Gran Canaria Blog - News, Events, Reviews

Gran Canaria Video - Puerto Rico, Amadores and Mogán

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:24:00 +0000

One of our facebook fans, Marie, wanted us to share her Gran Canaria holiday video with you all so we decided to add it to Gran Canaria Blog. See how many places you are familiar with in the video, does it remind you of your holiday in Gran Canaria?

New McCafe in Las Palmas

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Coffee in Gran Canaria is part of daily routine, un cafecito is the norm and there are plenty of variations. Sometime ago, I posted about Starbucks in Gran Canaria airport and it stirred up a few conversations about big chain coffee companies vs small Canarian bars with ground coffee and espresso machines.

Starbucks in Gran Canaria is only accessible if you are leaving the island so obviously there was a gap in the market for a trendy, coffee only type of bar. But, would it be popular enough? McDonalds, more known for their burgers than their coffee have recently opened a McCafe in Las Palmas. The new 'Starbucks' style coffee place is in C.C 7 Palmas and the launch looked pretty successful from the photos in Canarias7.

According to the fold out leaflet that was in my newspaper, the new McCafe is open from 09:00hr. Clients can relax with special flavoured coffees from the brand Segafredo, refreshing Frappes, Smoothies, delicious cakes, fresh croissants and more!

McCafe offers free WIFI, Easy Order Kiosks and a Play Place - 13 specialities of tea and coffee, muffins, macaroons and cupcakes!

I have yet to visit the new McCafe but it looks like it has plenty on offer and is in an ideal location. If you are doing a spot of shopping in Gran Canaria and happen to be in Siete Palmas shopping center, will you be trying out the new McCafe?

Puerto Rico Street Party - Maria Auxiliadora 2012

noreply@blogger.com (cuteek) — Sat, 19 May 2012 22:09:00 +0000

Fiestas Maria Auxiliadora is the name for the Street Party celebrations in the Motor Grande area of Puerto Rico. This year they take place from 18th - 27th May and there is certainly plenty going on.

This evening we caught the Romeria parading past the Shopping Center in Puerto Rico as we enjoyed a cafe con leche in Coco's Bar. Villagers were dressed in typical Canarian clothing and we took some snaps which you can see here.

Sunday 20th May
15:00hr - Foam Party with 'Tamascha'
18:00hr - Desserts competition
21:00hr - Verbena party with 'Nino y sus Teclados'

Monday 21st May
18:00hr - Inflatables and Videogames
(at Centro Sociocultural)

Tuesday 22nd May
18:00hr - Children's games and cinema
(at Centro Sociocultural)

Wednesday 23rd May
18:00hr - Children's games, videogames and cinema
(at Centro Sociocultural)

Thursday 24th May - Dia de Maria Auxiliadora
20:00hr - Mass
21:30hr - Performance from 'Taorogan'

Friday 25th May
21:30hr - Concert from 'La Banda de la Escuela Municipal de Musica y Danza'
23:00hr - Verbena party with 'Star Music'

Saturday 26th May
18:00hr - Bajada de la Rama with 'La Banda de Gran Canaria'
23:00hr - All night Verbena party with 'Orquesta Armonia' and 'Star Music'
00:00hr - Fireworks display

Sunday 27th May
18:00hr - Mass and procession
21:00hr - Performance from 'Mariachi Gran Canaria'

There will be chiringuitos (pop up restaurants and bars) in the area with plenty of music and entertainment over the next week, so if you are in the area then why not soak up some of the Canarian culture and mingle with the locals.

(Motor Grande is on the same road as the Shopping Center in Puerto Rico, past the Petrol Station and is a flat walk which should take about 15 minutes from the center)

Romería in Gran Canaria

noreply@blogger.com (cuteek) — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:34:00 +0000

The Romería is part of the street party fiestas that take place in the different towns and villages of Gran Canaria from about April onwards. Villagers will dress in traditional Canarian clothing and celebrate the Saint or Virgin of their respective pueblo. (Photos taken in Puerto Rico May 2012)

Of course there is plenty to eat and drink from the floats (carrozas) including papas con mojo and a variety of barbecue grilled meats. Traditional Canarian music fills the air as the villagers sing and play instruments (the small guitar is called a 'bandurria'.

The floats normally contain fruits and harvest produce, which are an offering (ofrenda) to the Saints and are carried through the Romeria parade but not consumed. At the end of the night the offerings are collected by local charities for the poor.

Depending on the size of the village, will of course affect the size of the fiesta but it's almost guaranteed that everyone old and young will have a great time celebrating.

Street parties in Gran Canaria usually go on for 10-14 days and the Romeria is just one part of the celebrations. Other nights there may be entertainment from local groups in the 'Verbena'.

Arguineguin street party which takes place in July for Virgen del Carmen usually has beach parties and a huge water fight called 'Bajada de la Rama'.

As you can tell there is always something to see, do or be involved in on the island of Gran Canaria!

Gay Pride Parade - Gran Canaria 2012

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:09:00 +0000

If you have been following the updates in Gran Canaria Blog, then you will know that today was the big parade for Gay Pride in Playa del Ingles. It was a very hot day, but the music was pumping and rainbow flags flew high with pride.

The celebrations are coming to an end, but there is still tomorrow (Sunday 13th) with the Foam Party and music from DJ Jean (The launch) in the main stage area of the Yumbo Center. Check out the video from this afternoon:

Heatwave on the way to the Canaries!

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:43:00 +0000

AEMET have issued a yellow weather warning for high temperatures of 34ºc degrees in Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands. The warning comes into place officially Saturday 12th May at noon and will continue until Sunday evening, so far.

The temperatures are already on the rise and visibility due to a calima or desert storm is going to decrease in the next few days.

Take a look at the weather discussion thread in Gran Canaria Forum to stay updated on the situation.

UPDATE:

AEMET have upgraded the weather warning from yellow to orange for Sunday 13th and Monday 14th May in the Eastern Canary Islands including Gran Canaria. Temperatures are said to reach 38ºc degrees over the weekend.

Heladerias Gelizia - El Mirador

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:44:00 +0000

Today was a day for a naughty treat, that treat was found at Heladerias Gelizia in El Mirador shopping center, Telde. After a whizz round Primark, Estadio Sport and Foot Locker, it was that time of the day when you start thinking of coffee or something tasty.

Heladerias Gelizia with it's uber trendy design took my eye and so I sat down at the 'doorbell' table. Yes, they have a little buzzer connected to each table so that when you are ready to order you press the call button. I think this is somehow attached to the waiters, my waiter had a strange watch on so it probably gives him a beep when it's time to order. I'm not sure of the exact science but it's a great idea.

The specials of Gelizia seem to be the ice-creams (obviously) crepes and gofres. The huge tubs of Nutella were what initially drew me in, so it seemed rude not to order a chocolate waffle.

10 out of 10 for presentation (and taste), which I think you will agree from the image below! The name 'Gelizia' spelled out in chocolate sauce with strawberry jam 'dotting the i's'. This is one Gofre I will never forget! If you need some energy pre or post shopping in El Mirador then make sure to try one, take a friend there's plenty for 2!

Photo of the Day: Arguineguin at Midday

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:19:00 +0000

Plaza Perez Galdos is a nice place to relax and take shade on hot days in Arguineguin. At midday in May the temperatures can get pretty intense and so a seating area under a shady tree can be tempting. The leaves from the tree providing shade, made a pretty frame for the Church in our photo of the day.

Bruce Springsteen Concert Gran Canaria 2012

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Bruce Springsteen is performing a concert with The E Street Band here in Gran Canaria on 15th May as part of his 2012 tour. Well known for 80's rock anthems such as 'Born in the U.S.A', 'Dancing in the Dark' and 'Born to Run' he will be also be performing hits from his new album 'Wrecking Ball'

The big event will take place at Estadio de Gran Canaria in Las Palmas and ticket prices are from 60€ available online from Entradas.com and TicketMaster.es

San Mateo Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:46:00 +0000

Yesterday was Labour Day or 'Día del trabajador' on May 1st, so the Gran Canaria Blog team decided it was a great day for a picnic and adventure. There are many places to picnic in Gran Canaria besides the obvious choice of the beautiful beaches. The mountains of Gran Canaria hide some of the prettiest scenery you will see on the island.

Fluffy clouds, lush greenery, tall trees and birds chirping! Sound nice? Then you should really select one day of your holiday in Gran Canaria to rent a car and explore. It's the only way to really experience Gran Canaria and see what it means to you!

San Mateo was on the way to our selected picnic area, a small but very picturesque village with a mixture of buildings. It seems many places were developed into apartments before the crisis, with the intention of renting out, but there are also small and charming side streets with that typical Canarian flair.

Even the Post Office 'Correos' as it is known in Spain, is integrated into the buildings:

The village has plenty of benches, which are great for people watching. The local church La Iglesia de la Vega de San Mateo is the center of attention, I'd love to go back in the evening time to see these lights switched on.

No matter how many places we bring you in our photo blogs, you really do have to see the hidden gems of Gran Canaria for yourself. Sometimes it's fun to get lost in paradise!

Gay Pride Maspalomas GRAN CANARIA 2012

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Gay Pride in Gran Canaria this year is from Monday 7th-13th May 2012. It all kicks off on opening night with a Eurovision Show and throughout the week there are pool parties, boat trips, beach parties and Drag nights.

For specific information on events you can check the official Gay Pride Maspalomas site, don't forget the big parade on Saturday 12th at 15:00hr - just like carnival, floats will proceed through Playa del Ingles (Avenida de Tirajana) and all end in the Yumbo Center for a dance party and music from Basshunter, Tina Cousins and various DJ'S.

Gran Canaria Weather: Rainy Day in Puerto Rico 27/04/12

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:45:00 +0000

This morning started off very rainy and we have had showers on and off throughout the day, in Puerto Rico, Arguineguin and Playa del Ingles. The wind has picked up and it looks like we could be in for some more rain before the day is out.

We snapped this photo of Puerto Rico's main road leading to Puerto Rico Shopping Center, in which you can see the offending cloud looming in the distance. The rain is only forecast for today, so let's hope it picks up for any outdoor events happening over the weekend, like Jovencuentro Festival in Arguineguin.

Jovencuentro Feria Festival Arguineguin 2012

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:16:00 +0000

On Saturday 28th April, Arguineguin is hosting an all day festival at the church square Plaza Pérez Galdós. The festival is aimed at young people, but should be a great day for all. With different zones including Sports, Photography and Video Games zone with XBOX Kinect there is plenty to get involved with in the day time. Later on in the day there are dance shows, there's even a Zumba Masterclass!

At 22:30hr there will be a concert with artists Foncho, Combo Dominicano and DJ Ray Castellano from Tenerife which is sure to be a great end to a full day.

Gran Canaria Photos: Puerto Rico Beach

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:51:00 +0000

The birds are chirping, sky is blue, sunshine streaming down and it's late afternoon in Puerto Rico. In my opinion, it's the best time to visit Puerto Rico beach - when the sun is still strong enough to warm your bones and there's a gentle breeze in the air.

There are plenty of sunloungers free on the promenade, so it's time to sit back, relax and take in the views before heading off to dinner.

Things to do in Gran Canaria: Walk from Arguineguin to Anfi del Mar

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:57:00 +0000

There are plenty of places to go walking in Gran Canaria, whether it be mountain hiking or beach walking you will always discover the beauty of the island in different ways.

If you feel like getting some sun and sticking around the south coast of Gran Canaria, then one really nice walk or jog if you prefer, is from Arguineguin to Anfi del Mar (vice versa).

The cool thing about it is, if you prefer to walk across the beaches and rugged coastline, you can, or if you want to take the promenade walk above and get a fantastic view of the beaches and hotels below you can too!

Some graffiti cheekily pops out on a rock in front of Anfi del Mar views:

A quick look down to Patalavaca beach:

The brand new Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria 5 star accommodation: (opening soon)

Anfi del Mar had clear green/blue waters today:

The view from the love heart island at Anfi del Mar:

Heading back toward Arguineguin, people enjoying the beach at Patalavaca:

We hope you enjoyed these photos of the walk from Arguineguin to Anfi del Mar and back. There really is plenty to see and you can stop off along the way in supermarkets or restaurants for refreshments.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona - el Clasico

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:52:00 +0000

Over 400 million people all over the world will be watching 'El Clasico' this evening, with Real Madrid vs Barcelona. Kickoff is at 7pm (Canary Islands time). Barcelona need to win tonight to reduce the point advantage of Real Madrid.

Cules and Madridistas everywhere will be watching with high expectations in just a few hours as 2 of the biggest teams in the world go head to head.

Gran Canaria Weather: April Showers for Canary Islands

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:02:00 +0000

AEMET have predicted heavy rain showers for all of the Canary Islands including Gran Canaria for 11th April. The yellow weather warning for rain was originally for the north of the island only, but it now seems the whole island is in for showers from around 8am.

Volcanoes in the Canary Islands: Tenerife

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:20:00 +0000

The Canaries are made up of volcanic islands, but did you ever wonder what it was like to be up close to the actual volcanic craters? Maybe you have been to Timanfaya in Lanzarote or to Mt.Teide in Tenerife on excursions?

INVOLCAN (INST. VOLCANOLÓGICO DE CANARIAS) have teamed up with the Guardia Civil and are taking us on journeys above the Canary Island volcanoes in a series of videos. The first flight is over Tenerife's Teide and Pico Viejo which you can watch below! We are really looking forward to seeing more in this series of videos, which of course we will post here in Gran Canaria Blog.

Gran Canaria Places to Visit

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:08:00 +0000

As you can see from the video below, Gran Canaria is so much more than just bars and beaches. There are many places to explore and plenty of things to do in Gran Canaria. Cathedrals, Harbours, small cobbled streets, secret mountain treks and hidden lakes are just a few of the treasures of the island.

Let us know how many places you are familiar with in the comments below:

Denny's Roy Diner Vecindario

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:18:00 +0000

It's always great finding new restaurants in Gran Canaria, so I was very excited to find a New York style diner called 'Denny's Roy' in Vecindario. The restaurant was previously known as Cumbres Canarias in the car park area of Atlantico Shopping Center next door to Pizza Royers.

The ordering system is the same as Pizza Royers, you go to the counter and the menus are displayed behind, but the friendly staff are willing to explain all the options and meal deals.

Bunless burgers, rice, chicken wraps, milkshakes and brownies are just a few of the tasty menu items.

The seating is a cosy booth set-up with images of New York and maps decorating the walls.

There are flat screens and background music, which makes it a nice place to go before or after some shopping, with a date or to enjoy a milkshake with friends. The prices are purse friendly and 2 people can eat for around 16€.

Yumbo Center Live Webcam - MiniGolf

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Yumbo Center in Playa del Ingles is home to Minigolf Yumbo, a well maintained crazy golf course with fun features on each hole. Here in the live webcam you can see people enjoying a round of minigolf in the live stream! If you are in the Playa del Ingles area, you should check it out, it's great fun for the whole family!

Estilo Libre Music Video Filmed at Anfi del Mar

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Canarian Reggaeton duo 'Estilo Libre' filmed their latest single 'Tu Sonrisa' at Maroa Club del Mar at Anfi del Mar near Arguineguin.

The video shows off the trendy club area on Anfi's Love Heart Island. The exclusive zone of Maroa Club del Mar often hosts White Parties and fiestas by night and is a luxurious sunbathing area by day.

Photo of the Day: Amadores Beach 21/03/12

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:09:00 +0000

I think you will agree that Amadores Beach in Puerto Rico looked absolutely stunning this afternoon! The picturesque beach in the south-west of Gran Canaria is a beautiful place to relax and absorb the warmth.

St. Patrick's Day in Gran Canaria

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:34:00 +0000

Saint Patrick's Day is 17th March and although a religious day, it is celebrated all over the world often with music, Guinness and wearing a lot of green. As there are Irish Bars in most resorts in Gran Canaria, there are parties and gatherings every year to celebrate St Paddy's.

Playa del Ingles set up a stage in the area of Aguila Roja shopping center also known as 'The Irish Center'. Music, fireworks and a small parade entertain onlookers and the bars are filled with happy, green wearing holidaymakers.

A small market is also in the area so you can enjoy a stroll around the stalls or watch the live acts on the stage.

If in doubt head to the nearest Irish Bar and we're sure they will fill you in on the events and parties planned, ensuring you have a 'Happy St. Patrick's Day!'.

Gran Canaria Road Trip in Tejeda

noreply@blogger.com (GC Admin) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:03:00 +0000

Yesterday the GCBLOG team took a little road trip in the mountains of Gran Canaria. Driving through small pueblos and fincas in the north of the island, right through to Tejeda, the heart of Gran Canaria. The last time we were there, a few weeks ago, it was very cold, foggy and damp, but in Cruz de Tejeda it was possible to walk round in short sleeves enjoying the warmth.

Dinner was enjoyed at El Refugio, with an arrangement of Papas con Mojo, Croquetas, Pimientos Padron and a salad.

We decided to grab a coffee over the road at Parador Hotel cafe area, which has wonderful views of the woodland and the small pool from the spa area of the hotel.