Today we set off on a long drive over the mountains into the centre of the island, heading for Tajeda, an attractive, sleepy village according to the guide book. The roads were good, if a bit scary at times, with many hair pin bends.

Eventually we could see Tajeda in the distance. When we arrived, the village was rammed with cars and people. We were very lucky to find a space to park. It turns out that the village was the finishing line for one of the Trans Gran Canaria running races. We managed to get a table on the street just before the finish and enjoyed a drink and an almond cake while watching the exhausted runners coming in. Tajeda is famous for growing almonds.

Not quite the sleepy village but a great drive nonetheless with amazing scenery and even more amazing cyclists who we passed on the way up the mountains and passed us on the way down!

After a long day of driving we need a break and plan to stay local tomorrow. There is a Friday Market in Puerto de Mogan which we can walk around.

Bye for now

Carol

Today we visited Maspalomas Dunes, 1000 acres of sand dunes, now a protected nature reserve.

The dunes are constantly moving.

We then moved up the coast to Playa des Ingles and had a beer looking out over the sea.

Not far from there the shore line becomes more rocky and a 19th century working lighthouse keeps ships away.

Tomorrow we plan to travel inland to the middle of the island.

Carol

Last night we had acrobats entertaining us.

We started Day Three with breakfast on the terrace.

Then we drove clockwise round the whole island. (See map from Day One) We drove through the mountains, with hairpin bends and along newer roads with tunnels cut through the rock.

We strayed from the route to visit Firgas, with its waterfall, tiled benches and 3d sculptures and pictures of each of the Canary Islands. It was a nightmare to park!

It was a long day – 9 hours – but great views of bare rock but also green valleys growing tomatoes and bananas.

Time to chill before dinner.

More tomorrow

Carol

We chose to stay local today, visiting the beach …

the port ..

and the town.

We had a swim in the pool and then relaxed in the shade with a book.

Tomorrow we will take a drive around the island.

Until then,

Carol

We left foggy Bristol early this morning on our way to Gran Canaria.

We landed at Las Palmas Airport on the east of the island, picked up a car and drove west along the GC – 1 to Mogan Playa (blue dot).

This is a view of Mogan.

Although very warm there is a haze concealing the beautiful blue sky in the previous photo. Due to Saharan dust apparently.

Looks a lovely hotel complex.

Had a great buffet dinner, now relaxing in the bar.

More tomorrow,

Carol