Gran Canaria is renewing the certificate that declares the Island’s Biosphere Reserve a Starlight Destination

Gran Canaria continues to gaze dreamily up at the skies, with a passion that expands throughout the universe. The Island has renewed the certificate declaring its Biosphere Reserve a Starlight Destination until 2025. This certification recognises its commitment to astrotourism and consequently to protecting its night skies, keeping that extraordinary window on the stars wide open, for people from all over the world to gaze out of every day.

Fifteen million years ago, the ocean used to spread its blue expanse right over the same place where the island of Gran Canaria stands today. Then, the island rose from the bottom of the sea as a result of the force of volcanic eruptions, as this archipelago was born from volcanoes. The subsequent building and erosional stages gave rise to an astonishing and complex geological environment which lies behind the rich landscapes and the environmental and ethnographic wealth that attract visitors from all over the world.

The municipality of Telde, in the east of Gran Canaria, is situated in a fertile plain known as “La Vega Mayor”, a place one falls in love with at first sight. If we step inside this area, we will find an even greater treasure: bananas, oranges, cucumbers, flowers, ornamental plants, tomatoes, peppers and sugar cane are grown there.

Christmas in Gran Canaria shines in its cultural, culinary and commercial offer, in addition to the island’s mild climate, nature and fusion of tradition and modernity.

Sand does not make a distinction or cares about where the bare feet of the people who walk on it come from. And the waves that break on the shore speak a language that everyone can understand, no matter what their mother tongue is. All differences are washed away by the gentle breeze and the white foam, at least for a moment. That is why Gran Canaria displays its Christmas spirit on the beach, by recreating an ephemeral Sand Nativity Scene that carries a universal and timeless message.

I have lived on this peak for millions of years. I know because I have been keeping track of the suns and moons. I am the son of time and of an old volcano that is no longer here. The wind, the sun, the rain and the passing of the days have made me what I am: the prince and sentinel of a kingdom made of stone. But I am not alone. The pine woods and rocks that keep me company on these heights give shelter to beings that seem to be made of the same light that is now starting to draw its veil back. Hence, the lizards here are made of gold, emerald and sapphire.