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Blog Oficial de Turismo de Gran Canaria

Las Nieves windmill, Agaete

The windmills of Gran Canaria

Dotted across the Island are a great many windmills that were used for a variety of different things from milling grain for flour or “gofio”, pumping water for irrigation or even seawater to be used in the salt pans. Nowadays we’ve got wind turbines too, to help us power the Island. But the idea that somehow ecology is a modern concept is totally misguided. Centuries ago, our ancestors were already using water and wind to power those mills.


Faro de Maspalomas

Lighthouses that shine on Gran Canaria

Construction of the Maspalomas Lighthouse was a real feat of engineering, so much so that they even had to build a small dock to bring in all the building materials. It is undoubtedly the most photographed lighthouse on Gran Canaria and its surroundings make it even more striking.

You can find it in the south, in the Island´s popular tourist area, and next to the Dunes of Maspalomas Special Nature Reserve, a unique collection of ecosystems protected by law since 1987. The dunes have also been the backdrop to some well-known TV shows and films like Netflix's “The Witcher” or “Clash of the Titans”.


Roque Bentyaga - Roque Nublo

7 symbols of life and resilience in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria holds many natural and cultural gems seeped in strong symbolism right now.

1. Seeds of hope
Few things embody and symbolise life and the future so profoundly as a seed. Gran Canaria can boast seeds that have been capable of stepping through time to remain in the same spot. Genetic studies have demonstrated that the type of barley still grown on the island today is the same as the ancient prehispanic society planted here more than one thousand years ago. This small miracle of resilience remains wrapped up in the seeds prized by the people living inland in the mid-lands and on the peaks. Their simple gesture keeps the harvest of hope going.


Roque Nublo

5 landmarks that make Gran Canaria a heritage gem

Gran Canaria is one of those extraordinary places brimming with archaeological, ethnographic, artistic and natural treasures of worldwide importance.

Some places stand out for their nature. In others, their historical or artistic legacy shines particularly brightly. There are also sites recognised the world over for their traditions. And finally, there are lands that seem to practically have it all. Gran Canaria forms part of this select list of places that really stand out for a full array of wonders.


Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve Viewpoint

Gran Canaria opens windows over the universe

The astronomic viewpoints in Gran Canaria help you really make the most of the Island’s excellent star-gazing conditions.

Frank was born in a place in Gran Canaria where the firmament is just another extension of life and forms part of the culture, the history and the language because you can really speak to the heavens here. Born in San Mateo, he grew up around Cueva Grande (Big Cave), at the island’s peak, where human beings and the infinite seem to go hand in hand. “I have been aware of looking at the sky since I was very little, four or five years old,” recalls this astronomy-mad teacher whose memory is a sort of planetary system around which family celebrations and lunar eclipses orbit and coexist.