comenius “pleased to meet you”€¦ · comenius “pleased to meet you” c.e.i.p santiago...

C.E.I.P SANTIAGO RAMÓN Y CAJAL 1

MEETING IN GRAN CANARIA

5TH TO 9TH FEBRUARY 2014

COMENIUS “PLEASED TO MEET YOU”


T HE HIS T ORY OF GRAN CAN ARIA

Ancient History Since the Guanches (the aboriginal people of the Canary Islands) did not leave any writings, we know very little of the ancient history of the Islands. It is possible that the Ancient Greeks knew of the Islands (perhaps connecting the Islands with the Legend of Atlantis), however the first real contact that we know of was with the North African part of the Roman Empire. Pliny the Elder wrote a second-hand account of the Islands and recent archaeological finds have proved that there was at least some contact between the Roman Empire and the Islands (although the Romans never settled there).

The Guanches Technically, the term Guanche, refers to the natives of Tenerife, although it is used commonly to describe the natives of all of the Canary Islands. They were a primitive cave-dwelling people, whose technology was limited to basic stone tools and weapons as well as basic clay pots. Since there are no metal deposits to be found on the Island, the Guanches did not have any metal tools. It is generally believed that the Guanches were of Berber origin and that they probably settled the Islands in around 500BC.

Interestingly, for an Island People, it is said that they had no knowledge of Boats or Navigation. In spite of this, the Islanders had much in common, even though there was apparently little inter-island contact. On most Islands they believed in a single god, known as Acoran in Gran Canaria and embalmed their dead for burial in Caves.

The Guanche name for Gran Canaria was Tamarán.

The Spanish Conquest The existence of the Canary Islands had been forgotten by the Europeans during the Dark Ages and it wasn't until the 13th Century that they were rediscovered. Several expeditions were sent to the Islands, some of which took slaves, but efforts to conquer the Islands did not begin until 1402, when the Norman, Jean de Bethencourt, conquered Lanzarote on behalf of Spain.

It was not until 1478 that the Spanish made a concerted effort to take Gran Canaria, under Juan Rejón. The conquest of Gran Canaria took 5 years and was completed by Pedro de Vera, when the native chief, Tenesor Semidan, converted to Christianity and convinced his people to surrender.

Many Guanches committed suicide rather than submit to the Spanish, those that remained were either enslaved or converted to Catholicism and assimilated into the Spanish population (at the time converting to Christianity meant that one could not be enslaved).

Economy Colombus stopped in the Canary Islands on his way to discovering America in 1492 (at La Gomera) and the Canary Islands became a strategic stop-over in the years that followed. The Island's economy initially boomed when the Spanish introduced Sugar Cane to the islands and began exporting Sugar to Europe. This industry eventually faltered when cheaper imports from Latin America were introduced. The economy of Gran Canaria has been through several booms and busts since then, with cash crops such as Cochineal Dye eventually being surpassed by synthetic products or cheaper imports.

In the 19th Century, the British established a Coaling Station in Las Palmas to supply the Steam Ships of the day, but the introduction of the Diesel Engine made this business redundant. Local Government There has always been a rivalry between the cities of Santa Cruz in Tenerife and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. When the Canaries became a province of Spain in 1821, Santa Cruz was made the Capital, it being the most important port of the Islands at the time. However, in the years that followed, Las Palmas began to become economically more powerful due largely to the Cochineal Trade and it's


important Coaling Station. At the same time, Tenerife's Wine Trade was in decline and the introduction of Island Cabildos (Insular Governments) in 1911 further reduced Santa Cruz power.

Finally, in 1927, the Canary Islands were divided into two provinces; La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife in the west with Santa Cruz as Capital and Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria in the east with Las Palmas as Capital.

Modern History

Franco launched his coup which led to the Spanish Civil War from Las Palmas in 1936 and although there was no resistance on the Island, the post-war repression was particularly harsh here. Even though Spain was "Neutral" during the Second World, Churchill apparently had plans to take the Islands as a Naval Base and allegedly threatened Franco over the rumoured German Submarine refuelling in Fuerteventura.

Post-Franco After Franco's death in 1975, Spain's transition to democracy led to the devolution of Spain into Autonomous Communities and a revival in local customs and languages which had been repressed during the Franco Years. In 1982, the Canary Islands became an Autonomous Community within Spain with the status of Capital shared between Las Palmas and Santa Cruz. Gran Canaria Flora and Fauna Most people's first impression of Gran Canaria upon arrival is not of a beautiful subtropical Island, but rather of the semi-industrial barren coastline between Las Palmas and the southern resorts. Fortunately there is a lot more to Gran Canaria than this, indeed Gran Canaria boasts tremendous diversity in it's range of Habitats.

The Canary Islands are part of the biogeographical area known as Macaronesia, which also includes the Azores, Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands. Despite their geographical separation, the islands of Macaronesia share a great deal of their flora.

Habitat Loss Habitats such as Laurel Forests have been mostly lost and species such as the Red Kite and Egyptian Vulture have disappeared recently. However, a reforestation program along with the protection now afforded to many sensitive areas is having a positive effect after centuries of abuse and overgrazing.

Flora There are more than 100 species of plant that are unique to Gran Canaria. Many of the plant species which disappeared from the Mediterranean during the Ice Ages have survived in the Canary Islands, making the Canaries a region of special botanical interest.

The Habitats of the Island can be classified roughly as follows:

• Semi-desert - Characterised by drought tolerant plants such as the Canary Spurge (Euphorbia balsamifera) and the emblematic Canary Cactus Spurge (Euphorbia Canariensis). Although the Cactus Spurge looks like a Cactus, it is not actually a member of the Cactus Family and is an example of evolutionary convergence - when two unrelated species evolve similar characteristics when exposed to similar environments. The latex sap of this plant is extremely irritating to the Human Eye and can cause blindness.

• Pine Forest - Defined by the Canary Pine (Pinus canarienses) which can reach up to 60 meters in height and live for hundreds of years. Other plants typical of this zone include the Canary Rock Rose and various Brooms.

• Laurisilva (Laurel Forest) - Only a small fragment of this habitat remains on Gran Canaria (at Los Tiles). This Habitat is characterised by Laurel and other glossy-leaved trees such as the Canary Holly (Ilex canariensis) and Wild Olive.

• Palm Groves - Often found in the southern Barrancos or Gullies, the Canary Palm (Phoenix canariensis) is considered emblematic of the Island.


Although not as common in Gran Canaria as in Tenerife, The Dragon Tree (Dracaena drago) is also found in these areas. The Red Sap of this tree, 'the Dragon's Blood', has had many uses over the centuries from Varnish for Violins to Witchcraft. The tree is extremely slow growing and takes 10 - 15 years to reach maturity. The Trees then only flower every 10 - 15 years and this flowering is a magnificent sight on an older tree (it is said that one specimen on neighbouring Tenerife is 650 years old). Maspalomas Dunes and Lagoon - The Sand Dunes and Lagoon at Maspalomas are a unique habitat on the Island. The Dunes' plants mainly consist of salt-tolerant species such as Canary Islands Tamarisk (Tamarix canariensis) and Sea-grape (Zygophillum fontanesi).

During the 19th Century there was an enormous Tern Colony at the dunes, however this had disappeared by the early 20th Century. The Lagoon itself was part of a large Salt Marsh, which has been reclaimed. Thanks to recent conservation, the Lagoon has become an important passage site migratory birds.

Fauna Mammals Most of the Mammals, with the exception of the Bats and the Osorio Shrew, have probably been introduced deliberately or accidentally by man.

• Osorio Shrew (Crocidura osorio) - only discovered in 1989, this secretive shrew is only found in the humid parts of northern Gran Canaria.

• Algerian Hedgehog (Erinaceus algirus) - This species was introduced from north Africa. • House Mouse (Mus musculus) - Found throughout the Island.

Birds Many of the birds found in the Canary Islands are either endemic species or subspecies, with many examples of races unique to individual Islands. This phenomenon is often found on islands where species are allowed to evolve in isolation.

• Canary Island Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis) - Endemic to the western Canary Islands and found throughout the Island.

• Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki) - This bird is only found in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with each island having it's own subspecies.

• Great Spotted Woodpecker Endemic subspecies (Dendrocopos major thanneri) found in old Pine Woods. Blue Tit Subspecies (Parus caeruleus teneriffae) - Subspecies found in Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Gomera.

• Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria) - This species can be found throughout the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores. Along with the native birds, populations of Parakeets and Parrots are now established - especially around the Resorts (often in Hotel Gardens).

Reptiles Gran Canaria Giant Lizard (Gallotia stehlini) - This species, which is only found on Gran Canaria, can grow up to 80cm long! Common throughout the island, this omnivore will eat almost anything. While similar species in Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro are in danger this species has proved more adaptable to humans.

Haria Lizard - subspecies of the Lizard also found in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura

Boettger's Gecko - also found in El Hierro and the Salvage Islands

Gran Canaria Skink (Chalcides simonyi) - found only in the Eastern Canary Islands - sometimes with a bright blue tail.

Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) - often seen clinging to walls and ceilings. Amphibians


Two frogs species can be found on the Island, both of which were introduced. The Stripeless Tree Frog and Western Marsh Frog can be found in reservoirs, ravine pools and plantations. Gran Canaria Geology The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago which lies off the coast of north-western Africa. Although there is some debate over the cause of the Volcanic Activity in this area, the most probable theory is that the Islands were formed by the dual processes of a Hot Spot (or Mantle Plume) and the proximity to the Geologically Active Atlas Mountains.

The Hot Spot theory suggests that, as the diverging African and South American tectonic plates separate, the Canary Islands were formed as they crossed a mantle plume that sent molten rock to the surface. The fact that the Canary Islands get older as they go from West to East (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the oldest) supports this theory.

The origins of the dramatic scenery of Gran Canaria began about 15 million years ago with the first submarine building stages of the Gran Canaria Volcano. The first sub-aerial activity took place about 14 Million Years ago. This shield-building phase (growth phase) continued until about 9 Million Years ago when there was a massive collapse that formed the 20km in diameter Tejeda Caldera. While this Caldera isn't as clearly defined today, parts of it's enormous walls can still be seen. After the collapse, the Caldera gradually filled up with Lava and other volcanic material over the next few million years. This period was followed by 3 million years of volcanic inactivity and erosion. The next major stage, between 4.5 and 3.5 Million years ago, was characterised by explosive eruptions. This was again followed by a period of erosion.

Gran Canaria is now in it's Post-Erosional stage with it's last eruption taking place at Bandama about 2000 years ago.

Roque Nublo Roque Nublo and the other monolithic "Roques" in the centre of the Island are the exposed remnants of a huge lava field that once covered this area.

THURSDAY 6th Vegueta, Las Palmas The historic and picturesque district of Vegueta is the oldest part of Las Palmas and is full of beautiful examples of colonial architecture.

Vegueta was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 because of the importance of its historic buildings. A visit to Vegueta is akin to travelling back in time, due to the well maintained nature of its cobbled streets and buildings.

1-The Santa Ana Cathedral is the most important landmark in this part of Las Palmas. Although its construction began in the 15th Century, it took 3½ centuries to complete. The development of architecture over those 3½ Centuries can be seen in the Cathedral's mish-mash of Gothic, Renaissance and Neo-Classical influences.

Inside the Cathedral, the Gothic Retablo above the altar and the Pillars, reminiscent of Canarian Palm Trees, are of particular note.


Attached to the Cathedral is the Museo Diocesano, which now exhibits some Religious Art, but once was home to an authentic Spanish Inquisition.

The Cathedral presides over the Plaza de Santa Ana, which is home to more of Las Palmas' emblematic buildings; the Palacio Episcopal (Episcopal Palace), the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), the Casa Regental and the Casas Consistoriales. The square is also home to two Bronze Dogs, made in Belgium, that were placed here during the 19th Century.

2-The Palacio Episcopal (Episcopal Palace) It was built in the monumental Plaza Santa Ana in the sixteenth century, as a symbol of religious power, but its facade is earlier, dating from the fifteenth century and designed by architect Juan Ponce de León.

The architecture emphasizes the beautiful arch of your home. It has undergone several reconstructions, the last was held in mid-nineteenth century.

It has two floors and a white granite facade and beautiful in its simplicity. Inside the palace is the residence of the Bishop of Las Palmas.

3-Casas Consistoriales. The town hall of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the most iconic City Hall building and one of the most important in the city, with architectural and artistic icon. The Town Hall reflected firsthand histora of this city.

The settlement of the town hall located in the Plaza Mayor of Santa Ana, was chosen by the conquerors as the center of one of the first developments of the Canary Islands. Around the Plaza de Santa Ana were installed not only the Town of the City, but also the Bishop's Palace and Cathedral of Santa Ana Near the Plaza Mayor of Santa Ana is also appreciated, the Regental Palace, which is the residence of the President of the Regional Court.

The town hall was opened in 1856. Mejias Mayor Gabriel Pombo in 1977 moved the headquarters of the Mayor to the Municipal Offices located in León y Castillo Street.

The historic and landmark building now houses an important artistic representation of the Canary Islands and elsewhere . On its walls 90 frames reside author Cesar Manrique, Juan José Gil, Millares, Cristino de Vera, Jesús González Méndez and Arencibia, highlighting the famous painting 'Immigrants' Ventura Alvarez Sala, who handed the Prado Museum to City Hall Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1909. ' Immigrants ' presides over the main staircase to the town hall.

Regarding his sculptures, welcomes twenty Eduardo Gregorio, Placido Fleitas, Juan Borges, jot and Martin Chirino, among others.

After its restoration in recent decades, the rooms and hallways have recovered part of the historic furnishings in some cases remained forgotten in municipal stores. Two examples are the most unique ancient seat of Perez Galdos and the Elizabethan theater consoles.

Finally the local institution highlights the Golden Hall and recovering its original function, returning to become the place of municipal debate, rather than popular sovereignty of the citizens of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The April 12, 2010 open to citizens of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, recovering the Town Hall as a historic icon and the Mayor's office and workplace municipal level.


4-Casa Colón (Columbus' House) The Columbus House is a cultural institution in the historic district of Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain. This public center, attached to the Ministry of Culture, History and Museums Heritage Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and opened in 1951, is one of the most emblematic buildings of the city. Its scope is focused on the study, research and dissemination of the history of the Canary Islands and its relations with America. It features a museum, a library and Studies Center specialized and diverse spaces for temporary activities: courses, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, screenings, concerts, etc…

The current configuration of the property comes from the integration of several houses, one of which is part of the former Governor's House, visited Christopher Columbus during his first voyage, in 1492, in order to request help for the settlement of La Pinta. The architecture has several interventions since 1950, retaining original parts dating back to the XVI century. The various rehabilitation and preserved original features, make the house a unique and essential reference in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria building. The museum consists of two large courtyards and a total of thirteen permanent exhibition halls. They stand in the coffered ceilings, arches and columns. The courtyard, which has a rim of Gothic well, becomes more important for his valuable Renaissance arcade, from the former convent of Santo Domingo, destroyed by the Dutch privateer attacks Pieter van der Does in the sixteenth century

The Pérez Galdós Theatre is a cultural institution with more than a century of history. The building was built in Triana, facing Vegueta, on the north side of Guiniguada ravine. Since then, it has been the reference of the scenic arts in Gran Canaria and the cultural heart of the city.

Today, the Pérez Galdós Theatre is an architectonic symbol, a social distinctive and an inescapable political reference of the city. It maintains a stable program throughout the year and it holds the Alfredo Kraus Opera Festival. TRIANA In contrast to the Vegueta quarter, which – because of its narrow streets and older buildings – transports you to the Middle Ages, the Triana quarter is far more bourgeoisie as mainly local, Andalusian, English, Maltese and Danish merchant families settled in this area. This also explains why the main street which crosses the whole district displays the fashionable architectural styles of the 18th, 19th and 20th century. In spite of a stretch of modern houses at the beginning of the Calle Triana, the entire street was declared a national historic monument.

In the north of the Triana district lays arguably Las Palmas' most picturesque park, Parque San Telmo, which can’t be missed, as it’s here where you’ll find the city’s main underground bus station and a major taxi rank. With shady palm trees, benches, a children' s playground and a bandstand, San Telmo provides respite from the hustle and bustle of Triana. Other attractions include a magnificent art-deco café, splendidly decorated with multi-coloured gleaming tiles, where you can enjoy a cold drink and/or snack under towering trees, and the small late-Baroque Ermita de San Telmo chapel, dedicated to sailors and fisherman. Nearby is the Gobierno Militar (Armed-Forces Headquarters) where General Franco launched the Spanish Civil War in 1936.


Avenida Mesa y López, Plaza de la Victoria, Auditorio y Playa de Las Canteras. The northern part of Las Palmas, between the Playa de las Canteras (the long beach at the western side of the city) and Puerto de la Luz (the Port) is simply known as "Puerto". This district also includes Calle Mesa y López, which, like Calle Triana, is one of the main shopping streets in the City. This Street bustles during the day, not just because of the shops, but also because of the numerous Banks, Clinics, Offices of every kind, Academies etc...

It doesn't get much quieter at night either, with people eating Tapas and chatting with friends and colleagues in some of the many open-air Bars and Restaurants.

Playa de las Canteras is the playground of Las Palmas and it's Café-lined pedestrianised Sea front is what many people associate with Las Palmas. The many hotels in this area mean that it is also popular with Peninsular Spanish Tourists.T

The AUDITORIUM FOUNDATION OF LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA

The FOUNDATION is created through the initiative of the Town Hall of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Town Council of Gran Canaria, with the aim to encourage the private initiative for carrying out activities of general interest, attending to the relevance the society was demanding. It is governed by a Board where the two corporations and other public and private entities are included.

The two following purposes determine the activity of the FOUNDATION:

On the one hand, the cultural and musical promotion and creation, organizing, planning and managing concerts and other spectacles under the name of AUDITORIUM ALFREDO KRAUS;

on the other hand, promoting the knowledge and exchange of ideas, studies and projects, organizing and developing contests, congresses, conventions and all kind of contacts under the name of CANARY ISLANDS PALACE CONVENTION CENTRE.

The Foundation has the following Basic guidelines:

• To keep the productivity of the goods and rights according to the economical–financial criterions of a good independent management.

• Economic, cultural and social profitability for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Gran Canaria specially, and the Canary Islands in general.

• To know the current and future needs of users/ clients, internal / external ones, with the aim to obtain their loyalty thanks to an integrated and first–class service.

Council Playa de las Canteras Playa de Las Canteras (Las Canteras Beach) is the largest of the existing city, and is frequented throughout the year by most city dwellers and foreign visitors. It lies on the west side of the isthmus of Guanarteme, which links the peninsula of La Isleta, located to the northeast, with the rest of the island of Gran Canaria. The 3,100 m beach is oriented to the northwest in what is known as Confital bow or bay, and stretches from the foothills of La Isleta until shortly before the mouth of the ravine


Tamaraceite. Furthermore, the island is a large marine life reserve. Its sea bed is home to a thousand fish species. On dry land, it shelters tourists, fishermen, and surfers. And it has a peculiar feature, which locals know as “La Barra”, a long rock formation spreading not far from the sand. A singular strip of volcanic rock that protects a large chunk of the beach from the tides, and which turns our bay into the best place this side of the globe to swim and practically “walk on the water” on days of low tide.

On the inner side of the coast, runs the Paseo de Las Canteras, pedestrian street that runs parallel along the beach from near the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus to the area known as "Puntilla" and hence, in line, until reaching near the beach Confital, place some years ago was only frequented by surfers, which creates what many consider as the best wave right in Europe. La Playa de Las Canteras covers three areas that correspond to the arches and inflections that it conducts on the coast.

LA ISLETA From the northern end of the district of Playa de las Canteras, you’re within walking distance of the old fishermen’s quarter of La Isleta, situated on a small peninsula.

Built on steep terrain, La Isleta features narrow streets with many street vendors, old small shops, bars and an important Spanish naval base. The centre of this district forms the Plaza Ingeniero Manuel Becerra, a lively square, which is bordered by a lighthouse on one side and by the harbour gate on the other. On the south shore of the peninsula, near the harbour, you’ll find the Castillo de la Luz, the oldest fortress on the island of Gran Canaria.

The peninsula of La Isleta is separated from the modern part of Las Palmas by a narrow inlet. It is bordered in the south by the harbour Puerto de la Luz, one of Europe’s most important harbours. Built originally to provide jobs for the locals, this harbour has become the main container transhipment harbour of the North African region. It has also played a vital role in the prosperity of the island of Gran Canaria. Today, about 1,000 ships a month use this harbour.

Adjoining the harbour in the south is a yacht marina from where annual international Atlantic-crossing regattas set out.

If you explore La Isleta to the north you will reach Las Coloradas, at 239 metres the city’s highest peak, from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the sea, the mountains and the city.

FRIDAY 7th. ARUCAS This Town, located to the west of Las Palmas, is dominated by the Neo-Gothic Iglesia de San Juan Bautista (Church of St. John the Baptist). Such is it's grandeur, that it is colloquially known as the Cathedral of Arucas and does seem miss-proportioned to the Town. The Church was built on the site of the original Parish Church in Arucas (1515), which had become too small for Arucas' growing population. The new Church was designed by Catalan Architect,Manuel Vega March, an aficionado of Gaudi. Construction began in 1909 and although it was consecrated in 1917, work continued until 1977.


Although Arucas was founded at the beginning of the 16th Century, most of the wonderful architecture that we see today is from the late 19th Century. The Town had become wealthy thanks to the Cochineal and Sugar Trades, and the destruction of the old Town centre during Spain's "Glorious Revolution" of 1868 gave the Town an opportunity to express it's prosperity.

The nearby, Montaña de Arucas, with it's mountain-top restaurant, offers stunning views of the north of the Island and the encroaching City of Las Palmas.

Ron Arucas (Arucas Rum) has been one of the Town's famous products for many years. The Ron Arucas Factory was founded in 1884 and it is possible to visit their Museo Ron Arehucas (Arucas Rum Museum) at Calle Era de San Pedro 2.

Other places of interest include the Parque municipal (Municipal Park), Jardín de Gouriñe (Gouriñe's Garden) and the Museo municipal de Arucas (Arucas Municipal Museum). The Ron de Arehucas Rum Factory and Museum (public opening times Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 to 14:00 hours) is considered one of the emblematic buildings of the municipality, due to the tradition of distilling in the locality GÁLDAR

The city of Gáldar, the centre of one of the former kingdoms of the island (Guanartematos), has part of its most distant past on display in the Archaeological Park of la Cueva Pintada, in the centre of the city. This is one of the major cave painting finds in the Atlantic region.

On the coast there is the town and necropolis of La Guancha, at present limited to an area of 24,000 m2, where we can see what the mausoleums of the early inhabitants of the island were like, the dwelling place of guaires and harimaguadas, as well as the burial mounds,

including, among other Pre-Hispanic constructions, the largest burial mound preserved in the present day.

The centre of the city, which was given the status of Historic Area in 1981, retains several notable buildings.


The church Iglesia de Santiago de Gáldar, one of the most beautiful churches in the Canary Islands, serves as a link between the Baroque style and the first examples of neo-classicism of the Archipelago.

From the remains of the sixteenth century construction interesting works of art have been preserved in the church, such as the Green Font, where the conquered Canary Islanders were first baptised. Several items of considerable value can be seen inside the church and in the museum next to it, such as paintings, sculptures and works in precious metals.

The Town Hall, built on top of an eighteenth century construction, has outstanding environmental features, with one of the oldest examples of the Drago (dragon tree) in Gran Canaria, documented as early as 1718.

Next to the Town Hall is the Municipal Theatre, built in 1912, which later replaced the older theatre founded by Isabel II.

Another notable element, known as the "Plaza Grande" (Large Square) is one of the best examples of a nineteenth century Canary Islands alameda, including centuries-old examples of Indian Laurel and Araucarias.

The Museo de Antonio Padrón, a few metres from the square, has over a hundred works of one of the best-known artists of the vanguard movements of the Archipelago in the XX century.

Agaete Agaete is a municipality of Las Palmas .It is in the northwest of Gran Canaria island, enclosed by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Gáldar to the northeast, and Artenara to the south.

In the historic centre there is the church Iglesia de La Concepción, which replaced the primitive chapel (1515) and gave rise to the first streets and town square of the municipality. With the building of the new parish church after a fire in 1874, a new residential area was created in the municipality. Opposite this the Plaza de la Constitución was built and nearby the principal old-style buildings of the town were also built.

Agaete also has some important green areas which are a must for visitors: el Huerto de las Flores (The Flower Garden) and the Tamadaba Natural Park. The flower garden is actually a botanical garden in the town centre with a large variety of exotic plant species. It was a meeting place and somewhere to meditate for famous poets of the Canary Islands such as Tomás Morales, Saulo Torón and Alonso Quesada. The Tamadaba Natural Park is a protected area at the highest altitude of Agaete (1.180 metres), with the largest pine forest in Gran Canaria.


Another particularly pleasant visit is a stroll through Puerto de Las Nieves, the coastal area of the municipality. This is the location of the Chapel and the Triptych of Our Lady of the Snows, attributed to the sixteenth century Flemish painter Joos Van Cleve. El Puerto de las Nieves is also an ideal place through which to stroll and have a swim in the clean waters of the Atlantic, to see the Dedo de Dios (God’s Finger), a rock formation reaching out of the sea, and a place to return at twilight to see the majesty of the mountain of Teide. A fast-ferry connects Puerto de las Nieves with Tenerife.

Saturday 8th Puerto de Mogan Puerto de Mogán, on the south-west coast, is the most picturesque resort on the island of Gran Canaria and has what some claim to be the best climate in the world. Summer daytime average temperatures are normally in the high twenties to mid-thirties Celsius, usually with a refreshing sea-breeze. In winter temperatures are only a few degrees lower and also our daylight hours are longer than those in Europe, sunrise today in Mogan is at 07:24 and sunset at 19:08 - except of course, in the shadow of the cliffs!

This pedestrianised development of two-storey apartment buildings has roof terraces and gardens bursting with bougainvillea, palm trees, bird-of-paradise flowers, hibiscus and other gloriously colourful plants. It is built around a marina and fishing harbour, which gives the bars and restaurants lining the quayside interesting views and a special ambience.

The old village Before the resort of Puerto Mogan was built on land reclaimed from the sea, the village of Playa de Mogán consisted of a jumble of houses interwoven with narrow passageways and steps clinging to the cliff, and a few fisherman's huts along the beach. Avenida de la Castillete, between the old village and the port area marks the original shore-line. In the absence of a harbour, the fishing boats were launched from the beach.

On the beach


On the promenade, restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines, are a great place to watch the boats and the Yellow Submarine coming and going from the harbour entrance across the sheltered bay, which is ideal for safe and easy swimming.

There are sun loungers, parasols, pedaloes and canoes for hire on the beach. Beyond the rocky mole protecting the beach the sea is a little more lively and would suit stronger swimmers especially if they like to snorkel.

Puerto de Mogan has some excellent restaurants serving locally caught fish, Canarian and Spanish specialities, and for variety there are also some very good Italian, German and Chinese restaurants. Several bars and restaurants have live music on certain nights of the week, mostly local guitaristas to rock and blues (but not too loud!). There are also occasional trad. jazz weeks throughout the year held at the bandstand in the plaza by the marina.

Amadores Amadores is a relatively recent addition to the beaches on offer on Gran Canaria. It is purpose built and somewhat quieter than Puerto Rico which is only a short distance away.

The resort is one of the newest in the South of the island. The beach is ideal for children as it is gently sloping and protected from strong waves by the breakwaters. These also serve to keep the sand in place which was specially imported. It is actually made of crushed coral.

To the rear of the beach is a sheltered promenade, lined on one side by bars, shops and restaurants; very handy of you decide to spend a day on the beach. You will find nightlife here quieter than in nearby Puerto Rico but at least you have that as an option as it is only a short walk or taxi ride away.

Puerto Rico Puerto Rico is a specially constructed holiday resort situated on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria. The island's proximity to the African continent ensures an ideal climate, particularly in the winter, when the temperatures remain constant at around 20-25°C.

The volcanic origins of Gran Canaria are very apparent in the island's coastal ruggedness and contrasting verdant interior. Many of the rocky ravines that lead down to the coastline have been developed with holiday installations; Puerto Rico is one. The apartments and hotels adorn the sides of the otherwise barren cliffs.

Puerto Rico has a sandy beach encompassed by two small harbours. Inside the resort, the majority of shops and restaurants are situated in commercial centres. The main centre is at the heart of Puerto Rico, the Europa Shopping Centre is in the higher part, and the Pasarela centre backs the beach.

Maspalomas Maspalomas, also known as the Maspalomas Costa Canaria, consists of the beach resorts of Águila, Las Burras, San Agustín and Playa del Inglés. Here you’ll find a 2,000 hectare strip of land with 17 km


of wonderful coastline with sand dunes, wide sandy beaches, shallow waters and an excellent all-year-round climate – a paradise for beach lovers and family holidays.

The more up-market Maspalomas resort, with smart hotels, luxury residences and the largest golf course on the island, is separated from Playa del Inglés by a spectacular stretch of 400 hectares of dunes, which in 1994 were designated a national park. You can only cross the dunes on foot or by camel, which makes you believe you’re in a different part of the world altogether. The dunes also provide a habitat for a number of rare plant species, some of which can only be found in the Canaries – somehow they manage to survive in this arid environment alongside lizards and rabbits. The sand dunes of Maspalomas are a favourite zone for nudists and the gay community – so do bear this in mind when strolling along.

At the western end of this nature reserve you’ll find El Oasis, which is bordered by La Charca, the remains of a sea-water lagoon bordered with palm trees, hosting many species of migratory birds from Europe stopping here on their route to Africa.

A noteworthy sightseeing attraction close to El Oasis is Faro de Maspalomas, a lighthouse built in 1886. At 65 metres tall, it dominates the area and serves as a crucial beacon for ships sailing in the region. Since the 1960s the economy of the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has been boosted by the thriving tourism in this area. With the modern Palacio de Congresos de Maspalomas, a conference centre with a 5000+ capacity, Maspalomas has started to attract business travellers too. But that’s not all. There’s so much more entertainment and fun to be found in the nearby surroundings or just a few kilometres north of Maspalomas with attractions such as Aqualand Maspalomas, (the biggest water park on the island), Holiday World (an extensive amusement park with a Ferris wheel), Palmitos Park (an ornithological park with aquarium, butterfly house and orchids), Sioux City (a Wild West theme park) and the fascinating Mundo Aborigen (“a place of cultural, social and historical interest”, according to the Canarian government).

Playa del Inglés ONE OF EUROPE’S BIGGEST RESORTS Playa del Ingles is set on the southernmost tip of Gran Canaria. Sandwiched between the smaller resorts of Maspalomas and San Agustin, it’s brimming with purpose-built apartment complexes and hotels, big-name nightclubs, and a Saharan-sized beach. Come summer, it draws a young crowd looking to party, but with its long list of daytime activities, it’s a certified family favourite, too.


STANDOUT BEACH SCENE The resort has almost 3 kilometres of white sand all to itself – 8 kilometres if you include Maspalomas and San Agustin next door. It’s widest at the western end and narrows to a thin wisp to the east. Watersports are laid on close to the Annexo shopping centre, and the main part of the beach is backed by a 2-kilometre promenade crammed with snack bars, pubs and souvenir stores.

Muelle deportivo This quay, which is situated in the cosmopolitan and dynamic city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, within one of the most important commercial harbours in the Atlantic (although it is completely independent from the main harbour), is the ideal place for making preparations for Atlantic crossings, such as the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) Regatta, which sets out from this harbour every year with 200 participants from different countries.

The yacht quay currently has 1,250 mooring places, which makes this the biggest yacht quay in the Canaries, and it is protected by two seawalls that give shelter to a surface area of 210,000 m2. The main seawall is 680 metres long and there are 130 stern-to-pier mooring places that can accommodate vessels with a maximum length of 45 metres. The enclosing seawall, which is also 700 metres long, has five floating quays with 150 mooring places that can each accommodate a maximum length of 16 metres. On the harbour side, which lies adjacent to the city, there are 12 floating quays, with a total of 870 mooring places for boats with a maximum length of 16 metres.


WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS MEETING !!!!

comenius “pleased to meet you”€¦ · comenius “pleased to meet you” c.e.i.p santiago...

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