Gran Canaria - Tour North of the Island

Las Palmas

Embark on a journey through the northern treasures of the island, commencing in the vibrant capital, Las Palmas. It's a cultural mosaic where the golden sands of Las Canteras beach meet the bustling streets and the heritage of the old town, Vegueta. In Vegueta, history whispers from every corner, particularly from the imposing Santa Ana Cathedral, which offers breathtaking views from its towers.

Meander through the Parque de Santa Catalina for a pulse of city life and perhaps catch an impromptu music performance. To dive deeper into history, pay a visit to the Casa de Colón, where Christopher Columbus is said to have stayed. And if it's splendid city views you're after, the Castillo de la Luz houses art within its ancient walls and presents a panorama that traces the outline of the city's coastal charisma.

Arucas

Move onwards to Arucas, known as the city of flowers, with its spectacular neo-Gothic Church of San Juan Bautista dominating the skyline. Built from dark volcanic stone, it stands as a sentinel over the charm-filled streets. The enchanting Jardín de la Marquesa is a veritable oasis with its collection of exotic plant species, inviting strolls beneath its botanical canopy.

Take time to savor the smooth taste of the local rum at the Arehucas Distillery. Here, tradition flows as freely as the drinks they produce. The surrounding countryside of Arucas, replete with banana plantations and lush vegetation, is a testament to the island's fertile land, offering sensory immersion in the form of sight, aroma, and taste.

Firgas

Your travels then ascent to Firgas, a quaint town that's fondly denoted as the "water town". The Paseo de Gran Canaria and Paseo de Canarias feature beautiful mosaic work depicting the Canary Islands, complete with a cascading water feature that runs down the center of the thoroughfare. These streets provide a tranquil space that celebrates the spirit and unity of the archipelago.

To fully appreciate the essence of Firgas, one must venture to the Balcon de Zamora viewpoint for an awe-inspiring panorama across the valleys to the Atlantic Ocean. The augmenting sound of cascading water accentuates the area's inherent connection to this life-giving resource.

Moya

In the lush district of Moya, the verdant Los Tilos de Moya cloud forest surrounds you, serving as a sanctuary for endemic flora and fauna. The town itself perches precariously on the ravine edge, offering stunning vistas and unique architecture. The Church of Our Lady of Candelaria commands attention and provides a picturesque backdrop against the green of the hillside.

Moya also sweetens your visit with delicacies like the 'suspiros' or 'bizcochos', encouraging a leisurely pause in one of the local bakeries. Take a moment to indulge in these treats as you bask in the simplicity and beauty of traditional Canarian life.

Santa María de Guía

Continue to Santa María de Guía, where the air is filled with the richness of history and tradition. It's a town where time is measured by the tolling of church bells and the passing of the seasons reflected in its fields. Its crowning jewel is the Cenobio de Valerón, an extensive complex of pre-Hispanic grain storage caves that delve deeply into cultural roots.

Apart from history, Guía lures cheese connoisseurs with the renowned Flower Cheese, a unique delicacy of the region. The winding streets and squares, such as the Plaza de San Pedro, are lines with stately homes and buildings that echo the affluence and culture of past eras.