campaigns for the London-based player Stena Forth is the third rig in Stena Drilling’s fleet that the firm has hired so far Aside from submitting a formal application for a CO2 storage license in Greece, the UK player took steps to sell its assets in Egypt and Croatia to pursue gas-weighted portfolio growth in the Mediterranean and the wider Europe Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox through the Directorate General of Emergencies has declared a state of pre-alert for strong winds across several islands The decision is based on information provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources following the guidelines of the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Events (PEFMA) The wind pre-alert affects the following areas: Forecasts show the arrival of moderate north-westerly winds with locally strong intervals and gusts potentially reaching or exceeding 60–70 km/h along the coast and mid-altitude areas the Directorate General of Emergencies has declared a pre-alert for coastal phenomena in La Gomera and Tenerife This alert is based on the same meteorological information and is covered under the PEFMA framework The coastal pre-alert applies to the southwestern and southeastern coasts of La Gomera and the maritime channel between both islands Weather conditions are forecast to bring strong northerly and north-westerly winds at sea with forces between 5 and 6 (29–49 km/h) and occasional areas reaching force 7 (50–61 km/h) A strong swell and a north or north-westerly ground swell of around one metre in height are also expected Local Police officers and firefighters in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will stage a protest in front of the City Hall next Friday (28th February) to demand the payment of unpaid overtime, increased staffing, and improved working conditions. The demonstration is being staged to coincide with the municipal plenary session at 9:30am in Plaza de Santa Ana. The protest initially stemmed from Local Police officers who have been in a dispute with the Council for several months over the non-payment of overtime. However, firefighters have also joined the demonstration to highlight their own grievances, including equipment shortages and staffing issues. Emergency service workers are demanding the full payment of overtime wages for 2024, as only hours worked up to September are expected to be paid. Víctor García, spokesperson for the USPB union, stressed the need for timely and complete payments. Frustration has led Local Police officers to refuse to work any extra hours indefinitely, impacting coverage for major public events such as Christmas celebrations and the upcoming Carnival. Beyond unpaid wages, chronic understaffing is another big issue. Firefighters are currently operating with 30 fewer personnel than required, forcing existing staff to work double shifts to maintain public safety. Daniel Ojeda, a union representative for USPB, criticised the situation: "It’s one thing to do occasional overtime for an event, but it’s another to depend on it for the service to function correctly." The Local Police are also experiencing a serious workforce deficit, with around 200 unfilled positions. The situation is worsened by retirements and officers transferring to other administrations that offer better working conditions. Firefighters are also protesting against the deterioration of their vehicles, particularly fire trucks. Ojeda stated that: "There is not a single truck that we feel safe in." Several vehicles have broken down while responding to emergencies, delaying assistance and requiring backup from other stations. Although new fire trucks have been approved for purchase, there is no clear timeline for their arrival. Union leaders have repeatedly raised these concerns, but they claim that the City Council, led by the mayor, has failed to engage in meaningful negotiations. "We are protesting because the mayor has not called for a negotiation table to sit down and resolve these issues," García said. The demonstration on 28th February aims to pressure the Council into taking immediate action. Police officers and firefighters warn that delays in addressing unpaid wages, understaffing, and deteriorating resources put both emergency workers and the public at unnecessary risk.  At 21:00 CEST this Saturday, the Rojiblancos travel to Gran Canaria to take on UD Las Palmas. Our team are chasing a third consecutive league win as they look to remain in the upper echelons of the table ahead of the final run-in in LaLiga. Last time out, Atleti beat Real Valladolid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. A Julián Alvarez brace and goals from Sørloth and Giuliano secured all three points in front of the 56,000 fans in attendance. In their most recent away game, the Rojiblancos beat Sevilla by two goals to one, overturning the hosts’ initial opener through Julián Alvarez and Pablo Barrios. On the other hand, Las Palmas go into it following their first victory in 2025. The Amarillos came from a goal down to beat Getafe 3-1 away from home. It was a vital victory, which took the Canarian side into 18th place, just one point away from Alavés and safety. Get tickets to cheer on Atlético de Madrid Femenino in Alcalá Looking for three more points at the Mendizorroza No puedes copiar el contenido de esta página the charismatic capital cityNo need to choose between a city break or a coastal escape — Gran Canaria’s cosmopolitan capital offers the best of both making it the perfect choice for travellers of all walks of life Culture and scenery collide in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where baroque Spanish plazas and lively pedestrian malls are flanked by miles of urban beachesPhotograph by Gran Canaria TourismByZoe McintyreMarch 2 Gran Canaria is best known by beachgoers for its year-round sunshine and traditional resorts But the island is home to many other treasures which can satiate every cultural and culinary whim with its high-brow bars Add to this a calendar of lively festivals and you’ll understand why Gran Canaria is dubbed a ‘continent in miniature’.To discover the city’s soul where atmospheric colonial buildings line narrow cobbled alleyways took nearly 400 years to complete — a trajectory traceable in the looming facade sun-dappled stained-glass windows and lofty columns that combine neo-classical Explore its interiors then take the lift (or 216 steps) up to the bell tower for sweeping vistas of the cityscape and harbour set under wrought-iron arches by the port; it bustles with pocket-sized tapas bars and market stalls piled high with succulent local produce Just minutes from the market hall is Playa las Canteras — a 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand perfect for adrenaline-pumping watersports or beachside downtime A natural offshore reef makes the waters here brilliant for snorkelling while sports enthusiasts can join in with the locals as they play beach volleyball or football The palm-fringed beach is fringed by a lively promenade bustling with al fresco bars ice cream parlours and sun-drenched cafe terraces that are perfect for people-watching a renowned classical music venue that’s worth a visit just to see its impressive 10-metre-high 2. Scale the dunes of MaspalomasGran Canaria’s answer to the Sahara is the undulating dunes of Maspalomas on the island’s south coast — two square miles of shifting, golden sands whipped into mesmerising ridges by the ocean winds. The dunes are easily explored on foot, but as the area is a protected nature reserve, one must stick to the marked walking trails. Koutoubia Mosque is one of the cornerstones of Marrakech A 14-year-old boy is in critical condition after falling from the eighth floor of a twelve-storey building in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria The incident occurred yesterday (Monday) at around 6:15 p.m sparking a rapid response from emergency services and a police investigation the teenager was at home with his nine-year-old sister while their father was working on a motorcycle outside the building who was monitoring the children via a security camera noticed her daughter crying and immediately alerted the father he arrived just in time to witness his son fall from the window The boy’s father made an emergency call leading to the immediate dispatch of two ambulances along with medical staff from a nearby health centre medics found the teenager conscious but suffering from serious injuries he was transferred to the Maternal and Child Hospital under police escort to ensure a swift journey where he was admitted for urgent treatment The National Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fall One of the lines of inquiry includes the possibility of bullying Specialists from the Family and Women's Unit are assisting in the investigation working closely with local officers to gather details about the events leading up to the incident The boy remains in critical condition as medical teams continue to monitor his recovery Atletico Madrid are set to face Las Palmas at the Estadio de Gran Canaria on Sunday night in a crucial La Liga fixture The visitors will be aiming to secure their third consecutive league win the hosts will continue their fight to escape the relegation zone Atletico are currently sitting in third on the La Liga table They are trailing leaders Barcelona by seven points. A few weeks ago, they were giving tough competition to both Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title Atleti have bounced back from a rough patch with recent wins over Sevilla and Valladolid.  Las Palmas are sitting in 18th in the La Liga table they are coming on the back of a 3-1 win over Getafe This was their first win since before the winter break Diego Martinez’s side have shown promise in recent outings They’ve lost only once in their last four matches Las Palmas defeated Atletico 2-1 at home earlier this season With European ambitions for Atletico and survival hopes for Las Palmas both teams have everything to play for in this high-stakes encounter Also Read: Lionel Messi Says This Barcelona Youngster Started Right: ‘Just Like Me’ Las Palmas will be playing without Jasper Cillessen and Benito Ramirez who are yet to recover from their ongoing injuries midfielder Kirian Rodriguez has been sidelined for the rest of the season after a cancer relapse head coach Diego Martinez may stick with the same lineup that defeated Getafe Their current in-form attackers Fabio Silva and Sandro Ramirez should start in the final third A potential tweak may come at the right-back position where Marvin Park may come in to replace Viti Rozada the team looks settled as they prepare for this critical showdown Also Read: Is It End of the Ancelotti Era Post Exit From the Champions League? Atletico Madrid will be taking to the field without forward Angel Correa who will be serving out a suspension Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino will continue their recovery from injuries No new fitness concerns were reported following their last outing against Valladolid.  Manager Diego Simeone may opt to choose the same starting eleven from their last game against Real Valladolid Alexander Sorloth is currently pushing for a start in the final third Antoine Griezmann is expected to partner up with Julian Alvarez in attack Koke may maintain his midfield role in De Paul’s absence I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid. I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final Get the biggest stories delivered straight to you - for free you consent to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy nad to receive marketing and account-related emails from The Playoffs The Playoffs has been a go-to source for sports and sports betting enthusiasts Our mission: To help bettors make the best choices with in-depth analysis Our motto: Share our passion for sports and betting our editorial teams work to deliver the most accurate and relevant information so you can place bets with confidence—and most importantly and understand that betting is a form of entertainment—not a way to earn money If gambling stops being enjoyable or starts affecting your life negatively don’t hesitate to seek support or take advantage of self-exclusion tools provided by betting platforms responsible betting is the key to a safe and enjoyable gaming experience DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting COPYRIGHT © 2025 - THE PLAYOFFS - SHARE THE PASSION FOR SPORTS AND BETTING A minibus caught fire this afternoon (Friday) on the GC-1 motorway near the desalination plant and heading towards Las Palmas de Gran Canaria causing severe traffic congestion on the island’s main through road The incident produced a dramatic column of smoke visible from the nearby shopping centres The fire has led to major delays in both directions on the GC-1 exacerbating an already challenging traffic situation due to planned road closures in preparation for the Maluma concert one of the last major events of the Las Palmas carnival The fire brigade have been battling the blaze while the Guardia Civil are on-site attempting to restore normal traffic flow and the emergency services have activated an alert to dispatch medical units It remains unclear at this stage whether there are any injuries resulting from the incident Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes where possible and allow extra time for their journeys The National Police have arrested six people following a failed attempt to rob a cash collection van at the La Ballena Shopping Centre in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria including the use of firearms to ensure officers' safety According to the Canary Islands' Superior Police Headquarters the incident unfolded around 11:00am when the authorities received an alert about a vehicle suspiciously following a cash collection van Several police patrols were dispatched to the location confirming that its number plate had been altered leading to a pursuit that ended with them forcibly entering a residence in the La Paterna neighbourhood of the city officers activated ‘Operation Cage’ to contain the suspects during which they had to discharge their firearms for self-defence while attempting to intercept the suspects The National Police ultimately apprehended six people on charges of attempted violent robbery The Provincial Judicial Police Brigade has taken over the ongoing investigation into the case Get to know Gran Canaria with this first-timer's guide © Maremagnum / Getty Images Ross Clarke has recently returned from Gran Canaria where he was researching for the upcoming Canary Islands guidebook (publishing November 2024) Here he creates the ultimate guide to help you start planning your vacation to the Canaries' third-largest island When you fly into Gran Canaria or traverse its coastline by boat to dock at one of its ports you instantly understand why this island has captivated and intrigued people for centuries It’s been given the nickname of "the continent in miniature" due to its diverse terrain and "the land of eternal spring" for its climate The original inhabitants before the Spanish named it "Tamaran," and their legacy can be seen across the island in remains of their cave dwellings and artefacts Gran Canaria is the middle child of the archipelago, having sprung up from the ocean floor about 14 million years ago. It is often compared to its neighbor, Tenerife but each of the islands has its own merits Most people will know Gran Canaria for its beaches and resorts, particularly Maspalomas in the south that encompasses the popular spot of Playa del Inglés And while the beaches and sunny weather are spectacular there’s much more to this beautiful island than sand For many years, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria held the title for the city with the best climate in the world This is because the capital enjoys a temperate year-round climate with little rain and rarely scorching temperatures crisp and fresh temperatures in its mountainous center Gran Canaria is incredibly popular for winter sun and beaches can be busy with tourists even in January – although you’re unlikely to spot a Canarian sunbathing until after April Winter also plays host to several celebrations including one of the world’s largest carnivals in February These more-than-week-long celebrations take over the whole island and there are parties Summer also gets busy when the mercury can hit 30°C (86°F) with more than 60km (37 miles) of beaches around the island’s coast you can usually find a spot on the sand to soak up some rays Autumn and spring can be good times to visit places less busy and temperatures ideal for exploring and sightseeing Gran Canaria is both ideal for an exciting city break over a long weekend a week-long beach holiday or an extended stay it’s one of the most popular places for remote workers looking to balance work with the laid-back island lifestyle which were worshipped by the island’s original pre-Hispanic inhabitants The old town of Vegueta and Triana is also worth a visit to wander the historic streets and museums which covers both international and domestic flights It’s easy to get from the airport to all major resorts by bus The bus network is extensive and reaches all parts of the island. Buses are inexpensive and reliable and run by Guaguas Global. In the capital, you’ll see yellow buses. These run the length and breadth of the city and are operated by Guaguas Municipales Car hire is a great way to explore the island. Prices are generally good value although can peak during busy periods so it’s advisable to book ahead. Try using a local company if you can such as Cicar or Tirma You could easily drive the circumference of the island in a single day but it’s worth taking your time and planning journeys in advance so you don’t miss anything Make sure to fill up with fuel before heading inland winding mountain roads can deplete reserves quicker than you think you can catch ferries and high-speed catamarans to neighboring islands including Tenerife There are two very famous monoliths in the center of the island, both of which are worth a visit. The Roque Nublo is the more famous standing at a height of 80m (262ft) and soaring nearly 2000m (6561ft) above sea level The trek to the rock is relatively easy and takes about 30–40 minutes Alternatively, try climbing to the Roque Bentayga This was the last point of defence for the island’s original inhabitants and it’s easy to see why as it stands on a plinth with views of the surrounding sunken volcanic crater there are carvings and holes in the stone that are still a mystery to historians and in Gran Canaria you’re spoilt for choice from craft and artisan pop-ups to food and agriculture that I used to go to regularly when I lived in Las Palmas is the weekend market in Vega de San Mateo There are two giant warehouses that are full to the brim with stall holders One is for crafts and but the other (which is my favorite) is the agricultural one I love nosing at the stalls and chatting to the stallholders who often give you little taster of their baked goods or let you sniff spices There is usually a stall selling truchas de batata – sweet potato pasties – that I devour in an instant It’s also a good place to pick up non-touristy souvenirs such as seeds My other favorite is the weekend market at Teror This town is famous for two things: the church dedicated to the island’s patron saint You’ll find countless stalls selling bocadillos (rolls as big as your head) slathered in chorizo de Teror and fresh cheese Gran Canaria can be relatively cheap if you avoid the obvious tourist traps The currency is the Euro (€) and most places take credit and debit cards Over recent years cash has been on a decline but it’s worth carrying some Euros in case you need them especially in less touristic and developed areas Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €75–100 per night and you’ll find families socialize together from grandparents to babies until all hours And don’t be surprised if Canarios talk to your children before they speak to you – the island is extremely family friendly Gran Canaria is one of the most popular destinations for the LGBTIQ+ community. The island and islanders are incredibly open, and it is a safe environment to be yourself. Each year there is a famous Winter Pride in Playa del Inglés, centered around the Yumbo Centrum – the world’s only LGBTIQ+ shopping center – where you’ll find bars, shops, restaurants and clubs. Some days in Gran Canaria, you might find that the air is very hot and yet it’s foggy or misty. This is known as the calima – the hot winds that blow over from the nearby Sahara Desert carrying sand dust in the air. While it won’t hurt you, it can make temperatures and being outside unpleasant. A construction worker has died after falling from scaffolding in a tragic workplace accident in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria The incident took place on Calle Torres Quevedo was working on a new building project at the corner of Torres Quevedo and Bernardo de La Torre when he fell from a height equivalent to the third floor The fall occurred at approximately 3:20pm yesterday and was witnessed by several of his colleagues who immediately contacted the emergency services by calling 112 Paramedics from the Canary Emergency Services arrived swiftly alongside officers from both the Local and National Police Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident Inspectors from the labour authority are expected to examine the site with the National Police leading the inquiry into what caused the fatal fall The incident has cast a sombre mood over the construction site with co-workers visibly shaken by the loss of their colleague This Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Morocco on the exposed tips of a vast volcanic mountain range beneath the Atlantic Ocean has long been a popular spot among Europeans in search of year-round sunshine They offer an irresistible combination of Moroccan and Spanish flavours spectacular beaches and wildly varied topography Such factors primed the Canary Islands for over-tourism throughout the 1990s and they’ve struggled to shake off their bad rep as a package holiday destination ever since we are rewarded with an idyllic cluster of wildly diverse islands waiting to be rediscovered there is a Canary Island for every traveller Temperatures peak in August and September with an average high of 28°C and an average low of 20° – so there’s certainly no need to pack layers for a summer trip Further from the blistering heat of the Sahara Desert Gran Canaria experiences average summer highs of 24°C take average temperatures with a pinch of salt; Maspalomas in Gran Canaria registered the second highest temperature in Spain in August 2023 when the mercury surpassed 45°C Tenerife and Gran Canaria have a lot of similarities but each one is favoured by travellers seeking different things Tenerife is often considered the best Canary Island for families thanks to a generous smattering of resorts along the sweeping coastline It’s also a great choice for a hiking holiday or something altogether more active as trails wind across the island’s volcanic landscape stunning beaches and a buzzy nightlife scene in resorts such as Playa del Inglés attract more couples and adult-only groups brilliant food and a rich cultural offering But beyond the busy southern hotel complexes it’s entirely possible to find unspoiled corners such as cobblestoned Garachico and colourful La Laguna in the rugged and less-developed north Dominating the entire island is the snow-capped volcano Pico del Teide, Spain’s tallest peak, crisscrossed with some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the Canary Islands. In Tenerife’s crammed cultural calendar, one highlight is the Carnival of Santa Cruz between February and March, the biggest parade after Rio de Janeiro And the Surrealist painter Oscar Domínguez is rightly revered here in his homeland with a fabulous collection of his canvases displayed at TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) in Santa Cruz Fuerteventura is sun-baked and wind-blasted rolling sand dunes and crashing emerald-green waves containing the largest dunes in the Canary Islands The Atalayita Village Archaeological Interpretation Centre is the island’s most significant historic site with ancient aboriginal houses built into lava-formed walls The year-round sunshine and consistent wind make the island a world-class destination for wind-surfers and kite-surfers who flock to Playa de Sotavento but there are also plenty of sheltered coves for swimming In a further rebuttal to accusations of over-tourism and the prevalence of goat’s cheeses – the most popular being Majorero – on the island’s menus is a constant reminder of their supremacy the third-largest island in the archipelago is arguably the most diverse of the lot Nearly half of the Canarian population have made their home here in Gran Canaria including the 15th-century Cathedral of Santa Ana and the 18th-century Casa de Colón where it is claimed that explorer Christopher Columbus plotted his five-week first voyage to America The island’s mountainous interior attracts modern explorers with Artenara perhaps having the most melodramatic views of all opt for a city break within easy reach of the island's best beaches in Las Palmas – home to countless bars Maspalomas combines Gran Canaria's winning formula and is popular among families and couples thanks to a balance of beachside all-inclusive resorts and nightlife venues Look further afield for a seaside escape without the crowds such as the towns of Agaete or San Agustin cosy rooms and a small rooftop pool for cooling off during the balmy summer months a pint-sized delight with some of the best cuisine in the archipelago dished out of backstreet tavernas a vibrant craft scene and a lingering local lingo – Silbo Gomero – comprised of whistling sounds that carry messages up to three miles to neighbouring villages where restaurants serve watercress soup and fiery papas arrugadas (potatoes with chilli-pepper sauce) and potters can be seen spinning traditional ceramics in open-air workshops For an island that measures just 22 miles from east to west it somehow packs in 400 miles of dedicated trails and it was awarded World Biosphere Reserve status in 2011 The best things to do in La Gomera usually come back to one thing – nature sunny afternoons are best spent on gorgeous beaches such as Playa de Santiago and Playa de San Sebastian while even the most active travellers will need to return several times to follow the countless hiking trails across the small island The densely forested Garajonay National Park is a bucket list excursion for visitors eager to feel entirely immersed in the natural world but don't forget about what lies beneath the waves – boat trips offer great dolphin and whale-watching excursions at certain times of the year a sleek hotel that backs onto La Puntilla’s beachfront promenade second-smallest and most southwestern of the main Canary Islands El Hierro is beloved by responsibly minded travellers for its small-scale undulating hillsides dotted with wildflowers and for being entirely self-sufficient with renewable energy For flight-minimising travellers who want to mix and match their Canary Islands the ferry from Puerto de la Estaca in the north of the island sails to Tenerife in under three hours is dedicated to nature; its black-sand beaches spared the mass development of the larger islands with their white sands Canarians call the island ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the Pretty Island) and the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma is an architectural delight with a 16th-century old town lined with grand balconied and whitewashed manors and residences In 1983 La Palma was the first Canary Island to be designated a Biosphere Reserve and it remains one of the quietest spots in the Canaries the choice of travellers who prefer low-key luxury and natural abundance over the glitz and glamour of the island’s big sisters where the Enchanted Forest lives up to its name where craters and craggy rock formations mark the landscape where volcanic vineyards offer a completely unique experience of wine tourism The island’s glorious irregularity and bohemian ethos are underpinned by the legacy of 20th-century lanzaroteño artist whose spectacular constructions are dotted across the land and include a cavernous underground music venue and nightclub a Bond villain-esque lighthouse and a space-age cactus garden Beyond its endlessly fascinating culinary and cultural credentials Lanzarote is a dream destination for road cyclists due to its network of routes Reached from Lanzarote by a half-hour ferry La Graciosa is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site a smattering of modest guesthouses and restaurants and dirt roads that can only be navigated by foot Accommodation is generally confined to campsites or cute rental cottages but a number of savvy Airbnb hosts accept guests on their yachts in the tiny marina One of the best ways to experience all this small island has to offer is by hopping on a bike – you'll cover more ground on a short trip hopping between rustic restaurants and cooling off over seaside ice creams