Gran Canaria, living a sailing adventure among lighthouses and marinas

Luci saving and not ‘polluting’ are those of the lighthouses that have always been for those who go by sea. That’s why a curious itinerary to take by boat-when vacationing to the magnificent island of Gran Canaria-is precisely to discover the mythical and historic lighthouses that have dotted the coast of the island set in the remote blue Atlantic Ocean for centuries.

Discovering Gran Canaria

And the first lighthouse you discover then is the one in Maspalomas, famous not only for its beauty but also for its surroundings. It is in fact located in the heart of the southern tourist area of Gran Canaria, next to the Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve, an area protected since 1987. It is a unique place that mixes together different ecosystems that have such special landscape value that it has been the setting for some famous series such as Netflix’s “The Witcher.” On May 24, 1502, during his fourth voyage, Christopher Columbus also discovered Maspalomas: but at that time of course there was still no Lighthouse and it seems, according to some recent studies, there were no dunes either.

One of the two hypotheses about the origin of Maspalomas is based on a tsunami that devastated the coast of the Canary Islands in 1755, in conjunction with the terrible Lisbon earthquake, which killed about 100,000 people. The huge waves it generated reached the coast of the American continent and along the way swept over the coasts of the Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands. In Gran Canaria, they dragged sand and deposited it in the area of the tip of Maspalomas. This is not the only hypothesis: according to researchers at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, there is an older theory that suggests the slow formation of the dune system began about 10,000 years ago.

Be that as it may, researchers searched for historical references to the Maspalomas dunes and came to the conclusion that they did not exist before 1800: there are no references to them in historical, cartographic documents or by the naturalists who visited Gran Canaria between the 17th and 18th centuries.

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All around the island

Continuing along the coast, towards the north, in one of the windiest areas of the island, where the trade winds are present for most of the year, is the second lighthouse to visit that of Arinaga: it stands out, facing the sea, on a small hill. In this very wild area one can also see plants adapted to high salinity such as sea pineapples and sea grapes. The fascinating old lighthouse has recently been declared a Property of Cultural Interest: and visiting it also reveals nearby, on the mountain, the remains of old military installations. But if you look closer, there are actually two lighthouses. The red-and-white striped tower is most visible of course, but next to it one can discover the old lighthouse that went into service back in 1897.

Sailing further north, one then reaches the Faro de la Isleta: it is the second highest lighthouse in Spain and is located in the island’s capital, right at the entrance to the Canary Islands’ most important port, Las Palmas. In fact, the Faro de La Isleta stands an impressive 249 meters above sea level and projects its fibo light 18 miles from the coast. It was the first lighthouse built on the island thanks to the design of engineer Juan de León y Castillo. A curiosity: since 1967 it has been the only aeromaritime lighthouse in the Canary Islands; that is, it means that its light is used for both sea and air navigation. It is now fully automated, but remains a silent witness to the history of the port and the city.

Leaving the capital then, the sea route in the footsteps of the island’s lighthouses passes the capital’s most beautiful beach: it is that of Las Canteras, protected by a coral reef known as La Barra. From here we reach the northern coast of the island: it is here in the Sardina del Norte shoreline that we discover a modern cylindrical concrete lighthouse with red and white stripes, the Faro de Sardina. This current version of it is that of a typical standardized lighthouse, activated in 1984, while the older original Punta de Sardina lighthouse was completed as early as 1890. Around here the coast is apra, the ocean beats with its waves, and the wind carries saltpeter. When the tide rages, the waves crash hard against the rocks, and locals and visitors gather at the site of the old lighthouse to photograph nature’s spectacle.

The northern shoreline is dotted with the various natural pools scattered along the coast to Agaete. From there, coasting along this rounded island, one continues south, not before admiring the “Tail of the Dragon,” a rock formation that runs from Agaete to the Aldea of San Nicolás. The view is imposing and almost awe-inspiring; the coast is wild, abrupt and almost virgin. We are in the Biosphere Reserve, a reserve that includes 46 percent of the territory of Gran Canaria and extends to the ocean, with a marine part that includes the area from the Port of Agaete to the Punta del Descojonado and from this for another 8 kilometers to the Punta de Maspalomas, having completed without realizing it the circumnavigation of the island.

An archipelago of. marine

In addition to the lighthouses, for boaters and sailors who also want to discover it from the sea, the island of Gran Canaria then offers a network of modern and well-equipped ports and marinas. Not to mention that coastal sailing makes it possible to explore the entire circumnavigation of the island in a few days, with stable winds and favorable weather conditions all year round.

Starting with Marina Las Palmas: located in the heart of the capital city, it is one of the most important in the Atlantic and a starting base for ocean crossings, such as those of the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). It has more than 1,200 berths, technical assistance and every service for a comfortable stop. To the south, on the other hand, here is Puerto de Mogán-a marina also called “Little Venice”-which captivates with its Mediterranean charm as well as its waterfront boutiques. Here boats dock among pastel-colored houses and flower-decked bridges, while restaurants and cafes offer direct views of marina life.

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Puerto Rico and Anfi del Mar are two other marinas that are, on the other hand, ideal choices for those who enjoy comfort within walking distance of well-equipped beaches and water sports, while Arguineguín still retains a more authentic, fishing village flavor.

The ocean just a click away

And for those who, in addition to surfing above the waves, also like to explore the sea below the surface, the Gran Canaria Blue portal is a revolution: it is a multilingual (Spanish, English, German) digital platform through which all kinds of nautical activities on the island can be discovered and booked. From whale watching to diving, from sport fishing to kayaking, from sailing to surfing: everything is selected, certified and offered at the best guaranteed price.

In fact, the island’s waters are home to more than a third of the world’s known cetacean species: bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, minke whales and pilot whales populate the Atlantic Ocean around Gran Canaria. Experiences such as dolphin watching, practiced with full respect for marine wildlife, provide a unique opportunity for families and enthusiasts.

Those who especially enjoy diving will find volcanic seabeds of extraordinary beauty, where rock cathedrals, underwater caves and tropical fish alternate. Sardina del Norte and Pasito Blanco are among the most celebrated dive spots, but the entire coast offers possibilities for all levels, from novices to experienced divers. The portal also offers schooner excursions, mini-catamaran cruises, experiences on private yachts with on-board service, and even submarine trips. Not forgetting sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, motor surfing and snorkeling round out the offerings. Gran Canaria Blue in short is not just a portal, but a true seal of quality promoted by the Tourism Patronage of Gran Canaria. A seal that guarantees reliability, safety and environmental sustainability. Joining the project are not only nautical operators, but also hotels, marinas and local sea-related activities.

An invitation to cruise

Visiting Gran Canaria from the sea is an all-encompassing experience. It means reading the island as a living nautical chart, where every lighthouse tells a story, every marina welcomes like a home, and every wave carries the memory of ancient navigators.

The ocean here is truly a way to go, and today you can do so with the safety, elegance and respect that modern sailing demands. Whether you are a sea dog, a racing skipper or a soul traveler, you will find wind, light and horizons on this island. All you need to do is raise the sails, follow the lighthouses and let the blue guide you.

www.grancanaria.com – www.grancanariablue.com