|
Paisajes Canarios is a tour of the north of the island. Featuring Arucas home to one of the biggest rum distilleries in Europe, Ingenio, Firgas and the northern coast of Gran Canaria this tour gives a taste of Canarian life and culture as well as super views and a great day out. Lunch is at a restaurant in the charming harbour village of Agaete at the far north west of the island. On the return trip we stop at Canteras beach in Las Palmas where you can do some shopping in the large commercial centre, visit the auditorium of Alfredo Kraus or simply take a walk along the beach.
|
|
| PAISAJES CANARIOS :: INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR (LONG) |
 |
INGENIO
Leaving Playa del Inglés we make our first stop at the town of Ingenio. There we take a walk from the church of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, passing the ancient washing place and on to the water mill situated in Retiro Park. Next-door we visit artisans of Ingenio making their famous embroidered tablecloths, palm leaf hats and basketwork. This beautiful park is also home to the tallest palm tree on the island. After our walk we stop for breakfast before continuing on our journey. |
 |
ARUCAS
We pass through the capital of the Island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on our way to Arucas, where we stop at the Arehucas Rum Distillery one of Europe's largest. At the distillery we visit the cellars and see the fascinating painted and autographed barrels. To finish the visit there is an opportunity to sample the intoxicatingly wide range of products made by Arehucas that not only includes their different rums but also a variety of delightful liquors. |
 |
FIRGAS
Firgas, famous for its spring water and promenade is the next place on our tour. The Promenade of the Canary Islands is possibly one of the most spectacular streets on Gran Canaria with its mosaics representing the island's twenty-two districts and relief maps of the seven islands in the archipelago not to mention the water! From the promenade we take a short walk to the roasting house and Gofio mill, where you will find out about the history, uses and powers of Gofio this typical Canarian product. |
 |
CENOBIO DE VALERÓN
Driving on we soon leave the main road and travel up through one of the many steep sided valleys typical of Gran Canaria. The valleys are rich environments where many different types of plant can be seen, from the cultivated banana plantations to the Dragos Canarios (Canarian Dragon tree) and many varieties of cactus and wild flowers. This is the setting chosen by the native Canarian people to dig caves at the Cenobio de Valerón, now an important archaeological site. Stopping here not only gives us a chance to see this ancient site but also offers fine views down the valley across the north of the island and the Atlantic beyond. |
 |
PUERTO DE LAS NIEVES
The harbour town of Puerto de las Nieves is where we stop for lunch. We eat at the restaurant Dedo de Dios (Finger of God) so named because of its views of the natural rock formation in the bay that bears the same name. The restaurant is known for its fine Canarian cuisine and guests have a choice of typical dishes at each of the three courses. After coffee and liquors we take a gentle stroll through the pretty village and if the weather permits we will be fortunate enough to get a sight of Mount Teide on Tenerife, the highest peak in Spain, at 3718m. |
 |
AUDITORIO ALFREDO KRAUS
Our return journey takes us along the northern coast road before stopping at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium on Canteras beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Here guests have time to see the auditorium, go shopping at the Las Arenas commercial centre, or simply paddle in the sea before being taken back to their hotels for about 6.00 in the evening. |
