Hire a Car - Head North Then West!

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Leave the tourist trail behind and visit the real Gran Canaria. I left Ingles and headed North East along the highway GC1. My first stop was Telde, a few miles north of Gando international airport. It was the ancient capital of the Guanche civilization. The church of San Juan Bautisa (16th C) is situated in the square and has 2 identical bell towers. The nearby cobbled street has whitewashed houses. Why not relax in San Juan Park and see pretty flora such as banana trees and bird of paradise plants to name a few.

Further north around Las Palmas took me to the former banana town of Arucas, which is the main rum producer of the island. It is possible to take a tour of the Arehucas distillery, where there are signed barrels from Julio Iglesis, Tom Jones etc.

The main attraction of the town is the large church of San Juan Bautista . It was designed by a Catalan architect in Modernist and Gothic Style. The church was built in 1907 using local blue grey volcanic stone. It is worth driving up the summit of La Montana to get stunning views of the town and beyond.

Heading South West, you’ll come to the colourful village of Firgas known for its mineral water. It is one of the smallest towns of Gran Canaria. The brightly coloured ceramic benches that line Paseo de Gran Canaria are devoted to the 21 municipalities. Above each one is the coat of arms for each municipality.

Further upstream you will see flamboyant tiled designs of each 7 Canary Islands . Don’t forget your camera!.

Provided you don’t mind fairly steep, twisting and mountainous roads, then the rewards equal magnificent landscapes.

It’s worth stopping in Agaete which was founded in 1481. There’s a 19th Century church in the plaza where locals sit and children play.

Leaving the western stretch of GC2, head SW with some great coastal views along the GC200. It’s from near here at Puerto de las Nieves, that large ships set sail to Tenerife .

Winding your way through the coastal mountain ranges, one of the best view points is Anden Verde and Mirador del Balcon. Just pull over, walk down to the viewing platform and take in the views. Following the GC 200 south you’ll eventually reach the coastal road. En route to Puerto Rico I decided to take an evening swim at Amadores beach. The golden sand gently slopes from the shore and the bay is lit up by neighbouring hotels. Simply refreshing ……..

Puerto Mogan is one of the most picturesque fishing villages and marinas on the island. Dubbed the ‘Venice of Gran Canaria’, there is a canal with flower boxes, running alongside a small road. Tourism started developing in the 80’s. Take in the view from the water front cafes and don’t forget your camera.

Yellow submarine trips can be taken daily from the harbour, and submerge to around a depth of 25m, where you can witness some local fish and a freighter.


If markets appeal to you then shop for Mogan’s Friday morning bargains for items such as lace table clothes, shoes and African drums etc.