AGAETE
Situated in the far north of the island Agaete has many places of
interest which are worth a visit. The buildings and architecture
make it one of the most beautiful places on the island.
AGUIMES
In Aguimes there is a year round attraction to visit called the Parc
de Cocodrilos which is a small zoo that has Crocodile and Parrot
shows daily. This area also offers some of the finest diving coastline
and windsurfing beaches.
ARTENARA
This is the municipality with the smallest population which is host
to the Tamadaba Natural Park. This is a woodland park with a huge
variety of botanical interest and the most splendid Pine Forest which
is of great natural beauty to the visitor and very important to the
island generally.
FIRGAS
This is the municipality which is famed for its finest mineral water.
Fresh spring water is bottled here and supplied to the whole island
as well as to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Another place of interest
ifs the Molino del Conde which is a 16th century mill used to manufacture
Gofio.
Gofio is a type of flour made from sweet corn and other types of
grain, wheat, oats and barley.
GALDAR
Situated at the base of the Pico de Galdar volcano, Galdar is an
area of great historical interest as there are many fine examples
of the Guanche heritage. The Tumulo de la Galdar consists of 30 round
tombs containing Guanche nobles and is built of huge lava blocks. It
is closed to the general public due to its historical value. Another
site not to miss is the Caldera de Los Pinos de Galdar which is a
huge volcanic crater formed during the last eruption and from where
there are spectacular views of the entre North of the island. The
Fiesta de San Roque, is held in honor of its patron saint on the
main day August 15th when the procession occurs.
INGENIO
The home of the International Folklore Festival which is popular
with numerous international groups participating including groups
from Mexico, Colombia, Romania, Russia, Uganda, and more. The
name Ingenio actually means sugar mill which used to be the dominant
industry but now the area is better known for growing tomatoes, embroidery
and the spectacular Guayadeque valley.
MOGAN
Mogàn is part of large tourist area in the south with Arguineguin
being the fishing town which holds the largest market on the island
every Tuesday. The excellent restaurants in the area specialize in
fresh fish caught that day. There is also a ferry service to
Puerto Mogàn where there is another big market on Fridays
as well. Playa de Mogàn is one of the hottest beach spots
on the island with its golden sands making it the ideal location
where for the adventurous it is easy to rent a jet ski, go parasailing,
learn so scuba dive, or even go on a submarine tour or alternatively
there are dolphin watching trips or ferry rides to Puerto Rico. There
are some good shopping centers in this area, are situated at Centro
Civico, Agua La Perra and Europa. Puerto de Mogàn is a fantastic
place which is sometimes known as Little Venice due to its many canals.
It is rich in marine traditions and many sailing enthusiasts use
the marina.
MOYA
Moya has 65% of the municipality as a Protected Nature Area so it
is an ideal place for lovers of the outdoors with the Playa de la
Caleta being the place to go if you love to surf. It has such
great surfing conditions that the International Longboard Festival
is held there every November with people coming from all over the
world to attend this event.
LAS PALMAS
The capital city of Gran Canaria and is the capital of the community
of the seven Canary Islands. Las Palmas is the largest city
in the Canary Islands. There are many beaches with Las Canteras being
the longest at 3km. This is a sheltered beach so perfect for bathing
and water sports. The Paseo de Las Canteras beach has many
cafes, restaurants and shops. Some of the islands finest hotels are
situated here many with superb spa facilities. The El Cortijo Country
Club Golf Course is par 72 for 18 holes and 25 km from there is another
wonderful course called the Bandama Golf Club. One fiesta that
should not be missed is the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The shopping is also wonderful!
SAN BARTOLOME DE TIRAJANA
Playa del Ingles’ is the main resort area on Gran Canaria and
it is the second largest resort of its kind in all of Europe. There
is a wide variety of activities and nationalities combining to make
this an exciting place day or night. The YUMBO Centre is one of the
largest shopping complexes in Gran Canaria with more than 200 stores,
bars and restaurants. The resort of Maspalomas has great beaches
which stretch over 6 km and the sand dunes are an amazing sight covering
over 4km. These dunes are classified a natural protected area and
they serve to separate Maspalomas and Playa De Ingles. The Maspalomas
Golf Course is surrounded by sand dunes and Palm Trees making it
spectacularly beautiful.
SAN NICOLOS DE TOLETINO
This is the agricultural hub of the island as it is the place where
Oranges, bananas, papayas, mangos, avocados and tomatoes of which
over 100,000kg are exported from there every year. The nearby Cacti
Park which boasts over 1000 types is at Catualdea where there is
also a Guanche cave to explore with a restaurant which serves typical
Canarian dishes.
SANTA BRIGIDA
This is the most exclusive residential area of Gran Canaria and it
is located 500 meters above sea level so most of the marvelous homes
have fantastic views. A cool climate makes it a popular spot for
holiday homes for British holiday makers as well as a favorite weekend
getaway for locals.
SANTA LUCIA DE TIRAJANA
La Caldera de Tirajana is a wide volcanic basin where the two towns
of Santa Lucía and San Bartolomé de Tirajana are located.
The Day of the Labourer to honor the Virgin del Rosario in which
a procession of thousands gather all dressed in the traditional Canarian
attire of black hat, espadrilles and flowing skirts. Typical food
is served with wine and rum accompaniments.
SANTA MARIA DE GUIA
Guía is such an historic town that in 1982 it was declared
a National Historic–Artistic Monument. In May every year there
is a fiesta for the cheese called Fietsas del Queso to celebrate
the Queso de Flor, Flower Cheese which is made from sheep or cow’s
milk and the juice of the thistle flowers of artichokes which gives
the cheese its unusual flavor and name. In the natural environment
in and around Guía there is a wide variety of ecosystems,
environments and landscapes. Such diversity means that much of the
natural areas of the municipality are classified as Protected Natural
Areas and some of the protected areas are the Special Natural Reserve
of El Brezal, the Rural Park of Doramas, the Natural Monument of
El Montañón Negro and Las Cumbres.
TEJEDA
1000m above sea level and on the slopes of a volcanic crater, Tejeda
is the highest point on Gran Canaria. The Pozo de las Nieves rises
1,949m and overlooks the whole island and at 1580m there is a mountain
pass is the Cruz de Tejeda, a carved stone cross that is located
at the geographical center of Gran Canaria.
One of the best natural wonders of Gran Canaria is Roque Nublo which
is an eroded rock standing 80 m high. It is thought that it was formed
in the early days of earth during a volcanic eruption and has been
gradually changing shape over time. The restaurant / Inn at the fringe
of the crater is a wonderful place to stay or dine and it has an
excellent view over all the surrounding area. A serious location
for hikers on long distance pathways but there are also plenty of
shorter and easier walks for those with less stamina!
TELDE
Telde is famous for its great many archeological sites such as El
Baladero, Tufia, Cuatro Puertas, Tara and Cendro. Telde was declared
a national monument in 1981.
TEROR
Teror is home to the patron saint of Gran Canaria and the festival
celebrating the Virgo del Pino is on September 8th every year. Due
to its religious importance Teror is a place of pilgrimage for local
residents. The construction of the Basilica was started in 1767 and
is located in the town square Plaza del Pino. The building
has three naves and fourteen round arches that are supported by columns
and pilasters. There are five entrances to the building, three on
the façade and two on the sides and some striking stained
glass windows showing the Mysteries of the Rosary.
VALLESECO
This is one of the wettest areas on the island and consequently has an abundance of vegetation with 80% of the municipality being designated a Protected Nature Area. On the edge of the area the most recent volcano to erupt is located.
VALSEQUILLO
Famous for its cheese frit, wine, strawberries, almonds, vegetables
with traditional cheese specialties make this area a must for Gastronomy
lovers! These wonderful fresh products available at the Sunday
markets. An area of outstanding natural beauty and a must see for
visitors.
VEGA DE SAN MATEO
Home to the tallest peaks on the island, Pico de Las Nieves is 1961m,
Los Pechos 1,945 and Roque Saucillo 1,850m. A particularly lush area
due to the La Higuera and the la Mina ravines which have some water
running through making for wonderful farming conditions. The Montaña
Observatory overlooks the Guiniguada Ravine the municipality and
Las Palmas
