Swedes, Germans and Dutch people can be seen on the jetties, as well as English and Polish people. Lots of sailors, with motor yachts in between. The Targa from Finland had the longest journey. It's almost like the Baltic Sea. But only almost. Because the splendour of the bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers around the harbour wouldn't stand a chance in northern climes. The deep blue of the sea doesn't fit either. And then there's the temperature: 22 degrees in December - something you can only dream of in Travemünde. Despite the familiar home harbours on the transom, the Kiel lighthouse is 2000 nautical miles away, as this is not Port Olpenitz, but Puerto de Mogán, in the very south of Gran Canaria. The fact that so many boats from northern Europe have nevertheless found their way here - the smaller ones probably more as deck cargo or on a trailer - is of course due to the climate: twelve months of summer, unbeatable. And when it comes to dream destinations, the Canary Islands are still a realistic destination. In any case, skippers with wanderlust are well catered for there, and not just from a nautical point of view. Our area portrait shows the many different faces of Gran Canaria.
The largest and most populous of the Canary Islands in terms of area is Tenerife, the longest is Fuerteventura. Gran Canaria is at the forefront when it comes to climate: there are around forty different zones, from the exposed high altitudes to the lowlands.barrancosThe island is a continent in miniature with rich native flora and fauna, from the Osorio shrew to the Canary Island pine, which can even survive fires.
THE NORTH is the green side of Gran Canaria. It faces the trade wind, which usually blows constantly from the north-east and brings with it pleasant temperatures and sufficient humidity. The laurel forests at higher altitudes, often shrouded in mist, are evidence of this. According to studies, the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is located in the north-east, even has the best climate in the world. Almost 380,000 people live here - almost twice as many as in the second largest city in the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz on Tenerife.
As far as sea transport is concerned, Las Palmas is the first port of call in the archipelago. From here, there are not only weekly ferries to the Spanish mainland, but also to the neighbouring islands. There are also around one million cruise passengers every year. The airport is connected via the GC-1 coastal motorway and can be reached in just under half an hour. In terms of flair, Europe and Central America meet in Las Palmas, a modern metropolis and a labyrinthine old town. One example of the modern city is the Poema del Mar seawater aquarium near the fishing harbour, which only opened four years ago. It is the largest in Europe(www.poema-del-mar.com). www.poema-del-mar.com ). Historic Las Palmas can be found in the shady alleyways of the Vegueta, the oldest neighbourhood: the Plaza de Santa Ana, flanked by palm trees. At its front rises the cathedral of the same name, the construction of which began in 1497. With the popular Playa de Las Canteras, the city also has its own local beach.
Finally, the Las Palmas marina in the south of Puerto de La Luz is also the largest in the Canary Islands: With more than 1,300 berths (even fifty-metre yachts can be accommodated here) and a range of services for all conceivable services, it is not surprising that the port also plays an important role in stage plans for Atlantic crossings(www.marina.palmasport.es). www.marina.palmasport.es ).
Its volcanic past is visible everywhere on the island, from the rugged coastline to the 1956 metre high Morro de la Agujereada. Roque Nublo is one of the island's landmarks: the 65 metre high basalt rock is the vent of a former volcano. While the softer rock of the cone was eroded by wind and weather, the "foggy rock" remained standing. But the solidified shapes are deceptive: It is still bubbling under the crust. The monumental cliffs in the north-west of the island are a prime example of the enormous fault lines that the lurking forces are capable of. In the Tamadaba Nature Park, it stretches from Agaete to Mirador del Balcón. The traces of Gran Canaria's indigenous inhabitants, on the other hand, have almost disappeared. However, the archaeological interpretation centre La Fortaleza provides an exciting insight into the lives of these people(www.lafortaleza.es). www.lafortaleza.es ).
THE SOUTHGran Canaria, El Sur, is virtually unaffected by the rainfall in the north. Like a wall, the mountainous interior keeps out almost all moisture. This makes the landscape all the drier. The Calima intensifies the condition. Although this desert wind only blows from the east, straight out of the Sahara, in special weather conditions, it not only brings temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, but also obscures the sky behind a pale veil of dust. As far as tourism is concerned, however, the sheltered location of the south coast has proved to be a decisive advantage. The best proof of this are the white hotel and club complexes along the sandy beaches of Bahía Feliz, San Agustín and Playa del Inglés.
But it can also be much quieter - and no less inviting: to the west of the famous dunes and the striking Maspalomas lighthouse, the coast becomes rougher, but in the deeply incised valleys of thebarrancos andcañadas there are other places that leave nothing to be desired, especially for visitors on their own keel. Where fishermen used to keep to themselves and pull their boats directly onto the beach in open bays, yachts from all over the world are now moored on fixed jetties behind secure stone piers.
With around 530 berths in two basins, Puerto Rico is the largest of the five marinas on this stretch of coast, which is just twenty kilometres long. Guests are accommodated at Puerto Base in the eastern part of the harbour. The service on the jetty and ashore is comprehensive ( www.grancanaria.com Search:stoves). The same applies to supplies on land: there is a supermarket at the harbour and the modern Mogan Mall shopping centre is just a ten-minute walk away. Puerto Rico is also the starting point for ferry trips and excursions along the coast, water sports activities and dolphin and whale safaris, for example with Spirit of the Sea(www.dolphin-whale.com/de) www.dolphin-whale.com/de ). If you are planning a stay of several days and would like to stay ashore, the Marina Suites offer accommodation with a view of your own boat(en.marinagrancanaria.com) en.marinagrancanaria.com ).
In contrast, Pasito Blanco, the first harbour west of Maspalomas, has a sophisticated club atmosphere. Full service is also offered here, from electricity at the jetty to the boat filling station and the 70-tonne travel lift. 388 berths are available(www.grancanariablue.com/en/marinas) www.grancanariablue.com/en/marinas ). Right next door is the 18-hole Lopesan Meloneras golf course, which is also open to guests(www.melonerasgolf.es) www.melonerasgolf.es ). Deep-sea fishing is also very popular. Depending on the season, you can compete with bonito, barracuda, blue fin and even blue marlin - in a fighting chair if necessary(www.fishonbluemarlin.com/de). www.fishonbluemarlin.com/de ).
Puerto de Mogán is the last town before the coast turns northwards, rises further and merges into the wild west of Gran Canaria. You will look in vain for towering hotels in the townscape here, the charm of a fishing village has been preserved, even if holidaymakers also make out the more lucrative catch here. The largest hotel is the Cordial Mogán Playa, a relaxed complex under tall palm trees(www.becordial.com/de/gran-canaria) www.becordial.com/de/gran-canaria ). At first glance, you would never guess that the neighbourhood directly on the harbour with its rectangular alleyways and flower-bedecked façades dates back to the 1980s. But this style is true because the buildings have been adapted to the old neighbourhood, which is located next door on the slope of thebarranco rises from the harbour. At the harbour, the first row belongs to the bars and restaurants, such as the Casito Mediterraneo, where Mediterranean and Canarian cuisine come together. There are 246 berths here, spread over three floating jetties, the harbour wall and the inside of the pier(www.grancanariablue.com/en/marinas) www.grancanariablue.com/en/marinas ).
However, the most beautiful spot is outside: passing the fishing harbour and stony beach, you come to the foot of the cliffs. A narrow, well-trodden path leads closely along the cliff to a natural terrace. There's a lot going on here, especially at sunset, with bottles of wine spinning to Caribbean beats. People are dancing. The silhouette of Pico del Teide on Tenerife rises darkly out of the ocean. The neighbouring island briefly catches the eye before turning back to the sunset. But your thoughts continue. Past the low sun, they reach into the distance beyond the horizon, across the Atlantic - to new shores.
Need more information? The district portrait "Amarillo y Azul" can be found with more pictures and a service section in BOOTE issue 03/2022 - available at newsstands since 16 February 2022 or online in the Delius Klasing shop Delius Klasing Shop.
