No. 32 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

34
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 32
Around Gran Canaria from rockpool to rockpool
Roque Prieto
In addition to the extensive golden or black sandy
beaches and coves that are a delight for visitors
who come to Gran Canaria in search of fine weather
and a place to unwind, the island offers plenty
of other unique spots for enjoying the warm sun
and having a pleasant dip in the water. They can
choose from salt or fresh water, both on the coast
at numerous natural pools set in volcanic rocks, or
in the interior, with crystal clear pools that appear
from behind little nooks and crannies at the heart
of varied and valuable natural surroundings. Below
we reveal a few of these spectacular spots that will
ensure you enjoy the wilder side to Gran Canaria.
La Furnia
This is one of the most secluded and least known
natural pools in the north of the island. It is located
in the municipality of Gáldar, hidden away among
volcanic rocks and cliffs providing shelter for crystal
clear water that is constantly renewed thanks
to the ocean waves that flood in at high tide. The
difficult access to the bathing area has kept this
place practically unspoilt and the custody of local
residents. Near here is the Cueva de Furnia archaeological
settlement.
Roque Prieto
These half-natural pools are in the municipality of
Santa María de Guía, in the north of the island. They
feature two large volcanic rock pools, with different
depths and surrounded by a prefabricated wall
that shelters them from the incoming waves. This
protects the crystal clear water, making the pools
ideal for a family day out.
Las Salinas de Agaete
These are three natural rock pools that sit right
on the edge of the ocean in the municipality of
Agaete. They are interconnected by volcanic tubes
which renews their water at all times, while they
are protected by rough open sea currents by concrete
basins that, rather like battlements, simulate
a unique kind of fortress set right inside the rock.
Visitors are recommended to go for a bathe at sunset,
as nightfall around here is memorable.
Charco de San Lorenzo
This is an ensemble of natural pools carved out of
the volcanic rock along the coast of Villa de Moya,
a place to come to in order to enjoy the sun with
no risk of prevailing powerful waves. They are of
different sizes and depths, and even have an area
with sand and a sunbathing area, making them a
reference point for leisure and a meeting place for
both residents and foreign visitors to this northern
location. This is especially true in the summer,
when the area receives more visitors, although the
climatic conditions on this part of the island enable
it to be enjoyed throughout the year. It is also really
well connected, thanks to the GC-2 main road, and
has ample parking areas, and its facilities include
changing rooms, bathrooms, restaurants and tourist
accommodation.
Charco Azul
This enclave is located between the municipalities
of La Aldea de San Nicolás and Agaete, and is just
a few kilometres’ walk from the ravine and district
of El Risco, at the northwest of the island. This pool
has water all through the year, and depending on
the amount of winter rainfall can have a spectacular
waterfall, offering enough depth for swimming.
Although it can only be accessed on foot, the path
La Furnia
that takes us there is quite straightforward and is
flat along most of its four kilometres, from its starting
point just off the GC-200 main road. The way
is surrounded by wild, natural countryside and a
monumental orography that provides the best reward
possible when we get there.
Charco de Las Palomas
At the summit municipality of Tejeda, right in the
centre of the island, there is also a pool called
Charco de Las Palomas, with a huge waterfall that
pours out from the reddish rock and forms a pool
down below surrounded by natural beauty. The
access point is located alongside the GC-60 main
road, opposite the monument of a large basket,
with views over Roque Bentayga and a 19th century
mill. To get there, it takes just a 15-minute walk
along a footpath that rises up along the Barranco
de Tejeda ravine bed.