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 take the path around the back, hoping to find an entrance. That’s when we realized: we were not alone.
A group of dogs suddenly appeared. Their presence was impossible to ignore—their loud barking echoed between the walls and trees, making the air heavy with tension. Among them we recognized breeds like Presa Canario and Staffords, strong and fearless guardians of this forgotten site. At first, they stayed behind the fence, warning us to leave, but at the end of the path one of them found a way out, stepping onto the same ground we were walking.
For a moment we stood frozen, adrenaline rushing, while the dog stood there with piercing eyes. It was clear—we were not welcome here. Without hesitation, we turned around and made our way back to the car, leaving the expedition centre and its secrets behind us.
A Stop at Degollada de las Yeguas
After that intense experience, we decided to change direction and head towards Fataga. On the way, we made a short but beautiful stop at Degollada de las Yeguas. From there, the view is breathtaking: on one side, the golden dunes of Maspalomas stretch towards the sea, while on the other, the mountains rise proudly towards the sky, with Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo standing like guardians of the island.
It’s one of those moments where you simply stand still and breathe deeply, realizing how unique Gran Canaria really is—a place where desert, sea, and high mountains exist side by side.
The Abandoned Sports Complex
From there, we drove further into the valley until we reached the charming village of Fataga, where our next destination awaited: an abandoned sports complex.
After parking the car, we started walking, climbing a small path until we arrived at a large square. The field immediately caught our attention—it was still in surprisingly good condition, covered with a deep red surface and white markings for different sports. You could easily imagine people once playing football, tennis, and even baseball here.
The changing rooms stood nearby, their walls filled with graffiti, just like the expedition centre earlier that day. Time had frozen here as well, but in a different way. Instead of being guarded by dogs, this place was open, silent, and strangely peaceful. The echoes of laughter, competition, and training still seemed to linger in the air, mixing with the quiet of the surrounding mountains.
Reflections
Today showed us two faces of Gran Canaria’s forgotten places. The first was intimidating, a reminder that some places are not meant to be entered—at least not without risk. The second was calm, carrying memories of joy and energy from another time.
Both had their own stories, hidden between walls and paths, waiting for explorers like us to feel their presence. And as always, the journey itself—between abandoned walls, barking dogs, and breathtaking mountain views—made the day unforgettable.
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