ExploGC

There’s a moment every year when Gran Canaria begins to change. When the warm ocean breeze mixes with the scent of roasted chestnuts, when the evenings suddenly sparkle a little brighter, and when the island—already full of colour—adds an entirely new palette of Christmas lights and festive decorations. And every year, that moment seems to come earlier. Christmas on Gran Canaria is getting more visible, more vibrant, and more full of life. This year, it’s everywhere. Truly everywhere. Parque Sur: From Quiet Park to Christmas Wonderland We started the week in Parque Sur in Maspalomas, usually a peaceful place for morning walks, relaxed picnics, or just sitting under the palm trees watching the koi ponds shimmer beneath the sun. But not now. Not in December. The moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into a glowing storybook. Lights wrapped themselves around every tree and lamppost. Gigantic Christmas figures stood proudly on the paths—snowmen, reindeer, angels, and huge ...

Today was Auke Day — a solo adventure across Gran Canaria while Miranda is in the Netherlands. Since I don’t have a driver’s license, the only way to travel was by guagua, and that turned out to be the perfect choice. The buses became my guide, carrying me from the warm south to the cool mountain peaks and all the way into the Christmas lights of Las Palmas. What started as a simple bus ride turned into a full island journey. There are days when Gran Canaria feels small, and there are days when it feels like a whole continent. Today was the second kind — a journey from dunes to mountains, from misty peaks to glowing Christmas streets, all by one of the island’s most iconic companions: the guagua. Leaving the South – The Start of a Long Adventure The day began quietly in Maspalomas, with the morning light still soft over the dunes. I boarded the bus at 9 heading northward, the same old familiar blue-and-yellow guagua that carries stories, locals, tourists, and now — me — on ...

There are days when Gran Canaria feels bigger than the map suggests — when the island opens itself up in layers, in terraces, in stories carved into the mountainsides. Today was one of those days. We climbed high above Las Palmas, into the rugged ridges of San Juan and San José, two neighbourhoods suspended between history and sky. The air was clear, the winter sun warm but not heavy, and the city below looked almost miniature — a model of streets, rooftops, and distant sea, framed by the sharp edges of the old volcanic cliffs. We came here for one reason: To explore the forgotten military settlement that once guarded the city. From City Noise to Mountain Silence Above them, the terrain changed — concrete yielding to earth, walls giving way to open slopes. The higher we climbed, the quieter the world became, until Las Palmas sounded like a faraway radio in another room. The ridge opened up. And there they were. The military structures. Silent. Empty. But still standing with...

Today we went to Parque Tívoli Las Palmas — or rather, to the place where the dream once stood. There is nothing left now. Nothing but a wide open space, a barren mountain of gravel, dust, and broken illusions. What was meant to become a kingdom of fun, excitement, and family joy has been demolished right down to the ground, erased almost completely from the surface of Gran Canaria. Only the faint shape of the terrain hints that something was once planned here… something big, something magical. We parked the car and stepped out into the warm air. The wind moved softly over the empty lot, carrying the feeling of a forgotten story — one written in hopeful ink, then abandoned mid-page. The silence was heavy, but not unfriendly. More like a book waiting for someone to open it again. Walking across the uneven ground, we tried to imagine what this place was supposed to be. A rollercoaster towering above the city. A Ferris wheel turning slowly toward the sky. Families laughing, ch...

Today’s adventure took us to one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the north of Gran Canaria: the rugged line between Punta de Gáldar and Caleta de Abajo, two places connected by a quiet coastal street that feels like it sits outside of time. Long before we reached the sea, we already knew this day would be special. The road that led us there was wrapped in endless green: banana fields that stretch like a patchwork towards the horizon. Driving through them felt like entering a hidden world. The warm breeze carried the sweet smell of bananas, the plants rustling on both sides, tall and dense, forming green corridors that opened suddenly to small glimpses of the Atlantic. That combination of agriculture and ocean—so typical in the north of the island—already set the tone: peaceful, authentic, a Gran Canaria untouched by tourism. Our first stop was Punta de Gáldar, a place where the land meets the ocean with force and personality. There is no soft sand, no promena...

Today the island woke up beneath a light blanket of clouds. The sun was still there somewhere, hidden but glowing softly through the grey. It wasn’t the kind of weather that invites you to the beach — it was the kind that whispers “go explore.” So that’s exactly what we did. Our destination: Cactualdea Park, a green and spiny paradise tucked into the western hills of Gran Canaria. The road there winds through quiet villages, past terraces, and open valleys where the air smells faintly of dry grass and sea wind. As we approached, the shapes of tall cactuses began to appear along the roadside — a perfect prelude to what was waiting inside. At the entrance, we were greeted by a small pond where a group of wild ducks lived as if they owned the place. Some were swimming lazily in circles, others stood on the stones shaking water from their feathers. Their calm presence instantly made us smile. It was such a peaceful welcome — as if nature itself was saying “bienvenidos.” Just a ...

The day began under a brilliant blue sky, the kind of perfect morning that makes Gran Canaria glow with its full charm. The Atlantic shimmered with a thousand reflections, and a gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the sea along the promenade of Meloneras. As we walked toward the Faro de Maspalomas, the sunlight glinted off its tall, elegant tower — the iconic lighthouse that has watched over this coast for more than a century. The Faro stands proudly at the edge of the ocean, where the modern world of Meloneras fades into the timeless beauty of the Maspalomas dunes. Its stone walls have seen sailing ships pass, storms roar, and decades of change. Yet today, it welcomes visitors with warmth and curiosity — part museum, part cultural centre, part guardian of Canarian heritage. Inside, the temperature dropped slightly, and the cool air smelled faintly of polished wood and time. The museum immediately drew us in. The exhibits were far more impressive than we expected — a r...

There are days when Gran Canaria feels like it’s glowing — like every colour has been turned up just a little brighter. This was one of those days. The sky was an endless, perfect blue, and the air shimmered with heat even before noon. Auke and Miranda parked the car by a curve of the GC-200, the famous mountain road that twists through the island’s rugged southwest. Ahead of them, the cliffs of Los Azulejos rose like a wall of colour — bands of blue, green, yellow, orange, and red glowing under the sun. Miranda shaded her eyes and grinned. “It looks like the mountain’s been painted by hand,” she said. Auke laughed. “Then let’s go see it up close.” They started the climb. The trail wound its way between sharp rocks and small dry shrubs, the scent of warm stone and dust rising with every step. The sun pressed hard on their backs, but there was no wind — not even a whisper. Just the sound of their footsteps and the occasional buzz of an insect breaking the silence. The higher...

The day began with wind — that kind of steady Atlantic wind that never truly leaves Arinaga. It whistled across the coast, rippling the surface of the sea and bending the dry grass that clings stubbornly to the volcanic ground. Auke and Miranda stood at the Risco Verde viewpoint, looking out toward the long curve of the coast where the land rises in dark, silent shapes. Somewhere out there, among the rocks and the salt, lay the old military bunkers of Arinaga — forgotten, half-buried, and whispering stories from another age. The path began as a simple dirt trail, winding between low volcanic hills and patches of desert plants. The air smelled of salt and heat. There were no crowds, no sounds of traffic — just the crunch of gravel beneath our shoes and the deep rhythmic breath of the ocean. It felt like walking into another time. --- 🧭 Following the Ghosts of a Fortress As we approached the ruins, the first thing that appeared was a concrete silhouette, weathered and fractu...

Tonight, we decided to explore one of the oldest and most charming parts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — Vegueta, the historical heart where the island’s story truly began. By the time we arrived, the last traces of daylight had already disappeared behind the Atlantic horizon, and the narrow cobbled streets were glowing under the soft, warm light of old-style lanterns. Our first stop was the Mercadillo de Vegueta, where the last vendors were already packing up their stands. The air carried a mix of aromas — roasted nuts, fresh fruit, and something sweet that lingered around one of the nearby stalls. Even though the market was closing, the square still buzzed quietly with a few people chatting and laughing, unwilling to end their evening just yet. From there, we wandered deeper into the labyrinth of small streets that make Vegueta so enchanting. Each turn revealed something new — a cozy cafetera with a few tables on the terrace, groups of friends enjoying their drinks, and t...

There are places on Gran Canaria where time seems to move differently — slower, quieter, and somehow fuller. Montaña Alta, high above Santa María de Guía, is one of those places. Hidden among the rolling green hills of the island’s north, this small mountain rewards every step with a moment of wonder. Our walk began at an altitude of around 880 meters, where the air already felt fresher and the landscape began to shift from coastal blue to mountain green. The road narrowed into a path, and in front of us appeared a natural stairway — 99 steps carved by time and nature itself. Each step carried us a little higher, the view widening behind us with every breath. At the top of the stairs, a small stone passage opened the way to the summit. It felt almost like stepping through a secret doorway — a quiet moment before the world expanded again. And then, as we emerged, the Mirador de Montaña Alta revealed itself at 950 meters above sea level. From up there, the panorama was simply...

Today we decided to spend some time in one of Maspalomas’ most recognizable spots: the Oasis Maspalomas Shopping Centre. Nestled right next to the famous Faro de Maspalomas and the Atlantic Ocean, this shopping centre has been welcoming visitors for decades, and it still keeps its charm. As soon as we arrived, the contrast between the bright blue sky above and the lively atmosphere around the shops caught our attention. The whole area feels like a meeting point for both tourists and locals – a place where shopping, dining, and relaxing come together. Walking through the centre, we found a wide variety of shops, ranging from souvenir stands with colourful trinkets and postcards, to fashion boutiques offering beachwear, summer dresses, and accessories. The vibe was casual, easy-going, and perfect for those who want to enjoy a day without rushing. What stood out most was the abundance of bars and restaurants. Almost every corner had a terrace filled with people sipping cold dr...

Today was another day of discovery, filled with mystery, a touch of danger, and the beauty of Gran Canaria’s contrasting landscapes. Our plan was simple: explore forgotten places, feel the stories behind the walls, and enjoy the road that takes us there. But as always, the island had its own surprises for us. The Abandoned Expedition Centre Our first stop brought us to an abandoned expedition centre. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this place had been silent for many years. Trucks and cars were still parked outside, their metal eaten away by rust, slowly sinking into the ground as nature reclaimed what once belonged to man. The main building, once painted in yellow, was now nothing more than a canvas for graffiti artists, every wall screaming with colors and messages left by others who had passed before us. We searched for a way inside, walking carefully around the front. Every window and door seemed sealed, but curiosity pushed us further. So, we decided to t...

Sometimes the most memorable journeys are the ones that don’t go as planned. Our recent trip was meant to be simple: a drive to a viewpoint near Moya, in the northwest of Gran Canaria. But the island had other ideas, and what unfolded became a day full of surprises, unexpected places, and the quiet beauty of the north coast. --- Setting Off with a Plan The morning in the south promised everything. The sky was a canvas of clear blue, with only a few lazy clouds gathering somewhere over the east. It was the kind of weather that makes you think, yes, today everything will work out perfectly. We started the drive on the GC-1, heading north. The road is familiar, but every trip feels different depending on the season, the light, the air. The further we drove, the more the weather began to shift. The blue sky softened, turning into pale gray patches. By the time we passed Telde, the first tiny raindrops tapped on the windshield—nothing heavy, just enough to whisper that change wa...

Today we went to explore Cueva de Las Huesas, a place that carries an aura unlike anywhere else on Gran Canaria. Hidden just above the neighborhood that shares its name, this cave complex in Telde has long been known as a site of mystery, memory, and silence. The walk to reach it was easy — just a short path of soft, dry earth winding across volcanic stone. With every step, the modern city below seemed to fade, replaced by the raw presence of rock, sky, and something older that lingered in the air. Before entering, we first walked around the outside of the cave. From here, you can see how it was carefully carved into the toba stone: a broad rectangular chamber with four wide openings facing south, almost mirroring the famous Cuatro Puertas site on the opposite side of the valley. Around it, smaller hollows and niches punctuate the rock, as if the entire hillside was once alive with sacred purpose. The ambience was… strange. Not unpleasant, but heavy in a way, as though the ...

Today was a very special day for us, because we finally got to try something we have wanted for a long time: our very own drone! Adding this extra dimension to our videos has always been a dream. But as anyone who has looked into drones knows, there are many restrictions, rules, and confusing regulations—especially when it comes to weight and where you can fly. That is why the DJI Neo, weighing under 250 grams, felt like the perfect choice. It’s lightweight, simple to use, and thanks to its small size, it also carries fewer risks of breaking if something goes wrong. We decided to go for the Fly More Combo, because when it comes to batteries and accessories, more is always better when you are out in the field. For the first flight we drove into the beautiful Barranco de Fataga, a canyon full of dramatic cliffs and natural beauty. Our chosen spot was at Cuevas de Ventanas, a fascinating place where the old cave openings look like windows cut into the rocks. It felt like the p...

Puerto de Mogán, often called the “Little Venice of Gran Canaria,” has its own rhythm that seems to flow slower than the rest of the island. For Auke and Miranda, this small fishing village blended with a marina and sandy beach is not just a postcard scene – it’s a place to walk, explore, and breathe in the essence of Gran Canaria. The evening began with a gentle stroll along the beach promenade. The sound of waves brushing against the golden sand gave a calm background melody as. Auke pointed out how the promenade itself seemed alive – lined with small cafés, ice cream shops, and boutiques selling summer dresses, handmade jewelry, and souvenirs that spark the memory of a holiday well spent. Miranda enjoyed stopping here and there to peek into little shops, while Auke preferred to watch the horizon. From the promenade, they naturally drifted into the harbour of Puerto de Mogán. Here, the atmosphere shifted. The fishing village charm met the luxury of sailing yachts, with th...

It’s July in Gran Canaria. The sun blazes high above the Atlantic, painting the sky in deep blue tones and casting a golden warmth over the island that never seems to sleep. Summer has arrived in full swing — long days, warm nights, and that buzzing feeling in the air that tells you: this is the season for adventures, discoveries, and soaking up every drop of life. And yes, while many slow down in the heat, we don’t. Quite the opposite — we’re more alive than ever. Whether it's walking coastal promenades with salty breezes in our hair, sneaking into hidden paths no map dares to mention, or wandering through a sleepy village that suddenly surprises us with a fiesta or a forgotten story… we’re still chasing the essence of this island. Gran Canaria doesn’t just shimmer under the sun — it radiates. And we’re here to capture it, every week, without fail. Even with the heat rising and calendars filling fast, our commitment to sharing the soul of Gran Canaria continues. Every ...

Today, we stepped into a forgotten world. After spending time researching its remarkable history and curious downfall, we decided to visit Finca San Rafael, an abandoned rural estate hidden in the hills of Telde, Gran Canaria. The story of this place fascinated us — once a proud and wealthy estate filled with agriculture, architecture, and life, now left to decay in silence. We had no expectations, only curiosity. The First Glimpse: A Silent Giant The moment we arrived, we were struck by the stillness. The finca sits quietly beneath the sun, surrounded by olive trees and dry grasses, its whitewashed walls weathered and broken. Birds fluttered overhead, and the warm June breeze moved softly through the empty fields. There was no one else. Just us… and the past. We entered the main house through a wide, broken opening where the original gate must have stood. The first thing we saw was the central courtyard, still visible despite the collapse of the surrounding walls. It once ...