This is where the best designer swimwear from all over the World goes on display, with some of the most attractive models taking to the catwalk. Top names like XTC, Eva Divine and Deli Codina will be strutting their stuff in a preview of what the beautiful people will be wearing on the beaches next year.

With such a great beach setting, it attracts top designers and this year there will be around 70 leading fashion journalists from all corners of the globe, hoping to pick up an exclusive. The spotlight of the fashion World will be firmly focused on Gran Canaria.

Those lucky enough to live in Gran Canaria will take it in their stride, they are used to seeing such colourful displays on their beaches, this is an island of flair and pride. The queue of Brits looking to relocate to this temperate island shows no sign of slowing. Cardenas Real Estate are experts in the Maspalomas area and can guide prospective buyers to the best properties around. The fashion show may not be here all year, but the beaches and the weather are, don’t you wish you were here?

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.

Background (Gran Canaria)
Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands, is located just 130 miles off the west coast of Africa. It’s a paradise island with huge central mountains, lush green valleys, massive sand dunes, endless sandy beaches, a balmy year round climate and some of the best bars and clubs in Spain.

It has such vast diversity of landscape, flora and fauna in its relatively small space, that it’s known as a “Miniature Continent”.

The two closest islands to it are Fuerteventura and Tenerife. Las Palmas, the largest city of the Canary Islands, lies on Gran Canaria. It’s a large multinational city, located in the Northeast of the island.

There’s a large English speaking population on the island, with many permanent UK residents. Gran Canaria has always been a popular choice with northern European investors and homebuyers; and with all it has to offer, one can understand why.

There are many top-class apartments, villas and new developments on sale throughout Gran Canaria, but not many equal Monte Leon…

Monte Leon
Located 400 metres above sea level, with some truly spectacular views, Monte Leon has a very privileged position – away from the hustle and bustle of the other resorts but close to everything you need and.

Surrounded by Gran Canaria’s exquisite natural resources, it’s stunningly beautiful; a visual delight as a well as a haven of peace and tranquillity.

At this height, the only sounds you’ll here is the whistling wind and the sounds of songbirds singing. Palmitos Park, located close by, is home to some fascinating species of tropical birds that you’ll often see hovering above in the perpetual blue skies.

The journey up to Monte Leon is an experience in itself. You’ll pass through a harsh volcanic landscape sprinkled with fresh palm trees and Canarian pine, another example of Gran Canaria’s contrasting geography.

Monte Leon has attracted many of the world’s rich and famous. They come here not just to get away from the crowds but for the fresh mountain air, perfect climate and breathtaking views that Monte Leon has now become famous for.

Some of the regulars include Justus Frantz – the famous musician, Leonard Bernstein and former German Chancellor – Helmut Schmidt.

Although it might seem isolated, Monte Leon is just a few minuets drive away from shops, bars, restaurants, beaches, golf courses etc.

This private paradise offers peace and quite, one of the best locations in Gran Canaria, and some stunning top quality properties.

Cardenas Real Estate
Cardenas Real Estate was set up back in 1980 by Antonio García de Cárdenas and his wife Rolande Chagrin Chevènement. Since then, it has gone on to become one of the most respected property companies in Gran canaria.

Both Antonio and Chagrin have been living in Monte Leon for many years now and know the area and local property market extremely well.

It’s a family run business, with a strict emphasis on finding the right property for the client – one that suits (as much as is possible) his or her financial and personal needs. Hard sales tactics are never used, and this is why they’ve successfully become one of the most trusted agents in Gran Canaria.

Properties for sale in Monte Leon
Here’s just a few examples of what Cardenas Real Estate have to offer…

3 Bed Villa For Sale in Monte Léon
New Villa
3 Bedrooms
1.092,13 m²Plot
667.800 €

5 Bed Luxurious Villa For Sale in Monte Léon
With several apartments
5 Beds
12.390 m² Plot
3.000.000 €

Background (Monte Leon, Gran Canaria)
Monte Leon has a privileged location – set 400 metres above sea level, you can live here in absolute peace and tranquillity, surrounded by the serene Canarian countryside and still be close to everything you need.

As you approach Monte Leon you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Gran Canaria - spectacular volcanoes dotted with palm trees and Canarian pine.

Away from the noise of the city, at this altitude the only sounds you’ll hear are the birds performing their merry little tunes. Up here, there’s spectacular views out over the rest of Gran Canaria and the Atlantic Ocean. Hovering above you’ll see many exotic species of birds that come from the nearby subtropical oasis of Palmitos Park.

The fresh mountain air and breathtaking views are all part of Monte León’s charm.

This private paradise location has attracted many of the world’s rich and famous, who come here to enjoy Gran Canaria’s year-round sunshine, away from the crowds.

Justus Frantz, the famous musician, owns a villa here. Monte Leon has also attracted people like Leonard Bernstein and former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.

Although you get the feeling of complete isolation and privacy here, in this hidden oasis you’re still very close to civilisation. Just down the road there’s shops, bars, restaurants, beaches, golf courses etc.

Cardenas Real Estate
Cardenas Real Estate was founded back in 1980 by Antonio García de Cárdenas and his wife Rolande Chagrin Chevènement. The couple have been living in Monte Leon for several years now and know the area and the market incredibly well.

With a strict no-hard-sales approach, this family run business is widely regarded as one of the most reputable and trustworthy in Gran Canaria.

Extracts from a recent interview with Antonio Garcia De Cardenas
By Barrie Mahoney

“In Monte León, you feel as though you were in another world, and yet the area is well connected and everything is just a few minutes’ drive away – shopping centres, restaurants, beaches, golf courses, you name it”.

“Monte León is an island within an island. Here, you can get away from the crowds and the stress of daily life and be more in touch with nature”…

”the natural beauty and wildlife are safeguarded and the area will never be overdeveloped as you see elsewhere on Gran Canaria”.

Now officially retired, Antonio Garcia finally has more time to enjoy and continue to develop his home in beautiful Monte Leon. His passion for life and his love of Gran Canaria, as you can see, are as strong as ever.

Properties for sale in Monte Leon
Here’s just a few examples of what Cardenas have to offer…

4 Bed Luxurious Villa For Sale in Monte Léon
Unique panoramic views!
Luxurious Villa
4 Beds
11.456 m²Plot
2.300.000 €

Land For Sale in Monte Léon
Unbeatable plot with approved project ready to be built
12.050 m² plot
550.000 €

5 Bed Luxurious Villa For Sale in Monte Léon
With several apartments
5 Beds
12.390 m²Plot
3.000.000 euros