No. 30 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

6
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 30
The island of Gran Canaria can be enjoyed in endless
ways, each of them amazing visitors with a unique perspective
and experience which will win them over for
good. On this occasion, we propose that readers of It's
Gran Canaria venture around the island from viewpoint
to viewpoint, as they offer wonderful opportunities to
observe and photograph the most stunning landscapes
and sunsets from privileged locations. From the desert
setting of Maspalomas Dunes in the south, to the steep
slopes of the summit area or the crashing Atlantic Ocean,
contrasting with the black volcanic rock of the north.
Roque Nublo
Our first stop is right at the heart of the island, at the
stunning Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria’s true emblem
and Natural Monument. It is an enormous monolith of
volcanic origin that rises nearly 90 metres from its base
and 1,813 metres above sea level. It was used as a place of
worship by the Canary aboriginal dwellers and it is easy
to understand why going up to the base and enjoying
the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings at the
Nublo Natural Park and a large part of the island’s Biosphere
Reserve is such a pleasure. The local vegetation
comprising broom, laburnum and sage combines with
the Canary pine forest to provide an exotic aroma. Visitors
can also spot all kind of fauna in the shape of reptiles,
lizards, skinks and geckos, plus woodpeckers, blue
chaffinches, blue tits, crows and warblers, and birds of
prey including kestrels, buzzards, sparrow hawks and
owls. There is a highly accessible footpath that begins at
Degollada de La Goleta, at kilometre point 11 on the GC-
600 main road, which is a 40-minute walk to the base of
the Roque Nublo, with appropriate footwear, sufficient
water and a minimum level of fitness. It is especially
recommended to calculate the ascent time in order to
watch the sunset from the summit. You will be at a loss
for words to describe the breaktaking landscape that unfolds
before you.
Andén Verde or El Balcón
Gran Canaria from a string of viewpoints
The Andén Verde or El Balcón viewpoint, which is located
in the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás, on the island’s
west coast, is part of the Tamadaba Natural Park. It
affords stunning views over the Atlantic from the top of a
range of cliffs, with the famous 'dragon’s tail' spread out
before us, so called because this string of pointed mountain
peaks resembles this mythological creature. We are
standing at the oldest part of the island in geological
terms, and we are treated to the volcanic lava flows that
raised up the land from the depths of the ocean some
15 million years ago. The area is said to have suffered a
huge collapse in the shape of a 20-kilometre long arch
between La Aldea and Sardina, in the municipality of Gáldar.
In addition to a magical sunset, the viewpoint provides
panoramic views over the neighbouring island of
Tenerife; and on a curious note, a new volcano is rising
up some 2,500 metres under water between the islands
and has already reached 500 metres in height. As for
the local vegetation, standout endemic species include
cardoon and tabaiba plants that are scattered all around
the cliffs, accompanied by birds such as shearwaters and
petrels. In order to access the viewpoint, we have to take
the road between Agaete and La Aldea de San Nicolás or
viceversa, and turn off at the signpost for Andén Verde.
Vista desde el Roque Nublo
Maspalomas Dunes
At the heart of the Maspalomas Dunes Special Natural
Reserve is this viewpoint which looks out over over one
of the top tourist attractions in the south of Gran Canaria,
an area of sand dunes covering over 400 hectares, that
look like huge golden mountains, rising up just metres
from the Atlantic Ocean. The dunes boast a huge ecological
value, as the nearby pond is home to numerous
bird species, both nesting and migratory birds, together
with reptiles such as the Gran Canaria giant lizard. In
addition, the site is of great scientific interest, treasuring
unique and beautiful geomorphological and geological
elements. The viewpoint is accessed along the Paseo
Costa Canaria at the junction with Avenida de Alemania,
and offers, in addition to unrivalled views over the dunes,
panoramic views all along the strip of coastland at the
municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
El Guriete and La Sorrueda
At the heart of a truly amazing landscape paradise, and
part of the Gran Canaria Biosphere reserve, stand the
viewpoints of El Guriete and La Sorrueda, in the municipality
of Santa Lucía de Tirajana. They provide commanding
views over mountainous escarpments, the
plummeting Barranco de Las Tirajanas ravine and lush
swathes of Canary palm trees, as well as a reservoir of
the same name, and the Ansite Fortress archaeological
settlement, one of the most important on the island. The
settlement is made up of three great rocks, namely Fortaleza
Grande, Fortaleza Chica and Titana, which were
used by Canary natives for over 2,000 years for housing,
a funeral site and a food storage area. Near to the viewpoints
is the visitor centre and museum for this archaeological
complex. Access to this area is along the GC-65
main road and the turn off to the GC-651.
Mirador Maspalomas