Why Not See The Real Gran Canaria?

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As the island is only approximately 30 miles across at the widest part, you can see a good chunk of it in a day. I travelled in an 8 seater people carrier with Thomson on their Island delights premium. We journeyed towards Mogan in the west before heading northeast inland. If you think Gran Canaria grows mainly bananas, then think again! 40,000 tonnes of tomatoes are produced every year in San Nicolas de Tolentino, which are exported to Europe.

Other produce grown on the island includes lemons, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, mangoes, avocados, olives, pears and figs. Aloe Vera plants, poinsettias, cacti such as prickly pear all grow in the wild.

Passing along winding roads, one can see spectacular mountainous scenery as well as unusual rock formations i.e. the ‘gorillas head’ rock. The Canary Islands are volcanic and Gran Canaria was formed 13.5 million years ago.

Heading along the road, some spectacular shades can be seen in the rocks for example green (copper), yellow (sulphur), and iron (rusty orange).

The national symbol is Roque Nublo (cloud rock) and is very near the geographical centre of the island. 4000 people still live in caves, a modern version of the Guanche ancestry. Cave house temperatures range between 18-23oC all year round.

Our highest point was around 1900m and near this area we entered the pine forest area and had a lunch stop. On a clear day it is possible to see Mount Teide in Tenerife ; if you’re lucky you can see further to La Gomera Island

Teror is a small town situated in the northeast foothills. Notice the intricate craftsmanship of carved wooden balconies. Cobbled streets and whitewashed houses lead towards the basilica. Neo classical in style, the Virgen del Pino (Our lady of the pine) basilica was completed in 1767.

Alternatively helicopter flights range from 10-30 minutes and it’s a great way to get a bird’s eye view with a group of up to 6 people. Flying over Bahia Feliz