ExploGC

What began as a spontaneous idea has now become a heartfelt mission. The story of ExploGC is not just about creating videos—it’s about capturing the soul of Gran Canaria. It’s about a journey—two people, a camera, and an island full of untold stories.

Back in early 2021, long before they would walk in front of a camera or think about film quality or editing techniques, Auke and Miranda simply wanted to share the beauty of Gran Canaria. During a time when many people around the world couldn’t travel, they decided to bring the island to them—through short social media videos. A walk on the beach, a hidden trail, a historic building—whatever sparked their curiosity became a window into this Atlantic paradise.

There was no name at first. Just fun. Just two passionate explorers showing beloved and unknown corners of the island. The reactions were immediate: “This reminds me of our holidays…”, “I’ve never seen that part before!” The comments, likes, and shared memories from viewers around the world turned their hobby into something bigger.

In January 2021, the name ExploGC was born. "Explore Gran Canaria" in spirit and style. With only basic equipment, Auke and Miranda started filming more seriously. The quality wasn’t perfect—but the love, the passion, and the authenticity were real. That’s what mattered. And it showed.

Still, a dream lingered. A dream to go further. To document Gran Canaria in cinematic quality—to combine the documentary feel with nostalgic formats like VHSC, Hi8, 8mm and Super8 film. That dream felt distant, even demotivating, because the tools weren’t yet available. But Auke and Miranda didn’t stop. They pressed forward, mixing the old with the new. Nostalgia and now.

Their love for photography—digital and analogue—only grew. They captured sunsets in Agaete, shadows in abandoned buildings, sea foam on the Maspalomas dunes, and the vibrant life of local markets. They shared the joyful chaos of city festivals, the silence of forgotten mountain trails, and the solemn history etched into village walls. Their goal wasn’t to make everything “perfect.” It was to make everything honest.

Then, in January—after saving and dreaming—they finally invested in semi-professional and professional equipment. It was a new chapter. They started appearing in the videos themselves—Auke and Miranda, not just behind the lens but part of the story. Commenting, reacting, laughing, wondering. The island was no longer just a subject—it became a companion in their explorations.

And what a companion Gran Canaria is.

Even after many years living on the island, they continue to find new places—an unknown stairway in Agüimes, a collapsed structure whispering stories in the north, a beach with no road leading to it. From the cathedrals of Las Palmas to the lost roads of Fataga, from urban rhythms to timeless villages, ExploGC has become a time capsule, a digital diary, and a love letter to this volcanic island.

Now, they have reached a milestone:
100 videos.
100 stories.
100 reasons to keep exploring.

Each video holds a different chapter:

A dusty road into the unknown with only the sound of wind.
A cheerful stroll through a Sunday market with locals and Colors everywhere.
A deep dive into history at a forgotten museum.
A playful ride on the iconic Playa del Inglés mini train.
An eerie visit to a once-grand site now claimed by nature.

Through 100 videos, Auke and Miranda have turned ExploGC into something unique—not a travel guide, not a vlog—but a living, breathing experience of Gran Canaria’s soul.

And they are not done yet.

New adventures are waiting. New ruins to investigate. New viewpoints to photograph. New cafés to sip coffee in after a long walk. Their journey is proof that you don’t have to fly across oceans to find wonder—sometimes, it’s just around the corner. You just need to look.

So here’s to the next 100.
To the unseen. The untold.
To mystery. To history.
To village roads and city lights.
To Auke and Miranda.
To ExploGC.

Gran Canaria has never looked so real.

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On the road looking for Almond Blossoms

A Day in the Mountains: Exploring the Almond Blossoms of Gran Canaria Today was one of those days that felt like an adventure right from the start. The sun was shining brightly, and the skies were an endless blue, promising a perfect day for a little exploration. We, Auke, Miranda, Ralf, Susanne set off at 10 AM, eager to embark on our mountain excursion in search of the much-anticipated almond blossoms. The journey ahead would take us deep into the heart of Gran Canaria’s stunning natural landscape. Our route took us up the winding roads toward San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where we were greeted by a surprising number of cyclists. The trail seemed to be a popular choice for bike enthusiasts, their wheels spinning tirelessly as they made their way uphill, each person determined to conquer the mountainous terrain. It was a lovely sight, adding a little touch of life and activity to the already picturesque landscape. As we drove past San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the scenery star...

Exploring the Past: A Journey to Mundo Aborigen

Exploring the Past: A Journey to Mundo Aborigen The sun rose over Gran Canaria, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink as the ExploGC team—Auke and Miranda—set off on their latest adventure. Today, they were joined by their friends, Ralf and Susanne, for a journey back in time at Mundo Aborigen, a unique open-air museum nestled in the heart of the island. As they drove through the winding mountain roads, the landscape shifted from coastal views to rugged terrain. Mundo Aborigen stood proudly on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Barranco de Fataga, a deep ravine with towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The group stepped out of the car, immediately feeling the warm breeze mixed with the scent of pine and dry earth. At the entrance, an old wooden sign welcomed them to this remarkable recreation of the ancient Canarian way of life. The village was designed to resemble how the indigenous Guanche people had lived centuries ago before the Spanish conquest....

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Agricultural Past – Museo de la Zafra

Today, we’re in Santa Lucía de Tirajana, at the Museo de la Zafra, where we’re diving into the agricultural history of Gran Canaria!" This museum tells the story of the island’s farming traditions, especially the tomato industry, which was a massive part of Gran Canaria’s economy for decades. The first thing you notice when you step inside is how well-preserved everything is. These old farming tools and black-and-white photos really take you back in time!. It’s fascinating how agriculture shaped life here. Tomatoes, especially, played a huge role in the local economy, and this museum does an amazing job showing how farmers cultivated them. The museum explains how tomatoes became a major export in the early 20th century. Farmers had to adapt to the island’s volcanic soil and unique climate to grow them successfully. This museum isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about the hardworking people who built the island’s economy with their dedication to the land. Walking throug...

Hotel Los Frailes Tafira Alta a hotel that could never return to its original purpose.

Exploring the Forgotten: A Day of Filming at Hotel Los Frailes Today was another exciting adventure as we set out to film for ExploGC, our ongoing project showcasing the hidden gems of Gran Canaria. Our destination? Tafira Alta, a picturesque area in the northeast of the island. More specifically, we had our sights set on Los Frailes, a once-grand hotel now lost in time. Arriving at Los Frailes The journey to Tafira Alta was as scenic as ever, with winding roads leading us through lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Upon arriving at Los Frailes, we were met with an unexpected obstacle—a massive "For Sale" banner stretched across the front, and the entire area was fenced off. Disappointed but not discouraged, we decided to scout the perimeter, hoping to find a way in. Eventually, we spotted a small opening in the fence that allowed us to squeeze through. With cameras in hand, we stepped inside, eager to rediscover this forgotten relic. A Walk Through Memory Lane This...

Christmas Lights and Shopping Dreams in Las Palmas

Las Palmas in December always feels like stepping into a living Christmas card, but this year… this year it was pure magic. Millions of lights draped the streets, shimmering across shop windows, palm trees, and balconies as if the entire city had decided to sparkle for us. The evening air was soft, a gentle hint of the ocean in every breath, and from the moment we arrived, the festive atmosphere wrapped around us like a warm hug. 🌆 Walking Through a City of Lights We started our walk in the early evening, just when the sky was turning that deep, velvety blue that makes every light shine even brighter. The streets of Las Palmas were alive. People drifted from one shop to another, families were laughing, and Christmas music floated through open doors. Every corner revealed something new: glowing stars above us, illuminated arches, and trees covered with twinkling fairy lights. As we strolled, we passed display after display—colourful toys, holiday decorations, shining jewell...

Centro de Interpretación del Barranco de Guayadeque A Journey Through Time

A Sunny Morning in Barranco de Guayadeque We arrived on a sunny morning, when the Barranco de Guayadeque was glowing in shades of green and deep volcanic brown. The road into the ravine always feels like a quiet transition — leaving the busy island behind and entering a place where time moves differently. Steep rock walls rose on both sides, protecting a valley shaped by fire, water, and centuries of human life. The air was warm but fresh, and the vegetation felt unexpectedly lush for such a rugged landscape. Guayadeque never feels empty. Even in silence, it feels alive. Parking near the Museo de Guayadeque, we took a moment to look around. Cave homes were scattered along the slopes, some ancient, some still lived in today. It’s one of those rare places where history isn’t locked behind glass — it’s part of the landscape itself. Inside the Rock: The Museo de Guayadeque The museum is built into the rock, blending naturally into the ravine wall. From the outside it feels mode...

Christmas Lights & Island Magic – Gran Canaria in Full Festive Glow

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 ...

An Evening Walk Through the Beginning of the South

The evening light in San Agustín always feels different. Softer. Slower. As if the sun itself knows that this place was never meant for rushing. Our walk began at a building that quietly carries more history than most people realise: Hotel Las Folias, today known as Hotel New Folias. Standing there at the start, it was impossible not to think about what this place represents. This was not just another hotel. This was the beginning. When Hotel Folias opened in 1965, the south of Gran Canaria as we know it today did not yet exist. No Playa del Inglés full of lights, no Maspalomas boulevard, no endless resorts. Just land, wind, and an idea that this quiet coastline could become something more. Starting our walk here felt like stepping into the first page of a long story. From the hotel, we headed gently uphill toward Shopping Center San Agustín. The evening had settled in comfortably by now. The heat of the day was fading, replaced by a warm breeze coming from the ocean. The s...

A Day with the Ancients – Exploring Cenobio de Valerón and Cueva de Pintada

A Day with the Ancients – Exploring Cenobio de Valerón and Cueva de Pintada Today was one of those days that leaves you both awestruck and deeply connected to the roots of Gran Canaria. Alongside Auke and Miranda, we had the pleasure of venturing out with our dear friend Yvette to uncover more of the island’s fascinating aboriginal history. Our first destination: the legendary Cenobio de Valerón. Located in the northern municipality of Santa María de Guía, Cenobio de Valerón is not just a site—it’s a journey back in time. As we approached the entrance, the rugged terrain and cliffs of the north surrounded us in a dramatic embrace. This monumental collective granary, carved directly into the volcanic rock, is estimated to have been built more than 800 years ago by the ancient Canarios—long before the Spanish conquest. Despite its name, “Cenobio” (which implies a monastic origin), this place wasn’t a monastery. It was a communal granary, used to store grains, seeds, and other...

Filming for ExploGC: Exploring Playa del Inglés and Meloneras

A Day Filming for ExploGC: Exploring Playa del Inglés and Meloneras The day started with excitement as we prepared for another adventure with ExploGC Explore Gran Canaria. Our plan was simple but filled with opportunities to capture the essence of Playa del Inglés and Meloneras. The highlight? A ride on the iconic Mini Train, a visit to the vibrant market, and an evening stroll near the famous Faro Maspalomas. A Nostalgic Ride on the Mini Train With cameras ready, we hopped aboard the Mini Train in Playa del Inglés. Built in 1973 and running since 1975, this charming little train has become part of the town’s soul. As we rolled through the streets, the gentle breeze carried the scent of the ocean, and tourists waved as we passed. Filming from the train offered a unique perspective—colorful hotels, lively streets, and the golden dunes peeking in the distance. We captured families enjoying their vacations, street performers entertaining the crowds, and the relaxed atmosphere ...

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ExploGC – From History to Mystery, From Village to City: 100 Videos Exploring Gran Canaria with Auke and Miranda

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