There are thirteen islands in the Canary Island archipelago, seven
of them are populated, the other six are tiny.  The islands, home to
the Guanches from c.3000 BC, were claimed by Spain in the 15^th
Century.  The islands are still administratively part of Spain and
are a part of the European Community as part of Spain.  Although,
the islands have had trade and local government autonomy since
devolution in 1983.

The Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast
of Africa between 27°37´ to 29°25´ north latitude and 13°20´ to
18°10´ longitude (west of the Greenwich Meridian).

All the Canary Islands are volcanic in origin.

There are many different hypotheses for the formation of the Canary
Islands; they range from the ridiculous (ie relating the islands to the
legendary Atlantis) to the more scientifically feasible.  Of the latter
there are three hypotheses which are perhaps the most likely.  The
first two; (1) suggesting that the islands resulted from faulted block
uplifting on the sea floor, and (2) suggesting that they are the result of
eruptions associated with a dynamic phase in the Atlas Mountains,
both relate the formation of the island to their location at an oceanic
to continental crust transition.  (Note there is no active subduction
zone).  The third hypothesis suggests they were formed by a Hot
Spot ie. a plume of deep melted mantle material rising at a fixed
point in the mantle over which the oceanic plate moves to create
a series of eruptions and form an oceanic island chain similar
to the Hawaiian Island chain.

Gran Canaria

This photograph of mountains near La Palmas (taken from the
Tenerife ferry) shows the low cloud which is often present on
north of the island.

Located in the Atlantic Ocean 210km from the coast of Africa
Gran Canaria is the third largest Canary Island after Tenerife
and Fuerteventura, although Gran Canaria has the largest
population.  The Island has an area of 1532 sq km and a
population of 650,000 with 350,000 of those in the capital
city of Las Palmas.  Compare the population of 650,000
with the number of annual visitors: 2.2 million (2,200,000).

While the north of the island frequently experiences dense, low
cloud, often blocking out the sun for hours at a time; the southern
coast of the island is perpetually cloud free and guaranteed rain
free during 8 months of the year, making it a popular destination
for sun-seeking tourists.  Average temperatures on the island are
24°C in summer and 19°C in winter.  But in addition to the hotels,
beaches, bars, shops and sports on offer the island also offers
a vast assortment of geological, archaeological
and scenic features.

The coastal resort town and harbour of Puerto Rico, built,
as are the majority of the towns, in valleys in the mountains.
Puerto Rico, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are the main
tourist centres on the south coast.

The Canary Island Archipelago is volcanic in origin.  Gran
Canaria itself last erupted 3,000 years ago.  The island is
characterized by a central range of volcanic peaks (the
highest of which may attract snow in winter) surrounded
by pine forest which descend steeply to rocky hillsides
cut by fertile valleys, many of which are cultivated
at lower levels.  Many ravines and seasonal dry
water courses radiate from the central peaks.

The combination of deep, fertile valleys, fertile volcanic soils
and the range of altitudes supports a vast selection of flora,
including plants from almost every climatic zone.  Euphorbia,
prickly pear, palms, mangoes, pineapple and papaya may be
found growing in abundance.

There is some very impressive scenery along the coast between Playa de Peurto Rico
and Playa del Cura.  It is possible to walk along a wave cut platform at the base of the
cliffs but there are point where you may get cut off if the tide rises.  There are also
points where the rocks may get quite slippery.  The is a pedestrian link along the top
of the cliffs, but the only way down is a set of spiral steps at the half-way point
between Peuto Rico and Playa del Cura.

A profile shot of the cliffs and the spiral steps at the half way point.

My two favourite bars (well... two of my favourite bars) in
Peurto Rico; the Bar Cactus (left) and Donalds (right).

El Dedo de Dios - "The Finger of God"  This pinnacle of igneous rock
is one of Gran Canarias best known and most photographed landmarks.
Situated on the west coast of the island between Playa de Guayedra
and Puerto de las Nieves.

Mountainous scenery near La Palmas (taken from the ferry port).

The Maspalomas Dunes - known as "The Desert"  Situated at Maspalomas near
Playa del Inglés.  Another well known attraction on the south coast of Gran Canaria,
these modern aeolian dunes are a vast and impressive sight.  The people in
the above photographs will give you an idea of the scale of these dunes.

By-the-way, don't try to walk bare-foot across these dunes - they get HOT


Me & My shaddow in the desert.

Moonrise outside my apartment at the Aquasol.

Peurto Rico at night.
 

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