Let’s just look at a few weeks and see what sort of things are going on in Gran Canaria. Last Friday legendary British funk band Jamiroquai did a live concert in Las Palmas as part of the Aguaviva festival of the seas that is being celebrated across the Canary Islands. Tonight American born hispanic singing sensation Perla Batalla performs at the Alfredo Kraus auditorium in Las Palmas. Perla may not be a familiar name to you but suffice to say she has worked closely with Leonard Cohen, making an LP of his songs, and the great song writer knows a thing or two about good singers.

The live action continues with another Latino star, Marc Anthony on Sunday June 22, again in the capital city. The Puerto Rican born mover and groover always wows the audiences where ever he goes, and will have everyone up and dancing. If that wasn’t enough, how about Elvis Costello, the Brit singer is putting in 2 nights, June 30 and July 1 at the Alfredo Kraus auditorium, he would probably need that long to cram in all his hits over the years.

In case you are wondering, Las Palmas, the island capital is up north, but the compact size of the island means it’s barely an hour from the main tourist resorts of the south. So much music, and that’s pretty typical of Gran Canaria, and we haven’t even touched the subject of fiestas and Carnaval. Gran Canaria has many attractions by day and by night, there is something for everyone, or you could simply have a quiet night in with a bottle of a fine local wine, you can always please yourself. 

In Greek mythology, “the abode of the blessed, paradise. Situated at the end of the world it is here that those chosen by the gods are sent to”.

Some of the first names given to Spain’s Canary Islands by the Greek and Roman scribes included such dramatic titles as: Hesperides Garden, Atlantis and the Elysian Fields.

Set adrift in the Atlantic Ocean, at the “end of the known world” – at the cross roads between America, Europe and Africa, the Canaries certainly do have a unique and very romantic location.

Background
These volcanic islands were originally inhabited by a mysterious race called the Guanches. They were described by early European conquerors as a “highly beautiful white race, tall, muscular, and with a great many blondes amongst their numbers”.

They mostly lived on the cliffs, in caves and in small circular houses. To this day, their origins remain a mystery. It’s not confirmed exactly where they came from, although it’s widely held they were basically Berbers from the Atlas Mountain regions. But how did they manage to get to the Canary Islands - obviously be sea – but on what?

They arrived full prepared with all their animals (goats, sheep, pigs and dogs) along with wheat and barley.

The Canary Islands are composed of El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Each island is vastly different from each other and within each island there’s a massive variety of landscape, climate, flora and fauna. Each has its own distinct charm and individual personality.

Spain’s “fortunate Isles” are home to spectacular geological parks, snow-capped mountain peaks, vast deserts and sand dunes, lush green rainforests and formidable cliffs. All this beneath endless blue skies and average yearly temperatures of between 18-24ºC.

Climate
Also known as the “Islands of Eternal Springtime” The Canaries are said to have perhaps the best climate in the world – never too hot or to cold – perfect.
This is one of the reasons why they are so popular with holidaymakers, property investors and Northern European immigrants.

The islands are located just over 4º north of the Tropic of Cancer. They’re positioned so close to West Africa that they are very much influenced by its wind and weather conditions and accordingly have a similar subtropical climate.

At the same time, the huge mountain peaks help create this fascinating climatic diversity that can be seen on the islands. The surrounding currents are responsible for maintaining ocean temperatures at their corresponding latitude.

With warm waters and balmy air temperatures all year long, it’s no wonder more and more northern Europeans are choosing to make the permanent move here.

Cultural Events
Some of the events not to be missed include: the popular Dance of the Dwarfs in La Palma, the rugs of Corpus Christi in La Orotava, the visually stunning carnival in Santa Cruz Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. There’s also a vibrant music festival held each year, throughout the archipelago.

Featured Location – Monte Leon (Gran Canaria)
Located in the south of the Gran Canaria, Monte Leon is probably one of the most stunningly beautiful and exclusive parts of the island. This is where you’ll find the most sumptuous Gran Canaria Villas for sale.

It consists of less than thirty magnificent villas designed to fit in perfectly with the surrounding natural landscape.

Monte Leon has a privileged position, located in the heart of the serene Canarian landscape yet still close enough to whatever you may need – shops, bars, restaurants etc.

Getting Here
Thanks to the influx of budget airlines, getting to Spain and the Canary Islands is now cheaper and easier than ever before.

Viajar Airlines have been offering flights for as little as €39 from the Spanish mainland. Spanair have been charging €49. Other low cost carriers include Ryanair and Binter.

With a great team at Cardenas Real Estate offering a complete package for the discerning investor in Gran Canaria, you can be assured your property purchase in any one of the great locations such as Monté Léon, will run smoothly from start to finish!

Caja Canarias, the leading bank in the Canary Islands is backing a new clean up campaign through their cultural and social work foundation. Gran Canaria is at the forefront of the work. On Saturday 25 August, a team of volunteers will set out to blitz Playa Chica in the capital, Las Palmas. Local diving club Triton will pull on their flippers and air tanks to hit the sea bed while others comb the beach to remove unwanted waste.

Then on Saturday 29 September it’s the turn of Puerto de Arinaga, also in Las Palmas. A busy commercial port, this will be the more challenging of the 2 with more heavy duty rubbish to bring up. Thankfully again the Triton club will be giving it their all.

Past clean ups have shown that they may find anything, including the kitchen sink, but it will all have to go. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are also being targeted and it’s hoped that these rubbish raids will become a regular event. The campaign is not just about the clean up itself, but also a way to raise awareness and encourage others to take more pride in their island.