The Miniature Continent
Introduction Gran Canaria Gran Canaria is recognized for being the round island
of the Canary Islands. Along with the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura form
the province of Las Palmas, the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,
which also shares the capital of the Canary Islands with Santa Cruz de
Tenerife.
Knowledge of the existence of Gran Canaria, Tamarán in its most primitive and Gran Canaria from the fourteenth century origins, according to documents found, dating back to the first millennium BC, when, say some theories, reaches its coast Aboriginal people from the North African and Berber cultural environment. But in this sense, until the arrival of Columbus and the conquest of the Kingdom of Castile, which took place between 1402 and 1496, the existence and development of Gran Canaria always been based on scraps that are mixed between reality and legends , thus giving the island an aura of mystery that still survives today in day.
Aborigines inhabited the Gran Canaria Island through reigns whose heads were called Guanartemes. They tried to communities dedicated to agriculture, livestock, fishing and arts, who worshiped the god Acorán. Of these customs, even today, Gran Canaria saves, besides its special pride in its origins, prehistoric remains such as the giant silo Valeron Monastery, a refuge from caves to store grain nestled in a ravine, or even examples of their villages, such as the Archaeological Park Gáldar Painted Cave. Also, one of its greatest treasures is the rich Aboriginal heritage craft and figurative, whose techniques and motifs today are still used in the Canarian craftsmanship.
Knowledge of the existence of Gran Canaria, Tamarán in its most primitive and Gran Canaria from the fourteenth century origins, according to documents found, dating back to the first millennium BC, when, say some theories, reaches its coast Aboriginal people from the North African and Berber cultural environment. But in this sense, until the arrival of Columbus and the conquest of the Kingdom of Castile, which took place between 1402 and 1496, the existence and development of Gran Canaria always been based on scraps that are mixed between reality and legends , thus giving the island an aura of mystery that still survives today in day.
Aborigines inhabited the Gran Canaria Island through reigns whose heads were called Guanartemes. They tried to communities dedicated to agriculture, livestock, fishing and arts, who worshiped the god Acorán. Of these customs, even today, Gran Canaria saves, besides its special pride in its origins, prehistoric remains such as the giant silo Valeron Monastery, a refuge from caves to store grain nestled in a ravine, or even examples of their villages, such as the Archaeological Park Gáldar Painted Cave. Also, one of its greatest treasures is the rich Aboriginal heritage craft and figurative, whose techniques and motifs today are still used in the Canarian craftsmanship.
But Gran Canaria has lived many times after the aboriginal with the arrival of
the Spaniards, the invasion of the English pirates, the Dutch, the
implementation of Freeport and settlement of communities from America, India,
Germany, Japan, Africa, South America .... And the culture and heritage of Gran
Canaria has been formed with the influence of the 117 cultures that have passed
or have settled there. Thus, its 21 villages show as a whole a monumental
heritage consisting of many eras and cultures: the XV historic districts like
Vegueta; English Art Nouveau architecture based in the port of Las Palmas de
Gran Canaria; ;-sixteenth century Moorish Gothic elements styles of the golden
age of Baroque XVII and XVIII, who mixed with the Moorish imprint; modernist
buildings rising in the early twentieth century; Rationalism brought hand
Miguel Martin Fernandez de la Torre, architect of the Parador de Tejeda, at the
summit of the island, and the Cabildo Insular building; and the most modern
avant-garde buildings of the turn of the century, the new icons of the island,
such as: inside the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art, the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus,
or the Woermann tower.
The island, part of the eastern part of the archipelago, with 838 397 inhabitants, is the most populous of his province and the second largest Canarian Community; is the third largest, with nearly 1,560 km², and the third in altitude, whose highest peak reaches 1949 meters, but the best is its rich volcanic terrain has created over the centuries its diverse climate , geography, flora and fauna, so it is called? Miniature Continent ?.
The island, part of the eastern part of the archipelago, with 838 397 inhabitants, is the most populous of his province and the second largest Canarian Community; is the third largest, with nearly 1,560 km², and the third in altitude, whose highest peak reaches 1949 meters, but the best is its rich volcanic terrain has created over the centuries its diverse climate , geography, flora and fauna, so it is called? Miniature Continent ?.
Of volcanic origin, it is a part, with the other islands of the archipelago,
the natural region of Macaronesia, characterized by its subtropical climate
that results in a great biological diversity, scenic beauty and geological.
Reasons why 46% of the territory and 100,458 ha of marine area are part of
Reserve declared by UNESCO Biosphere. But also, Gran Canaria is differentiated
by its trade winds that create that peculiar landscape of canyons and lush
mountains in vegetation and large desert areas, and molded the famous
"Panza de Burro" a sea of clouds that leaves many humidity and
rain, thus fostering a very dense vegetation in the pine forests and laurel
forests predominate.
To this únele the main attraction of the island so it has become the favorite destination of world tourists, beaches. Nearly 60 kilometers of 236 kilometers of coastline make the many different beaches of Gran Canaria: Maspalomas popular and natural heritage of white dunes desert, the traditional Playa del Ingles with its long stretch of golden sand, the cosmopolitan beach of Las Canteras , family beaches of San Agustín, Amadores or Puerto de Mogan, sports Beach Puerto Rico, different coastal and fishing beaches or natural pools that dot the northern coast of the island green lung of the capital, the calm, They are an example of its natural wonders.
But Gran Canaria offers many more riches to visitors thanks to its special geomorphology dominated in the middle by a huge caldera collapse, Caldera de Tejeda, from which a network of storm drain running through the winding ravines unfolds to reach the sea. Its microclimate has created different habitats in southwestern extensions Gran Canaria Canary pine forests, tree peculiar characteristics that make it unique in the world they hide, and from the coast to 300 meters dominates arid environments or hyperarid with spurges.
To this únele the main attraction of the island so it has become the favorite destination of world tourists, beaches. Nearly 60 kilometers of 236 kilometers of coastline make the many different beaches of Gran Canaria: Maspalomas popular and natural heritage of white dunes desert, the traditional Playa del Ingles with its long stretch of golden sand, the cosmopolitan beach of Las Canteras , family beaches of San Agustín, Amadores or Puerto de Mogan, sports Beach Puerto Rico, different coastal and fishing beaches or natural pools that dot the northern coast of the island green lung of the capital, the calm, They are an example of its natural wonders.
But Gran Canaria offers many more riches to visitors thanks to its special geomorphology dominated in the middle by a huge caldera collapse, Caldera de Tejeda, from which a network of storm drain running through the winding ravines unfolds to reach the sea. Its microclimate has created different habitats in southwestern extensions Gran Canaria Canary pine forests, tree peculiar characteristics that make it unique in the world they hide, and from the coast to 300 meters dominates arid environments or hyperarid with spurges.
The rest of the landscape consists of valleys occupied by palm trees,
Tarahales, willow and costs, with large deltas submerged underwater lava flows,
high cliffs and banks of interconnected sand, idyllic places for the survival
of many animal species such as the loggerhead turtle, the bottlenose dolphin
and Risso.
And yet, Gran Canaria with a population characterized by tolerance, joy and kindness, with the folk traditions of the island, its diversity in aquatic and rural sports offer, their parties and their extensive menu of cultural leisure services, it has been become one of the most visited places in the world. For one thing, Gran Canaria and the Archipelago part, is cited as a Lucky Island by Pliny the Elder when traces the journey of King Juba II of Mauritania to the islands in the 40th. C.
And yet, Gran Canaria with a population characterized by tolerance, joy and kindness, with the folk traditions of the island, its diversity in aquatic and rural sports offer, their parties and their extensive menu of cultural leisure services, it has been become one of the most visited places in the world. For one thing, Gran Canaria and the Archipelago part, is cited as a Lucky Island by Pliny the Elder when traces the journey of King Juba II of Mauritania to the islands in the 40th. C.
Pyramidal cone rich landscape
What to visit in Gran Canaria The island of Gran Canaria it is occupied by 21 municipalities, each with its peculiarities, traditions and attractions. So, although it is a relatively small island, it offers tourists many sites and places to visit. Nature, history, architectural, cultural and artistic heritage, leisure, beaches, sports, parties, Gran Canaria because everything is within reach in one day.
That said, there are many places to visit and learn, but when you get to Gran Canaria, it is best to make the famous back to the island in one day, which will get you an idea of the incredible scenic and cultural richness offered.
What to visit in Gran Canaria The island of Gran Canaria it is occupied by 21 municipalities, each with its peculiarities, traditions and attractions. So, although it is a relatively small island, it offers tourists many sites and places to visit. Nature, history, architectural, cultural and artistic heritage, leisure, beaches, sports, parties, Gran Canaria because everything is within reach in one day.
That said, there are many places to visit and learn, but when you get to Gran Canaria, it is best to make the famous back to the island in one day, which will get you an idea of the incredible scenic and cultural richness offered.
The island is divided into two geomorphological imaginary zones: the North and
South, totally distinct from its center, the Pico de Las Nieves, 1,949 meters,
which shapes the island like a large pyramidal cone question.
But to go towards its center and two hemispheres, it is best to start the tour from the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The city, like the island also has two distinct downtown areas. Its commercial port, where the Playa de las Canteras and its old town, Vegueta, Joint National Historical Site since 1973. It is in this area where the city was founded in 1478. It is showing the old town to tourists through cobbled streets of the time of the conquest. A leisurely stroll through Vegueta you will discover the colonial style of its buildings, the Cathedral of Las Palmas, the most important monument of the Canarian architecture dating from 1487, its emblematic Plaza Mayor of Santa Ana, guarded by dogs legendary canaries, and different buildings that depart from it: the old Town Hall, Bishop's Palace, the Patio de los Naranjos in the Cathedral of the Canary Islands, the Regental Palace and the Casa Museo de Colón, reminiscent of the way and stay in the city discoverer Christopher Columbus on his voyage to America. Followed by crossing the Stone Bridge or Palo, the famous Triana ride that ends in San Telmo Park. It is a historical center since 1993, of great architectural beauty and long trading tradition, near which the renovated Teatro Perez Galdos, Literary Cabinet, or the Church of San Francisco rise.
The other enclave of Palms is known as the Port, a lively shopping area and activity 24 hours a day, which can be seen from the isthmus of the Isleta, former fishing and working-class neighborhood. Here the Puerto de la Luz, the Parque de Santa Catalina-stage par excellence of the carnival of the city and Playa de las Canteras with its spectacular underwater barrier sits.
Let's continue our tour of the island out of the city to the west along the path of the banana still remaining on the coast. The first stop will undoubtedly be Arucas, North town famous for its stonework, its banana plantations and the Church of San Juan Bautista, which for its spectacular cathedral is known as. But also Arucas also keeps the natural wealth of the Caldera de Bandama, a spectacular volcanic crater reminiscent origins of the island.
But to go towards its center and two hemispheres, it is best to start the tour from the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The city, like the island also has two distinct downtown areas. Its commercial port, where the Playa de las Canteras and its old town, Vegueta, Joint National Historical Site since 1973. It is in this area where the city was founded in 1478. It is showing the old town to tourists through cobbled streets of the time of the conquest. A leisurely stroll through Vegueta you will discover the colonial style of its buildings, the Cathedral of Las Palmas, the most important monument of the Canarian architecture dating from 1487, its emblematic Plaza Mayor of Santa Ana, guarded by dogs legendary canaries, and different buildings that depart from it: the old Town Hall, Bishop's Palace, the Patio de los Naranjos in the Cathedral of the Canary Islands, the Regental Palace and the Casa Museo de Colón, reminiscent of the way and stay in the city discoverer Christopher Columbus on his voyage to America. Followed by crossing the Stone Bridge or Palo, the famous Triana ride that ends in San Telmo Park. It is a historical center since 1993, of great architectural beauty and long trading tradition, near which the renovated Teatro Perez Galdos, Literary Cabinet, or the Church of San Francisco rise.
The other enclave of Palms is known as the Port, a lively shopping area and activity 24 hours a day, which can be seen from the isthmus of the Isleta, former fishing and working-class neighborhood. Here the Puerto de la Luz, the Parque de Santa Catalina-stage par excellence of the carnival of the city and Playa de las Canteras with its spectacular underwater barrier sits.
Let's continue our tour of the island out of the city to the west along the path of the banana still remaining on the coast. The first stop will undoubtedly be Arucas, North town famous for its stonework, its banana plantations and the Church of San Juan Bautista, which for its spectacular cathedral is known as. But also Arucas also keeps the natural wealth of the Caldera de Bandama, a spectacular volcanic crater reminiscent origins of the island.
Continuing along the coast, you can stop along the way to enjoy a cool swim in
the creeks or natural swimming pools that dot the villages of Bañaderos and San
Andrés, to delve into and discover the scenic beauty that offers the Tilos
Moya, the last natural laurel forest located in the Natural Park of Doramas
found in the way the municipalities of Firgas and Moya. Both reveal through its
architecture typical Canarian style characterized by its wooden balconies
buildings. The municipality that follows is Valleseco, in which Zamora balcony
you can admire the beautiful scenery offered by the cliffs of the island to the
coast.
Northwest of the island is made the municipalities of Santa María de Guía, Gáldar and Agaete. In Guide stop it is essential to know the biggest pre-Hispanic vestige of the declared of Cultural Interest Island; Cenobio de Valerón. It is a spectacular pre-Hispanic granary collective nature artificially created in the tuff. This town also offers one of the greatest prides of the island awarded world: your guide flower cheese, made from sheep's milk and thistle flower.
Another town that became the capital of the island in antiquity, ancient court of guanartemes is Galdar, also known by the name of "Royal City". In this town, do not miss the old town with its winding cobblestone streets and Gáldar Painted Cave, the Guancha necropolis which contains interesting mounds and real hipogeos.
The last village in the northwest is the fishing village of Agaete, famous for the beauty and simplicity of Ermita de las Nieves, the fishing port of Nieves and especially the monolith symbol of the island known as "The Finger of God" whose peak recently destroyed because of a storm.
Northwest of the island is made the municipalities of Santa María de Guía, Gáldar and Agaete. In Guide stop it is essential to know the biggest pre-Hispanic vestige of the declared of Cultural Interest Island; Cenobio de Valerón. It is a spectacular pre-Hispanic granary collective nature artificially created in the tuff. This town also offers one of the greatest prides of the island awarded world: your guide flower cheese, made from sheep's milk and thistle flower.
Another town that became the capital of the island in antiquity, ancient court of guanartemes is Galdar, also known by the name of "Royal City". In this town, do not miss the old town with its winding cobblestone streets and Gáldar Painted Cave, the Guancha necropolis which contains interesting mounds and real hipogeos.
The last village in the northwest is the fishing village of Agaete, famous for the beauty and simplicity of Ermita de las Nieves, the fishing port of Nieves and especially the monolith symbol of the island known as "The Finger of God" whose peak recently destroyed because of a storm.
The path is followed by the most beautiful and stunning coastline of the island
to reach San Nicolas de Tolentino. They are 36 kilometers carried out in more
than an hour, not only for the amazing corners of the Cliffs, but because it is
essential to stop by the Green Platform balcony overlooking steep cliffs. Pinar
de Tamadaba: Following the road in the inner city which protects the Virgin of
Cuevita, Artenara, a place of unparalleled ecological value and also
discovered.
Once inside, the moist climate and the green landscape introduces visitors to another nature of Gran Canaria. An agricultural region that takes center stage for the influx of tourists who prefer to enjoy their holidays walking trails and enjoying rural areas concerned. From the municipalities of Marian villa Teror, where lies the island's patron saint, the Virgen del Pino, San Mateo, enclave of traditional agricultural and craft market on Sundays, and St. Bridget, we come to the central point and higher Island, Tejeda. Here, visitors enjoy the best views of Gran Canaria formed by the Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo, natural monument par excellence, one of the biggest world Roques 80 meters above its base 1813 meters above sea level rises sea, used as a place of worship for Aboriginal and since 1987, declared Natural Park and Natural Area (1994).
The south of the island again shows a different landscape area. From the village you reach Mogan and its port, known as the Venice of the Canaries. Still along the coast and numerous urbanized tourist areas devoted to water sports, the tourist service, water parks, golf courses, endless beaches, shopping areas, restaurants, bars, discos ... Arguineguin, Puerto Rico extend, Patalavaca, Amadores, Tauro and Taurito are these people, tourist and residential developments that lead to the great beaches of the municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana Maspalomas area of great ecological value for Desert Dunes, Palm Grove and the Charco de Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and a dozen beaches and coves distinguished with the Blue Flag.
Once inside, the moist climate and the green landscape introduces visitors to another nature of Gran Canaria. An agricultural region that takes center stage for the influx of tourists who prefer to enjoy their holidays walking trails and enjoying rural areas concerned. From the municipalities of Marian villa Teror, where lies the island's patron saint, the Virgen del Pino, San Mateo, enclave of traditional agricultural and craft market on Sundays, and St. Bridget, we come to the central point and higher Island, Tejeda. Here, visitors enjoy the best views of Gran Canaria formed by the Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo, natural monument par excellence, one of the biggest world Roques 80 meters above its base 1813 meters above sea level rises sea, used as a place of worship for Aboriginal and since 1987, declared Natural Park and Natural Area (1994).
The south of the island again shows a different landscape area. From the village you reach Mogan and its port, known as the Venice of the Canaries. Still along the coast and numerous urbanized tourist areas devoted to water sports, the tourist service, water parks, golf courses, endless beaches, shopping areas, restaurants, bars, discos ... Arguineguin, Puerto Rico extend, Patalavaca, Amadores, Tauro and Taurito are these people, tourist and residential developments that lead to the great beaches of the municipality of San Bartolome de Tirajana Maspalomas area of great ecological value for Desert Dunes, Palm Grove and the Charco de Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and a dozen beaches and coves distinguished with the Blue Flag.
The central area of the southern slopes St. Lucia full of natural beauty
enriched by the palm and Sorrueda Dam.
And finally, the tour is completed with the east route dotted with crops tomato plants belonging to the towns of Agüimes, Ingenio and Santa Lucia; with the coast of Pozo Izquierdo: one of the best beaches in the world for windsurfing, and the city of Telde, "City of Faycanes", former capital of the island, which is necessary to know its historic and the neighborhoods of San Francisco, San Juan and San Gregorio.
Are far more riches to know in Gran Canaria, large dams, like the Girls; vertiginous mountains, such as Ayacata, or Ravines, like Fataga, among other places impossible to imagine the world hidden coves and rich heritage full of history. And that, after all, do not forget that it is known by the name of "Miniature Continent".
And finally, the tour is completed with the east route dotted with crops tomato plants belonging to the towns of Agüimes, Ingenio and Santa Lucia; with the coast of Pozo Izquierdo: one of the best beaches in the world for windsurfing, and the city of Telde, "City of Faycanes", former capital of the island, which is necessary to know its historic and the neighborhoods of San Francisco, San Juan and San Gregorio.
Are far more riches to know in Gran Canaria, large dams, like the Girls; vertiginous mountains, such as Ayacata, or Ravines, like Fataga, among other places impossible to imagine the world hidden coves and rich heritage full of history. And that, after all, do not forget that it is known by the name of "Miniature Continent".
