I was born and raised in Gran Canaria, and even though I have been living away for more than 5 years now, I have never lost my connection with the island. A beautiful place in the world, it’s only downside is that it’s far from the big cities — and big opportunities.
Due the recent increase of tourists interested in the island, (and not just the south, which is the typical tourist destination), looking for cultural and gastronomic offerings, there is an increase in demand for quality restaurants, clubs, parties and museums.
This has influenced the capital most, but it’s definitely something that’s common across the entire island now. Anyway, here are my picks!
Favourite Restaurant: Triciclo
Vegueta is the old town, a lovely part of the capital filled with museums, tapas bars and nightlife. My advice is to get lost in the narrows streets and when you get hungry go to Triciclo, a creative cuisine where they mix all types of food with typical Canarian dishes. Just delicious.
Favourite Beach: Las Canteras
Las Canteras is the longest urban beach in Europe, featuring 3 km and 100 metres of gold sand and blue and turquoise waters. My favourite part of the beach is “La Cicer”, a surfing area full of locals and surfers from over the world where you can find some cool terraces and bars by the sea.
Favourite landscape: Galdar
Galdar is a town in the north of the island characterized by its wild sea, hilly landscapes, black stone beaches and natural swimming pools. It’s a really special place for me, because my mother’s family is from there originally and it reminds me when I was a kid and spent the best summertimes with my cousins and my uncle.
I go every time I really need to relax and get away from the hectic city life.
Favourite Clubs & Party: Mood Club
My fave club of the last few years is `Mood Club’. Located in the south of the island, it’s where I usually play when I come back home. Also, it has an amazing Funktion One soundsystem and a perfect dancefloor size for where I arrange my Under Your Seat nights.
However, I need to highlight that a few months ago I opened a new and special venue in the middle of a Valley called Sala Cactus. After my birthday celebration some months ago (a sick massive party with Sonja Moonear playing!) I felt in love with this place.
Favourite walk: Dunas de Maspalomas
I completely love walking along Maspalomas Beach any evening of the year to see how the sun comes down. Undoubtedly one of the most magical places you can ever be. Surrounded by dunes is like being in the middle of the Sahara Desert.
Favourite Fish Kitchen: Casa Camillo
In Gran Canaria you can eat fresh fish in almost all the restaurants close to the port called ‘Cofradia de Pescadores’. However, my fav one to eat fish in is ‘Casa Camillo’ located in the capital of the island, in the ‘La Isleta’ neighbourhood. A typical restaurant where you can choose your fresh fish alongside the best local wine. It has an amazing view of the capital and the north of the island.
Favourite Secret Spot: The Cave
The cave is the most wonderful place in the world. Literally, it’s a cave in front of the Atlantic sea that has been the meeting point for my family’s celebrations during all my life. The last time I was on the island, my friends and I played some records there and enjoyed the sunset, sometimes also the sunrise of the day after.
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