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Investigation launched after man found dead in budget hotel room

A man has died under suspicious circumstances in an apartment complex in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán, prompting an investigation by the Guardia Civil. The individual is believed to be a foreign national, possibly visiting the popular resort town on holiday.  The incident, marked by signs of violence, allegedly involves a head injury that could suggest criminal involvement. The investigation is currently under a confidentiality order to facilitate the gathering of evidence and clarity on...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 15-17 March 2024

It's a busy, busy, busy Paddy's Day weekend and Maspalomas is celebrating their big Carnival parade, with the annual Spring time Artisans' Fair starting this Friday in the surroundings of Faro de Maspalomas too. There is also, among other attractions, the Big Bang Vintage Festival to enjoy at the shopping centre Las Arenas in the capital. Warm weather is on the cards with some light calima for the whole island and of course the wearing of the green for St. Patricks Day is celebrated throughout...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 8-10 March 2024

The weekend ahead on Gran Canaria will feature Carnival celebrations as well the European Cheese Fair celebrated in Guía. Following both the warmest January and February since records began on the Canary Islands, the month of March has been marked by much needed rain so far this year, at least in large parts of the island, particularly the north, with some more gentle rain likely over the next few days. Carnival celebrations in Maspalomas have just started. There are carnival parades to enjoy...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 1-3 March 2024

Hello March! Hello rain! Spring is sprunging! With the sudden arrival of wet weather across the island (much needed after such a dry winter) all outdoor events mentioned here in this weekend tips may be subject to postponement or relocation if the forecast for wet weather this weekend becomes a reality, which is looking quite likely. At the moment, the southern parts, especially the coast line from Mogán to La Aldea is looking, as ever, to have the best weather on the island. Some carnival...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 23-25 February 2024

It's the last weekend of February and there are carnival festivities to enjoy across Gran Canaria, in Mogán, Gáldar, Arucas, Guía, La Aldea, Artenara, Firgas and Sardine del Sur. Also the biggest ultra trail competition on the island, billed as one of the most difficult mountain races in the world, the Transgrancanaria, is taking place this weekend so it is going to be busy. A drop of rain is in the forecast, though not much, and hopefully will not spoil any of the events planned in the land...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 16-18 February 2024

Mid February already and this weekend is all about Carnaval. It is the final weekend for the biggest carnival of all, in the capital, and others around the island are just getting started, with more still to come in coming weeks. There are carnival parades, daytime & family carnival events galore on offer all around Gran Canaria. In the city, the main parade is this Saturday, followed by the Burial of the Sardine, the traditional endpoint of trangression, fiesta and feasting, this Sunday....

Gran Canaria’s Famous Canterbury School Maspalomas raise thousands for Pequeño Valiente kids with cancer

The Canterbury School of Gran Canaria have a very proud tradition of teaching their students community-values and social awareness.  This year, ahead of World Child Cancer Awareness Day, February 15, the pupils of this prestigious British educational institution have been raising funds for the Canary Islands charity Pequeño Valiente, the Brave Little One.     Now an extraordinarily effervescent nonagenarian, a lifelong...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 9-11 February 2024

The second weekend of February is all about Carnival, Love & Friendship on Gran Canaria. The first carnival parade this year is celebrated on Saturday in Gáldar. There are also San Valentin festivities to enjoy in El Tablero in the south, and in Telde. Many cyclists will be on the road this Saturday and Sunday with the 7th edition of EPIC Gran Canaria. The weather is looking great, with a small exception for Saturday morning at the moment. Next Tuesday 13 February is Martes de Carnaval,...

The Canary Guide #WeeekendTips 2-4 February 2024

It's the first weekend of February and what awesome warm "calima" weather it has been so far. Carnival festivities continue in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Both Gáldar and Agüimes are starting theirs this Saturday. Tejeda is celebrating traditions, culture and nature with their beautiful Almond Blossom Festival this weekend.  Well worth a trip to the heart of the island There is also magic to be found in the Las Palmas old town, Vegueta, this weekend and La Aldea is celebrating the month of...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 26-28 January 2024

It's the last weekend of January and it is going to be a warm one with a touch of calima in the air. The 2024 Carnival season on Gran Canaria has officially started in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. During the next few months, the festivities are celebrated in different municipalities. The two main Almond blossom festivities are celebrated over the two upcoming weekends, first in Valsequillo this weekend and then in Tejeda. This weekend offers carnival events in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as well...

#GranCanariaWeather: Calima dust from the Sahara, intense at times, expected over the coming 2-3 days

Gran Canaria is experiencing a day marked by wind, calima (dust haze), and a slight drop in temperature. The Canary Islands Government's Emergency Directorate has declared a wind alert in El Hierro and a pre-alert across the archipelago from 6:00 AM Tuesday. Simultaneously, a pre-alert for calima has also commenced. Southeast winds on the westernmost island of El Hierro, particularly affecting the northeast, El Golfo valley, and higher areas, are expected with gusts reaching 60-90 km/h. The...

Las Palmas Demonstration This Saturday in Protest Against Genocide in Palestine

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria looks set to witness a significant demonstration against genocide in Palestine this Saturday. Organized, among various other groups, by the Canarias por Palestina platform, the protest is part of a nationwide call for action on January 20th, demanding the cessation of arms trade and diplomatic relations with Israel. This event is one of many across the Canary Islands, reflecting a widespread outcry against the ongoing violence in Palestine.  ...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 19-21 January 2024

  After the conclusion of Yule and New Year holidays and the celebration of Reyes Magos, the Three Kings Epiphany festivities, the first of e major weekend events have started once again, marking the beginning of yet another year filled with lively celebrations and festivities here on our sub-tropical island of Gran Canaria. Here is the first The Canary Guide #WeekendTips of 2024. The first of this year's patron saints' festivities, in honour of San Sebastián, are taking place in the old towns...

Gran Canaria Public Holidays 2024 – The Canary Guide

The Regional Government in the Canary Islands establishes, within an annual limit of fourteen such dates, a list of official bank holidays for the year 2024, following the publication of the Laboral Calendar in the Official State Gazette (BOE). The local municipality holidays are then published at the end of the year. The island of Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands share official holidays with the rest of Spain. In addition to these, each of the Canary Islands has its official holiday and...

Expanding Voting Rights for Brits in Spain

British Ambassador to Spain, His Excellency Hugh Elliott, has announced some "good news" for British immigrants living and working in Spain and The Canary Islands.  The 15-year time limit on British citizens being allowed to vote overseas has been lifted, allowing them to register and vote in UK general elections. The law, part of the UK Government's Election Act passed in 2022, according to the British Embassy in Madrid, demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity in the democratic process,...

#GranCanariaWeather: Yellow advisory warnings for Strong Winds and Calima, some rain likely

Following a week marked by the effects of storm Hipólito, which brought snow and sub-zero temperatures to mainland Spain, the Canary Islands have once again avoided the worst of this weather system. However, the disturbance over the continent has led to the formation of a high-pressure system, resulting in the arrival of calima (a dust-laden wind) to the islands.   The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 29 December 2023 – 5 January 2024

A lovely long week ahead as the leisurely holiday season continues here on Gran Canaria. Monday, 1 January is officially a national bank holiday and then the Twelfth night, the Epiphany, preceded by the Noche del Reyes Magos, Night of The Kings, the spectacular finale to the season. There are many parties, festivities, concerts, markets, and awesome parades to enjoy. Go find something special NEW YEAR, NOCHE VIEJA As we usher in the New Year's Eve weekend, contemplate some of the sub-tropical...

Free bus travel for Canary Islands’ residents continued in 2024

For public transportation and social welfare, the Government of Spain has extended a 100% subsidy for regular passenger transport in the Canary Islands, which began as a measure to subsidise the economy in the face of climbing fuel prices, including buses (guaguas) and trams, for another year, into 2024. This decision, ratified by the Council of Ministers, is aimed at underscoring the government's commitment to sustainable mobility and economic support for its citizens.  ...

The Canary Guide Merry Christmas #WeekendTips 22-24 December 2023

  It's a Christmas "Puente" , a long festive weekend ahead with Monday being a bank holiday in Spain. Many wonderful seasonal markets, concerts and Santas to visit and enjoy before everything calms down a little for the holiday season. If you are looking for that special Yule Time feeling with decoration and lights, Gáldar is probably a top choice. It's good to remember that any adverse weather condition might cause outdoor events to be changed, cancelled/postponed, but all in all the brief...

Construction of Salto de Chira Continues Despite Legal Challenges Aiming to Protect Cultural Heritage

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, December 18, 2023 – Jesús Quesada @ Canarias7 – A series of legal rulings appear to have have reinforced the trajectory of the Salto de Chira hydroelectric project on Gran Canaria, courts have consistently denied requests for any suspension to the construction. The decision comes amidst concerns raised by environmental and cultural preservation groups, highlighting the complexities of balancing development with heritage conservation.  ...

Gran Canaria Cabildo Strengthens Community Ties at II Encuentro Vecinal

Today, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, through its Citizen Participation Directorate, hosted the "II Encuentro Vecinal de Gran Canaria" at the Patio del Cabildo. This event is a significant annual gathering for neighborhood associations in Gran Canaria, attracting over fifty individuals connected to local community associations. The meeting serves as a platform for these associations to share experiences, voice demands, and celebrate the community and neighborhood movement on the island....

Organised Theft Ring Uncovered at Tenerife South Airport: 14 Employees Detained, 20 Investigated for Stealing Over €1.9 Million from Passenger Luggage

In a crackdown at Tenerife South Airport, the Spanish Civil Guard has apprehended 14 airport workers and is investigating 20 more for their involvement in a large-scale theft ring. This operation, named "Oretel," exposed the workers' alleged participation in a criminal group, theft, property damage, and money laundering.     The operation commenced following an uptick in complaints and reports from travelers about thefts and...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 15-17 December 2023

Time to be Merry! A beautiful "winteresque" December weekend is ahead with an abundance of seasonal events to enjoy all around Gran Canaria. Christmas markets, concerts and other events like the Orange Fair in Telde, an early New Year party in Holidayworld Maspalomas. All of our featured events are free to attend and enjoy. Plenty of options to experience the tingling Xmas feeling with the family and friends and find the true spirit of Christmas, love! A very busy time indeed when it comes to...

Six Tourists Injured After Their Boat Overturns Off Mogán Coast

Six tourists were injured when their boat overturned of the coast of Mogán on Tuesday. Around 1:30 p.m., several calls alerted the 112 Canarias Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES) to an accident at sea in coastal waters. An inflatable boat capsized after being hit by a wave. Onboard were six foreign tourists, confirm sources from 112 Canarias.   Image: Jose A. Puerto De Mogán, CC BY 2.0 Fortunately, the tourists...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 8-10 December 2023

  Just two weeks to go to start the long Yule Time Weekend and for some reason =) our #WeekendTips is heavily oriented towards holiday season events and festivities happening around Gran Canaria.  Santa Lucía is celebrating their Patron Saint's festivities and Agaete the festivities of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception this December. There are also two sporting events on the south of the island this weekend, as well as the Gran Canaria Bike Week. More "Lights-On" events to enjoy this...

Scooter Safety and Regulations in Spain and the Canary Islands: A Vital Guide

In the bustling streets of the Canary Islands tourist resorts, and across Spain, scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of personal mobility. However, with this rise in popularity comes a greater responsibility for safety and adherence to the law. The Local Traffic Police Unit of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Sagulpa personnel have compiled a crucial set of guidelines to ensure the responsible use of scooters.   ...

15 year old Olivia Missing on Gran Canaria for more than 14 days

The authorities have activated an official missing persons search for one Olivia Karen Richardson, a 15-year-old, who was last seen on November 23 in the Agüimes area. The youth is 1.60 meters tall and has short, straight, brown hair. The Spanish SOS Desaparecidos Association has provided the following telephone numbers for anyone who can provide information about Olivia's whereabouts: 649952957 or 617126909.  

#GranCanariaWeather: A Little Overcast with Mild Temperatures, Warming Towards The Weekend

It's the Constitution Day Bridge Weekend, with bank holidays on Wednesday and Friday, meaning that many will have also taken off Thursday to make a five day break to start the seasonal shopping season.  Temperatures into the weekend looking to remain at between 18º and 24ºC in the shade. With the sun rising around 07:40 and setting again just after 6pm.  The waning crescent moon transitions to a new moon on December 12 so plenty of stars visible on clear nights as the gradually less visible...

GLAY+ Maspalomas World AIDS Day Commemoration at La Plaza De La Diversidad a Resounding Success

Yumbo, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, December 1, 2023 - On Friday evening, December 1, La Plaza De La Diversidad GLAY+ Maspalomas, on the south of Gran Canaria, lit up with solidarity and community spirit as the GLAY+ Maspalomas association (Gays and Lesbians Associated of Yumbo, Maspalomas) led an emotional commemoration of World AIDS Day. The event, which began at 7:00 PM, with the participation of Amigos Contra El SIDA, Aula Darío Jaén, and Checkpoint Canarias, drew significant...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 1-3 December 2023

  The first weekend of December, the first rains of winter, and the count down to Christmas has begun in earnest. Friday is World AIDS Day, a day of remembrance and the celebration of life down at the Yumbo in Playa del Inglés.  There are more lights on events taking place around the island as well as Christmas Markets to enjoy. There is also the Mogán Avodacado Fair to explore in Arguineguín and a beach clean by the original Gran Canaria beach cleaners of Surf Canarias to join just to name a...

#GranCanariaWeather: PreAlerts for Thunderstorms, Wind and Heavy Rain in Places

A powerful storm looks set to sweep across the Canary Islands from west to east on Thursday and Friday, bringing rainfall that could be occasionally heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, according to forecasts by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).   The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, on Wednesday, declared the pre-alert for storms in the Canary Islands, starting...

New Meloneras Hotel For The South of Gran Canaria Begins Ambitious Urban Development Plan

The touristed south of Gran Canaria is set for some urban transformation with the licensing of a new five star hotel in the popular resort area of Meloneras, marking a major developmental milestone for the destination. The Urban Planning Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council plans to grant six Major Works licenses following their approval in the Government Board meeting to be held this Thursday November 30, granting Lopesan Touristik a license for a new 533-room hotel, representing...

Judicial Ruling Halts Major Maspalomas Commercial Park and Housing Plan in El Hornillo

Gran Canaria - The Canary Islands' High Court of Justice (TSJC) has upheld the annulment of the urban planning for El Hornillo, a contentious development project in Gran Canaria's tourism heartlands of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The judgment reaffirmed a previous ruling by the Administrative Court Number 4 of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which in May 2021 nullified the municipal town hall's already approved plans for a commercial park and over 300 homes.     [adrotate...

Court Revokes License for Luxury Hotel Project in Pasito Blanco

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - In a recent legal ruling, the Administrative Court Number 2 of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has annulled the license granted to Centro Helioterápico de Canarias for the construction of a luxury hotel by the Seaside Group at Pasito Blanco, located in the southern Gran Canaria municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The decision, issued on November 15, represents a major setback for what was an ambitious tourism project, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing...

Canary Islands Aim to Regulate Vacation Homes Amidst Growing Concerns Over Housing

Canary Islands - The Canary Islands Regional Government is taking a proactive stance to regulate the burgeoning vacation home sector, with a new law expected to be introduced in the summer of 2024. The legislation will aim to curtail the rapid growth of vacation rentals, a trend that has consumed 35% of the lodgings market in the region. The law will ultimately grant local municipalities discretion to make the final decisions regarding the regulation of these properties. ...

Canary Islands’ Tourism Industry Already Hitting Record Highs This Winter Season

Canary Islands - The Canary Islands have launched their 2023-2024 winter tourism season, setting new records in the hotel industry and reinforcing their status as a premier European and global destination, and Europe's only sub-tropical winter sunshine destination. The main winter period, stretching from October 1 to March 31, typically marks the most lucrative phase of the year for the archipelago's tourism sector, known for its appealing climate and beautiful landscapes. ...

Canarian Gay Concentration Camp At Tefía To Be Recognised As A Place Of Democratic Memory

Underscoring Spain's commitment to confronting its Francoist past, Ángel Víctor Torres, the former President of the Canary Islands and now the newly announced national Spanish Government's Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, in his first act of his new office, has announced the recognition of the Tefía LGBT+ concentration camp in Fuerteventura and the Sima de Jinámar, scene of fascistic murders on Gran Canaria, as places of democratic memory. This declaration will mark a...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 24-26 November 2023

What warm month it has been, and now it’s time to enjoy the last weekend of November with more typical seasonal weather. We have one busy weekend coming up, and that most American celebration of consumerism, the so-called Black Friday, can be clearly seen on Gran Canaria as well. Events to celebrate the switching on of Christmas lights continues and there is even a chance to enjoy the first Christmas markets. The works for the Belén de Arena- the Sand Art Nativity 2023-24  are already taking...

Playa del Inglés Annexo II Shopping Centre Demolition Proposal Revealed At XI Tourism Forum

This Thursday it was revealed that the Environmental Department of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, island government, has returned an unfavorable assessment of the latest proposed renovations project for the Annexo II shopping centre in Playa del Inglés, in the tourism heartlands of the south of Gran Canaria. They have argued that the project is simply incompatible with the conservation of the Dunes Special Natural Reserve, suggesting that the building be completely demolished and reconstructed...

2.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Santa Lucía in Gran Canaria

Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria - An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.1 rattled the interior of the Gran Canaria municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana this Thursday evening. According to data from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), Spain's national geological institute, the tremor occurred at precisely 20:07 local time and was registered at a depth of approximately 25 kilometers. Thankfully, this seismic event went pretty much unnoticed by the local population. ...

Missing Swedish Tourist Anna-Karin Bengtsson Found Deceased on Gran Canaria

Anna-Karin Bengtsson, a 52-year-old Swedish tourist, mysteriously disappeared on Gran Canaria around April 9. She was last seen in person on that day, having checked out of the Abora Buenaventura hotel in Playa del Inglés, where she had gone, it seems, to continue working on her doctoral thesis on special education and textbook writing.   She had gone there the day before and after settling her bill, and spending some time in the...

38th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers sets sail from Gran Canaria

A light southerly breeze and bright sunshine accompanied the 156 yachts participating in the 38th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers as they departed Gran Canaria bound for Saint Lucia, 2700 nautical miles away.   Leading the ARC 2023 fleets were Pierre de Saint-Vincent’s Piment Rouge (FRA) an Outremer 51 in the Multihull Division, followed by Marjolijn van Oordt’s Swan 52-3 Gaia (NLD) in the Racing Division. The 91-strong Cruising...

Resurfacing work Starting Sunday November 19 on the GC-500 Will Cause Nighttime Closures and Detours

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria, through its Department of Public Works and Infrastructure led by Vice President Augusto Hidalgo, has announced the start of road resurfacing works on the GC-500 road between Arguineguín and Tauro in Mogán. The scheduled work beginning on Sunday, November 19th, is part of a larger project to renovate road surfaces across the southern sector of the island's road network, with an estimated cost of €450,000 earmarked for this specific segment.  ...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 17-19 November 2023

  Well, just six weekends till the Yuletime winter celebrations get going in earnest and the fine warm weather continues over this sunny weekend on Gran Canaria. Agüimes are to be the first municipality to officially switch-on their Christmas lights this Saturday. In Arguineguín,  the Tuna and Sea Fair seeks to hearken back to when this little town was populated only with fisher folk and Santa Brígida is hosting the Km.0 Gran Canaria Fair for the first time. There are also three big sporting...

Hillside fire in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

A fire this Wednesday afternoon, apparently on the hillside behind an apartment complex in the tourist resort town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Mogán, has forced the evacuation of the fifth floor of the building due to flames being in close proximity, according to the 112 Canarias main emergency coordination centre.   According to the Canary Islands' Emergency and Security Coordinating Centre, firefighters...

Spanish Democracy In Action: Proposed Amnesty Law Promotes Dialogue Over Conflict

There appears to be some vocal division throughout Spain right now, in particular following the July 23 General Election, which left no one party with enough of a majority to form a government without coalition and consensus. The conservative Partido Popular (PP) were invited, as the most voted-for party, to try to form a government but were unable to muster sufficient votes in the Congress of Deputies (Spain's lower house of representatives), despite backing from the controversial Spanish...

Conservative and Far Right Protests Against Pedro Sanchez Madrid PSOE Amnesty Policy

Protests on Sunday in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria expressed discontent with the agreement signed last week, which aims to initiate a framework for negotiated solutions over the coming months between the Government of Spain and Catalan independence parties, this is to include the promotion of an amnesty policy to avoid criminalising politicians with a legitimate mandate and instead seek political dialogue and recognition that Madrid and Barcelona are not in agreement.  ...

NC-BC Councillors Demand Extended Audits Amid Allegations of Contract Fragmentation by Mogán Mayor

Nueva Canarias-Bloque Canarista (NC-BC) councillors, Javier Romero and Juan Manuel Gabella, have formally requested additional audits on minor contracts dating back to July 2015 in the southern town hall administration of Mogán. The move follows recent initiation of yet another judicial proceeding investigating potential contract fragmentation, specifically aimed at circumventing public contract regulations, allegedly to favour individual companies and undermine fair competition. The...

#GranCanariaWeather: 30ºC+ and Clear Skies for the Week Ahead

This week on Gran Canaria a return of warmer temperatures and clear skies, according to the latest forecast from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency, AEMET. This third week of November will bring a notable rise in temperatures, particularly for the southern regions and in the capital, Las Palmas.   The week starts with clear skies, occasional high clouds, and a slight presence of calima, notably in the east. Temperatures are...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 10-12 November 2023

  We're already at the second weekend of November already (Just 6 more Fridays till Yule Time!) and it is going to be a beautiful one with some pretty awesome events happening all around Gran Canaria. The festive season officially starts this weekend with the first, of many, "Christmas lights-on" events this Saturday at Mogan Mall in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. The weekend highlights includes WOMAD, World Music And Dance festival, in the capital. The big 'Feria del Sureste' (ideal for those...

“Checkpoint Canarias” offer FREE Sexual Health screening on Gran Canaria

Checkpoint Canarias was established in 2022 having emerged from a group of LGBT business men who wanted to build on the work of British resident and activist, Jim Philips, of the Facebook group "Gay Gran Canaria", in providing guidance and information, particularly on drugs like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.   When taken as prescribed, PrEP is...

Maspalomas PRIDE Founders GLAY+ Support New LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Helpline 028 Arcoíris

The Founders of Maspalomas PRIDE Gran Canaria, GLAY+ Maspalomas,  have long advocated for the creation of guidance services dealing specifically with public issues around LGBTQIA+ identity.  Homophobia is the second most common cause of hate crime in Spain. This year GLAY+ is very proud to be able to support the Spanish Ministry of Equality who have for the first time launched a 24-hour Helpline Service, named "028 Arcoíris", which provides multilingual information and comprehensive care...

Gran Canaria chosen by British travel agents as the best LGBTQ+ destination of the year

Gran Canaria has been distinguished as the premier LGBTQ+ travel destination for 2023 by British travel agents, with the Travel Bulletin Star Award for LGBTQ+ Destination of the year. The island was honoured, at the end of October, among the top destinations of the year. The print and online publication, according to the Gran Canaria tourism board, is highly regarded within the UK tourism industry, and the only UK magazine exclusively for travel agents. The event, which saw over 500 sector...

Tragic Turn on GC-1: 83 year old Driver Dies; Two Women Injured Near Playa del Inglés

In a tragic incident on Gran Canaria's GC-1 motorway, an 83-year-old driver lost his life on Saturday after suffering a fainting spell, leading to his vehicle veering off the road near the Playa del Inglés junction. The accident, which occurred at 5:33 PM in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, also resulted in minor injuries to two female passengers aged 70 and 73.   Emergency services were promptly alerted, and upon...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 3-5 November 2023

  Hello November and mid-autumn events. This weekend is full of all sorts. There is Canarian Wine, Cheese and Honey fair on offer in the old mountain market town of San Mateo, clowns have taken over nearby Valsequillo, Fashion & Friends, a Manga Festival and the first ARC sailboat departures to enjoy in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and many weekend markets all around the island. Here are our top picks for the first weekend of November on Gran Canaria![button link="#WeekendTips"...

Marijuana Cultivation for Therapeutic Personal Use Protected in Canary Islands Landmark Ruling, As Provincial Court Sets Precedent

In a landmark decision that could reshape the legal landscape of cannabis use in Spain, the Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has acquitted three German nationals charged with cultivating nearly ten kilos of marijuana. The court's ruling acknowledged the lack of evidence beyond the quantity of cannabis to suggest any intent to distribute, marking a significant shift in the interpretation of Spain's drug laws.   The...

Major Drug Ring Dismantled in Maspalomas’ Kasbah Shopping Centre, 9 arrests

The Kasbah in Playa del Inglés was the very first shopping and leisure centre to have been built in the south of Gran Canaria, and its seen its fair share of the night time economy over the years. Anyone who has visited late at night will possible have also witnessed large numbers of PRs, along with suspected drug dealers and prostitutes, and the occasional clip joint all able to exist quite openly around the entrances to the late night venues and bars.  However it seems someone has finally...

Explosions Damage Houses in Smara, Western Sahara, Prompting Swift UN Investigation

In the early hours of Sunday, October 29, a series of at least four explosions reverberated through the city of Smara in the occupied territory of Western Sahara, resulting in one death and leaving three injured, with two in critical condition. This sobering event, in the country closest to The Canary Islands, has prompted swift action from local authorities. They've confirmed details to the Moroccan official news agency MAP, while the independence fighters of the Front Polisario, engaged in a...

Canary Islands Tourism Minister Talks Aim At Vacations Rentals Regulations

The new Tourism Minister of the Government of the Canary Islands, Jessica de León, has tried to set a clear objective for her first term: to regulate holiday homes and address the distortions they are causing in the archipelago. These issues bear similarities to those occurring in other cities in Spain and around the world, prompting the need for measures to be taken. For instance, in New York, there's a requirement that the property cannot be entirely rented to guests, and the owners must...

Policía Local Traffic Controls Fine Unauthorised Bus Service in Playa del Inglés

Local Police in Gran Canaria's southern municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, which includes the tourism resort areas of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, conducted static traffic controls in various areas over the weekend, resulting in various fines for drivers of non-compliant heavy vehicles.   The Policía Local carried out static traffic controls in several tourist hotspots in an initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with...

NOCHE DE FINAOS vs. HALLOWEEN 2023 – GRAN CANARIA

  Wednesday, 1st of November 2023 is a National bank holiday throughout Spain. Government buildings, offices and banks will be closed, including some of the Shopping centres and stores, so it's a good idea to double check opening hours before planning a shopping trip, particularly outside the tourist zones.   The 31st of October has long been celebrated here in The Canary Islands. A most traditional celebration where families...

Midday aerial display over Las Canteras in the capital this Sunday

If you are in the capital today, look up! At midday this Sunday, a commemoration event for the 110th anniversary of Aviation in the Canary Islands will take place at Las Canteras beach. The event, organised by the Aerial Command of the Canary Islands, features the remarkable Patrulla Águila and the Acrobatic Parachuting patrols of the Air and Space Army putting on a show for all below.   The activities kicked off on October 27th...

Nighttime Road Closures on GC-1 around Gran Canaria Airport

Nighttime Road Closures on the main GC-1 highway will affect traffic around Gran Canaria Airport, due to planned asphalting on sections between Ingenio and Telde.  From Sunday October 29 until the end of the work every night until at least Thursday from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.   Starting from this Sunday through to Thursday, with the exception of Tuesday ahead of the national bank holiday on Wednesday, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria...

Maspalomas Policía Nacional Inspector Implicated in Major Corruption Case

This week, a member of the Policía Nacional, specifically associated with the Junta de Auxiliares de Servicios Auxiliares (J.A.S.A.), has been implicated in a case involving a range of serious charges. These charges include threats, coercion, crimes against property, disclosure of secrets, and money laundering. The individual in question is one of four individuals detained in a recent operation, which also involved searches of their residences. This inspector is currently stationed at the...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 27-29 October 2023

  It's the last weekend of October and the traditional Noche de Finaos aka, more recently on these islands, as Halloween or All Hallows Eve, the night before Día de Difuntos, All Saints’ Day, is coming up on next Wednesday, 1 November which is also a public holiday throughout Spain. The Maspalomas Rally is celebrating it's 50 anniversary this weekend and the clocks 'fall' back this Sunday night as 2 am becomes 1 am. Winter is on it's way! There are some gorgeous traditional festivities...

Warplanes over Gran Canaria: Ocean Sky ’23

Anyone passing through Gran Canaria airport this week may have noticed large numbers of fighter jets and other military aircraft taking off and landing at the Gando airbase next door, as part of the annual NATO DACT exercises which bring together a selection of top of the range fighters to test, train and evaluate pilots from across the NATO alliance. Ocean Sky-23, conducted by the Spanish Air and Space Force, invites international participation from some of the best of the best and has been...

Low-level Puerto Rico drug dealer arrested after trying to avoid the police

A suspected small-time drug dealer has been arrested in the popular tourist town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria after having been found in possession of fifteen packets of cocaine and two pieces of what is thought to be hashish, all divided into individual doses and ready for sale.   The incident occurred near the nightlife and leisure area of the Puerto Rico Shopping Center, where businesses owners and tourists have reported time...

#GranCanariaWeather: Storm Bernard Rains Impact Gran Canaria With An Unsettled Week Ahead

Parts of Gran Canaria experienced significant rainfall this weekend due to the passing of Storm Bernard, leading to disruptions primarily on the island's roadways. The mountain town of Teror received the highest rainfall, accumulating 41 litres per square meter, followed by Valleseco and the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, all on the north of the island.   Traffic Disruptions Heavy rain in Las Palmas led to multiple road...

Meloneras Nightclub Businesses Again Closed by Southern Town Hall

Meloneras, Gran Canaria – Tensions escalated this week between the San Bartolomé de Tirajana local council and businesses at the Meloneras commercial centre, as the authorities ordered the closure of four outdoor terraces, including the popular Aqua nightclub, a club that has been reportedly operating without all the appropriate permissions for some years.   The Policia Local executed a municipal order last Thursday, acting on a...

Suspect in Gáldar Axe Attack Appears at Hearing, Held Without Bail

Gáldar, Gran Canaria - A 35-year-old man identified by the initials J.A.G.T. has been remanded in custody without bail, following his arrest for the fatal axe attack on one man and the serious injuring of another. The attacks occurred in the early hours of last Friday in a residence on Calle Delgado in Gáldar, Gran Canaria. The suspect was ordered to be held in preventive custody by the Court of First Instance and Preliminary Investigation No. 3 in Santa María de Guía. Image: Gáldar CC A-SA...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 20-22 October 2023

  Autumn has finally arrived on Gran Canaria, a little later than expected, and the first really rainy days of the season are here. There are many different kinds of festivities and events to enjoy this weekend, including a romería pilgrimage offering, an electric vehicle (EV) show, high energy performances as part of Masdanza and a Bio Market to enjoy in the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Remember that weather conditions might cause any outdoor event to be postponed or changed....

“Maspaterror” a halloween event: Maspalomas succumbs to the terror of climate change

The Department of Youth of San Bartolomé de Tirajana town hall is hosting a participatory show "Maspaterror" in the Parque Sur Maspalomas to raise awareness among the population about the many conditions of the climate and its repercussions for life on the Planet​. [A Spanish Language Event]   The Parque Urbano del Sur will host the first Maspaterror show-tent this weekend, a recreational activity organized by the Youth Department...

#GranCanariaWeather: Canary Islands to Experience Significant Changes, Says AEMET

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands — After an unprecedented heatwave since the beginning of October, the Canary Islands are now poised for a dramatic shift in weather conditions. According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), with a rain front set to move across the archipelago, accompanied by a substantial drop in temperatures.   AEMET spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, has said that a cooler and more humid Atlantic air mass...

San Bartolomé de Tirajana Begins Mass Cat Sterilisation Program in Compliance with New Animal Welfare Law

It's been more than ten years since the animal respect charity TARA first advocated for and ran a mass sterilisation program or feral cats, in their private enterprise supported by Danish vets they managed to sterilise more than 300 cats in less than one week.  Now the southern municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has initiated their own large-scale sterilisation campaign targeting urban feline colonies, the very first municipality in The Canary Islands to do so. This move is in line with...

House Prices in the Canary Islands Increase by Nearly 9%, According to Tinsa

In September, the price of housing, both new and used, saw a significant uptick of almost 9% in the Canary Islands compared to the same month of the previous year, as reported by the appraiser Tinsa, the leading independent provider of real estate valuation and appraisal services in Spain. The company specialises in assessing the value of residential and commercial properties, providing important insights into the real estate market. Tinsa's services are widely used by individuals, businesses,...

Electricity Prices in the Canary Islands Surge by 42% Amidst Global Energy Market Impact

The ongoing conflict in the middle-east, between Hamas and Israel, is reverberating across global energy markets, and the Canary Islands are no exception. Gas prices have surged by 44.6% since the start of the Gaza conflict on October 7th, reaching €55.30 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in the European reference market, the Dutch TTF. In parallel, Brent crude oil has increased by 7.7% over the past week, reaching $91 per barrel.   The...

Ryanair launches its largest winter schedule for 23/24 to Gran Canaria Airport

Ryanair is one of the most popular airlines for holidays in Spain and the one that schedules the most flights to Gran Canaria Airport with its 23/24 winter schedule. The airline will have 34 routes, including increased frequencies on 15 routes to cities such as Berlin, Bristol, Budapest, Krakow and Milan. In addition, Ryanair welcomes 15 million passengers at Gran Canaria Airport since the start of its operations in 2009.    ...

Fight against the naturalisation of the exotic Yemen chameleon invader on Gran Canaria

• 137 specimens have been captured on Gran Canaria since 2017 to prevent this species from becoming consolidated on the island. The Department of Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, through the company Territorial and Environmental Management and Planning (Gesplan), and in coordination with the Canary Islands Early Warning Network of Invasive Exotic Species (RedEXOS), have removed from the environment, between captures and specimens collected after...

Missing 15-year-old, Olivia, Found Safe & Well And Back With Her Mother

Olivia has now been reunited with her mother and is safe and well. 15 year old Olivia was last seen at around 3pm on Friday 13th of October, when she left her home in Cruce de Arinaga, on the south east of Gran Canaria near to Vecindario, to take some rubbish out but never came back. According to her mother Linda she’s got no phone or money on her or her bus pass. She was wearing black jeans with black and white converse trainers.   [adrotate...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 13-15 October 2023

  It is an October bridge weekend (puente) for most on Gran Canaria. Thursday was a public holiday in Spain, celebrating Spanishness, and schools were closed from Wednesday to Friday due heatwave in the Canary Islands. There are some intriguing events and festivities to explore and to enjoy. The best of the best will gather on the Gáldar coast once again to compete in the Bodyboard world championship at Frontón King 2023.Patron Saint festivities of Archangel San Rafael are starting in...

#GranCanariaWeather: Heatwave to End This Weekend as Rain and Cooler Temperatures Approach

After experiencing an unusually warm start to October, the Canary Islands are set to witness a significant change in weather conditions starting next week.   Last Days of Heat Gran Canaria, along with Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, is currently under a yellow weather warning for high temperatures, which will continue through Saturday, October 14. Temperatures in specific areas, including the south and east-west basins of...

Mogán Mayor Rejects Temporarily Accommodating Elderly Care Patients in Hotels

Disapproval Voiced In Regional Parliament of the CC/PP Government's Handling of Mayor O Bueno's Opposition to Using an Apartment Complex as a Transitional Residence for Patients Discharged from Hospitals. "With Wealthy Nordics, There Would Be No Problem" PSOE Accuse.   Mogán, Canary Islands - The controversy over the use of a hotel in Mogán as a temporary residence for elderly patients with nowhere else to go and no-one to support them, has deepened...

Tenerife Forest Fire Reactivation Intensifies, Leading to Evacuations Amid Unprecedented Conditions

The ongoing forest fire on Tenerife, initially started back in August, has worsened, necessitating an elevation, once more, to a Level 2 emergency status as of this Monday. This escalation led to the precautionary evacuation of 110 residents from Las Calderetas, Campo de Tiro, and Carril del Polvo, along with 500 dogs and 25 horses, which have been relocated to the Casa del Ganadero in La Laguna.   Manuel Miranda, the Canary...

Air Europa Advises Customers to Cancel Cards Following Cyberattack on Payment Systems

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands – Airline operator Air Europa has fallen victim to a cyberattack, specifically targeting the payment environment of their website. The airline has been in contact with affected customers, urging them to cancel their payment cards as a precautionary measure, despite no confirmed cases of fraud.         The airline discovered a cybersecurity issue that impacted the payment system used for...

All School Classes Suspended in Canary Islands Due to High Temperatures

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports, has urgently decreed the suspension of teaching and extracurricular activities this Wednesday, October 11 and Friday, October 13 in non-university educational centres, due to the pre-alert situation for high temperatures. The measure affects students and all staff at public, subsidised and private centres on Wednesday and Friday of this week because of the sustained...

Migrant Returns Planned on Flights to Senegal as Canary Islands’ Tensions Rise With Madrid

Spain's Interior Ministry, led by Fernando Grande-Marlaska, is preparing a series of return flights to send migrants who have arrived on the islands this year back to Senegal. The first flight is expected to take off before the end of this month. The move comes as the Canary Islands grapple with an unprecedented surge in migrant arrivals, not seen since 2006.         The Spanish Interior Ministry confirmed that they...

#GranCanariaWeather: Islands Sizzle In Record-Breaking October Heatwave As Temperatures Soar Above 40°C In The Shade

Gran Canaria has been exceptionally hot over recent days. For the past week, the Canary Islands have consistently ranked among the highest temperatures recorded by Spain's State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, with temperatures exceeding 40ºC in the shade.  The summer of 2022 was recently declared to have been the hottest throughout Spain in 700 years, with many predicting 2023 to be the hottest year ever recorded globally, we are certainly feeling the effects of warmer weather here on The...

David visited Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for his first ever solo holiday, and loved it.

Meet "Dange89" aka, scotsman, David A. Taylor. This is the simple story of a friendly young man visiting Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for the first time on his own, who finds a real sense of community in the online social media groups set up to help holidaymakers connect with accurate advice from real people.  It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.           Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 6-8 October 2023

  October is the new summer this year, at least when it comes to weather. The high temperatures continue with a hot weekend ahead. It's going to be busy in the capital, with a multitude of events and festivities taking place from Big Bang Vintage Festival to the more traditional festivities of El Naval in La Isleta and many more. There is also the coastal festival 'Cangrejo Fest' to enjoy in Arucas and the Masdanza festival's free performances to enjoy at the viewpoint over the Dunas, as well...

19.8% Rise In Migrant Arrivals on The Canary Islands Leads To Calls for State Assistance

The Canary Islands have seen a near 20% increase in migrant arrivals by boat during the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, according to the latest data from the Ministry of the Interior. Despite this rise in migrants, the number of boats arriving has actually decreased by 3.2%, from 279 last year to 270 so far this year.           A Surge in Cayucos The increased number of migrants...

Latest on Tenerife Forest Fire Reactivation: Severity Level 2, Over 3,000 Residents Evacuated

Wednesday's reactivation of the forest fire in Tenerife, thought to be well under control, has escalated due to changing wind conditions and high temperatures. Its severity has now been raised to Level 2, leading the Canary Islands Government to assume control of the firefighting operations.           Key Statistics - 30 hectares affected - Over 3,200 residents evacuated - 130 people spent the night in...

October Scorcher: Historic Orange Alert for Canary Islands Sweating Under Near-Record Temperatures

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has escalated its heat warnings in the Canary Islands, moving Gran Canaria from a yellow to an orange advisory, indicating significant danger. Remarkably, AEMET has stressed that this is the first time ever that it has had to activate a warning of this level (significant danger) during the month of October anywhere in Spain.         The orange warning came into effect...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 29 September – 1 October 2023

  A gorgeous and exciting last weekend of September ahead as we also say Hello to October! There are many interesting events and festival are taking place this weekend like the free music festival "Tourifest" in Playa del Ingles, the North Coast Festival in Moya. There are patron saints' festivities to enjoy in Valsequillo, Agüimes and in Valleseco as well as a double fair in Ingenio with Km.0 Fair Gran Canaria and Feria del Sol. The EPIC coast-to-coast charity walk "The Long Walk Gran...

Fishing Boat “Attacked by Marlin” Near Lanzarote; Nearly Sinks with Five Crew Onboard

In a rare incident, a tuna fishing boat was reportedly "attacked" by a marlin yesterday, leading to an emergency situation some 30 miles off the coast of Lanzarote. The 90-ton vessel was in peril, endangering the lives of its five crew members.         Responding to the crisis, non-profit emergency service NGO, Emergencias de Lanzarote (Emerlan), managed to reach the struggling vessel. The crew had already installed...

Potatoes from UK to Canary Islands to Resume Following Imports Scare

Right now the Colorado beetle plague, which forced the commercial flow of this product from the United Kingdom to be interrupted, has been controlled, but it is not eradicated. Following Monday's Government Council meeting, Minister of Agriculture, Narvay Quintero stressed that when the risk is over, the Ministry of Agriculture, which has jurisdiction, will lift the phytosanitary restrictions. The Canary Islands are set to see the return of potato imports from the United Kingdom after...

Spain’s Central Government Rejects Mogán Mayor’s Stance on Migrant Burials; PSOE Calls Her Actions Racist

Spain's central government has clarified that the responsibility for covering the burial costs of migrants who die at sea rests firmly with local municipalities. This clarification comes in response to La Alcaldesa, O. Bueno, the current mayoress of Mogán on Gran Canaria, having recently declared that her municipality will no longer fund these burials.         The government cited a 1974 public health regulation that...

Upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse Should be Partially Visible on Gran Canaria just before sunset

The onset of autumn brings with it a slew of astronomical events, including a partial solar eclipse scheduled for this October 14, 2023. The eclipse will be annular, primarily visible in the Americas. However, it will also be partially visible in the Canary Islands, including on Gran Canaria, albeit with very low magnitudes. From the five westernmost Canary Islands (El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria), the eclipse will be barely noticeable since the sunset will occur...

Increased Scrutiny Over Plans for World’s First Commercial Octopus Farm in Las Palmas

The Spanish multinational fishing company, Nueva Pescanova, has been planning to launch the world's first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria's port of Las Palmas. Expected to produce about 3,000 tonnes of octopus meat annually, the proposed facility is attracting widespread attention and criticism.  Much of the scientific community, as well as animal activists, have expressed opposition to the controversial plans.         [adrotate...

#GranCanariaWeather: A Mild Start to Autumn with Variable Skies and Daytime Temperatures in the high 20s

As Gran Canaria ushers in the first week of Autumn, a bit of a mixed bag in terms of weather, generally warm across the island in the mid to upper 20s, and characterised by some varying levels of cloudiness and steady temperatures.         This Week's Temperature Outlook Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 28º to 29ºC in the shade on the south, although it will be considerably hotter when exposed to...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 22-24 September 2023

  Autumn is here, and it is the start of the apple harvest, as the fall equinox arrives this weekend. The weather predictions are promising some cloud cover and possibly even a little rain, mostly in the evenings/nightime at the summits and to the north, but best just to wait and see as Gran Canaria weather is usually fantastic particularly on the south of the island. There is so much going on this weekend, there is little bit of something for everyone.There is a wide range of events this...

Booyaka CLA gets asked “How Much?” live in Puerto Rico Shopping Centre

A rather infamous and, you might even say, outspoken Tiktoker landed in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for a holiday last week.  With her outlandish catchphrase "Roots darling, roots!" and a bombastic attitude on full display, Chelsea Lee Arts is not, shall we say, everybody's cup of tea; though she can boast more than 4m likes on the video sharing platform.  She is certainly a larger than life personality in many ways who, according to some reports, struggles with bipolar issues, and say some,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 15-17 September 2023

  A busy September weekend ahead! There are traditional patron saints' festivities just getting started and some just finishing up. Guía are celebrating their very traditional Las Marías festivities, there is a Romería pilgrimage offering in the mountain town of Tejeda, a Wine and Tapas Night to enjoy in Playa de Mogán, as well as various 'End of Summer' celebrations in few different locations. Autumn is just round the corner. For sports fans there is the Maspalomas Open Water swimming...

#GranCanariaWeather: Some wet weather on the way this Sunday, particularly to the north

Over the next few days Gran Canaria weather is expected to be influenced by a front associated with a low-pressure system formed in northern Portugal. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), this will bring rain to the islands over the weekend. The northern areas of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote are expected to be most affected.         On Friday, the northern parts of...

Microalgae can be good for the environment, say scientists who have developed early warning systems

This summer some Gran Canaria's beaches, particularly Las Canteras in the capital and the coast of Mogán on the southwest of the island, have been affected by significant algal blooms. A team of experts from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (Icmat), CSIC, and Digital Earth Solutions (DES) report that they have determined these blooms are likely to become more common over the years to come, due to the warming of the Atlantic Ocean in the...

Mogán Town Hall ask people not to try to remove or eat the potentially deadly pufferfish washing up on the beaches

The Mogán Town Council has finally made a statement regarding the masses of dead fish, first reported by The Canary News,  that have been washing up on the southwestern shores of Gran Canaria over recent days and weeks, saying that "Since the situation was detected, the Council has maintained direct and constant contact with the General Directorate of Public Health of the Government of the Canary Islands."         [adrotate...

#GranCanariaWeather: Dead puffer fish, rains from the north & warm seas to the south

The weather outlook for the coming days on Gran Canaria suggests a predominance of cloud cover to the north, with light showers likely in the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.  The touristed beaches of south of the island will likely escape any wet weather, though there is always a chance at this time of year. The coastal waters around The Canary Islands have been unusually warm this year, which seems to have led to a few surprises for swimmers...     [adrotate...

Cardiac arrest victim in tauro evacuated by helicopter from Taurito

This Saturday at approximately 16:52, an emergency near a hotel pool in the Tauro area of Mogán, Gran Canaria was reported involving a male individual who was experiencing a cardiac and respiratory arrest.         Upon receiving the alert, the main Canary Islands 112 Coordinating Centre for Emergencies and Security (CECOES) immediately activated the necessary emergency resources. An off-duty emergency health...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 8-10 September 2023

  There is always a grand set of events across the island at this time of the year, with two of the most popular traditional annual celebrations on Gran Canaria happening back to back this weekend. The festive days began on Thursday in pretty little merchant town of Teror with the main harvest Romería pilgramage for the island, an offering in honour of the patron saint of Gran Canaria, Our Lady of the Pine with 22 carts carrying summer produce, representing all the municipalities on the island...

Mogán auditor investigates the legalities of town hall contracts from 2019-2022

The financial controller or "Interventor" of Gran Canaria's south western municipality of Mogán, an auditor who is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the legality and proper financial management of public funds in a governmental or municipal context, is now closely examining all minor contracts entered into by the town hall during the last mandate, between 2019 and 2022. The municipal official has initiated a supervisory action to investigate, among other things, the volume of direct...

Older drivers: Renewing Your License in Spain and the Canary Islands

Concerns about renewing your driving license are common among older individuals, writes Spanish language daily La Provincia. Many believe that once they reach a certain age, they can no longer drive a motor vehicle. However, the Spanish General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has provided clear information regarding the conditions for renewing a driving license if you are among the older population, aiming to eliminate any confusion.      ...

Is there a potato shortage in The Canary Islands? Gran Canaria president says certainly no!

Gran Canaria Island President, Antonio Morales, has made clear this Tuesday that there is no potato shortage on the island. He believes that the rising prices, in some places up 60% in just the last week, are simply due to what he has called a "made-up controversy" and an unnecessary panic. He has insisted that there is no real problem with the potato supply.         In response to the Canarian Association of...

Tenerife Declared ‘Catastrophic Zone’ by Spanish Government After Wildfires and Floods

The Spanish government Council of Ministers, this Tuesday, has officially declared Tenerife, along with other areas affected by wildfires and floods up until August, as a "catastrophic zone." This decision comes after devastating wildfires have raged across the island, causing extensive damage estimated at €80.4 million, according to the Tenerife Island Council, the Cabildo de Tenerife.         Spain's President,...

The Canary archipelago’s warmest and most humid August since 1961

August 2023 has been the warmest and most humid in the Canary Islands since 1961, with an average temperature of 25.4ºC, which is to say 2.3º higher than the usual average temperatures expected for this time of year. There was an average of 2.6 mm of rainfall, which is more than double (124% higher) than would normally be expected. These data over this past month show the region to have been extremely warm and very humid, according to the climatological report by the Canary Islands branch of...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 1-3 September 2023

  Hello September! What a summer it has been, and as we roll towards the autumn there is a full weekend of activities ahead, with various events and fairs to go and see. Some of our favourite highlights include southern mangos and summer avocados in Playa de Mogán, various music festivals and concerts to bid farewell to summer and multiple Patron Saints' festivities around the island. The best thing being, all of the cultural events and traditional fiestas listed here are free to attend and...

Eight injured in shocking Fuerteventura car crash, driver tests negative for drink or drugs

Eight people, including two minors, were injured in an accident on Thursday when a vehicle crashed into a bar terrace on the popular Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen, in the tourist town of Corralejo, on  Fuerteventura.         The driver who collided with two terraces tested negative for alcohol or drugs, as confirmed by police sources. The man, a British national, was among the eight people evacuated by...

Gran Canaria Weather: Autumn Calling as Rains Start to Reach the Mainland and Northern Shores

According to Spanish Language Daily, La Provincia, a DANA (isolated high-level cold front) is expected to reach peninsular Spain this Friday, September 1st, bringing rain and a noticeable drop in temperatures over the weekend. Maximum day time temperatures in many northern and inland regions of the country will not exceed 25ºC due to atmospheric instability. The arrival of this DANA marks the beginning of meteorological autumn, say meteorologists.     [adrotate...

New Spanish law obliges all dog owners to take out annual insurance from September

Starting from September, when new animal regulations come into force, dog owners in Spain will need to go through a new process to comply with the changes to the law. Everyone of them will be required to obtain liability insurance for their pets, in accordance with the recently enacted Law 7/2023 for the protection of animal rights and welfare.         This new regulations, published last March, consolidate rules...

Flight Chaos for Gran Canaria and Canary Islands caused by UK Air Traffic System Glitch

Numerous flight cancellations and delays have disrupted travel plans at several airports in the Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The disruptions this Monday stemmed from technical issues with UK air traffic control system. Over 100 flights to and from various British cities have been affected due to a failure in the automatic flight processing system. This forced the need to manually input flight data, slowing down the overall process. The...

Eleven Days From Blaze to Stability on Tenerife: The Canary Islands Battle Against Unpredictable Fires

During this past Saturday night, rains recorded on the northern part of Tenerife Island have successfully cooled the area where a wild fire has burned for nearly two weeks, and increased humidity, which has facilitated operational work over recent hours, and significant reactivations have not occurred.  Scientists and climate researchers warn that we can expect more of these kinds of unpredictable fires.         The...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 25-27 August 2023

  It's the last weekend of the traditional holiday month of August, which will mean a slow down to some of the summer-season tourism traffic, in the southern enclaves, as local preparations get underway for a new school year to start. Others in the south are starting to build towards the main winter season, with many older Nordic travellers about to head south for the winter. The summer weather, as ever, continues on Gran Canaria, with warm, sometimes too warm, daytime temperatures predicted...

Spanish King Felipe invites PP to try to form a government

Following the meetings of the main party leaders with King Felipe, who followed convention by inviting the candidate with the most number of votes to try to form a government, there is now a set date for the first investiture debate of the Spanish government. The President of the Congress, Francina Armengol, announced this Wednesday morning that the sessions will take place on September 26 and 27.         During...

Tenerife Latest: Wildfire was started intentionally, now being stabilised. Helicopter disabled by man in his 80s

The massive forest fire on Tenerife is currently in a stabilisation phase, with some reactivations occurring overnight in both the higher altitude areas of the south and the north. However, these reactivations have been successfully contained by the firefighting teams. The situation is expected to see further reactivations throughout much of the perimeter today due to the high temperatures, according to the 112 Canary Islands' Emergency and Rescue Coordination Centre, as shared on their social...

Serious Public Environmental Concerns Voiced On The Beaches of Mogán

Deputy Mayor Mencey Navarro, has revealed, this Monday, that the red flag was raised on Playa del Cura following a decision by the lifeguard there upon learning that there had been a sewerage overflow in a beach culvert.  However, he stressed, the problem was resolved "quickly", as the issue identified was "specific and negligible" allowing the green flag to be raised again after just a couple of hours.         No...

Misa Rodríguez: Arguineguín produces yet another world cup winning footballing legend

24 year old Misa Rodríguez, from Telde on Gran Canaria, is now a famous Spanish footballer and goalkeeper following Spain's world cup win on Sunday, and she has made significant contributions to women's football in Spain having played a pivotal role in both club and international competitions.         Early Career and Rise to Prominence in Arguineguín:Misa began at a local level. She initially played as a forward at...

FEHT President Assesses Gran Canaria’s Lack of Tourism Recovery

José María Mañaricua, the president of FEHT, the Federation of Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Las Palmas, in this Sunday's La Provincia, discusses the ongoing disagreement between government officials and business leaders regarding the extent of the tourism recovery on Gran Canaria after the pandemic. He presents his assessment of the situation on the island, highlighting the differing interpretations of the same data. According to Mañaricua, the vision of the business federation he leads...

Police Investigate Bone Remains, Possibly Human, Found in El Pajar Coastal Inlet

A kayaker made a discovery on a Saturday afternoon, finding a series of bags that contained bone remains, in a small inlet along the coast of El Pajar, which is located on the southwest of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The location was not accessible by land. The incident prompted officers from the National Police, headquartered at Maspalomas, and the local police of the southern municipality to respond.     ...

Wildfires Ravage Tenerife: After A Night More Favourable Than Expected Devastation and Unprecedented Challenges

Uncontrolled wildfires continue to wreak havoc through the protected natural pine forests on the picturesque island of Tenerife. However first reports this morning suggest that the night was calmer, with more favourable weather conditions than were expected. The situation is currently being evaluated at the Plan #INFOCA coordination meeting and at the end of it official information on the fire will be updated.         [adrotate...

Tenerife Wildfires Latest: 26,000 Affected As Conditions Remain Challenging, Rain Showers Arrive on Neighbouring Gran Canaria

As of this Saturday August 19, 2023, the wildfire on Tenerife remains "challenging" and the situation has escalated significantly. The fire, which has been raging since Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning, has now led to the potential evacuation of approximately 26,000 people, a stark increase from the 5,000 initially reported. The meteorological conditions have been described as "severe," particularly during the early hours of Saturday. These adverse conditions, including...

Summer Temperatures Soar in Southwest Gran Canaria Resort Towns like Puerto Rico & Arguineguín

The recent heatwave has had residents and tourists seeking relief on the southwest of Gran Canaria and another warm episode is expected from this weekend. In the resort town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, as with much of the rest of the south, temperatures have surged beyond 30ºC for prolonged periods this month, after one of the hottest Julys on record, prompting both locals and visitors to adopt various strategies to cope with the heat.     ...

Thousands Evacuated as Uncontrolled Wildfires Ravage Multiple Communities on Tenerife

The massive wildfire that began in the early hours of Wednesday has continued to rage uncontrollably across the municipalities of Arafo and Candelaria, expanding its reach to affect eight municipalities on Tenerife. Evacuations are ongoing from various areas, primarily as a precautionary measure. The latest update reveals that a total of 3,889 individuals have been directly impacted, while another 3,069 people have been evacuated from their homes and 3,820 individuals are under confinement,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 18-20 August 2023

  The most summery month of August is on its 3rd action packed weekend already.  There are several fiestas, celebrating various patron saints, around the island and many different markets to explore including the picturesque village of Fontanales, hosting another edition of the popular Km.0 Fair, offering the best local produce from around Gran Canaria. The artisan craft market in Maspalomas celebrates its final end for this edition. Such a gorgeous weekend ahead and here are just some of our...

#GranCanariaWeather: A few days of respite after 7 days of heatwave, though temperatures expected to climb again

Cloudy intervals in low lying areas to the north, this Wednesday, mainly during the first half of the day and again as evening approaches. High altitude Calima haze, generally light, according to Spanish state meteorological agency, AEMET.           Some relief from a week of heatwave. Temperatures decreasing slightly, more pronounced on the southern coast. It may exceed 34 ºC in the shade, inland, on the south...

Southern municipal urbanism councillor, Davinia Ramírez, negotiates summer pause to solar development in Juan Grande

According to the town hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the Urbanism Department, led by Davinia Ramírez (CC), has this week reached an agreement with the company "Energy Solutions by Scandinavians" to temporarily halt earthmoving work around the neighbourhood of Juan Grande, being undertaken for the installation of a photovoltaic solar panel park. Under this agreement, the company has committed to resume these works starting in September. This decision is based on the fact that during the...

A surge of commercial e-scooters left abandoned throughout Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés without permission

A surge of commercial e-scooters left on the streets of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés has prompted local government to take action due to a lack of licenses and permits for this activity, resulting in the confiscation of the e-scooters and fines for the rental company involved.         According to the information provided in Spanish language news portal for the south of Gran canaria, El Sur Digital GC, the...

More than 4m Passenger Journeys in July through Canary Islands’ Airports

Spanish airport authority AENA has reported that the airports they operate in the Canary Islands served a total of 4,088,016 passenger journeys on commercial flights during the month of July. This represents a 5.1% increase compared to the same period in 2022.         Of these passengers, 2,167,557 journeys were on international flights, marking a 4.8% increase from July 2022. Additionally, 1,894,409 travelled on...

Fatality at Tauro Beach: Rescue Efforts Unsuccessful

This Monday afternoon a tragic incident unfolded at Tauro Beach, situated on the south-western coast of Gran Canaria in the municipality of Mogán. An individual lost his life while swimming near the beach, over which the local town hall of Mogán has full responsibility. The incident was reported by local passers-by and confirmed by the main 1-1-2 Canary Islands' Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES).         [adrotate...

#GranCanariaWeather: Temperatures to remain in the mid to high 30s, offering a little respite from the intense heatwave of recent days

This Monday starts mostly clear with a little cloud along the northern coasts of Gran Canaria, where some medium and high-level clouds may remain until midday, returning again towards the later hours. This is now the fifth day of intense heatwave, though starting to ease a little.         Calima continues to bring dust in from the Sahara, out to the east of us, primarily affecting higher-altitude areas. However, the...

Hiker dies after falling down a ravine on Gran Canaria

A hiker died this Sunday after falling into a barranco ravine, in the Gran Canaria municipality of Valleseco, according to reports from the main emergency coordination team at 1-1-2 Canarias. The event took place on the GC-307 road, Zumacal highway, kilometre 2, at around 7:20 a.m. this morning.         A passerby alerted the emergency services that they had found some hiking poles and a backpack on the edge of a...

Car bursts into flames northbound on the GC1 during fourth day of intense heatwave

Among the various incidents being reported during this fourth day of intense heatwave, a car has apparently burst into flames this Sunday afternoon, while travelling northbound towards the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, causing a visible column of black smoke to rise into the air.         The fire took place not far from the Shell service station, at the heights of Juan Grande. Passersby took photographs and...

36 year-old man found dead in the street, in Fataga, of suspected heatstroke

A 36-year-old man, identified by the initials MMA, died this Friday afternoon after being discovered lying in the sun in an alley with temperature at above 40ºC in the shade. Despite attempts by paramedics, they could not recover his vital signs. The first indications suggest that the victim could have suffered from heat stroke shortly after leaving his own home, in Fataga, which together with other pathologies likely caused his death.      ...

25-year old declared dead after serious beating at Puerto Rico night spot and commercial centre

A 25-year-old died man on July 29 at the main Hospital Insular de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, after a fight at a shopping centre, at the top of the west hill overlooking Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria in the municipality of Mogán, having spent 13 days in an induced coma before being pronounced dead. The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation to try to identify the perpetrator or perpetrators of the fatal attack. Locals say the dead man was well known as a violent trouble maker and drug dealer,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 11-13 August 2023

  It's going to be a one hot August weekend with heatwave weather warnings together with a forest fire risk alert. Stay safe and stay hydrated. It'll be a very busy weekend when it comes to events and festivities but adverse weather might cause some of the planned celebrations to be postponed or cancelled, especially when it comes to firework displays. We will try our best to update the weekendtips as any new information comes in. Next Thursday is a public holiday in Spain - The Feast of the...

Budget tour operator Jet2Holidays cancels contract with award-winning hotel in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, mid-season

As initially reported by tourism portal TravelGossip Well-renowned travel provider, Jet2holidays, has taken a decisive step, withdrawing from a popular hotel located in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria during peak summer season. Tourists who had previously made reservations at the three-star establishment are being presented with alternate lodging options.         Expressing concern for customer satisfaction, Jet2holidays...

Mogán and Las Palmas recommend beach users avoid bathing in microalgae concentrations appearing along the coast

Mogán Town Council have, this  week, placed small A4 sheets of paper on some of the beach signs at Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, and possibly other tourist beaches too, urging caution due to concentrations of microalgae.  There has been no official information offered, nor any explanation to the public on their website.           Water quality has been a concern for some time throughout the popular tourism...

Salvamento Marítimo Should Remain Based in Arguineguín: Spanish State Responds to La Alcaldesa Bueno’s Demands

Mogán Mayor Bueno's recent demands to relocate the Salvamento Marítimo's base from Arguineguín port on the south of Gran Canaria has prompted a thoughtful response from Madrid, taking time to explain to her the rationale behind maintaining the current base location and addressing the concerns raised by Mayor Bueno.         The Central Government's response underscores how decisions regarding the Salvamento Marítimo's...

Missing Woman Found Safe in Arucas After Being Recognised by Concerned Residents

Inga Nuke, a 51-year-old woman who went missing on July 29th in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has been located in the town of Arucas. She is reported to be in good health and is currently in the custody of the Civil Guard of Arucas.         Inga Nuke's disappearance had been a cause of concern for her family and her local community, with her case having been reported and shared widely by SOS Desaparecidos...

Gran Canaria experienced one of the warmest months of July recorded in the past sixty years

Gran Canaria has experienced one of the warmest months of July in the past sixty years with the average temperature, in the shade, across the Canary Islands during the month standing at 23.5ºC, which marked an anomaly of +1.2ºC above the reference average. This indicates a warmer than usual month ranking it as the sixth warmest July since 1961.         Throughout July, prolonged periods of high temperatures were...

Gran Canaria Weather: Sustained high temperatures to hit 42ºC in the shade

Forecast (August 9 - August 13, 2023) Gran Canaria is expecting an intense heatwave starting from Wednesday, August 9th, and predicted to last until at least Monday, August 13th. The episode of hot weather will not be the first heatwave of the year, but may be the first this summer to meet all the necessary criteria to be officially classified as such by Spanish State meteorological Agency, AEMET, as it will last for more several days with sustained high temperatures.   ...

Mogán Mayor Demands Removal Of Spanish Maritime Rescue Operations From Arguineguin Port

Mogán's Mayor Bueno has sparked controversy, once again, having taken a stance against the use of the public port of Arguineguín as a base for Spanish maritime rescue operations. In an apparent effort to reclaim the port for commercial and tourism purposes, Bueno has unexpectedly proposed relocating the two Salvamento Marítimo (maritime rescue) vessels currently stationed there. This led to a heated debate in the July town council plenary session held on Friday, with the Mayor emphasising the...

Mogán mayoress says its “not fair” that the health department did not seek her permission on plan to accommodate elderly and social care patients in amadores

Mogán's Mayoress, La Alcaldesa O. Bueno, opposes a plan proposed by the Consejería de Sanidad del Gobierno de Canarias (health ministry) to convert a tourist complex in Amadores into a social care facility, aimed at providing temporary accommodation for patients who are medically fit for discharge from hospitals but await redirection to socio-sanitary complexes. The mayor expressed her discontent, at this Friday's town council plenary, with the lack of prior consultation and raised concerns...

Gang dedicated to irregular migration of unaccompanied youths stand accused on the south of Gran Canaria

In a recent operation, agents from the Guardia Civil successfully dismantled a criminal organisation, based on the south of Gran Canaria, involved in facilitating irregular immigration, encouraging the abandonment of shelters provided to minors, and engaging in small-scale drug trafficking.         During the investigation, the Guardia Civil agents were able to verify that the criminal group had a close-knit...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 4-6 August 2023

  After a hot July, the long hot Gran Canaria August is here. It's going to be a busy summer weekend with some amazing and popular Patronal festivities, including the Fiestas de Las Nieves in Agaete with their main day of festivities the "Fiesta de La Rama" this Friday. There are also Patron Saints' Festivities taking place around the island, like in San Lorenzo in Las Palmas de G.C. and Santa Brigída just to name a few.Summer days are absolutely gorgeous on Gran Canaria, the evenings are warm...

Tourist bus blaze closes the GC1 highway, fortunately no casualties reported

A tourist coach carrying passengers on the GC-1 caught fire this Thursday afternoon, while travelling along the southern highway. In the vehicle, besides the driver, there were 53 other people, according to reports from the Guardia Civil.         53 passengers were evacuated from the MAN Elite Touring vehicle, and firefighters from San Bartolomé de Tirajana and the Emergency Consortium managed to extinguish the...

GranCanariaWeather: A warm week ahead, some Calima, cooling a little towards the weekend

Good Morning Gran Canaria! This Monday, Calima is expected to bring some high altitude dust from the Sahara, and maximum daytime temperatures are expected reach 37ºC in the shade across the south of Gran Canaria and at the summits, according to Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).         At sea, northeast winds of 3 to 6 knots. Rough seas, strong rough seas and background sea swell from the north or...

Moving elderly to modified tourist apartments temporarily suspended pending resolution of complaint from Mogán Town Council mayoress

We reported earlier this week on the need for care accommodations for the elderly being provided for by an old holiday apartment complex on the south of Gran Canaria.  On Friday it came to light that the Canarian Health Service (SCS) has now temporarily halted the transfers of individuals still occupying beds in public hospitals despite having been medically discharged, to the innovative new transit facility on Gran Canaria meant "to temporarily solve the social problem they are facing." The...

Gran Canaria Weather: Temperatures rising with warnings for Sunday, and Monday and into next week

The General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Government has issued a red warning for Gran Canaria this weekend due to the risk of high temperatures exceeding 34ºC. Santa Cruz de Tenerife will also likely experience a heatwave, although it will remain under the level for yellow alert. Additionally, Fuerteventura will face a new episode of heat, with maximum temperatures expected to reach up to 36ºC in the shade. An alert for the heightened risk of forest fires has also been declared...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 28-30 July 2023

  It's going to be a jam packed last weekend of July on Gran Canaria. John Malkovich is in Las Palmas for one night only! A few of the biggest and most popular summer events and fiestas are happening, or just starting up, across the island. The weather forecast looks great and there are so many events and festivities to see and explore. Here are just our top picks! The last of the main events for the Virgen del Carmen festivities will take place this weekend. The island's biggest celebrations...

Ageing with Dignity: The Need to Create Sustainable Solutions for Elderly Care in the Canary Islands Sunshine

The need for care homes and suitable sheltered accommodation for the elderly, particularly foreign elderly residents on the island, is a pressing concern throughout the Canary Islands region. Many elderly individuals, including foreign retirees who have chosen the island as their retirement destination, require socio-sanitary care and assistance as they age. However, the shortage of available spaces in care facilities and the lack of proper sheltered accommodations have become significant...

The Puerto Rico “Pack” convicted of gang rape in a park

The Provincial Court of Las Palmas has sentenced four men to between 36 and 42 years for the gang rape of a woman in a Puerto Rico park, in the municipality of Mogán on the southwest of Gran Canaria , on the night of February 26 2021.         The leader of the group was sentenced to 12 years for each of the two crimes of rape charged against him, and six years for each of the three penetrative sexual assaults as an...

LATEST ON THE FIRE AT THE SUMMIT OF GRAN CANARIA 🔥

390 hectares affected.  The perimeter is 13.5km long about 66% of which has been stabilised.         The fire is divided into sectors from head to tail, with their respective heads of sector and assigned units in: 👉 Left flank: 70% controlled 👉 Right flank: 80% controlled 👉 Head 🔥 On the left flank with a head, the work last night has been concentrated, stopping the progression towards Valsequillo. 🔥 Containment work has been carried...

Guardia Civil investigate forestry workers as possible source of Gran Canaria Fire

The Guardia Civil's SEPRONA unit, from the Las Palmas Command, in collaboration with the Fire Investigation Brigade (BIIF) of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, are investigating a 29-year-old man as the alleged originator of the fire forest that started yesterday in the area called Cortijo de Las Huertas in the municipality of Tejeda, in the mountainous summit area of Gran Canaria.         The fire began early on Monday...

Gran Canaria Fires: A night of worry followed by a morning of optimism, LPA airport unaffected and operating normally

It's an undesirable club to be in, but yesterday afternoon the Summit of Gran Canaria joined Mallorca, Greece, Algeria and Italy in tackling summer wildfires in what is turning out to be an unusually dry and hot year.  The president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, and the coordinator of the firefighting teams, Carlos Velázquez, explained last night that the fire was barely advancing, adding that a large part of its perimeter, along the right flank, is under control, and that...

Gran Canaria Fire spreads as trade winds send hot ash and embers flying

The fire that broke out on the summits of Gran Canaria, just after 1pm this Tuesday afternoon, has already affected approximately 200 hectares (primarily pine forest and shrub lands). Despite the fact that large parts of these areas have been previously subject to precautionary "prescribed burns" and some preventive grazing, which has helped to slow down the fire, the fire fighting teams have not managed to control the blaze as quickly as they had hoped, and it has spread beyond the point of...

Forest Fire on the summits of Gran Canaria

Early in the afternoon of this Tuesday, a fire outbreak was declared on the summits of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Tejeda.         Specialist firefighters managed to get to the scene quickly, while other land and air resources are already operating in the area, but as it is an area with abundant vegetation and as there is wind and low humidity, the flames are reportedly spreading rapidly throughout the area,...

Spanish democracy wins, the need for consensus and broad coalitions prevents a rise in extreme populism

On Sunday Spain went to the polls for the 15th time since the modern Congress of Deputies, in the Cortes, was formed in 1977. Dubbed #J23, 37,466,432 Spaniards registered to vote, and 70% of the population turned out, to have their say on who should govern the Kingdom of Spain for the next four years. The snap general election was called by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Following the local and regional elections back in May, many forecast a swing to the right despite a seemingly good...

Truck blaze on the summits of Gran Canaria sparks forest fire fears

A truck blaze, this Friday afternoon, reported on the summits of Gran Canaria, sparked fears that a forest fire could have occurred in an area with a lot of trees in tinder-dry conditions. The 112 emergency services received an alert of the incident at 12:40 this afternoon, shortly after the fire started at the back of the vehicle.         The incident took place on GC-135, in the area known as Pico de la Gorra, in...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 21-23 July 2023

  A rather vivacious summer weekend ahead on Gran Canaria with some awesome events and celebrations to go and see. There are Virgen del Carmen festivities in Playa de Mogán and La Isleta, in the Capital. Patron Saints' festivities in the ancient Royal Capital, Gáldar and in the picturesque mountain town of Tunte (San Bartolomé de Tirajana). For both, the weekend tips will continue to Tuesday, which is a Feast Day and a bank holiday in both municipalities.There are festive events in...

Gran Canaria Tourism Spending Soars 40%: Surpassing 2019 Records and Leading the Comeback by Focusing on Quality

Gran Canaria's tourism soars as the industry is experiencing a remarkable recovery, surpassing records set in 2019 and achieving its third-best year in history, even after the global pandemic. The island is leading the way in terms of tourist arrivals, revenue, and income, with an impressive 40% growth since 2019.         Carlos Álamo, Tourism Councillor for the Cabildo de Gran Canaria island government, has shared...

20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of robbery with violence against a pregnant woman in Puerto Rico

• Initial action was decisive in identifying the alleged perpetrator of a robbery who was arrested with most of the stolen money in their possession.• Citizen and police collaboration led to the arrest being carried out less than an hour, before the suspect changed location again in a taxi.         The Guardia Civil on Gran Canaria arrested a 20-year-old man, with no prior police record, last July 13, 2023, for the...

Worker injured after falling 15m from roof of a tourism complex in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

On Tuesday morning a worker was injured, and an accident reported, to the 112 Canary Islands Coordination Centre for Emergencies and Security (CECOES), at a work site on the south of the island, after a man fell from a height of about 15 meters at a tourism complex in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Mogán.  According to sources within the Civil Guard, consulted by journalists, the victim was working on antenna facilities on the rooftop of the building when the accident...

Amazon Prime’s ‘Zorro’, Shot On Location at Sioux City and Gran Canaria, Release Announced for 2024

The Prime Video series 'Zorro,' filmed on Gran Canaria, now has a release date. Zorro, the new series starring Miguel Bernardeau (Élite, 1899) and Renata Notni (El Dragón, La Venganza de las Juanas), spent eight months filming at various locations around Gran Canaria, and will premiere during the first half of 2024 in Latin America, the United States, Spain, Andorra, and Portugal, according to the Amazon streaming platform this Tuesday. The announcement was made alongside the release of the...

La Palma Wildfire Update: Government Authorises Residents to Return Home, Fire Fighters Attempt To Control The Blaze

It's been a tense weekend, on The Canary Islands, following a week of intense heat, Saharan dust and very strong winds, blazes broke out on at least 3 islands, the worst of which was a forest fire on La Palma, which may have originated on Friday from the burning of a container at a recreational area. At least that is one of the hypotheses being considered by the Guardia Civil who are now investigating. Images courtesy of Equipos de Intervención y Refuerzo en Incendios Forestales del Gobierno...

Gran Canaria Weather: Temperatures return to summertime norms, a touch of cloud and a drop of rain to the north, sea breezes and blue skies to the south

Cloudy skies will prevail in the northern mountains on Monday, with a low probability of scattered and occasional light rain in the midlands during the morning, according to AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency). Elsewhere, the weather should be mostly clear, with some intervals of cloud to the north and west. Temperatures will remain stable or drop slightly in the midland areas of the south and west.         [adrotate...

Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Concert Postponed Due To High Temperatures and Saharan Desert Winds. Now Saturday and Sunday Only

Maspalomas, Friday, July 14, 2023.- The organisers of the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival have decided, this sweltering Friday afternoon, to postpone the concert program scheduled for this evening, due to severe adverse weather conditions, caused by high temperatures, touching 40ºC in the shade, and predictions of strong gusts of wind across the South of Gran Canaria, that could exceed 50km/h.         To...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 14-16 July 2023

  What a "scorchio" July! After meltingly hot days, some easement is in the horizon with lower temperatures from Saturday.  When it comes to festivities and celebrations, this weekend is mainly about the Virgen del Carmen, with Her feast Day observed this Sunday and the sultry beach music of the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival in San Agustín; and it's all free to enjoy. The theatre, dance and music Festival, TEMUDAS continues in the capital. There are also the main festivities, Fiestas...

Gran Canaria records the highest temperatures in Spain at almost 45ºC in the shade

By 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Tasarte, on the west of Gran Canaria, became the hottest place in the country, having reached up to 44.8ºC in the shade, while to the east of Gran Canaria, Pájara, on the island of Fuerteventura recorded gusts of hot desert wind that reached 161 kilometres per hour, the strongest in the entire national territory.         The intense heat this week showed no mercy across the Canary Islands,...

Legendary FREE Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival Full Lineup Headlined by Grammy Multi-Award Winner Bobby Rush

· ***FRIDAY NIGHT POSTPONED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT AND ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS*** The line-up includes the musical genius of Charlie Wood, John Németh, Robin McKelle or The Blues Paddlers · This year the festival features a new headline band, The Bo-Keys, based out of Memphis and led by Scott Bomar. · The FREE concerts will be held on July 14, 15 and 16 on the sands of San Agustín Beach, part of the Maspalomas Costa Canaria        ...

Two young men arrive at the Port of Las Palmas after a six-day journey perched on the rudder of a cargo ship.

The two men, aged 18 and 22, had been clinging to the rudder of the container ship 'MSC Marta' since July 4th.         The two Nigerian men, aged 18 and 22, were located on Monday night perched on the helm of a ship upon their arrival at the Port of Las Palmas, following a voyage that began in Togo last week. They were taken to the Doctor Negrín Hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for observation, and they were...

Canary Islands Health Department issues a Red Advisory Warning for high temperatures and the risks associated with health

High temperaturesActivation of a red alert, indicating high risk, for several municipalities of the islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura. The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Public Health, the Monday issued warnings from the Preventive Actions Plan for the Health Effects of Excessive Temperatures on different islands to reduce the negative health effects associated with excessive temperatures and coordinate...

Alert for forest fire risk declared on the western Canary Islands and Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands' Government, through the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, has this Monday declared a state of alert for forest fire risk on El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria from 08:00 hours on Tuesday July 11th.         The decision was made taking into account the available information and in accordance with the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response to...

Gran Canaria Weather: 42ºC in the shade expected midweek, dropping back to normal by the weekend

A hot, dry Saharan air mass is currently producing a major heatwave across southern and central Spain, with red advisory warnings due to temperatures topping 44ºC, and is expected to also affect the archipelago starting from Monday, gradually raising temperatures here up towards 42ºC in the shade in some places. High temperatures will continue throughout the week, with Wednesday and Thursday as the probable peak days when a significant calima intrusion is also expected, especially in inland...

Binter fly direct route between Ibiza and Gran Canaria for the summer

Binter Airline's new direct weekly flight connection between Gran Canaria and Ibiza looks set to provide a boost to the tourism industry in both destinations. The introduction of this convenient air route, which started in celebratory style last Thursday, will likely offer numerous benefits and opportunities for travellers and businesses alike.         With the launch of direct flights, tourists, visitors and...

Baby sharks spotted just off shore, enjoying the southwest of Gran Canaria, town hall announces red flags at Patalavaca Beach

Unexpectedly, Mogan town council, this Sunday, have decided to close Patalavaca Beach to swimmers due to two small hammerhead sharks having been spotted on Thursday and Friday near to the coast. Described as "two small offspring" the young hammerheads were spotted swimming close to shore, though they are thought to pose no real danger, the town hall has decided to only allow paddling in the shallows "until the water reaches knee height" just on this beach alone.    ...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 7-9 July 2023

  The main festivities for the Virgen del Carmen start this weekend, celebrating the patron saint of sailors and fisher' folk, which will see fiestas in many areas of Gran Canaria, and in Spain. La Isleta in the capital and Arguineguín are some of the nicest to attend. The feast day of Virgen del Carmen is 16 July. This weekend offers plenty of excellent events to explore and enjoy, including 'Canarias Jazz y Mas' with concerts by the Faro de Maspalomas, theatre, dance and music Festival in...

Final Grace: Outgoing Regional President Torres will not allow the hunting of feral dogs and cats in The Canary Islands, ahead of change in the law

In the Canary Islands, as throughout Spain, there are various hunting seasons every year. It has often been the case that if, while out in rural areas and away from houses, a licensed hunter happened upon any sort of animal living in the wild they were allowed to hunt them, so long as they are not on a list of endangered or protected species. Too often this has also included any dogs or cats that the hunter judged to be feral. Much of the culture around hunters has also been strongly...

Gran Canaria Train Environmental Impact Report Will Allow Work to Begin Once The Initiative is Formerly Declared, on the islands largest ever public infrastructure project

The Gran Canaria Cabildo (island government) has requested that the Environmental Authority of Gran Canaria (Órgano Ambiental de Gran Canaria - OAGC) initiate the ordinary environmental impact assessment of the railway infrastructure project planned to connect the north and the south of the island, travelling along the east coast, between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Maspalomas, including associated elements, in order to formulate the official declaration necessary to launch the initiative....

Covid Health Crisis Declared Over And Mask Mandate Lifted: Spanish Medical Settings No Longer Require Masks At All Times

1208 Days Later: Masks will no longer be mandatory in healthcare centres, socio-healthcare facilities, and pharmacies, according to the latest agreement approved on Tuesday, July 4, by Spain's Council of Ministers, which declares the official end of the health crisis caused by COVID-19.         The agreement, which will come into effect once published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), emphasises "the special...

Gran Canaria Weather: Level 2 Orange Advisory for High Temperatures on South of Gran Canaria This Week

The Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands Government has issued an orange alert as part of the Preventive Action Plan for the Effects of Excess Temperatures on Health. This alert is in effect for Tuesday and Wednesday in the areas of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Santa Lucía de Tirajana.        The Ministry aims to minimise the health impacts associated with extreme temperatures and coordinate the relevant...

Verdict awaited in trial of four irregular migrants accused of rape in a Mogán residential park

A woman who accused a group of homeless migrants of raping her, in a Puerto Rico park, in Mogán, has testified this week that she had felt intimidated by the four young men she had been speaking to, who, she says, acting in concert, violated her, on a Friday night, in her own neighbourhood, at the end of February 2021, after an evening out with friends to celebrate a birthday. She stated that all four defendants penetrated her after she spoke with them in a public park, in an assault that...

Gran Canaria Weather: Temperatures diminish as Saharan Calima dust mingles with remnant Canadian wildfire smoke

Clear skies are expected across the Canary Islands this Friday, although there will be some cloud in low-lying areas of the eastern islands, along with a decrease in temperatures, following a week of heat wave where thermometers touched 40ºC in the shade, we will see particularly maximum daytime temperatures start to return to seasonal norms, according to the forecasts from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Temperatures of around 31º-34ºC in the shade are expected on the south...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 30 June – 2 July 2023

  July is here and what a gorgeous first weekend it's going to be. There is the main Fataga Apricot festival weekend, in a picturesque village a short mountain drive inland from the beaches of Maspalomas; or you could experience a traditional Farmers' Feast in San Mateo. There are two concerts to enjoy by the Maspalomas Lighthouse; the historic re-enactment of the Battle of El Batán, in Santa Brigida, will bring its own crowds, as well as the last days of the Foundational festivities of Las...

#J28 Christopher Street Day PRIDE: Gay & Lesbian Associates of Yumbo Gather Local Activists, Businesses & Politicians to the Plaza de La Diversidad Darío Jaén

In Playa del Inglés, on the Maspalomas Costa Canaria, on Wednesday, Yumbo workers and local residents gathered at the Centro Comercial Yumbo's main Plaza de la Diversidad Darío Jaén, under the rainbow flag, to take a moment to remember 3 days of drag queens, "cross dressers", queer men and women fighting the police on the streets of Greenwich Village, New York, New York, following the Stonewall raid on Christopher street, June 28 1969.      ...

Red Alert for Maximum Temperatures & Forest Fire Risk on Gran Canaria, and the western islands from Tuesday

◾ The Government of the Canary Islands' General Directorate of Security and Emergencies has declared an alert due to the risk of forest fires on several islands in the archipelago including Gran Canaria, Tenerife, El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera from 07:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 27th. This decision to issue an alert was made taking into account the most recent information available and by applying the INFOCA Canary Islands' Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Attention to Forest...

Gran Canaria Weather: First Heatwave of Summer with an Orange Advisory Warning for 37°C In The Shade Forecast

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an orange alert for temperatures of up to 37ºC, in the shade, in the inland areas of the east, south, and west of Gran Canaria for this Tuesday,  minimum night time temperatures are not expected to drop below 25ºC. The north of the island and the summits will maintain a yellow alert, which also extends to four other islands.         This Monday, June 26th,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips San Juan 23-26 June 2023

It’s San Juan, one of the biggest celebration weekends on Gran Canaria, and throughout Spain, with various festivities for midsummers night combining a mixture of traditional fiestas, midnight dips in the sea, lots of music and various rituals, bonfires and fireworks. Every municipality and neighbourhood is likely to have a public bonfire and some will also allow citizens to have their own, and some will add firework spectacles into the mix. This Saturday is also a local Bank holiday in the...

Hotter Than Ever: Canary Islands Hottest Spring Since 1961 Leads To Drought Concern As Scorching Summer Begins

Spring 2023, which officially ends today, has been dry and extremely warm throughout The Canary Islands, off the coast of West Africa, hotter than ever with the highest temperatures on record according to various sources. On March 30th, the hottest March day since 1961 was recorded on the Canary Islands, with temperatures exceeding 30º Celsius, in the shade, according to the Meteorological Centre for the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).     [adrotate...

Full List of All Blue Flags 2023 Flying For Highest Standards At Canary Islands Beaches And Ports

This week, municipalities whose beaches and ports have met the Blue Flags 2023 standards have been receiving their Blue Flags.  The Association for Environmental Education and Consumer Affairs (ADEAC - ASOCIACIÓN DE EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL Y DEL CONSUMIDOR) presented Blue Flags for beaches and marinas in the Canary Islands having, last month, announced the list for this summer, in recognition of their quality standards.         [adrotate...

Illegal dumping of debris from a Mogán hotel renovation leads to police investigation and charges

A hotel chain faces a fine of up to 100,000 euros for large-scale waste dumping on protected land. An investigation began in March after it was discovered that someone had abandoned a total of 14 fibreglass bathtubs in the San Lorenzo ravine near the capital of Gran Canaria, an area of protected land due to its agricultural value. Officers from the General Policia Canaria Force and the Policia Local of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have...

Siam Park Gran Canaria: Loro Parque group claim €122m in lost earnings and time wasted they say caused by Maspalomas town hall

The Loro Parque group have filed a claim for €122.3 million from the Southern Town Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, for compensation and financial damages caused by the delay in granting the urban planning license for the construction of their long anticipated Siam Park Gran Canaria attraction in El Veril, at the entry point to Playa del Inglés. Of this amount, €30.3 million corresponds to actual damages, €89.9 million to lost profits, and €1.9 million has been claimed for other "missed...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 16-18 June 2023

  What an awesome June weekend ahead and things are just going to get busier. There are many festivities and events taking place and our top picks include, FIMAR the international Sea Fair in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, along with the city's 545th year Foundational festivities. It's also the closing weekend for the 2nd Gáldar Pride and there is a parade this Saturday. Festivities in honour of San Juan Bautista (St John the Baptist) and San Antonio de Padua are continuing in many villages,...

Canary Islands Tourism Board Expresses It’s PRIDE In LGBTQIA+ Travellers Who Spend Time Here

The Canary Islands' Ministry for Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, through the public company Turismo de Islas Canarias, has expressed its commitment to LGBTQIA+ visitors, an influential segment for the archipelago, not only because of their higher quality spending at destination but, say the tourist board, also because they travel more widely and have a higher than average affinity with, and respect for, the natural environment, as well as preferring local produce. [adrotate...

Uber Arrives on the Canary Islands, On Tenerife With Gran Canaria Soon To Follow

Canary Islands, Spain - The ride-hailing company Uber officially launched its services in the Canary Islands this Thursday. The vehicle rental service with drivers, which is already present in five other regions of Spain, has started operating in the archipelago. However, for now, the service will only be available in the municipalities of Granadilla de Abona, Arona, Adeje, and Guía de Isora on Tenerife. The company plans to expand its operations to the rest of the island and eventually arrive...

Siam Park Gran Canaria awaits new strategic plan to begin new transformation for tourism

The Kiessling family, who have promoted the idea of a major water park development on Gran Canaria for nearly 20 years, and for more than a decade have faced myriad administrative obstacles to breaking ground on their plan to site it in the El Veril basin, next to Playa del Inglés, on Wednesday presented their continuing efforts and project plans in a packed auditorium of the Gabinete Literario in Las Palmas, attended by a wide range of influential people, journalists and institutional...

Nearly 8kg of Cocaine, Thousands of Euros Seized With Two Arrests in Playa del Inglés

Police officers from the National Police have arrested a 38-year-old man with a history of similar offences, and a 28-year-old woman, on suspicion of drug trafficking in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The suspects were allegedly involved in the sale of cocaine, carrying out their operations in high-end vehicles at various locations throughout the municipality. During the raids conducted by the officers, 7.7 kilograms of cocaine and €5,550 in cash were seized. [adrotate...

Canary Islands Airports Served Nearly 20 Million Flight Passengers in the First Half of 2023

Gran Canaria, June 12, 2023 - The Canary Islands continue to soar in popularity as their airports record a staggering 19,838,342 passengers so far this year, marking a remarkable 20.4% increase compared to the first half of 2022, according to the latest data from the Spanish Air Navigation Agency (AENA). Among these figures, international flights accounted for 11,967,352 passengers, representing a notable 20.7% surge compared to the previous year's...

Menas Case: Foundation Siglo XXI directors allegedly filed false invoices, unrealistic expenses and repeatedly drew funds from ATMs, meant for the care of migrant children, even charging botox facial treatments and posh restaurant bills to foundation debit cards

A comprehensive analysis conducted by Group I of the Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) of the National Police yielded scandalous results, writes Spanish language daily Canarias7, regarding the alleged irregular use of the public funds intended for the care of unaccompanied minors, by the suspected to have been perpetrated by centres managed by the Foundation Social Response Siglo XXI on Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. In this case, driven by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office,...

Centre-Right Pact Between Regionalists (CC) And Resident Conservatives (PPAV) Returns Marco Aurelio Perez As Southern Mayor

The conservative Partido Popular-Agrupación de Vecinos (PP-AV) and the regionalist right Coalición Canaria (CC) have signed a government pact that will shape the future of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. This alliance, referred to as the Pact for Stability and Socioeconomic Progress of San Bartolomé Tirajana, represents 60% of the votes in the municipality's recent elections, as emphasised by the future mayor, Marco Aurelio Pérez (PP-AV). According to the...

Local Government Coalition Agreement for Maspalomas and the South of Gran Canaria

 A governing coalition pact has been finalised in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The Popular Party–Agrupación de Vecinos will join forces with Coalición Canaria to govern the main tourist municipality of Gran Canaria for the next four years. Marco Aurelio Pérez will serve as the mayor for the entire term, with the Popular Party taking charge of areas such as Employment, Sports, Roads and Infrastructure, and Human Resources. Meanwhile, the nationalists led by Alejandro Marichal will oversee Urban...

Storm Óscar: Government of the Canary Islands Declares Rain Alert for Western Islands and Gran Canaria

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Directorate General of Security and Emergencies, has declared a rain alert for La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria starting from 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, June 7th. This decision has been made taking into account the available information and in accordance with the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA). Tomorrow, Wednesday,...

MENAS Case: Investigation into the Social Response Foundation Siglo XXI and four of its directors

The 7th Investigation Court of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has opened a preliminary investigation into the Social Response Foundation 21st Century and four of its directors. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in Las Palmas filed a complaint against them, alleging crimes such as forgery of commercial documents, mismanagement, and embezzlement of public funds. The investigation aims to determine whether the nonprofit organization and its officials misused public funds intended for the care...

Six weeks since the unexplained disappearance of Anna-Karin on Gran Canaria

The authorities on Gran Canaria have been engaged in a rigorous search for Swedish tourist Anna-Karin Bengtsson, who went missing in the south of Gran Canaria around April 9. Her unexplained disappearance has caused her family much distress, with no clues to her whereabouts having emerged in the six weeks since they first realised her phone was no longer functioning. 52-year-old Anna-Karin Bengtsson, a mother of two, was last seen in person on April 9....

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 19-21 May 2023

  An exciting May weekend ahead with abundant events and festivities taking place all around Gran Canaria. There are Patron Saints' festivities for Motor Grande, in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, and in El Tablero in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and up in the mountains of Artenara. There is also a two day lively exhibition event in Meloneras boulevard and the Rally Gran Canaria is held this Friday and Saturday. Flower exhibitions can still be enjoyed in Gáldar, the delightful...

Dead man, of German origin, found floating in the sea near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

The body of a 58-year-old German man was found this Friday floating just off the coast of Mogán, on the south-west of Gran Canaria. At 10:42 a.m. the main 112 Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES) received an alert stating that the body of a person was floating face down in the sea, about five meters from the shore , in an area of ​​cliffs difficult to access by land, between the beaches of Amadores and Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. The...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 12-14 May 2023

We have a gloriously busy May weekend ahead, with events and festivities to explore and enjoy on Gran Canaria. In the south, there is the Patron Saint's festivities for El Tablero, a wedding fair in Meloneras, it's Maspalomas PRIDE march weekend and the Puerto de Mogán Jazz festival gets underway. In the Las Palmas capital area, the Motown LPA fair, with Motorcycles and other smaller modes transport at INFECAR, beach tennis, and the European Night of Museums. On the northern coastline of...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 5-7 May 2023

  It is going to be an extraordinary first weekend of May with so many celebrations and events taking place. There is the Wine, Cheese and Honey Fair in San Fernando de Maspalomas, the annual flower exhibition in the streets of Gáldar, a Cheese fair in Montaña Alta de Guía, Maspalomas PRIDE, Hot Beach fashion in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a Sevillian "April Fair" in HolidayWorld, Maspalomas, and the 47th Rally Islas Canarias, just to name few.♥ Mother's Day is celebrated in Spain this Sunday....

Massive rockfall in Amadores leads to concern at 4 star hotel

Tourists and workers had a shock in the usually tranquil Gran Canaria beach resort of Amadores today this Saturday when two massive rocks fell from a slope about 30 meters high onto the private road at the back of the luxurious Gloria Palace Royal Hotel, in the southwestern municipality of Mogán. The rockfall only caused limited material damage and no one was injured, according to sources from the company that runs and owns the establishment.  The incident occurred...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 28-30 April & 1 May 2023

  It's the last weekend of April and also a long "puente" weekend ahead with Monday being a bank holiday in Spain to celebrate Fiesta del Trabajo, MayDay. Governmental buildings and offices will be closed. There are some wonderful events and festivities to explore and to enjoy, like the famous Cheese Fair in Guía and Agrotasarte fair taking place in ... well in Tasarte =). There is also beach volley ball tournament played on a new El Perchel beach in Arguineguín and rally, primarily on gravel,...

A Double Life: From Yumbo Nightlife Entrepreneur With A Playboy Lifestyle To Canarian Tech Investor

Edgar Aldaz was arrested on Wednesday morning at his home, among the private bungalow complexes of the privileged, leafy avenues of Campo de Internacional, in sunny Maspalomas on the touristed south of Gran Canaria.  After spending a night in the cells, he gave evidence on Thursday morning and was released on charges of suspected drugs smuggling, distribution and money laundering. By all accounts a fun guy, he is...

Two arrested on suspicion of stealing doors from a parked car in Patalavaca, Mogán

On April 17, 2023, the Guardia Civil on Gran Canaria identified two individuals, aged 27 and 41, as the alleged perpetrators of a crime of theft using force, having stolen two doors from a vehicle parked on a public road in Patalavaca (Mogán), in addition to causing other damage. The Guardia Civil of Puerto Rico became aware of the events when the owner of the vehicle reported damage to their car, at a police station...

Maspalomas Town Hall to approve new viewpoint over Playa del Inglés

The hillside overlooking Playa del Inglés, where the abandoned old "toboplaya" waterslide sits, on the touristed south coast of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, is to be approved for the construction of a new viewpoint, as part of the major renovations and clean up of the area that was undertaken by Conchi Narváez's town hall administration, with the creation of green areas decorated by up to 24 different mostly native plant species, and a "dragonal" which will be set up to show off one of the most...

Spanish Air & Space Force Super Puma Strikes Rocks At Night on Gran Canaria

The Spanish airforce may have renamed themselves the "Air & Space Force" last year, but it seems they still sometimes fly beyond the limits of their highly trained pilots' abilities.  But then, isn't that exactly what training missions are for, to push the envelope and ready their personnel for active duty.  Last Tuesday, April 18, it has been revelaed, a Super Puma (H215) helicopter from 802 quadron, based at Gando, had an accident on the south of Gran Canaria, while undertaking such...

Meanwhile in Las Palmas: A driver loses control and ends up parked on some steps

A driver reportedly lost control of their vehicle this Sunday morning leading them to end up trapped on some stairs in the island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The incident occurred on the stairs that lead to soccer fields, located in the La Ballena ravine area, better known for its shopping area. No injuries were reported and police are making enquiries as to how exactly the incident occurred.

Siam Park Gran Canaria will not happen if Marco Aurelio Pérez returns as mayor, says legal advisor

The construction of the Siam Park water park in San Bartolomé de Tirajana is facing a new crossroads, writes Gaumet Florido in Spanish language daily Canarias7. Jaime Rodríguez Cíe, legal representative for Loro Parque, has issued a stark warning. "If Marco Aurelio Pérez becomes mayor again, we will abandon Siam Park, the project will decline." Cíe contacted the newspaper following statements made by the leader of the...

#TheCanaryGuide: Valsequillo Strawberry Fair on Sunday 23 April

Valsequillo warms up for one of the most delicious gastronomic events of the year and one of the most crowded fruit fairs on the island of Gran Canaria. After three years without being held due, to the pandemic, the Valsequillo Strawberry Fair returns this Sunday, April 23 for its eighth edition. This is a fair that has managed to consolidate itself in the calendar of popular events on Gran Canaria and has also achieved its flagship product, the Valsequillo strawberry, being recognised and...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 21-23 April 2023

  Another wonderful April weekend ahead with multiple fairs to attend, a few tasty ones too, like Valsequillo Strawberry fair and Gran Canaria Me Gusta. It is also going to busy with multiple sporting events happening, which also means some road closures and traffic restrictions, especially for the Mogán Challenge Gran Canaria triathlon, closing the GC-500 coastal road from Anfi to Taurito on Saturday and a rally in Tejeda. The weather forecast looks a bit unstable, especially on Saturday, but...

Three parked cars smashed into at high speed in Sonnenland

A serious traffic accident occurred in the Sonneland area, near El Tablero, within the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana this Wednesday morning. At around 9:30 a.m. this Wednesday, April 19, where Calle César Manrique meets Calle Einstein, a car, apparently traveling at very high speed, collided with three parked vehicles. The scene was attended by several members of the Policia Local according to La...

Pasito Blanco camping community evacuated as firefighters battle raging inferno, one dog reported dead.

A fire at the Pasito Blanco "campsite" on Tuesday left an unfortunate dog dead, though, thankfully, no one else was reported injured. The fire, which broke out at noon, destroyed 50% of two of the homes. The area was evacuated, and firefighters from San Bartolomé de Tirajana used 12,000 litres of water to extinguish the flames. Firefighters from San Bartolomé de Tirajana intervened on Tuesday to extinguish the fire...

Centro Comercial El Plaza, in Playa del Inglés, Seeks Permission to Partially Reopen

The Plaza shopping centre in Playa del Inglés (San Bartolomé de Tirajana), have come to an agreement with the local town hall, formally requesting a partial reopening of its facilities, which would allow up to 87 of its commercial spaces to to start up again, although initially only around 30 will do so. However, the car park, which has 300 spaces, intended for private individuals and companies, many of whom are not...

The Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria triathlon and road closures on Saturday 22 April on GC-500 Mogán

The Mogán town council, on the sunny southwest of Gran Canaria, has issued several maps to indicate restricted access to various locations, as well as road closures during a major annual event planned for next weekend. The restrictions take place between 06:00 and 14:00 on Saturday, April 22 for the Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria triathlon event. The GC-500 highway will be closed to vehicle traffic between the little square of La Verga ravine – Anfi del Mar area, kilometre 30.7 – and the...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 14-16 April 2023

  The spring months of April and May bring some of the most wonderful fairs and festivals to Gran Canaria. This is going to be one busy weekend, with a multitude of different events taking place around the island. Discover local island produce in Telde, direct from the farmers, with the regular Km.0 Fair Gran Canaria this Saturday and Sunday. There is a Sevillian Fair in Vecindario, a Tomato Fair in La Aldea 🍅 as well as a Cheese Fair in Gáldar.   The coastal population of El Pajar are...

Gran Canaria Weather: Calima and Yellow advisory continues for strong winds on Friday morning

Temperatures rose above 37ºC in the shade on Monday, with the arrival of calima, though have now dropped a little to 30ºC measured in Tasarte this Thursday, in the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás, and just over 28ºC on the south of the island. Yellow advisory warnings were issued for coastal phenomena and strong winds of almost 90 km per hour in the early afternoon, which remain in effect for the early hours of Friday. [adrotate...

Blaze among the palm trees of Fataga being tackled by fire fighters

An extensive emergency response was set in motion this Wednesday afternoon in the southern mountain village of Fataga, in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where a fire broke affecting palm trees located near several homes in the village. The 112 Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES),  received notification around 16:20, dispatching two helicopters to the area, one from the Cabildo de Gran...

Tourism law conflict continues on Gran Canaria between property owners and exploitation industry

The Canary Islands attract millions of visitors each year, and a long running battle over the tourism law governing private property has once again spilled out on to the headlines following recent fines issued and disputed. Since the early 1960s, tourism has grown to become the primary economic contributor to the archipelago, particularly in places like Maspalomas and Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria over the last three generations, generating jobs and income for the the local population and...

Canaries airports busy, serving nearly 13,000 flights over Easter, including emergency landings

It's been a busy week at Gran Canaria airport (LPA), which started last Saturday with the FlightRadar24.com website publishing a picture on twitter of "Europe going on vacation to The Canary Islands" showing multiple inbound flights headed for our subtropical archipelago. Europe going on vacation - to the Canary Islands... pic.twitter.com/935u9Zpe60 — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) April 1, 2023 In fact 12,977 flights...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 7-9 April 2023

  It's the Easter holiday and a long bridge weekend with two Spanish bank holidays to end the week. There are many religious processions taking place throughout the weekend around the island with an influx of visitors as well as locals all headed to the seaside to enjoy a sub-tropical spring weekend. There is even a fair to enjoy, "all things from Agüimes" in the less touristy enclave of Playa de Arinaga. It's good to remember, that some shops are likely to be closed on Friday but then there...

#GranCanariaWeather: Warm April Showers and strong winds forecast for Easter Week. Could there be snow?

After the hottest temperature in Spain, ever in the month of March, was recorded on the west of Gran Canaria last Thursday, the Canary Islands are experiencing a sudden flip in the weather, with temperatures dropping and cloudy skies to the north of the most mountainous islands. Northwesterly winds are expected, with strong intervals on southeast and northwest slopes. Very strong gusts are likely, particularly in the aforementioned areas and on the easternmost islands. ...

A summary of some of the main Easter processions worth visiting on Gran Canaria (2023)

What a summery start to this year's Easter week on Gran Canaria! A very popular time to have a holiday, so the tourist areas will receive an influx of travellers, including locals taking a few days off to enjoy themselves. Two Spanish bank holidays will also mean a chance to have a proper long "puente" bridge weekend. Spring is here, with all its wonders and glory! Spain is still very much a catholic country, and there are few more interesting spectacles than the faithful following in...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 31 March – 2 April 2023

   A glorious first weekend of April ahead and the beginning of the christian Holy Week "Semana Santa", diligently observed in Spain. There will be many religious acts and processions throughout the week around the island, especially in the capital.  Don't forget it's also April fools' on Saturday even though it isn't a tradition in Spain, there will be those who will take the whimsical opportunity for some hilarity. The Mercado Inglés is on at The British Club of Las Palmas and there is also...

Gran Canaria Weather: Yellow Warnings – Up to 36ºC, in the shade, expected on the south, high temperatures with strong winds and calima expected to affect all The Canary Islands this week

The Spanish State Meterological Agency, AEMET, has issued yellow warnings for heat, calima haze and strong winds this week on the Canary Islands forecasting high temperatures of up to 34ºC expected on several islands. An alert has been issued due to a risk of forest fires on Gran Canaria as the mix of dry weather, strong winds and high temperatures has led to concerns over coming days. On Wednesday winds will affect...

Wild fires Alert on Gran Canaria this Wednesday, with temperatures set to exceed 34ºC in the shade

Springtime has only just begun and already the temperatures, in the shade, on Gran Canaria have been repeatedly hitting the low to mid-thirties, which brings with it also a rising risk of Forest Fires and Wildfires.  Here in the Canary Islands forest fire crews are well versed in tackling an occasional mountain blaze, with alert levels often following the basic informal rule of thumb, the so-called 30/30/30 rule, putting the authorities on alert whenever the temperature is set to rise above...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 24-26 March 2023

  It's the last weekend of March already and Spring is here; winter is behind us and the summer weather is already hotting up on Gran Canaria. The hillsides are in full bloom, particularly up in the mountain summits; it's Carnival Weekend in Arguineguín and the last of the carnival festivities for this year are happening around the island. With summer just around the corner, clocks Spring forward this Saturday and Sunday night when 1am becomes 2am 🕐. On the north of the island, one of the...

Gran Canaria Weather: Temperatures of 31ºC in the shade and slight calima as we head towards a warm spring weekend

Its a perfect Gran Canaria springtime weekend ahead with light calima sands blowing in from the Sahara, temperatures in the shade of 31ºC, light breezes and blue skies.  Remember too the clocks spring forward by an hour this weekend. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) this Wednesday forecast partly cloudy skies with Calima, temperatures ascending slight, and northeast winds with intervals of strong and...

Illegal Trafficking: President of Gran Canaria “Animal Welfare” Association Investigated for Falsifying Export Certificates and Suspected Mistreatment of Animals

A rogue individual, living on Gran Canaria and operating an unlicensed and unregistered facility supposedly dedicated to animal welfare, has been referred by the Guardia Civil to the Canarian justice system for illegal trafficking and documentary falsification of certificates required for the safe transport of animals into the UK. The operation, she has run for nearly a decade, is suspected of collecting around a quarter of a million euros for this activity in just one 18 month period, keeping...

Leaked documents raise further concerns about welfare in proposed Las Palmas octopus farm that would be first of its kind in the world

The proposal by Spanish multinational Nueva Pescanova to create the world's first commercial octopus farm on Gran Canaria has generated a great deal of controversy. The company aims to produce one million octopuses a year for consumption worldwide, three times the number currently caught in the wild by Spanish fisheries. However, the project has been condemned by many scientists who regard the proposed method of killing the octopuses as "cruel". Confidential documents obtained by the BBC...

Three Men Detained, without bail, for An Alleged Gang Rape, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Hotel

Three men were arrested and charged with sexual assault after having allegedly gang-raped a young woman in a hotel, in the Santa Catalina area of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The woman, who is 21 years old, reported the incident at the hotel's reception, claiming that she had been raped by the men and could not remember anything after accepting a drink from them. Police began an investigation...

The Canary Islands: Influx of Foreign Property Buyers Risks Pushing Locals Out

Many have been discussing the possibility of restricting property sales in the Canary Islands to foreign buyers, as property prices and a lack of new builds has become a major issue, and particularly in the political debate ahead of the regional elections this May. Podemos, one of the parties that currently governs the region, has expressed its intention to limit real estate transactions involving non-residents, going...

Gáldar pioneering in animal welfare with a new centre

The project to build the Centre for Temporary Stay of Animals (CETA) El Sobradillo broke ground this week with the laying of the first stone in an act which included the citizens of Gáldar with dozens of animals of all kinds of conditions and breeds. This pioneering project will allow Gáldar, on the north coast of Gran Canaria, to dedicate a space that will guarantee the protection of domestic and farm animals, and which will make it the only municipality in Gran Canaria to have facilities...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 17-19 March 2023

What a big weekend ahead! It's St. Patricks Day on Friday and Spain celebrates Fathers' day this Sunday, the feast day of Saint Joseph. Maspalomas will also be celebrating their Big Carnival weekend with a "tourist day" on Friday, the big carnival parade on Saturday, and the cremation of the sardine procession on Sunday.  Two major sporting events are taking place on Saturday so some road closures are sure to occur. You may also enjoy some of the more local carnival festivities in Agaete, La...

Gran Canaria Weather: Summer-like weather to continue, 30ºC+ in the shade this weekend

The Canary Islands are experiencing their first previews of summer this weekend with temperatures at the summits of Gran Canaria yesterday having exceeded 31ºC, in the shade, as noted at the Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET, via data from their weather station in the picturesque mountain town of Tejeda, which yielded the fourth highest reading in the country. A little further south in the highlands of San...

Movie and television production on the Canary Islands has more than doubled

The shooting of movies and television series in the Canary Islands have doubled over the course of 2022 and now far exceeds the figures recorded for 2021, which were the highest to date. More national and international productions, more investment and more direct hiring of technical and artistic professionals are the three most notable milestones reached over this period. All is touted as a direct result of a successful strategy that has managed to increase the already favourable tax...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 10-12 March 2023

  A gorgeous, sunny March weekend ahead on Gran Canaria as the Carnival celebrations reach Maspalomas and the weather forecast is simply perfect. There are carnival parades to enjoy in Telde, Santa Lucía and La Aldea. The Southeast Fair is happening in Carrizal, Ingenio this weekend and Artenara celebrate their monthly market.  There is still time to enjoy the Spring Artisans’ fair by the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse. Whatever your plans may be, it is a glorious weekend for any activity on...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 3-5 March 2023

  It's already the first weekend of March and the pre-Springtime carnival festivities continue around the island. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will have their big finale weekend, including the biggest Carnival parade on Gran Canaria this Saturday. Some carnival festivities have already come to an end, other municipalities are just getting started and there are still plenty to come. Spring is just around the corner. The European Cheese fair this weekend arrives in Tejeda and the springtime...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 24-26 February 2023

The last weekend of February and the weather forecast continues to look a little unsettled and does not look very promising, unless you are a gardener in hope of a pre-spring boost to your patch. It could be a little rainy across Gran Canaria, so bear in mind that any outdoor events may get postponed or cancelled if weather conditions get too bad. The weekend offers Carnival celebrations in the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gáldar, Agüimes and Moya, Sardina del Sur and a few other towns....

Record tourist arrivals to The Canary Islands, though Gran Canaria lags behind in the recovery

2023 has started positively in terms of foreign tourism numbers. In January, the archipelago welcomed 1.22 million foreign visitors, a 3.2% increase from 2019 (1.18 million). The figure even surpasses the numbers from 2018 (1.21 million) and 2017 (1.20 million) to set a new historical record for foreign tourists during the month of January. Compared to 2022, the growth is significant, at 60%, almost half a million more...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 17-19 February 2023

It's all about carnival celebrations this February weekend, 17-19 February, on Gran Canaria. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gáldar, and Agüimes continue their celebrations and joining them this Friday, La Aldea and Ingenio start their festivities too. A chance to also enjoy the year's first full carnival parade taking place this Saturday in Gáldar.  There are always plenty of markets to visit and explore around the island. This weekend, with a little chill in the air, our top tip is the wonderful...

#GranCanariaWeather: Sleet, hail, lightening and up to 2cm of snow possible around the summits of Gran Canaria

Well if you thought its been a little chilly or wet over recent days and weeks on Gran Canaria, you're in for a further blast from the north, as it looks like a polar vortex is, this Wednesday night and Thursday morning, pulling in some decidedly wintery wet weather, with a potential for very strong winds, rough seas and even a good chance of some snow possible on Gran Canaria and on neighbouring Teide. The Spanish...

#UKMostWanted2023: Six arrested, seven to go – NCA appeal to trace UK’s Most Wanted fugitives

The National Crime Agency and partners have renewed an appeal to help trace some of the United Kingdom’s Most Wanted fugitives. Twelve months ago the NCA launched its most recent appeal to find 13 men who had gone on the run – all believed to be hiding in Spain or with strong links to the country. In that time, six wanted men have been traced, arrested and are at various stages of the extradition and judicial process. Today, the appeal - run in conjunction with independent charity...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 10-12 February 2023

The most exciting of annual celebrations on Gran Canaria is about the start.  The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Gáldar kick off Carnival season 2023 this Friday, 10th of February, followed by Agüimes on Saturday. The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival starting this week is the biggest of all on the island, lasting almost a month, until the 5th of March. Carnival festivities will be celebrated in almost every corner of the island so there will be plenty to go and see, and experience...

PRIDE by any other name, controversy in Maspalomas

The San Bartolomé de Tirajana (SBT) Town Hall, responsible for popular tourist resorts such as Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, on the sunny south of Gran Canaria, have found themselves in conflict over the use of the word 'Maspalomas', due to a commercial entity trying, once again, to assert ownership over a world famous community event founded 21 years ago, in partnership with the local government, by the Gay & Lesbian Associates of Yumbo, GLAY. Is it time to reclaim PRIDE in Maspalomas?...

Gran Canaria Weather: Calima and some chilly nights ahead, rain and maybe snow up on the mountain!

A high-altitude weather system known as a "DANA" located northwest of the Canary Islands, is expected to affect the islands over the coming days, leading to increased instability in the weather. Snow, rain, and Saharan dust, a phenomenon known as "calima", are expected all through the weekend in the archipelago. Having started before the weekend and expected to last until at least Monday, rain and cold weather are expected throughout the islands, with snow even expected at higher elevations....

High Courts again rule that Mogán town hall’s “arbitrary” salary increases were simply a “form of reward” for certain employees, seen as loyal to the governing group

The TSJC Canary Islands' High Court of Justice has ruled that increase in salaries granted by the municipality of Mogán, to eight of its employees in 2022, were illegal. The Contencioso-Administrative Court has, once again, criticised the “arbitrary” nature of the town council led by La Alcaldesa Onalia Bueno, mayor of Mogán, who plans this year to run for re-election under the name of her new party, Juntos por Mogán, directly aligned with the right of centre regionalists, Coalición Canaria...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 3-5 February 2023

Always around this first weekend of February, on Gran Canaria, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Tejeda, celebrates their traditional and very popular Almond Blossom festivities. The weather around this time of the year can also be a bit hard to predict, and as we have experienced over recent days, the nights can be a touch nippy, particularly up in the mountains. Just one week to go before the spring Carnival season starts, on Friday 10 February. The first to costume up for the...

Face masks will no longer be compulsory on public transport from 7 February

Masks will no longer be required on public transport, though they will remain necessary in healthcare establishments and services, and for workers and visitors attending healthcare and social care facilities.   Minister for Health, Carolina Darias, announced this week that, on 7 February, she will submit "the proposal to remove the obligation to wear masks on public transport", to the Council of Ministers taking...

Mogán town council assumes direct management of services on Playa de Mogán

The Mogán Local Council on Friday installed new sun beds and umbrellas on Playa de Mogán, beginning direct management of seasonal services of this popular beach, along with the other six beaches for which it now holds corresponding authorisations: Las Marañuelas, Costa Alegre, Taurito, El Cura, Aquamarina and Patalavaca. Since last summer they have also been in control of direct exploitation of  Puerto Rico and El Perchel beaches.  The majority of these coastal tourism enclaves were managed by...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 27-29 January 2023

It's the last weekend of January and exactly two weeks to go until the 2023 Carnival season starts on Gran Canaria. This weekend will most probably be enjoyed with a drop of wet weather, Sunday being forecast as the rainiest. The southern tourist enclaves look to also see a bit of cloud cover and even a small chance of seeing a few drops of rain. However you look at it, it may be handy to have umbrellas and raincoats around during the days to come. There is even the possibility of some snow on...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 20-22 January 2023

Following the winter holidays and Reyes Magos, the Three Kings Epiphany festivities, the first major weekend events have started once again, and another year full of fiestas and festivities commences. The almond trees are almost in full blossom across the island's mountainous interior, from Valsequillo to Ayacata, Tunte to Tejeda and Carnival season is also fast approaching. The first patron saint's festivities of 2023 are taking place in...

More than half of all Canary Islands properties sold last year were bought by foreigners, more than half of those non-residents

While we still await final figures for the last quarter of 2022, the latest official data from The Canary Islands has shown foreigners are buying more homes in the Canary Islands than ever before. The number of real estate acquisitions by non-residents in the Canary Islands has risen 52% compared to the same period in 2021, and is already 16% higher than the highest ever record set in 2017. The causes of this increase...

Cordial director says they will fight “illegal” decision to allow cement factory to continue in Port of Santa Águeda

The general director of hoteliers, the Cordial group, a member of the Las Palmas tourist association, Nicolás Villalobos, has described as "illegal" the decision taken by the Canarian Regional Government to extend the usage of the deep water port of Santa Águeda so that the cement company CEISA (Cementos Especiales de Las Islas SA) can continue to operate beyond its concession which expired last October. <!--more-->     The...

Gran Canaria Reyes de Magos “The Three King’s” 2023

Twelfth night is almost upon us, the Epiphany, preceded by the Noche del Reyes Magos, or night of the kings, the spectacular finale of the holiday season, when 3 wise men are expected to visit every home in the kingdom. This is the most magical time of the year for Spanish kids. The tradition here is that Los Reyes Magos, known as the Three Wise Men or the Three Kings, are actually the ones who bring children their gifts on the Day of the Epiphany, which is the 6th of January. This is when...

The Canary Guide: Nochevieja, New Year’s #WeekendTips 2022-23

Well, it's the New Year's weekend and perhaps you are wondering what there is to do on our sub-tropical winter-sunshine island. There will be celebrations for the start of 2023 across Gran Canaria at most bars and restaurants, with several fireworks displays on offer, the biggest and most popular of which include the main beach in the capital, Las Canteras, and in the south on Anfi Beach, The Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse (where many of the hotels have lavish parties and compete for the...

The Canary Guide: Gran Canaria Public Holidays, Fiestas, Romerías and Celebrations for 2023

Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands share 8 official "bank holidays" with the rest of Spain. Following the publication of the Laboral Calendar in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the eight immovable holidays are: April 7: Good Friday, May 1: Labor Day, (Monday), August 15: Assumption of the Virgin (Tuesday), October 12: National holiday, (Thursday), November 1: All Saints, (Wednesday),  December 6: Constitution Day, (Wednesday), December 8: The Immaculate Conception, (Friday) and December 25:...

The Canary Guide Yule time #WeekendTips, Merry Christmas

From sunny Gran Canaria, we wish you all Feliz Navidad! Happy holidays! Merry Yuletime! Local celebrations on the 24th and 25th are often low key and family oriented and it looks like the weather is going to be wonderful, at least until Monday, when a cold front looks set to move in over the archipelago, bringing with it some rain and even a chance of snow on top of Mount Teide. This week there have been loads of wonderful seasonal goings-on all around Gran Canaria. Christmas lights across the...

Spain’s second largest ever seizure of designer club drug “Tusi”

Spain's, so far, second largest consignment of the pink drug concoction has been intercepted at Gran Canaria airport. A 22-year-old passenger from Belgium was stopped, by Customs Surveillance and Guardia Civil, with an estimated ten kilos of the drug, writes A. Castilian in Spanish language daily, La Provincia     Last Tuesday, Customs Surveillance and the Guardia  Civil intercepted a consignment of, what is known as, "pink...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 16-18 December 2022

It's the weekend before most foreign residents (and visitors) celebrate their Yuletime dinners and get-togethers. Of course here in Spain, and on the Canary Islands, December 25th is a day of simple, quiet contemplation with the main gift giving days being 12th night, the epiphany, January 5th & 6th, in celebration of the Day of the Three Kings, so for Canary Islanders there is still plenty of time of Christmas shopping to be done. This year the 25th forms part of a 'puente', a bridge...

Works on the new Soria-Chira hydroelectric project expand to the Soria Dam

The new Salto de Chira hydroelectric power station project broke ground this year, after nearly 2 decades of planning, with works now being prepared on the primary wall of the Soria dam (the largest in The Canary Islands) and its surroundings, where a spillway will be constructed to facilitate access via a service road to install elements such as water intake, the hydraulic circuit along with a secondary tunnel which will be installed.     [adrotate...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 9-11 December 2022

There is no avoiding it. It's the second weekend of December and the Yule time festivities are pretty much the theme for all the events happening on Gran Canaria over the days and weeks ahead. The municipalities of Santa Lucía and Agaete are celebrating their patron saints' festivities as well as a few other neighbourhoods around the island. The municipalities of Mogán, Teror, Valsequillo and Arucas are just about to start their seasonal programs this weekend, with their respective Lights-on...

A minimum 15 journeys per month for Canary Islands Residents Bus Pass holders wishing to travel for free, from January 1st

As of January 1, public road transport services, urban and interurban, for anyone with a resident's monthly bus pass, can travel free by bus and tram in the Canary Islands, the Government of the Canary Islands and the seven island councils have announced after a meeting held on Wednesday. This and other issues will be included in an action protocol that will be signed by all parties before the end of the year.     Anyone not in...

Gran Canaria Weather: Yellow Warning – Rough seas, strong winds and rain from the South West

A massive Atlantic storm has been rumbling across the Azores over the last few days, bringing some residual wet weather last weekend and another band of rain which looks set to sweep across the archipelago today, and over the next 12 hours. Spanish State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, have issued a yellow advisory warning for the southern half of Gran Canaria, this Wednesday, for rainfall that could accumulate up to 15 litres per square...

Supermarket opening times this week, for Tuesday and Thursday and the December “Bridge”

There are two bank holidays this week, as Tuesday marks Spain's Constitution Day and Thursday is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, both of which are national holidays every year, which will make next weekend a long "bridge" weekend, and of course lots of people will take the opportunity to stock up in time of the seasonal festivities relentlessly heading our way at the end of the month. Many supermarkets will change their opening hours for these two most important shopping days at the...

#VoteLocal: Want to have your say? The deadline to register for next May’s local elections is January 15, 2023

Across Spain, municipal elections, to vote for your representatives in your local town hall, will be held on May 28, 2023. All EU nationals, legally resident, have the right to stand for election in their local council, and to elect the councillors whose job it will be to serve you and local interests, defend citizen rights and administrate local town hall funds to where they are most needed and useful for the the community. For non-EU...

Winds of up to 90 km/h from the northwest and heavy rain: AEMET activates Yellow and Orange warnings for the Canary Islands this weekend

Spanish State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, this Friday issued yellow and orange warnings for the Canary Islands this weekend. An orange advisory warning will be in affect for the islands of Tenerife and La Palma, due to strong winds, and there is a yellow warning for rain and wind on the western islands and Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria has a yellow warning for strong wind, with gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour, especially on the north...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 2-4 December 2022

      The first weekend of December and it's going to be an interesting one. The weather forecast is a bit unstable for Gran Canaria for the coming days with some rain, clouds and sunshine to look forward to. That being said, bad weather can cause any outdoor event to be postponed, moved indoors, or cancelled. Overall, the many events and festivities to explore and enjoy include the Avocado fair in Arguineguin. Some of the finest artisan...

Bus companies very concerned about being able to maintain services with free travel from January 1st

Bus operators, technicians and managers have been expressing some concern over the new plan to make public transport free for regular daily users as of next January 1. 2023 is expected to begin with a sudden increase in demand for which the bus companies are not well prepared. The  increase in the number of users, means that bus companies like Global Bus (Interurban island-wide) and Guaguas Municipales (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) will have to provide a potentially larger number of services...

Swedish man faces up to 29 years, on trail, suspected of killing his partner in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

The Guardia Civil arrested a Swedish man, in April 2019, in the tourist resort town of Puerto Rico, in the south western municipality of Mogán, accused of having beaten his partner to death. The woman, who was 42 years old, according to sources within the initial investigation was found dead in her apartment by a Guardia Civil patrol responding to a 112 emergency call, to ask for help at around 10 am the following morning. However,...

Three stowaways found on the rudder of an oil tanker after it docked in Las Palmas on Monday

The Salvamento Marítimo (Maritime Rescue) rescued three stowaways on Monday, found on the rudder blade of an oil tanker that had just arrived in the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, having left eleven days earlier from Lagos (Nigeria). They were picked up this Tuesday by the Salvamar Nunki in the port of the capital of Gran Canaria, having been sighted in a precarious position outside the ship's hull, with their feet hanging barely half a metre from the surface of the water. [fb_plugin...

Animal abuser, as well as a municipal service vet, investigated after dog beating in Mogán

Last month, a Guardia Civil SEPRONA (Nature Protection Service) patrol investigated an individual for a crime of animal abuse and/or abandonment, as in addition to having four dogs at a private home in a somewhat precarious state, evidenced by images provided to the Guardia Civil, the owner of the dogs was seen striking one dog with a stick, then with a large heavy rock and later with some sort of wooden board, at the house in question in the municipality of Mogán.  ...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 25-27 November 2022

What an awesome month of sunshine it has been, the Orange harvest is in full swing, and now it's time to enjoy the last weekend of November before, Hello December! We have one busy weekend coming up, and that most American celebration of consumerism, the so-called Black Friday, arrives once again on the island. Events to celebrate the switching on of Christmas lights have already started and will continue in various places around the island over the next week...

First of its kind national congress on the local administration of finance and funding puts Maspalomas under the spotlight

A three day congress, the first of it's kind in Spain, has found itself the target of criticism over the cost of aiming to inaugurate a national conversation on financial responsibility, in particular in the administration of local, regional, national and EU funding.  Some opposition parties, many of whom, it seems, were not invited, have sought clarifications on how the expenditure for the event itself was decided, and why there was only one sound and lighting company invited to tender...

Free resident travel will be limited to regular and frequent users with monthly bus passes

Free public transport in the Canary Islands is to be limited to those people who use bus services on a regular basis, in their day-to-day activities, using one of the usual monthly or annual bus passes already issued by the Gran Canaria Single Transport Authority or similar institutions on the rest of the islands. Citizens to benefit from free trips will those who undertake a minimum number of trips per month, still to be determined,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 18-20 November 2022

  It's official! Yule time starts this weekend on Gran Canaria with the first of the seasonal lighting events happening this Friday. The gorgeous summery weather that we have been enjoying all the way into mid-November will now take a few days off but it looks like it will return next week. Work has already started of Gran Canaria’s biggest nativity sculpture, the sand art Belen de Arena 2022 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and opens on Friday, December 2...

Quick response from Mogán Policia Local results in arrests following restaurant theft in Puerto Rico

In the early hours of the morning of this Thursday, November 17, Mogán Policia Local arrested three adults and a minor for allegedly having forced their way into the Bahía Playa restaurant, in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, and stealing a cash register. Once alerted, the local agents managed to intercept a vehicle in which the suspects were fleeing, in the area of ​​El Tablero, just 10km away.     The Police were alerted around...

Ella the danger mouse grabs more than she bargained for on holiday in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Ella the danger mouse got more than she bargained for when she tried to win herself one of the gift teddies in a grab-a-prize machine, located in the family amusement zone of the Sunspot bar, in Fase IV of the Shopping Centre Puerto Rico, last Sunday at about 8.30 pm.     Her panicked mum, Lisa, found her little ball of energy had been so focused on winning a stuffed toy she'd spotted that, as soon as her 13 year old sister's...

Sting to perform in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria summer 2023

British singer songwriter Sting looks set to return to Gran Canaria in 2023. Gordon Matthew Thomas Summer (Wallsend, North Tyneside, England, October 2, 1951), known globally as Sting, will perform for islanders next summer, according to sources consulted by Spanish language daily, Canarias7. , in an enclave like the Gran Canaria Arena, in Siete Palmas.     The arena concert by the ex lead singer of The Police looks set to be one...

Regular resident bus travel to be FREE – 100% subsidised – in the Canary Islands from Jan 1

Spain's central government in Madrid, it was announced this Monday, has accepted 100% free resident travel on Canary Islands urban and interurban buses from January 1. The regionalist CC party have been negotiating with and socialist PSOE government since October culminating in an agreement to support the central Government's 2023 budget in exchange for the 100% subsidy for passenger and freight transport, and a specific plan for La Palma.    ...

Man admits locking up, assaulting and raping a woman in Mogán during the pandemic confinement

A man accused of having, allegedly, held a woman in Mogán during the state of alarm, against her will and wilfully engaging in her sexually abuse, confessed this Tuesday to being guilty as charged. The man acknowledged that he had taken the victim into his home, knowing that she was in a vulnerable situation, after having had problems with her partner, and that he took advantage of her, even engaging in non-consensual sex.     [adrotate...

Gran Canaria Weather: Summer-like temperatures will give way to some rain and a slight cooling by the weekend

It's the middle of November and Gran Canaria has been enjoying temperatures more typical of summer than of the middle of Autumn. The balmy sunshine looks set to continue for a few more days this week across the Canary Islands, while Calima haze is expected to trap some of that heat, forecasts suggest the temperatures may well drop by then end of the week and there is a distinct possibility of rainfall, so it could well be time to dust off the umbrella, just incase the prediction of Spain's...

New Mogán law to prohibit sleeping in public spaces, hanging clothes on balconies and drinking in the streets

Gran Canaria's second most important tourism municipality, Mogán on the south west coast of the island, are understood to be engaged in the process of endowing themselves with a new set of local bylaws which, among various other things, will prohibit and penalise anyone found sleeping, day or night, in public spaces. Prohibited too, in some of Gran Canaria's favourite resorts, will be the leaving of clothing or towels on balconies. The apparently deeply conservative Mogán town hall, led by the...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 11-13 November 2022

  It's the second weekend of November already and it is going to be a beautiful and busy one on Gran Canaria. The festive season is getting closer and closer and a lot of the Yuletime lights are up already, with many official 'lights on' events still to come, so stay tuned. There are plenty of awesome events and festivities taking place around Gran Canaria, highlights include the WOMAD world music and dance festival, happening in the capital, as well as Fashion & Friends. It's also...

Mass message alert “reverse 112” system tested on the Canary Islands

This Thursday, November 10, at midday, 12:00, the Canary Islands participated in a test of a new public alert system, using mobile phone networks, called ES-Alert, organised by the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies (DGPCE) and the Regional Ministry of Public Administrations, Justice and Security, directed by Julio Pérez. The system is designed to send mass warnings to the population, via all mobile phones in a specific area, during the test to around 10,000 people The...

Want to live on Gran Canaria? Feel free to Follow the Sun this Thursday, with Pride Properties

    Sponsored On Thursday 10 November, between 11.00am and 1.00pm a FREE consultation has been laid on by popular real estate experts Pride Properties, who have gathered together their team, which includes the two property agents behind the company, a trusted architect, a property lawyer and an expert on global accountancy to offer free information and advice for anyone thinking of buying or selling on Gran Canaria. They have offered to answer any...

Foreign woman arrested in Playa del Inglés accused of collecting donations on false pretences

Policia Nacional have arrested a 39-year-old woman suspected of scamming more than €10,000 from at least five foreign restaurateurs on the south of the island island on the false premise that her daughter was suffering from a serious illness and then died after a failed operation, supposedly in Houston, Texas, for which she allegedly needed to raise money.     The detainee has been accused of fraud, forgery of documents, the...

La Alcaldesa, the mayoress of Mogán, investigations continue before the courts, after trying to block Guardia Civil from looking at municipal files

La Alcaldesa, O. Bueno, was called on Thursday, before the judge, to defend why she ordered her IT manager to stop Guardia Civil access to town hall computers after her arrest, not for the first time, back in September 2020.  The case is just one of the several derived from the latest round of allegations, which came to light after the 2015 local elections, accusing her and her people of dodgy dealing and electoral fraud, having been accused of orchestrating a vote buying plot with a local...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 4-6 November 2022

    The first weekend of November and we have been truly blessed with some rather tropical weather across the whole island recently, the island is still layered with greens after the October rains, though temperatures look set to drop a little over the next few days. One of the biggest county fairs of the year, the "Feria del Sureste", is on this weekend in Vecindario. Tejeda is celebrating their Finaos market. There is a beach clean taking place as...

Gran Canaria Weather: Gradually cooling back towards seasonal norms and a small possibility of showers by Saturday

Well it looks like predictions of an extended autumn heat wave have receded in The Canary Islands as weather forecasts across the archipelago turn towards a more seasonal outlook, with temperatures starting to drop following the balmy weather over the weekend. All Saints' Day has started with cloudy intervals at lower altitudes, but continues with a probability of Calima haze and maximum daytime temperatures in the shade of up to 27ºC, and dropping to 20ºC at night, according to Spanish State...

The Canary Guide: Noche de Finaos vs. Halloween on Gran Canaria 2022

All saints’ Day, All Hallows’ Day, Halloween, Todos Los Santos Monday, 31 October 2022  The 31st of October has long been celebrated here in The Canary Islands. A most traditional celebration where families gather and tell each other stories of family members long departed, ancestors of note, parents, grandparents, and the occasional spooky ghost story. Graveyards extend their opening hours so that families can visit their loved ones. Of course, US influences have seeped in over recent years,...

The Canary Guide #Weekend Tips 28-30 October 2022

    What a wonderful October it has been and it will also end with the most glorious warm weather around the island with just a hint of calima in the air. A perfect last weekend of October for absolutely any adventure or rest break. This is also going to be a long and interesting weekend as Finaos/Halloween lands this year on a Monday and then Tuesday, 1 November is a bank holiday in Spain. So a long festive "bridge" weekend ahead. There will be...

“Very unusual” warm spell over the Canaries likely to last into November and also affecting mainland for warmest Autumn on record

Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has announced their forecast of a new "very unusual" warm spell for this time of year in the Canary Islands. Meteorologists have not ruled out that the end of October will make it the hottest October in Spain since records began. "Clearly warmer than normal conditions are likely to continue into the first half of November ," they have warned. According to AEMET, thermometers could reach up and over 30°C in the shade in The Canary Islands over coming...

Gran Canaria continues work to protect the Dunes of Maspalomas and avoid their destruction

Gran Canaria's island government, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, are working with the Coastal Authority to reinforce fences that delimit and prevent access to certain areas of the Maspalomas Dunes.     The president of the insular institution, Antonio Morales, who made a visit to the Special Nature Reserve, did not give details about which places they would be focused on, but he did clarify that they would include access to the...

25-year-old allegedly faked the theft of €1,900 in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

The Guardia Civil in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria report that they identified a simulated crime, allegedly perpetrated by a 25-year-old on October 1, who stated that they had been attacked and held against their will by a group of six people, who forced them to withdraw €1,900 from a nearby ATM, in the popular tourist town on the southwest of Gran Canaria.     The person identified had reported to the Guardia Civil that day,...

31ºC in the shade this weekend on Gran Canaria, with a touch of Calima to end October

The Canary Islands have been enjoying some very pleasant October weather with clear skies with just a few intervals of cloud, daytime highs of around 27ºC and night time lows of around 20ºC. The westernmost islands are a little cooler, with lows of around 17-18ºC in La Palma and El Hierro. However, the thermometers look set to rise as we approach the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday and next week, as we head into November, the temperatures across the Canary Islands archipelago will approach...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 21-23 October 2022

An absolutely gorgeous October weekend ahead on Gran Canaria. The weather looks great and the splendid variety of different events and festivities happening is too. On the south of the island, there is a major free concert and a drone show to enjoy among many other music offerings. Arucas is finally celebrating its "World Beers Festival" and in Gáldar the bodyboard competition Frontón King continues on the north coast. In Vecindario the patronal festivities in honour of Archangel Rafael...

Missing man found dead inside a car parked in the Bellavista area of Maspalomas

Agents of the Policia Nacional have found the body of a man inside a vehicle parked in residential area of Bellavista, near Maspalomas, 0n the south of Gran Canaria. It is thought the deceased may have been there for about 15 days.     According to reports from sources within the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Council, and subsequently from Spanish language news portals, late on Sunday, everything appears to indicate that it was...

At least 5 flights diverted to Gran Canaria due to powerful electrical storm over Fuerteventura on Saturday night

A powerful electrical storm descended last night over Puerto del Rosario, forcing at least five planes destined for Fuerteventura to have to be diverted to land on Gran Canaria. All arrived without major incidents.       The affected flights all originated from the United Kingdom. The first, from Jet2, had taken off from Manchester and at about 8pm, after remaining on hold to the south of Fuerteventura, controllers...

The Canary Guide: Maspalomas Market has moved to Parque Europeo while the new facilities are being built

At the start of October the popular Maspalomas Market moved to the Parque Europeo, in the heart of Playa del Inglés. The Town Council provisionally moved the Wednesday and Saturday market due to works due to start on the new municipal market renovation The Councillor for Markets of San Bartolomé de Tirajana town hall, María Ángeles Rodríguez Vega, held a meeting with representatives of the market stallholders, in which the details were agreed to proceed with the change of location (just next...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 14-16 October 2022

   It's mid-October weekend and there are many wonderful events and festivities taking place to see and enjoy. Free concerts in Meloneras. Patron Saint festivities in La Isleta in the capital and in Vecindario. Tejeda is finally trying to celebrate World Tourism Day after being forced to postpone already twice. Last days to enjoy Water Circus in Maspalomas and there is an autumn Fair happening in Holy Trinity church in Las Palmas de G.C. This...

Blood & Gold: The ‘Discoverer’ and the brutality of conquest

Many in Spain celebrate the national day, October 12, as a day for all Spaniards to revel in Spanishness, and remember an empire, replete with displays of military might, with marches and the waving of flags coloured blood and gold. For many, it is not a day of celebration but a time worth spent remembering countless millions whose lives were so irrevocably affected after the arrival of one lost adventurer, who managed to find a small Bahamian island,  an ocean away from the newly united...

Rain showers to end the week, but nothing like Tropical Storm Hermine, likely to remain mostly sunny in the south

Forecasters over the last few days have been expecting a DANA (which stands for High Altitude Isolated Atmospheric Depression - Depresión Atmosférica aislada en Niveles Altos) approaching from the north and bringing rainfall, while temperatures are expected to remain little changed, they could drop slightly as the weather system attracts colder air from the north.  When a DANA like this brings significantly colder temperatures it is also known as a Gota Fría or "cold drop". Though the rains...

A “good winter” predicted for Canary Islands tourism as demand rises 12% in a week

The forecasts of the business sector and the Tourism Department of the Government of the Canary Islands, which indicate that the islands will have a good winter, are gaining consistency as November 1, the official start date of the season, approaches, reports Silvia Fernandez in Spanish language daily, Canarias7 this Tuesday. Over the last week, reservations have grown more than 12% and it is expected that in the coming days the tourism rebound will be higher,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 7-9 October 2022

    A much more as-to-be-expected October weekend ahead on Gran Canaria, with an intriguing selection of different kinds of events taking place. Patronal festivities in La Isleta, Big Bang Vintage Festival, Movelec at INFECAR and free concerts this weekend in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are just a few of the biggest ones to mention. Agüimes celebrate their co-patron's festivities of The Rosary. There is a Cangrejo fest on the coast of Arucas. Water...

An unusually strong African Calima blows out over us from the east

An intense Calima has been sweeping the Canary Islands since Monday, October 3. According to forecasts of the meteorological models consulted by CanariasAhora, Saharan dust will remain suspended in the air at least until Wednesday. It is expected that this episode will also affect the entire peninsula, especially southern and central parts of Spain. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://thecanarynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/10/finalVideo-3.mp4" loop="true"...

The rains guarantee water for crops until 2024 on Gran Canaria, but generate millions of euros of damage to roads

The rain last weekend has caused significant damage to roads and infrastructure across Gran Canaria, but the water has been "a blessing" for agriculture. This was expressed on Tuesday by the president of the Cabildo, Antonio Morales, who said that 2,721,212 cubic meters of water had been collected in the island's public and private reservoirs, a 6% increase on the total volume available. Specifically, the private reservoirs have collected 1,970,440 cubic meters, 8% of the total volume, and the...

The alert and pre-alert for rain declared finished following Hermine

The alert declaration for the heavy rains affecting El Hierro and the pre-alert situation that was still in place on La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria due to tropical storm Hermine ended at 12:00 noon this Wednesday, according to the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands regional government. In a statement they specified that the meteorological conditions behind the declaration have now ended. Likewise, they have assured that communications and...

Maximum Alert for rains remains in place until midday Monday, more than 800 incidents reported, airports closed and 200 or more flights cancelled

The President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, has reported this Sunday evening on the evolution of 'Hermine' over the Archipelago, which despite being downgraded this morning from a Tropical Storm, to a depression, continues to make its presence felt across the Archipelago. So far, more than 800 incidents related to heavy rains have been reported and more than 250 flights to or from the Islands having been cancelled. In addition,...

Hermine downgraded to Tropical Depression, 12 or more hours of heavy rainfall still expected

The NOAA Hurricane Centre has downgraded Storm Hermine to a tropical depression this Sunday morning, as had been predicted in previous discussions, as wind speeds fell below 62 kilometres per hour. Meanwhile on social media some members of the public had become confused by the use of the word "cyclone" which had been utilised to describe the cyclonic, or circular, motion of the winds attached to this Atlantic wet weather system; comparing the abundant rainfall as no worse than a "Saturday...

AEMET raises advisory warning for heavy rains to Red, on Gran Canaria this Sunday

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in the Canary Islands this Saturday updated their warnings for rain on Sunday, September 25, on the islands of Gran Canaria, El Hierro and La Palma as tropical storm 'Hermine' passes to the south and west of the archipelago. The Red Advisory warning (the highest level) comes into force from 12:00 midday tomorrow for the east, south and west of Gran Canaria, where accumulated rainfall of 120 litres per square meter...

“Complicated” Sunday forecast as weakening Tropical Storm Hermine passes west of Canary Islands

Tropical Storm 'Hermine' is expected to bring Autumn rains to The Canary Islands this weekend, reaching a peak for Sunday , which is expected to be "a complicated day", according to the Emergency technicians at a Canary Islands press conference on Friday, with effects expected to last until Monday. Among the official recommendations, they advised everyone to ensure they had candles, flashlights and a radio on hand, to be prepared in the event of a power outage. Likewise, the regional...

Canarian Government issue urgent warnings to help you keep safe during the coming Storm Hermine

Heavy rains forecast this weekend in the Canary Islands have led the regional government to remind everyone that the situation can change rapidly when a storm like this affects the weather systems of the archipelago. Stay at home and drive with extreme caution are just some of the advice that the Government of the Canary Islands urge in situations like the one that is coming. With sudden downpours like this barrancos and ravines can fill quickly and turn into...

Classes suspended on Monday as Government of the Canary Islands asks for caution and calls for self-protection in the face of a maximum alert

The president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, this afternoon appealed for "prudence" and called for "self-protection and maximum precautions" during the weekend, in the face of what, he pointed out, "may be the most important rains in recent years ”. Torres announced that all activities are suspended from tonight and until the change from maximum alert. At this time, the forecasts highlight that the core of the cyclone will not touch the islands, but the meteorological phenomenon...

Atlantic depression south of Canaries upgraded to Tropical Storm Hermine

The Atlantic cyclone that has formed to the south of the Canary Islands has in the last hour been officially upgraded from a tropical depression to a tropical storm. The new classification has confirmed this Friday night by the US National Hurricane Centre. The president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, reported this afternoon's press conference that the Canary Islands would very likely be affected by what was then a "tropical depression",  a type of...

Maximum Alerts declared for heavy downpours and possible storm weather bringing strong winds and flooding

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, has declared a Maximum Alert for Rains in the Canary Islands, starting at 00:00 midnight and into the early hours of September 24. This decision was made taking into account the most current information available and applying the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (known as PEFMA). The State Meteorological Agency...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 16-18 September 2022

Autumn is here, and the weather prediction for the weekend is trying to prove it.  There is so much going on this weekend hopefully the rain predicted will not spoil any of the upcoming events. World clean up Day is celebrated this Saturday. There is also a double event happening in Vecindario with Km.0 Fair Gran Canaria - SouthEast edition and 'Feria del Sol' which is all about renewable energy. Many patron saint festivities are taking place this weekend including in Guía, Tejeda, Agüimes...

San Bartolomé de Tirajana will completely renew sunbeds and umbrellas on its beaches

The Maspalomas-Gran Canaria Tourism Rehabilitation Consortium has put out to tender, to a value of €600,000, divided into two lots, for the supply of sun-beds (hammocks) and umbrellas for the beaches of Maspalomas Costa Canaria, Spain and The Canary Islands' top tourism destination. The simple sun-beds, spare parts and double-covered Balinese hammocks, are budgeted at €263,500, and the circular parasols, various spare parts and windbreaks for €297,246. This is...

Perpetrator of Puerto Bello disturbances sentenced to 3 years in prison

Ahmed Haison, of Moroccan origin and in an irregular situation on the islands, has been convicted of causing damage to the Puerto Bello complex, in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaira, where he was being accommodated by the Government of the Canary Islands, he has, this week, been sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Convicted by the Second Section of the Provincial Court of Las Palmas for a crime of public disorder, and another of attack on an agent of the authorities, he was acquitted of a...

Mogán town hall ordered, for the third time, to remove “illegal” bar restaurant construction in Puerto Rico harbour

The magistrate at Contentious-Administrative Court 4 of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has ordered Mogán Town Hall to immediately open a new file to restore urban legality altered by Waikiki restaurant bar, illegally built by the Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria Sailing School, more than twenty years ago. The establishment is in clear violation of Coastal Law, by invading the maritime-terrestrial public domain. In 2003, a demolition order was issued, which the local town hall administration did not act...

British Embassy and Consulates announce opening condolence books to mark passing of their Queen

The Embassy of the United Kingdom in Spain announced on Friday the opening to the public of books of condolences, following the death of Elizabeth II, at its headquarters in Madrid, as well as consulates in seven other Spanish cities, including Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Through a statement issued by the British embassy, ​​​​it was confirmed that a book of condolence would be available, to be signed, on Friday and over the next few...

Gran Canaria Weather: Mainly clear blue skies and a touch of Calima, daytime highs upto 31ºC in the shade

Canarian skies this weekend will see some cloud cover over the north of the island, though mainly clear this Saturday to the south according to Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), with forecasts of Calima blowing in at high altitude over the easternmost islands, and night time lows of around 23ºC and daytime highs in the shade hitting up to 31ºC in the south, temperatures will see few changes from recent days, as moderate winds continue from the northeast. [fb_plugin...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 9-11 September 2022

  As the summer comes to a close, it has been an important week already on Gran Canaria with the main September celebration of the island's Patron Saint taking place in Teror, and Thursday being a bank holiday on the island, in honour of Nuestra Señora del Pino, Our Lady of the Pine. This weekend will see more big, popular celebrations taking place, and particularly busy in the westernmost municipality of Gran Canaria, La Aldea, with their own Patron...

Meanwhile, in Las Palmas: Taxi driver escapes injury after crashing into building site from the air

The networks are going wild over a spectacular traffic accident this Friday in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on Pancho Guerra street, Paseo de San Antonio, after a taxi mishap managed to result in a tumble from a height of 5 meters, into the middle of a building site. Fortunately, according to the Policia Local of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on its official Twitter account, the driver of the vehicle does not appear to have suffered any serious...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 2-4 September 2022

It's the first weekend of September edition of The Canary Guide #WeekendTips. What a summer its been, but it's not quite over yet, and as we roll towards the autumn there is a full weekend of activities ahead, with various events and fairs to go and see. The month of September will also see some of the biggest and most popular patron saint festivities on Gran Canaria with the Fiestas del Pino in Teror, the Patron Saint of Gran Canaria, and patron festivities in honour of San Nicolas de...

Price of bus passes discounted 50% for all Canary Islands’ residents

  The Gran Canaria Single Transport Authority (AUTGC) have been able to lower the prices of public transport cards (bonos) on the Island, thanks to a 50% subsidy from the Government of Spain for bus transport on Gran Canaria. The state contribution was raised from 30% to 50% after the signing of a collaboration protocol carried out last Monday by the President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, and the Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, Raquel Sánchez, in the...

Gran Canaria Weather: The first of the Autumn rains beckon, warm winds and passing storm showers for the end of August

August comes to an end on the Canary Islands with heat and Calima haze, from African winds carrying Saharan dust in suspension, with a mass of warm air that looks set to raise temperatures to 34ºC, or more, in the shade, particularly on south and west facing slopes, the spokesman for Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Rubén del Campo, has reported. By Wednesday, however, there could be some storm showers on the westernmost islands, and from Thursday...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 26-28 August 2022

It's the last weekend of August (already!) and the end of the traditional holiday month, which will mean a slow down in some of the summer season tourism traffic, to the enclaves of the south, as local preparations get underway for a new school year to start. Summer weather, as ever, continues on Gran Canaria, with lovely warm daytime temperatures predicted this weekend pretty much around the whole island, with some possibility of a little cloud cover in the capital and in the rugged north,...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 19-21 August 2022

The most summery month of August is already in its 3rd weekend, and it's going to be another warm one. The Canary Islands Health Department has activated risk warnings due to high temperatures forecast on Gran Canaria. The weather prediction by AEMET shows highs of up to 38º in the shade for the southern part of the island and average temperatures set to stay way above 30º all around the island. So a proper summer weekend ahead! There are several Romerías and fiestas, celebrating various...

Wildfire prevented after a palm tree fell on to high voltage power lines in the Mogán Valley

Several news outlets are reporting a more than five meter tall Canarian palm tree having fallen on to high voltage power lines, causing a fire, in the Barranco de Mogán ravine, near El Cercado, which prevented residents of agricultural farms from accessing or leaving their properties. The 'phoenix canariensis' fell at around 6:00pm onto power cables causing three separate outbreaks of fire. The area has a lot of dry vegetation, bushes and reed beds, which...

Young man alleges that he was attacked and robbed by Yumbo centre security guards

A 26-year-old resident of Mogán has accused two security guards of brutally beating him last Friday at the Yumbo Shopping Centre, in Playa del Inglés, in an unprovoked attack that he has reported in a denuncia complaint to the Guardia Civil. Image of alleged victim's injuries, courtesy of El Digital Sur GC The complainant says he was having drinks at the well known leisure centre with a friend, before noticing that two of the centre's security officers were...

Innovative new “Fog Water Collectors” installed on north Gran Canaria, to help prevent soil erosion and assist reforestation

👷🏽‍♂️This week the installation of innovative Fog Water Collectors has begun on the north of Gran Canaria as part of a 4 year project to use this innovative method of water collection in an attempt to prevent further soil degradation or loss of vegetation.🛠️. Deforestation and desertification have long been recognised as two of the principal causes for biodiversity loss and soil degradation. These phenomena are mostly caused by a mixture of ongoing climate...

Head-on collision in Arguineguín leaves two injured and major traffic problems

This Saturday morning, August 13, at around 9am a head on collision on the entry road to Arguineguín, on the south west of Gran Canaria, left a Mapfre tow truck (grua) and a Mercedes very badly damaged. The impact caused significant damage to the driver's side of the tow truck, and appears to have written off the Mercedes which was travelling in the other direction. From the amount of damage it appears that at least one or both vehicles were travelling at some...

Town hall silent this Friday as Playa de Mogán beach again closed due to suspected fecal contamination

Mogán town hall has once again chosen to remain silent this Friday in regard to the closure of Playa de Mogán due to suspected sewage having been detected in the waters of one of the islands favourite tourist-cum-fishing towns, choosing instead to talk about how much money they have spent on sports projects. This is already the 5th time in 4 months, reports news portal El Digital Sur Gran Canaria, that Playa de Mogán beach, one of the most important on Gran Canaria, in the Municipality of...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 12-14 August 2022

Mid August and what a gorgeous and hot summer it's already been. This weekend will be a long weekend, known as a 'bridge' or 'puente', as Monday 15th of August is a public holiday throughout Spain, ostensibly to celebrate the religious Asunción de la Virgen, the feast of the Assumption. Bare in mind that governmental offices will be closed on Monday as well as some retail shops; like Carrefour in Vecindario. The weather is looking fine indeed, with more "normal" summer temperatures predicted...

HIV+ activist, Orlando Viera, demands life saving medication be made available in Maspalomas

August 10th is International LGBTQ+ Tourism Day, and Maspalomas is world famous for its large Rainbow Community as well as welcoming an estimated 15% of Canary Islands tourism oriented specifically towards this sector.  Maspalomas is also, therefore, a focal point for a large number of foreign residents who work within tourism related businesses, and among whom there are a number of HIV+ patients who, with the right medical assistance, are able to successfully manage their condition and...

Gran Canaria Weather: A little cooler, breezes and bright sunshine after the third hottest July in 61 years

July 2022 saw two consecutive heat waves in The Canary Islands archipelago, and temperatures that reached maximums of 45º Celsius, making it the third warmest in the last 61 years, according to the climate analysis published by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET. It details the average temperature, during the observed period, was 23.7º Celsius across the islands, a positive anomaly of 1.6º Celsius on what is usually expected, which classifies July as...

Spain requires shops and institutions to turn lights off after 10pm with limits on heating and air conditioning temperatures to be controlled

The countdown has begun to power-saving blackouts, in shops and institutional buildings, set to be in force at least until November 1, 2023. The measures, decreed last week by Spain's central government form part of the package of measures on energy saving and efficiency. The open commercial areas of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have reportedly reacted with skepticism, waiting to see how it will affect business and consumption; however, the sector recognises that inflation and the rise in...

Sailor rescued thanks to the Maspalomas satellite receiving space station COSPAS-SARSAT search program response

A 62-year-old French man, rescued last Tuesday in a harrowing shipwreck off the Costa da Morte, was, it has emerged as reported in La Provincia, located thanks to a signal from his sailboat's emergency beacon, which reached the COSPAS-SARSAT search program, located at the Maspalomas Space Centre . Operators in Maspalomas quickly notified the National Maritime Rescue Centre in Madrid, which deployed units to begin an intervention that lasted more than 16 hours, in which the survivor had managed...

Ryanair strike action causes more disruption in Spain, but has not yet affected Canary Islands flights

Ryanair has cancelled at least ten flights this Monday, coinciding with the start of the new strike call for cabin crew (TCP), as well as having experienced a number of delays. At the moment, no Canary Islands air traffic has been affected, as with previous strikes, the majority of problems caused appear to have been on flights to and from mainland Spain and elsewhere in Europe. This morning cancellations have been reported between Barcelona and Milan, Menorca,...

Canary Islands recommend El Pajar Cement Factory continue to have use of Santa Águeda port for several more years

The Government of the Canary Islands set up a commission to examine the future of the port of Santa Águeda, on the south of Gran Canaria across the bay from Arguineguín, because the concession allowing the cement company to use the port is due to expire on October 22.  The commission's conclusions are that the port be temporarily shared between tourism and industrial use, at least until the factory can operate in Arinaga, some time in the future. Something that will take a minimum of 6 years...

Mogán’s deputy mayor will be put on trial accused of awarding 16 contracts ‘by finger’ to his own law firm

Since 2018 the courts have been investigating an alleged crime of continued prevarication (deception) in Mogán Town Council's having awarded up to 16 contracts to one particular law firm. Mogán's deputy mayor, and councillor for Urban Planning, Mencey Navarro (CIUCA), will go to trial when the Investigating Magistrate's Court number 3, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, has reviewed the collected evidence of the commission of a crime of prevarication. A recent order from the Sixth Section of the...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 5-7 August 2022

The long hot Gran Canaria August is here, and it's a busy summer weekend with some amazing, popular Patronal festivities going on, including the Fiestas de Las Nieves in Agaete and in Lomo Magullo, Telde. Santa Brigida is celebrating their patron saint's festivities and have their Romeria, pilgrimage offering, this Saturday. The small neighbourhood of San Lorenzo, in the capital, is celebrating their main festivities; Fiestas San Lorenzo, marked by a huge fireworks display. There are many...

Something smelly in the waters of Mogán: Police close Playa de Mogán beach again, for the third time this summer

Playa de Mogán beach was closed yet again this week and bathing was prohibited, on Wednesday, when fecal contamination was detected in its waters. Independent Spanish-language news portal for the south of Gran Canaria, El Sur Digital Gran Canaria, reported subsequently that Mogán Town Council workers removed the delimiting tape closing the beach to bathers in Playa de Mogán at around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. Analysis carried out on Thursday came out...

Canary Islands Government consider 7 visions of the future for El Pajar

The Canary Islands Government are considering up to seven different visions for the future of the El Pajar Port of Santa Águeda (San Bartolomé de Tirajana, in Gran Canaria), the concession for which is held by Cementos Especiales de las Islas (CEISA) at least until October of this year. The industrial cement company aspires to renew its permit to manage the deep water dock that it has held for the last 65 years, while various entities in the tourism sector are demanding the port be given over...

Mogán’s CIUCA town council approve doubling taxi fares and prohibiting unattended towels on the beaches or boats within 200m of the shore

A rather unwelcome set of new measures has been announced by those fun folks still running Mogán Town Council this week, making clear that they will not allow parasols, umbrellas, tables or towels to be used to reserve space on the beaches, for long periods in the absence of their owners. The representatives of the people of Mogán have decided such items left unattended will be considered abandoned, and may be removed by municipal workers. It is one of the more...

August on Gran Canaria begins at 40ºC with our third heatwave in as many weeks

The Canary Islands are yet again expecting to spend the next few days in short sleeves, flip-flips and shorts, due to warning advisories from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), among others, due to yet another wave of incoming high temperatures. This latest heatwave, though for many a little less oppressive than the back to back swelters we experienced throughout July, is expected to persist throughout this week, at least until Thursday. Gran...

Maspalomas Soul Festival closes its successful sixth edition in Boogie Woogie style, ‘cus the music certainly moved them

The sixth edition of the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival closed this year having exceeded all initial expectations, both in terms of public attendance during the three days of programming, and artistic performances that have already written a new chapter in the history of this annual musical San Agustín Beach encounter on the famous Maspalomas Costa Canaria. In spite of a two-year hiatus, the festival was an outright success over the three day weekend on the south coast of sub-tropical...

Maspalomas got Soul, if it didn’t they wouldn’t be here – Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival 2022 – Exclusive images

The south of Gran Canaria was treated to an extraordinary show, on Friday night, by a line up of world class musicians, with the happiest faces, occasionally casting furtive sidelong glances towards the rolling waves of the incoming tide on San Agustín Beach, as they performed for the more than 5,000-strong crowd who'd come to join them for the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival 2022.     Editor's Thoughts:   Since the Maspalomas Soul...

Canary Islands Ministry of Health reactivate advisory warnings for high temperatures this weekend on Gran Canaria

The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Public Health, have reactivated health risk warnings in different municipalities of Gran Canaria for the next few days due to forecasts of temperatures exceeding 32º Celsius maximum (daytime in the shade) and 24º minimum (night time), as established in the Preventive Action Plan for the Effects of Excessive Temperatures on Health. Yellow notice (low risk) Agüimes...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 29-31 July 2022

It’s the last weekend of July and what a spectacular Summer 2022 we are having… as if you expected anything less here on Gran Canaria! Weather predictions feature highs of around 32-34ºC in the shade, to the south, blue skies and bright sunshine raising the thermometers still higher; a little cooler to the north, where some cloud cover is quite normal at this time of year. A few of the biggest and most popular summer events and fiestas are happening, or just...

Guardia Civil investigate violent homicide of man found dead on Friday with stab wounds

The Guardia Civil Judicial Police continue to investigate the death of Juan José VJ, a 53-year-old resident of Santa Lucía whose body was found last Friday in the Los Frailes ravine (Mogán). The body was found with numerous injuries including several deep cuts believed to be the result of stab wounds, according to sources close to the investigation, who added that it has now been ruled out that his death occurred due to a fall. This is now a homicide investigation. [fb_plugin...

38ºC+ high temperatures on Gran Canaria, Orange warnings extended for Gran Canaria this Tuesday

The July summer heat is expected to continue for another few days here in The Canary Islands with the ECMWF European weather forecasting models predicting a day of intense heat this Tuesday that looks set to affect all the islands. Temperatures on Monday were already stifling, especially on Gran Canaria, and the south of Tenerife and Fuerteventura, and this Tuesday the thermometers will continue to rise in many places throughout the archipelago. The General...

One dead and another injured in rally collision tragedy on the North of Gran Canaria

A woman has died and a man seriously injured after being hit by a rally car participating in the competition being held this weekend on north of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Gáldar. The vehicle left the road and travelled a few meters up a hillside, running over a small group of people who were there watching the event. The rally was suspended shortly afterwards. The 112 Government of the Canary Islands Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOES) reported...

Police investigate dead body found in the Los Frailes ravine, between Tauro and Taurito, in municipality of Mogán

Guardia Civil Judicial Police are investigating the death of one Juan José VJ; a 53 year old resident of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, originally from Ingenio, who was found dead on Friday afternoon in a waterway channel, in the Los Frailes ravine, in the municipality of Mogan. The body appears to have had various injuries, so agents are trying to determine if these were made by another person or if it was due to an accidental fall. The discovery was reported at...

Orange Advisories on Gran Canaria for high temperatures and Saharan dust this Sunday & Monday

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, have declared an Alert for Maximum Temperatures on Gran Canaria, starting from 10:00 a.m. this Sunday, July 24. This decision was made on Saturday taking into account all available information and applying the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA). Episodes of maximum temperatures of up to 34ºC, in the shade...

Barranco Fire in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Residents at the top of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria's West Hill, on the other side overlooking Amadores, were shocked at around 22:30 on Friday night after a fire broke out in the barranco below the Lairaga apartment complex. Local resident and fitness trainer, Ben Stone, managed to capture a video of the blaze, including the heroic actions of at least one resident who appeared to be trying to tackle the fire from above using a garden hose. Fire crews were called to the scene,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 22-24 July 2022

A blissful summer weekend ahead on Gran Canaria with some pretty awesome events to go and see. Top picks for the coming weekend include the Virgen de Carmen festivities in Playa de Mogán and La Isleta, in the Capital, and one of the main annual festivities in the ancient Royal Capital, Gáldar. There are also festive events happening in the wonderfully picturesque mountain towns of Tunte and Valsequillo and music galore on offer, including the a Latin Salsa Festival in Teror, as well as all...

Tragedy in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria as workers trapped following a hotel wall collapse, at least one dead

At least one worker has died and the other has been seriously injured this Wednesday when major hotel renovation work lead to the collapse of a retaining wall in the popular holiday resort town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Mogán. At around quarter past three in the afternoon, one of the walls collapsed trapping the two workers. Numerous emergency services were deployed to the scene, including firefighters from the Puerto Rico Park Consortium, Mogán...

British holidaymaker pleads for help to pay for medical repatriation when clerical error leaves him without insurance following life saving surgery

British holidaymaker Russell Stones from Wellington, Telford travelled with his wife Vicky and their two teenage daughters on all inclusive family holiday holiday to Furteventura back in May. Within a couple of days of being there the whole family fell ill, and Russell managed to rupture his oesophagus due to chronic vomiting. He was flown by air ambulance to the Insular Hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for a life saving operation to repair it. Thanks to the excellent surgical team that...

Heat Alerts issued for Risk to Health on Gran Canaria and other islands

A red notice has been issued for the south eastern municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, on Gran Canaria. With orange notices for La Aldea de San Nicolás, Artenara, Mogán, Tejeda, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Agüimes, Ingenio, Valsequillo and Vega de San Mateo. And a yellow notice is in force for Santa Brigida. Alerts have also been issued on Tenerife, La Palma and Fuerteventura                The...

Gran Canaria recorded fifth highest number of arrivals in its history during the second quarter

Gran Canaria has received nearly 700,000 foreign tourists during just the second quarter of this year, according to data collected by Spanish airport authority AENA. A total of 699,949 non-national visitors landed at Gran Canaria airport to enjoy a few days of vacation. This figure represents the fifth best on record, corresponding to the months of April, May and June, since data began being collecting in 1990.              ...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 15-17 July 2022

The main weekend for the Virgen del Carmen festivities lies ahead, celebrating the patron saint of sailors and fisher' folk, which will see fiestas in many coastal areas of Gran Canaria and in Spain. Saturday is the main festive Day and also a local bank holiday in the municipality of Mogán. You will find many other neighbourhoods on the island celebrating Virgen del Carmen, here below are some of our top picks. There are also big festivities taking place in Gáldar and Teror. The very best...

Police seek possible victims of Patalavaca masseur accused of sexual abuse and videoing his clients

The Guardia Civil's Judicial Police Team in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria (Mogán), as part of Operation Kurnia, has investigated a 59-year-old German for seven crimes of sexual abuse and intimacy. The man, who runs a massage parlour located in Patalavaca, on the south of Gran Canaria, is accused of having taken advantage of his clients by touching and/or recording them with hidden cameras over more than a decade between 2005 and 2020.        ...

Covid-19 infections on the rise as Gran Canaria returns to Alert Level 3

Gran Canaria has returned to Alert Level 3 due to rising infections.  In reality, for now, that does not mean any serious increase in restrictions, with masks, hand washing and social distancing being our primary tools to combat further increases.  Nonetheless most appear to have ditched even those simple measures, and so it may take some serious effort to get people to refocus themselves on breaking the chain of transmission.  For now most measures remain suspended, as we detailed back in...

ALDI opens its first two stores on Gran Canaria, in Las Palmas and Telde

Supermarket chain ALDI today opened their first two stores on Gran Canaria in the municipalities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Telde. These are the island's two main population centres, and the locations are easily accessible from the primary motorways, off the GC23 ring road and at the Melenara exit from the GC1. Both stores were rammed full, on their first day, of people eager to find out what this new-to-the-islands store brand can offer, in Las Palmas the prices across all sectors were...

78 year old Norwegian hiker survives a day and a night of high temperatures and is rescued after falling into a ravine

A 78-year-old Norwegian tourist, who had been missing since Sunday, was found by a Guardia Civil patrol in a hard to reach area, thanks to the reflections they say from the mans watch. A helicopter took him to hospital with a serious blow to the head, and severe burns all over his body.             The report was filed by his son at eleven o'clock on Sunday night. The septuagenarian had gone for a walk in the...

Missing 76 year old found dead near his home on the south of Gran Canaria

A man who suffers from Alzheimer's disappeared in the southern Gran Canaria municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, according to reports this Sunday. The 76-year-old man who had been missing since Saturday in San Fernando de Maspalomas, and in need of medication, was found this morning near his home.             The septuagenarian had left his house at 10:30 on July 9, last Saturday. "He had to take a bus to...

Gran Canaria heatwave starts to dissipate, though Orange advisory remains in place this Monday, 43ºC measured yesterday in Agüimes

Temperatures look set to drop a little this Monday across the Canary Islands, following our first proper heatwave of the summer, though will still exceed 35ºC in the shade across the south of Gran Canaria, according to Rubén del Campo, spokesman for the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), which also suggests that by Tuesday temperatures will normalise, however by the end of this week, he warned, they could rise once more.        ...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 8-10 July 2022

A hot July weekend ahead full of summer festivities and events to enjoy. Top picks for this coming weekend include the Virgen del Carmen festivities, celebrating the patron protector of sailors and fisherfolk,  in Arguineguín (a Romería, pilgrimage offering, this Sunday), and in the neighbourhood La Isleta, up in the capital. The Canarias Jazz Festival this weekend comes to the south with two free concerts, just next to the Faro de Maspalomas. A major windsurfing competition starts this...

Alert for Maximum Temperatures & Forest Fire Risk Across Gran Canaria This Weekend

ALERTs FOR MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES AND MAXIMUM ALERT FOR RISK OF FOREST FIRE JULY 8 ◾️ The Government of the Canary Islands General Directorate of Security and Emergencies has declared an alert for maximum temperatures starting from 10:00 on July 8th.             GRAN CANARIA: the worst affected areas will be the south and west midland areas, southeast coasts and higher altitude zones. The heat wave will be...

Fuel thefts reported on Gran Canaria as prices continue to rise at the pumps

Reports of fuel theft have been increasing of late as prices at the pump continue to soar in the face of rising prices, something that had begun to happen even before Russia's invasion of Ukraine which has only increased the uncertainty for motorists             In the last week alone fuel has been reported stolen from at least 10 vehicles on the southeast of Gran Canaria, in the area around Vecindario. One...

Gran Canaria Weather: Heatwave expected as temperatures exceed 40ºC in the shade this weekend

Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) have announced the first proper heat wave of the summer, accompanied by desert winds from the Sahara this week. The trade winds have been keeping the archipelago cool, as the sub-tropical summer has started to heat up, however now AEMET foresees a notable rise in temperatures throughout July and in particular over the next few days. With "the African continental air mass" expected to "move westward affecting the Canary Islands"....

Forest fires high risk season has begun on Gran Canaria

Summer has arrived and the forest fires high risk season on Gran Canaria, which means in practice until September 30, special care must be taken in all rural and forest areas, with the burning of agricultural waste totally prohibited, while any use of fireworks, barbecues and machinery that generates sparks is limited and subject to conditions.            Cabildo de Gran Canaria Councillor for the Environment,...

Sand & Limestone, the El Pajar dilemma: More tourism facilities for the south, or protection of an important industry and an authentic community history

On October 22, 2022 the concession for the deep water dock, used by the cement factory operated by Cementos Especiales de las Islas (Ceisa SA), in the port of Santa Águeda is due to come to an end after 65 years of use, however the company is hoping to renew their contract. The Government of the Canary Islands owns the port and will have to decide whether to extend the concession for the industrial facility to maintain activities there or alternatively follow the established 2003 planning...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 1-3 July 2022

Hello July and Hello Summer! The summer months of July to September witness some of the most popular celebrations and the biggest traditional festivities and 'romería' pilgrimage offerings, on Gran Canaria. In July, we have the Virgen del Carmen festivities in multiple locations, patron saint festivities in the name of Santiago Apóstol in Gáldar and San Bartolomé de Tirajana (This is also the Holy Year of 'the Way of St. James' on Gran Canaria ) and then there's the Maspalomas Soul Festival...

PRIDE Matters to the Yumbo and Maspalomas

GLAY is the volunteer-led LGBTQIA+ not-for-profit association that founded Maspalomas PRIDE back in 2002. The Gay & Lesbian Associates of Yumbo were responsible for establishing communication with their local town hall, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, taking this community event from very humble beginnings, during the quietest month of the year, to becoming one of the single most highly attended annual celebrations on the island, bringing foreigners and native Canarians together, visitors and...

Canary Islands Migration: Ukraine war exasperating food shortages, poverty and unrest in the West African Sahel

Special ReportTimon .:. Without being overly sensationalist, it would be fair to say that, a perfect storm has been brewing for some time in Western Africa.  The Canary Islands is a region on the frontier, and needs to avoid allowing fear to drive decision making. The war in Ukraine may seem very far away, however the disruption to global cereal supplies, those blocked in Black Sea ports, or worse still not harvested all, is adding a growing food crisis to the problems that already existed....

The British of Las Palmas plant a tree for the Jubilee and celebrate longevity of friendships old and new

The British Club of Las Palmas this week continued their celebrations of the Queen of England's Platinum Jubilee, with the planting of an olive tree in their grounds, where it can be directly viewed from the main entrance to their historic headquarters in this once-mostly-British enclave of the city, known as Ciudad Jardín.             The event, organised by the club committee headed up by the newly re-elected...

Newsbrief: 30 kg of hashish found floating by the beach in Arguineguín

Agents of the Mogán Local Police seized a 30-kilo bundle of hashish last week, on the night of June 19, that appeared floating near the Costa Alegre beach, in Arguineguín, Mogán.            After being alerted by residents in the area, after 21:15, two agents from the Mogán Local Police dragged the bundle to shore, helped by two young men. Once transferred to the local police station, they proceeded to verify the contents, in this...

Four convicted and sentenced for multiple rape of a tourist attacked in Puerto Rico

A Las Palmas Court has sentenced four men accused of raping a Danish tourist to between 3 1/2 years and 8 1/2 years in prison, after one took advantage of her the other three then also abused the young woman during the early hours of the morning of December 25, 2016 at a shopping centre in the south of Gran Canaria. The judge ruled that there is "sufficient evidence" to destroy any presumption of innocence of the four defendants, Mohamed EH, 31 years old; Ahmed A., and Brahim A., 30; and...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips San Juan 23-26 June 2022

Summer has officially begun with the June solstice on Tuesday and now the foundational San Juan festivities are upon us, celebrating 544 years since the Castillian army first set camp on the banks of the Guineguada fresh water stream, in what is now the old quarter of our capital city, Vegueta! It is a long "puente" weekend with one of the biggest and most magical celebrations on Gran Canaria, and throughout Spain, entailing many traditional fiestas, midnight dips in the sea and various...

Las Palmas City Council does not plan to withdraw its controversial Pride Day campaign: “We have turned it inside out”

A controversial campaign from the Captial City Town Hall proclaiming “Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, One, great and free, free of prejudice, free of LGBTQIphobia, free of mortal sin, free of injustice and free of hate”. The motto of the new campaign, being used to commemorate this Saturday's LGBTQIA+ Pride event, in Gran Canaria's capital, has been clearly inspired by the words spoken by the Franco regime, and this has generated uproar on all sides of the debate. The Councillor for Equality in...

Medical marijuana in Spain will soon be regulated, available from pharmacies and health centres, as a complimentary therapy

Spain's Subcommittee on medicinal cannabis in the Congress of Deputies (lower house) this Tuesday approved their final report to regulate the legal, therapeutic use of marijuana. The proposal has been supported of various political parties including the socialist PSOE, United We Can, and Ciudadanos, PNV and PDECAT, however the ERC and Bildu parties abstained, demanding a more ambitious text, and the conservative PP, along with ultra right wing Vox, voted against the proposals....

Policia Nacional check point detain nine individuals caught with recreational drugs

The National Police on Sunday arrested nine individuals between the ages of 21 and 46 years of age, in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, four of them with prior police records, having allegedly perpetrated crimes against public health. As part of their work to prevent drug trafficking, a police control this Sunday was set up at an event near Playa del Águila, on the south of Gran Canaria. As a result of this operation, a total of 74 packages containing cocaine, 53 doses of LSD, several ecstasy and...

Superstar DJ Carl Cox plays intimate gig on Gran Canaria ahead of next weekend’s 90s music extravaganza

Superstar DJ Carl Cox visited Gran Canaria this weekend for the first time, to the delight of those in the know, headlining a little publicised event named La Misa, at the newly reopened outdoor music venue attached to Sioux City, in the Barranco del Águila, now called Oasis Sioux, on the south of the sub-tropical island paradise.             World famous 59 year-old British DJ and producer, Carl Cox, has been...

GC1 southern motorway night time closures announced from June 20 until June 23

Gran Canaria's highways maintenance department have announced night time closures in both directions on the main GC1 southern motorway for asphalting work between the exits for Pasito Blanco and Arguineguín, starting from Sunday night, in work expected to continue until at least Thursday.            Diversions will be in place every night from 11pm between kilometres 50 to 56 of the primary north south highway,...

Judge re-orders final closure of unauthorised carnival chiringuitos at Yumbo in time for main weekend

The Contentious Administrative Court number 4 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has ordered the unauthorised Maspalomas Carnival chiringuitos to be closed once again, ahead of the main weekend of festivities. The court dismissed the very precautionary measures requested by the company Poppy Garden Terraza SL, one of the companies that installed chiringuito beach bars in two parking areas on the outer perimeter of the Yumbo Shopping Centre, which had reversed the decision to close them made by the...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 17-19 June 2022

It is the weekend before the midsummer San Juan Festivities, one of the biggest celebrations on Gran Canaria, and with summer solstice one of the oldest with spring officially becoming summer. This year San Juan lands on a Friday, and together with the eve of San Juan, both days will put ancient traditions on show, and there will be a lot of festivities and events to see and experience. The next Canary Guide #WeekendTips will be out in time to highlight some of these cultural traditions...

Crew strikes threaten disruption to around 300 Ryanair flights to and from the Canary Islands

Ryanair are due to operate some 300 international flights (150 round trips) in the Canary Islands during the six days of strikes called by the unions representing cabin crew this summer, for the weekend of June 24, 25 and 26 and June 30, July 1 and 2 . An estimated 50,000 passengers are booked to be on these flights, and they could suffer delays and cancellations, according to Spanish language daily Canarias7.            ...

From carnival cross-dressing rose Maspalomas Carnival, Drag Galas, and the Chiringays promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility on Gran Canaria

One of the more interesting legacies, promoted through Gran Canaria's near 500 year old tradition of Carnaval, has got to be the outlandish displays of public cross-dressing, these days celebrated as mass media events with a full system of lights, pyrotechnics and massive sound, but they were once upon a time more hidden away in rural communities.  It is one of the most transgressive acts of annual trespass to be found in this sub-tropical archipelago. Carnival arrived here with the Genoese...

Judgement controversy as illegal carnival bars allowed to reopen taking bread from the mouths of legitimate businesses

A controversy has been brewing over the "chiringuito" street bars that were properly authorised for the Maspalomas International Carnival. Last week 25 unauthorised street bars set up in a car park at the Yumbo (why do they call them "chiringays"?), were officially closed down by the Town Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, but at the last minute managed to get a judge to lift the ban with a temporary judicial order. Now the 13 legitimate businesses who followed the law, supported the town...

Ryanair reportedly say they expect no disruptions, calling 6 days of strikes “a distraction from their own failures”

Ryanair have been reported as saying it does not expect widespread disruption this summer, after industrial action was called unions representing cabin crews in Spain, on Monday.             Announcing their six-day strike the USO and SITCPLA unions, representing a significant number of airline staff across Spain, following a break down in talks with the Irish no frills air carrier, who are calling for more...

ALDI announce its first four Canary Islands stores opening in July as it launches its logistics platform on Gran Canaria

The well loved European brand will open its first supermarkets in the archipelago on July 13, two on Tenerife and two on Gran Canaria · The supermarkets will have nearly 330 products of Canarian origin, from more than 40 suppliers in the archipelago · ALDI is working to make this platform the first logistics centre in the region to have the "BREEAM" sustainability and energy efficiency certificate with an "excellent" rating.          ...

Ryanair cabin crew will strike for six days at the start of the summer season

Ryanair cabin crew will go on strike for six days at the start of the summer season. The USO and Sitcpla unions announced this Monday a call for a six-day strike set for June 24, 25, 26 and 30, as well as July 1 and 2. USO (Unión Sindical Obrera or Labour Trade Union) and Sitcpla (Sindicato Independiente de Tripulantes de Cabina de Pasajeros de Líneas Aéreas; Independent Airline Passenger Cabin Crew Syndicate) are the unions representing a majority of airline crew staffing Ryanair in...

Driver critical after leaving mountain road and rolling into 80m deep ravine

A 48-year-old man was seriously injured after his a car crashed into a ravine, having left the road that connects the mountain market town of San Mateo with Utiaca, on the way towards Teror. The occupant had to be rescued by helicopter and taken to a car park in nearby for evacuation in another aircraft to hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. A large rescue operation was deployed at the scene.          ...

The viral truck driver with an oversized tube dangerously loaded was not drunk

The driver of a truck transporting a dangerous load in the Gran Canaria municipality of Santa María de Guía was arrested after trying to carry a large tube that protruded several meters behind his vehicle.  Reports of his having tested positive for alcohol, however, appear to have been mistaken.             A witness to the events, working at a nearby supermarket told a local radio station "We heard a noise like stones falling,"...

A 50th birthday gift for Gran Canaria’s iconic Sioux City, as production begins on Prime Zorro reboot

It has been announced that the only wild west theme park on the island, and believed to be the first ever theme park in Spain, will be closed for the rest of this year. The filming of a new Amazon Prime "Mega-Production", which looks set to renew and rejuvenate the famous 1920s franchise of Zorro, has begun pre-production and will shoot an exclusive ten-part series around the famous rapier wielding defender of El Pueblo de Los Angeles. There is much history behind this latest location for...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 10-12 June 2022

It's the second weekend of June and midsummer night, San Juan, is fast approaching, Mogán are celebrating their patron Saint San Antonio. Gran Canaria keeps on giving with ever more patronal summer fiestas being celebrated around the island. There are carnival celebrations in Maspalomas and the island's second city, Telde. In the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, there is the Eco market by Organic Meeting Point as well as Foundational festivities offering a multitude of free concerts to...

Maspalomas town hall closes two large sections of illegal carnival bars at Yumbo

The Maspalomas Town Council (San Bartolomé de Tirajana) this Thursday ordered the closure of two outdoor Carnival street party areas, which use mobile beach bars usually called "Chiriguitos", but for some reason renamed "chiringays" by the organisers, which were located within two private parking areas at ​​the famous Yumbo Shopping Centre (in front of a well-known restaurant), prior to the celebration of the Maspalomas International Carnival for “lacking authorisations and organising a...

Meanwhile on the north of Gran Canaria… A Truck Wheelies and smashes into a police car

A truck driver had a nasty surprise when he ended up doing a wheelie in the northern Gran Canaria town of Montaña Alta, in the municipality of Guía, after trying to transport a large tube that was twice as long his vehicle, and was arrested shortly afterwards having tested positive for alcohol.              After having initial difficulties climbing a hill, which were caught on video, the truck continued...

Gran Canaria suffers two small fires in two days as the first summer heatwaves approach

Firefighters have been working during the early afternoon of this Wednesday, June 8, to extinguish a scrubland fire in an area of ​​Las Mesas and Los Giles, within the municipality of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, not far from the capital.            The fire affected a grassy area with dry weeds and had nowhere to spread. Aerial means were deployed to extinguish the flames, which were declared under control less...

Dolphin found dead in Maspalomas on World Ocean’s Day

What greater demonstration could there be of the dire, urgent need for tighter controls over discarded fishing gear, plastics and other human pollutants in the ocean, on this World Ocean's Day 2022, than the utter tragedy of a dead wild cetacean found with blue fishing net wrapped around its tail? Disgust must surely rise in the throats of anyone who cares for our environment, or about our marine neighbours, so many of whom make their homes off our southern coasts and a third of the world's...

Maspalomas International Carnival begins 10 days of revelry and free events at Yumbo

One of the most exciting celebrations in the Canary Islands has to be Maspalomas Carnival! Usually celebrated in the run up to lent and Easter this year is a little different with all of Gran Canaria's "carnavales" occurring in the summertime.  And what a way to celebrate!  You'll find people of every age and background celebrating in the most outlandish costumes, most of them home made, with some glittering and truly entertaining people participating, some of them even on the main...

High Temperatures on Gran Canaria for the rest of the week and into the weekend

A pre-alert was being declared on Tuesday, due to a potential risk of forest fires on the island of Gran Canaria, as the well-known 30-30-30 guideline was being applied in readiness should the authorities need to activate the PEFMA (Plan Específico por Fenómenos Meteorológicos Adversos) "specific plan for adverse meteorological phenomena" following warnings of rising temperatures and strong winds from Spanish Meteorological Agency AEMET.       ...

Canary Islands airline #Binter will connect Gran Canaria with #Boston and #NewYork

The regional airline, Binter, are to operate connections with New York and Boston between the months of July to September, in a shared route alongside SATA Azores Airlines. The flights will make a stopover at Ponta Delgada on their way to the North American continent. The Canarian flight company will also include any inter-island jumps in the Canary Islands, as part of the journey, for no additional cost.            [adrotate...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 3-5 June 2022

June is here and the Summer season of 2022 is just getting started with a very busy first weekend of the month offering an opulent selection of events all across Gran Canaria. Remember to check for more from our website, www.thecanaryguide.com.Not only are there the foundational festivities, celebrating 544 years of our island capital, starting this Friday, and the Patron Saint of San Fernando celebrations happening, but also Gáldar is celebrating its very first Pride event, and the big...

Canary Islands become first Spanish destination to exceed pre-pandemic tourist arrivals

The Canary Islands have become Spain's first destination, and Autonomous Community, to exceed the numbers of international tourists visiting prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been joined by the Balearic Islands and, to a lesser extent, the Community of Valencia who are very close to matching pre-pandemic figures recorded in the fourth month of 2019.            According to the National Institute of...

Prominent Gran Canaria lawyer attacked and burned alive, allegedly by farm hand who lived on his property

A murder investigation has begun into the series of events that allegedly led to a man, who had lived quietly for ten years on a farm near the well-to-do neighbourhood of Santa Brígida, having attacked the lawyer, say sources, who had let him live there in exchange for help around the property.               The well respected criminal lawyer, and former chief inspector of the Policia Nacional, from Gran...

The Canary Guide ‘Día de Canarias’ #WeekendTips 27-30 May 2022

It's the last weekend of May and also a festive 'puente' long weekend. The busiest this year so far, and the summer season festivities have truly started. The next few days are filled with a multitude of institutional and cultural celebrations with many other events and festivities besides. There is the 'Tuna and Sea Fair' in Arguineguín and the 'Patronal festivities in San Fernando de Maspalomas', including a "Romería" pilgrimage offering as well as popular Carnival main festivities in...

Gran Canaria Weather: Some grey skies, clearing into the weekend, but a little rain expected by Día de Canarias on Monday

The weather across the Canary Islands, ahead of the main Día de Canarias May 30th holiday is expected to be a touch greyer than usual and with a little rain possible, according to the latest updates and weather forecast models from Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET.  The tail of an Atlantic storm is expected to sweep over the islands from the early hours of Monday, Canary Islands Day, effecting the long "bridge" weekend ahead, throughout the Archipelago, leaving some light...

Gran Canaria confirms a monkeypox case and reports five new ones under study

The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, after receiving results on the first case in the Canary Islands reported to the Centre for the Coordination of Alerts and Emergencies of the Ministry of Health, last week, has confirmed the presence of monkeypox. The second case reported last Friday, on Tenerife, is still awaiting results of the sample that is being analysed in coordination with the National Centre for Microbiology. The first two cases notified last week continue...

The Canary Guide: Foundational festivities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 2022

This year marks the 544th Anniversary of the founding of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain’s first Atlantic City and colony. From its origins on June 24th 1478, first named El Real de las Tres Palmas (The Royal Town of the Three Palms), the city celebrates the anniversary of its foundation every summer with an intense program of cultural activities and open-air shows in and around Vegueta, the old quarter, with festivities completed every Midsummer's Night (on the feast day of St. John The...

Canarian Health service ‘Sanidad’ invests €654,700 in the new Playa de Mogán Local Clinic

The Primary Health Care Management of ​​Gran Canaria, part of The Canary Islands Ministry of Health, have launched the new Local Playa de Mogán Health Centre (Centro de Salud), infrastructure which involved a total investment of €654,717.             The new centro de salud, includes two Family Care Units (Unidades de Atención Familiar (UAF)), two doctors and two nurses who attend consultations and will attend...

Pride organisers silent as Ministry of Health investigates “probable” link to monkeypox in Maspalomas

Spain is the country with the highest number of Monkeypox cases in Europe, and the Ministry of Health has confirmed thirty cases so far, all of them in Madrid. The majority of cases detected have been men who have had sex with other men, however it is very important to understand that this virus is in no way based around sexual orientation or so-called "risky" practices. The simple fact is that this is an infection that can be passed between any individuals who come into close contact with...

Covid certificates no longer needed to enter Spain, just a negative test result will be enough

As advanced by this publication on Thursday, non-EU, third country, travellers from this Saturday can now enter Spain, by just presenting a negative PCR or antigen test, with so-called Covid certificates no longer needed, regardless of place of origin, according to the latest update to the Spanish pandemic restrictions.               The BOE (Spanish Gazette) this Saturday published the order from the...

World Health Organisation working closely with countries responding to monkeypox

The World Health Organisation today, in a statement, have said they and their partners are working to better understand the extent and cause of an outbreak of monkeypox. Editor’s comment: While sexual interaction has been identified as a potential vector, special emphasis was given to the importance of not jumping to conclusions, highlighting the unusual multiple occurrences currently being reported across the world, still less than 100 confirmed cases, and the inherent differences...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 20-22 May 2022

More than half way through May and on the south, patron saints' fiesta season is in full swing. This Friday and Saturday are also the last days to enjoy some live Jazz in Puerto de Mogán. The Fair of The Sea is taking place in the capital, and there is a tomato fair to be enjoyed in La Aldea. There's a double-take to enjoy in Gáldar, with the last days of 'Flower week' as well as the Collectibles fair on Saturday. Remember that next weekend is a 'puente' long weekend with Canarian Day...

Suspected Monkeypox case under investigation in Las Palmas

Something unusual is happening across the world, though many have been pointing out that our currently heightened state of awareness, means our ability to detect even small epidemiological outbreaks is more acute than ever.With less than 100 cases confirmed worldwide, doctors are urging calm as a series of Monkeypox infections have been reported, including at least one suspected case on Gran Canaria. This rare, and most-often mild, infection, is not new, and was first detected in the...

The Canary Islands lead Spain’s tourism recovery, the first to return to pre-pandemic numbers of arrivals

The Canary Islands have been confirmed, as of April, to be leading the Spanish tourism recovery with international passenger volumes comparable with pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with a total of 1.1 million, representing 15.9% of national market share throughout Spain, according to data released this Wednesday by the national tourism board, Turespaña. The Canary Islands are, not only, still the favourite destination in Spain for UK tourists, but they are also the fastest growing destination for...

Covid19 certificate for non-EU travellers to enter Spain will end “in a matter of days”

Spain's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, has said this Thursday that the requirement for travellers coming from outside the EU to present a COVID19 certificate, for vaccination status, test result or prior infection, will come to an end "in a matter of days" allowing them to enter the country with a simple negative test result.             "It will be a matter of days before we are going...

Gran Canaria’s Southern tourism heartlands have only one Blue Flag beach, with none in Mogán for 5 years now

The Canary Islands have been awarded 54 Blue Flag beaches and four awards for marinas, distinguishing those facilities that meet criteria of excellence, in terms of the quality of bathing water,  environmental regulations, and health and safety infrastructure.  While Maspalomas and San Agustín have not achieved the honour this year, Playa del Inglés is the sole remaining Blue Flag beach on the south of the island.  Mogán's beaches have not achieved any blue flags since at least 2017....

Tragedy in Arguineguín pool as triathlete perishes while practicing free diving technique

A well-respected ultra-distance triathlete from the municipality of Mogán, Suso Muñoz Jiménez (58), has died in Arguineguín after suffering a suspected fainting spell while free-diving in the municipal pool. Medical staff, including a health technician, a nurse and a psychologist from the Red Cross, attended the scene, attempting to revive him, and even called for the Canarian Emergency Service (SUC) helicopter, but in the end certified his death at the scene after more than half an hour of...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 13-15 May 2022

It's mid-May already, and what a marvellous weekend we have ahead indeed. This weekend's events, activities, and festivities will be as widespread as the unusual weather conditions we have experienced this past week, when Calima met thunder, lightening, rain and heatwave (though that's all calmed down a bit now). There are patron saints' festivities, flowers, parades, an Andalusian fiesta, museums, music, and markets to see, explore and enjoy, among many other attractions around the island....

Final season of Tom Clancy’s ‘Jack Ryan’ will also be filming on Gran Canaria’s wild west coast, in La Aldea de San Nicolás

The production crew making the fourth season of Tom Clancy's American political action thriller series, Jack Ryan, have been filming on the southeast of Gran Canaria, and are about to head west to La Aldea de San Nicolás to continue with location shoots for what has been revealed, by Hollywood news and gossip portal Deadline, to be likely the last season of the series starring John Krasinski in the title role.  Don't expect to see any of these familiar terrains on your screens any time soon...

The newly green-lighted Cañadas de Gatos tunnel could reopen Playa de Mogán road within the next two years

The project to reopen the old national road between the resort of Taurito and the tourist-cum-fishing port town of Playa de Mogán has finally emerged almost five years after a landslide that forced the Mogán coastal road to be closed to traffic on the southwest of the island, although it could still take another two years or more before vehicles and cyclists will be able to travel the less than two kilometres between the tiny tourist enclave and the ancient coastal settlement without having to...

Gran Canaria Weather: Temperatures climbing upwards to 35ºC in the shade, with just a touch of Calima

Increasing temperatures and high altitude cloud have predominated this Saturday in the Canary Islands archipelago, supplemented to the east by a light Calima blanketing the islands in dust from the Sahara, travelling at altitude, but causing maximum temperatures to rise still further and expected to spread to all the islands as the weekend wears on.               At sea, northeasterly moderate winds, of...

Faro de Maspalomas: More than 132 years as a beacon for Gran Canaria

The Maspalomas Lighthouse El Faro de Maspalomas is a 19th century lighthouse at the southern tip of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands archipelago. It stands at the Meloneras end of Maspalomas beach, Playa de Maspalomas, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) southwest of the southern tip of the main resort town centre of Playa del Inglés,  next to the famous area known as the Dunes of Maspalomas. Image: Maspalomas 1960 - courtesy of Maspalomas Costa Canaria       [fb_plugin...

The most active house burglar in the south arrested and identified

Guardia Civil from the Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria (Mogán) Main Post have arrested a 54-year-old, with various prior police records, for an alleged ten crimes of robbery with force, committed inside homes located in the south of Gran Canaria, from which he may have obtained a booty of approximately €40,000.           The investigations began last October 2021, after a complaint...

Prime series, Tom Clancy’s ‘Jack Ryan’, filming on the south of Gran Canaria

Various enclaves of the southern municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana on Gran Canaria will be the setting for the shooting of a fourth season of the popular series broadcast by a well-known streaming platform, Tom Clancy's 'Jack Ryan', starring the American actor John Krasinski, who plays a CIA analyst with specialist skills.         For approximately 45 days, a large film crew will...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 6-8 May 2022

What a gorgeous start to the month of May it has been on Gran Canaria. This weekend will see temperatures rising and Calima having an effect, making it feel like summer is already here 😉. It’s also going to be a very busy weekend with loads of events, activities and patron saints’ festivities going on around the island. Upcoming events:9-21 May | Jazz Festival in Puerto de Mogán12-14 May | Rally Islas Canarias14 May | Romeria, pilgrimage offering in El Tablero13-15 May | Feria de Abril in...

The Canary Islands continue at medium and low health alert risk levels for another week

The regional Ministry of Health has this Thursday updated the health alert levels in line with the epidemiological report from the General Directorate of Public Health, carried out in accordance with the latest Surveillance and Control Strategy criteria for COVID-19, following the acute phase of the Pandemic, based on the indicators in use to assess assistance services.         ...

Canary Islands exceeds a monthly total of one million tourists for the first time following the start of the pandemic

The Canary Islands received 1.12 million foreign tourists in March, exceeding the one million visitors in one month mark for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The figure represents an eleven fold increase in the number of arrivals in March 2021, which stood at just 100,525 for the whole archipelago.         The figures are, however, slightly down on those registered in March 2019, the year before the...

The Canary Guide “May Day” Weekend Tips 29 April – 1 May 2022

An exhilarating May Day weekend ahead, with a multitude of events, markets and festivities to enjoy around Gran Canaria. Sunday, May 1 is also when Spain celebrates Mothers' Day and there is a special Mothers' Day edition of the monthly Tejeda market among others. The biggest fair dedicated to the produce of this island 'Gran Canaria Me Gusta' is at INFECAR again this weekend as well as music and dance shows happening around the capital. Montaña Alta in Guía celebrates the second of this...

Guardia Civil and Policia Local of Telde Local Police macro operation against illegal car racing on GC-1

Agents intervened in the middle of the illegal road race and arrested 42 people, and are investigating another 6 for crimes against road safety 40 vehicles used in the races were seized and their owners taken to court. A large number of charges have been filed against the Road Safety Law, the General Vehicle Regulations and the Citizen Security Law The races had an audience and they competed by positioning themselves in parallel in the middle of GC-1 The Guardia Civil and the Telde Local...

Emergency training simulation will close GC-1 between Arguineguín and Puerto Rico this Wednesday

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria reports the closure of the GC-1 between Arguineguín and Puerto Rico/Tauro, in both directions of traffic, this Wednesday 27 April 2022, due to a incident simulation, taht will take the form of an emergency drill in the Heriberto Linares tunnel. The main highway will be closed between 08:30 to 13:00. The only detour possibility is to use the coastal road, GC-500 through Arguineguín.   GC-1 will be closed in both directions: the Arguineguin interchange -...

Gran Canaria’s southern tourism heartland announces the removal of temporary “express” terraces

The southern Town Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has notified catering establishments who are using temporary terraces, put in place during the pandemic restrictions, on public roads, to proceed with their removal. To do this, they will have until Monday, May 2, 2022. This measure is taken based on the Government of the Canary Islands having established the end of restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.         [adrotate...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 22-24 April 2022

A wonderfully interesting April weekend ahead.  Weather predictions are showing some sunshine, clouds, and a big possibility of some rain on Gran Canaria this weekend (April, eh?). With masks coming off across Spain (psst... it's still ok to wear one if you want to...) there will be many, many events this weekend, definitely worth visiting, like the Cheese Festival taking place in Santa Maria de Guía. There are also Carnival celebrations happening in Agaete and some traditional neighbourhood...

Spain removes the mandatory masks almost everywhere, but still required on all public transport

The Government of Spain, as expected, have announced that face masks will no longer be compulsory as of Wednesday, 20 April 2022, albeit with some exceptions. Royal Decree 286/2022, of April 19, was published in the State Gazette (BOE) and modifies the guidance on mandatory use of masks, put in place during the health crisis caused by COVID-19. The Council of Ministers approved the end of mandatory face masks indoors from 20 April.  Minister for Health, Carolina Darias, argued that the high...

The Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria triathlon and road closures on Saturday 23 April on GC-500 Mogán

The Mogán town council, on the popular southwest of Gran Canaria, has issued several maps to indicate restricted access to various locations, as well as road closures, this Saturday, April 23 between 06:00-14:00. Likewise, the town hall have made their apologies for any inconvenience these measures may cause. This year, the Mogan Gran Canaria Challenge has been divided into two sporting events, the first of which took place on 2 April, when the GC-500 old national road was closed for a morning...

A fishing boat loaded with three tons of cocaine intercepted south of the Canary Islands

Officials from the Spanish Tax Agency's Customs Surveillance Service, working as part of a joint operation with agents from the Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil, in waters south of the Canary Islands, last week, intercepted a fishing boat loaded with more than 2,900 kilos of cocaine hidden in one of its fuel tanks, arresting all five crew members. Operation 'Capirote-Piteas-Acerico', led to the boarding of the 20-meter-long fishing vessel, named 'AKT 1', on the afternoon of April 13, some...

Gran Canaria Weather: Calima and high temperatures expected to linger until Wednesday, rain possible by weekend

An unexpected "whiteout" Calima arrived on the eastern slopes of the Canary Islands archipelago this Easter Sunday, driving temperatures as high as 35.2ºC in Pájara, on Fuerteventura, which was the highest temperature officially recorded in Spain that day, and this Monday temperatures of 30º and above are expected on the south and west of Gran Canaria.  Temperatures, here, are always measured in the shade, and so as the skies clear we can expect hotter measurements to be taken in direct...

Gran Canaria Weather: 34ºC+ in the shade expected this Easter Sunday, with a yellow advisory for rising temperatures

The warm Easter weekend weather will continue to soar this Sunday, with the hotels and beaches full of holidaymakers from around the island and further afield all heading for the south. Slight Calima haze is expected on Canary Islands slopes facing south this weekend, up to 34ºC in the interior of the islands, and on the southwest of Gran Canaria, with gusts of wind that could reach 70 kilometres per hour this Sunday on the west sides of Canary Islands, according to AEMET. At the sea there...

Masks indoors in Spain will no long be mandatory from next Wednesday in most settings

Masks indoors will no long be mandatory from next Wednesday. Spain's Ministry of Health will continue to monitor epidemic indicators with the utmost attention, as an increase in infections could also lead to an increase in hospitalisations and serious cases of covid, said Spain's Health Minister, Carolina Darias, this Saturday in statements made during her visit to the island, from our provincial capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.        ...

Man found dead at landfill identified as Telde homeless man, named Raúl

The man found dead by workers at the Ecoparque Gran Canaria Sur landfill last Thursday, in Juan Grande, has been identified was being a 40 year old homeless man named Raúl. He was  known in the area of ​​Telde's San Gregorio health clinic, where he spent his days assisting drivers to find parking, in the hope of earning small amounts of cash. His body was discovered when the collected refuse was being sorted, and upon first examination did not appear to show any signs of violence, leading...

Suspected thief arrested in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria with fake id and possible counterfeit money

Agents of the Citizen Security Unit (USECI) of the General Corps of the Canarian Police  on the afternoon of Friday, April 15, arrested an individual for an alleged crime of robbery with force at a house in the south western tourist resort town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. The man had been seen trying force several locks on doors of an apartment complex in the municipality of Mogán.           Agents discovered,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 15-17 April 2022

A long, hot "puente" weekend lies ahead on Gran Canaria, with Thursday and Friday both being Easter bank holidays (but not Monday). The southern beaches have already seen a huge influx of people arriving to enjoy some Easter feasting in sun. The weather forecast for the coming days is simply marvellous across Gran Canaria, though seas may be a little rougher than usual,  temperatures are expected to rise to 30º Celsius, in the shade, on the south of the Island. All around the island,...

La Alcaldesa, hoping to rise again, wants to wipe away the alleged “black cloud” for which she is still under investigation

La Alcaldesa, the still-serving Mogán mayor, currently presiding over Gran Canaria's southwestern town hall, has been under investigation for years, for one thing or another, and arrested at least twice while working for the good people of Mogán, though currently she and her alleged co-conspirators do appear rather bullish, having once more escaped prosecution, this time on a technicality, following multiple allegations of electoral fraud, and other crimes, stemming from the Mogán local...

Body found at Juan Grande “EcoParque” landfill in south of Gran Canaria

The body of a deceased man was found early on Thursday morning, April 14, at the main Juan Grande landfill site, in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on the south of Gran Canaria. The dead body had come from a refuse container that had been collected from Gran Canaria's north eastern town of Telde.         Judicial police cordoned off the area to proceed to remove the body, once a court order was obtained....

Europe welcomes Ukrainian refugees with a fast-track asylum system already in backlog

Europe welcomes Ukrainian refugees with an asylum system that averages more than 15 months of delay Ukrainian refugees now arrive under the aegis of the ultra-fast special protection system, but regular reception centres are piling up hundreds of thousands of applications and rejecting many.         Eva Belmonte, Ángela Bernardo, Miguel Ángel Gavilanes, Carmen Torrecillas, David Cabo, Lucas Laursen, April 4, 2022 Story...

More than 52,000 Spanish protection visas granted to Ukrainian refugees, 1,000 already in Canary Islands

Spain's Office for Asylum and Refuge (OAR) and the Policia Nacional have granted 51,957 temporary visas, over the last month, to people displaced by the war in Ukraine, almost a thousand of those are in the Canary Islands (965), according to the Ministry of the Interior.  More have been arriving across Spain, and on the islands, some being accommodated by private individuals, with many more seeking refuge after more than 45 days of horrendous bloodshed.     [fb_plugin...

Market stall holders protest 46% hike in town hall fees in Arguineguín and Mogán

Market stall-holders in the municipality of Mogán, are up in arms, after their town hall took the opportunity of re-establishing stall subs to raise their monthly fees to the council by 46% per pitch. Mayor Bueno's governing group, who also raised their own salaries last year, as well as business rates, while consistently failing to meet the needs of a sharp increase in social care provision, say they had planned to apply this increase back in 2020, however, due to the health crisis and the...

42 year old arrested in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria on suspicion of setting fire to neighbour’s car

The Guardia Civil Main Post in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán, arrested a 42-year-old last March 11, allegedly the perpetrator of the crimes of arson and damage having set fire to their neighbour's car causing damage to a residential complex belonging to a Community of the Property Owners in the town. The events occurred during the early hours of February 26, when the Puerto Rico Civil Guard were alerted to an incident at a duplex located on Calle Valencia, where a vehicle was on...

A summary of some of the main Easter processions worth visiting on Gran Canaria (2022)

Whether you are religious or not, there are few more interesting spectacles than the faithful following in processions behind images and statues of the foci of their devotions, infused with deep heartfelt sentiments and strongly held traditions, among the faithful you can expect weeping in the streets, wailing, fragrant incense and men in various colours of hoods and robes, among many other strange sights at this time of year on Gran Canaria. Semana Santa, Holy Week, on Gran Canaria includes a...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 8-10 April 2022

A gorgeous April weekend ahead as well as the start of Easter week this coming Palm Sunday. Next week, there will be two bank holidays on Gran Canaria, Thursday and Friday. Holy Week on Gran Canaria is one of the most unique cultural celebrations and with much historical emphasis. Religious ceremonies and processions can be expected around the island 10-17 April, especially now that new regulations allow mass events to happen once again. The most popular events take place in the capital and...

Mogán town hall change traffic priorities on three Puerto Rico streets above Amadores

This week the south west Gran Canaria town hall of Mogán have announce a change to the direction of traffic on three streets in the upper area of ​​Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, overlooking Amadores, Calles Montaña Clara, Timanfaya and Tenerife. The objective, they say, is to achieve better traffic flow and expand the number of parking spaces available.         Town Councillor for Traffic and Transport, Víctor Gutiérrez,...

Travellers entering Spain will no longer be required to fill in the SpTH control forms if they have an accepted Digital Covid Certificate

British travellers are being advised to continue using the Spain Travel Health forms until definitively told they will not need them.  There are still complications between the British system and the EU, so for the sake of 15 minutes of form filling the safest course of action is to fill in the form prior to travel, though the requirement is expected to be fully relaxed.           Spain have announced further...

The end of indoor mask requirements in Spain is expected to be announced after Easter, though still recommended in many settings

Spain's Council of Ministers look set to approve an end to most indoor mask requirements, on April 19, according to Spanish press reports this Wednesday, one of the last of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions still in force across the country, having decided to wait until after Easter to relax the mandatory use of the mask indoors. The intention to end mandatory mask use has also been confirmed by Spanish Health Minister, Carolina Darías Masks will continue to be mandatory in nursing homes,...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 1-3 April 2022

April begins with a few clouds and an occasional shower, but there are a few big fairs happening around the island this weekend, a great chance to really start to celebrate the Spring as we relentlessly move towards the Easter holidays. The island is enjoying some beautiful greenery due to the long-needed rainfalls over the past weeks, and Springtime blooms pepper the mountainsides.  Sunday's weather forecast and the start of the new week warn of a possibility of further rains, especially in...

Siam Park Gran Canaria: Largest water park attraction in Europe edges ever closer to final approval, hoping to break ground this year

The San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Hall Governing Board, this Thursday, have announced their long awaited approval of the urbanisation project for the waste land area known as El Veril, between the GC1 north-south highway and the entry point to the southern resort areas of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, where the construction of a new Siam Park Aqua Adventure attraction has been planned since at least 2013. This is a preliminary step to granting the final license to building the much...

77-year-old Félix rescued after four days wedged in a ditch having tried to rescue a cat

Félix Guerra spent four days trapped between two walls at a farm in the north Gran Canaria area of Gáldar, he was rescued on Wednesday when another man heard his cries for help, and admitted to the Dr. Negrín hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, here he is now recovering. His family say they are confident that he will be able to return home very soon, once his body returns to normal.           Residents of the...

Petrol prices continue to rise, despite Friday’s incoming subsidy and moderate drops in oil prices

Drivers have been up in arms for weeks, with transport workers on strike across mainland Spain, adding to fears of shortages here on the islands, where we import 80% of what we consume. Prices on the forecourts have continued to rise in the Canary Islands, despite the fact that the oil prices have been falling recently, having peaked at just over $130.2 a barrel on March 8 the price of Brent crude oil, the European benchmark, has been oscillating between $100 and $120 a barrel.  Most transport...

Puerto Bello complex claims €1million in damages from Canary Islands Government

The owners of the Puerto Bello apartment complex, in the popular tourist town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, are claiming nearly one million euros from the Canary Islands Government for damages caused by some of a group of unaccompanied migrant minors who were being sheltered there for several months, ostensibly under the guardianship of the Canary Islands Regional Autonomous Executive. Featured Image: Puerto Bello damage, Image by @Rafaleonortega/CanariasAhora    ...

Doctors and campaigners disappointed by the return of smoking on outside terraces

84 weeks after being banned outright, smoking has been allowed to return to the outside terraces of the Canary Islands Archipelago. As of last Friday, March 25, all Covid restrictions at the regional level have been removed, following last Thursday's Governing Council (regional cabinet) meeting. However doctors have reacted negatively to the return of the smokers, with Pedro Cabrera, president of the Official College of Physicians of Las Palmas, calling it "a step backwards" in the fight...

Measuring the effects of a nuclear blast in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

What would happen if a nuclear blast went off in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria? Anti-nuclear war campaigners, Outrider.org, have produced a simulation system that allows you to choose any town or place to see what the immediate effects would likely be were they unlucky enough to be hit by a nuclear strike.         Though this is at first a little shocking, it is designed to make you think, more locally, about how terrible...

Two injured in serious car accident on Saturday night in the Agüimes hills

A vehicle left the road last Saturday night, in the rural area known as La Cortada, in Los Corralillos, in the Gran Canaria municipality of Agüimes.           Two people were injured and the vehicle also suffered extensive damage. The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle, which left the road (the GC-551) at speed at around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, passing over the safety fences and the various large rocks...

Spanish Congress will debate and vote on the relaxation of mask rules

The Spanish Congress will debate, and vote, this week on if it is now finally time to abolish the legal obligation to wear masks against coronavirus, not only outdoors but also indoors.         The Plenary Session of the Chamber will discuss a proposal presented by the conservative leaning Ciudadanos (Cs) party, who will also take advantage of the control session this Wednesday to ask the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro...

Las Palmas court hears case of the individual accused of causing the Puerto Bello disturbances last year

The Second Section of the Las Palmas Provincial Court this Tuesday will hear the case of one Ahmed Haison who, according to the Prosecutor's Office, was at the heart of the serious incidents that occurred in the Puerto Bello apartments, in the tourism enclave of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, after being transferred to the temporary facility used to accommodate unaccompanied minors, having arrived on the island of Gran Canaria by open boat.      ...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 25-27 March 2022

A little unstable weather is forecast for the weekend ahead. The Canary Islands Government has announced the suspension all the COVID-19 restrictions, it is going to feel a bit different than it has over the last 2 long years. Remember that preventive measures are still in place in some cases and masks are still in use indoors. It's Mother's Day in UK this Sunday. Summer is a step closer with the spring forward of the clocks this Sunday as 1 AM becomes 2 AM. This will also mean sunrise and...

TUI confirms high tourism expectations for the summer with longer stays and higher spending

The world's largest tour operator, TUI Group, communicated on Thursday morning, to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Government of the Canary Islands. its strong commitment to the islands, confirming good expectations for the summer, with the arrival of tourists who will enjoy longer stays and spend more on vacations.               Regional Tourism Minister, Yaiza Castilla received the news,...

Netflix movie ‘The Mother’ with Jennifer Lopez, wraps up filming on location on Gran Canaria

Since the beginning of the year, Gran Canaria's Economic Promotion Society (SPEGC) and the Gran Canaria Film Commission have been providing technical coverage to the international team that travelled to the island for the production of 'The Mother', a feature film that will be released later this year on Netflix, which this week  ended its filming on location on Gran Canaria.         The production has involved the...

Accessibility improvements on the southern beaches of San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín)

In recent months, various improvements have been carried out on different beaches in the southern municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, aiming to to secure nothing less than to have the best beaches available for residents and the tourists who visit throughout the year, as well as recovering Blue Flags, which were lost two years ago.           Works to improve accessibility, like the installation of walkways to...

Maspalomas town hall transfers land to the Ministry of Health to expand the San Fernando Health Centre

The Municipal Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has announced the transfer of a plot of land to the Government of the Canary Islands for the expansion of the San Fernando de Maspalomas Health Centre. The plot is attached to that of the current health centre. Mayor, Conchi Narváez, highlighted the need to strengthen the municipality's primary care network, "above all because we are aware of the population increase in the municipality over recent years, the trajectory of the age curve of our...

From Saturday The Canary Islands suspends all restrictions and maintains prevention measures

The Canary Islands Governing Council (regional cabinet), has approved an agreement to limit restrictions and measures in force on all the islands, suspending them temporarily, based on health alert levels for each island.            The elimination of the restrictions in force on the Canary Islands is part of the continuation of "progressive and prudent" de-escalation that the Autonomous Executive began in February....

Let’s Dance! Canary Islands to lift all Covid-19 restrictions on Thursday, but mask rules will continue for a little while longer

The Canary Islands are to eliminate all restrictions activated by the Covid-19 pandemic this Thursday, except the use of masks indoors, which remains strictly a state measure, in the hands of the Spanish Ministry of Health and, for the moment, there is no date set to address the matter.           Regional President Ángel Víctor Torres announced on Tuesday, in the regional Parliament, that “following the technical...

People diagnosed with asymptomatic coronavirus will no longer need to isolate from next Monday

The Public Health Commission has, this Tuesday, given a green light to the new strategy aimed at normalising the way we deal with COVID in The Canary Islands, as of March 28, when self-isolation for asymptomatic people will no longer be required by law and general testing will no longer be carried out across the population.           This was decided by the general directors of Public Health, on the part of the...

Spanish Transport strike seriously threatens produce cargos headed for Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have started to feel repercussions from skyrocketing transport costs and are facing their second week with a large drop in cargo arriving from the mainland, due to the transport strike in peninsular Spain and, although for now supermarket shelves appear normal, the distribution sector has been warning for days of shortages of some products - especially perishables - and a real risk of shortages across the islands, if the Government of Spain does not take measures to put an...

The Canary Islands, this Thursday, “will suspend all restrictions” for COVID

The president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, has announced that, in this week’s Governing Council on Thursday, as ever following the technical criteria, "we will suspend all restrictions that remain in the Canary Islands" regarding the covid pandemic.         Torres stressed that this is to take the form of a temporary suspension of the general and regional measures, making clear that if circumstances worsen,...

All the islands maintain their current health alert levels, though infections rise slightly

Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro remain at level 3; and Fuerteventura and Lanzarote at level 2. The daily average of conventional hospital beds occupied by covid patients throughout the Archipelago as a whole has decreased by 18.4% compared to the previous week and that of ICU beds decreased by 12%.           The Canary Islands Ministry of Health on Thursday, March 17, updated health alert...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 18-20 March 2022

Spring has finally sprung, as the sun crosses the equator from south to north, the March equinox is this Sunday. A festive weekend ahead with Spanish Father's Day this Saturday, Día del Padre. It is also the feast day in honour of San José, Saint Joseph, the patron saint of families, fathers, pioneers and travellers and many more. After two years of postponements, religious processions start taking place once again on Gran Canaria. You'll find some notable traditional celebrations around the...

After a topsy turvy week of cold snaps, strong winds and rain, Calima arrives in The Canaries

Calima has returned to the Canary Islands this Thursday and looks set to continue until at least Saturday, affecting all the islands, particularly in the easternmost province, the mass of Saharan dust clearly visible on the latest NASA satellite imagery.         Strong winds from the north from storm Celia left rain and snow, strong waves and a cold snap that closed roads and left snowfalls at the summits of Gran Canaria...

Storm Celia brings 90km winds, rain, sleet, hail and snow to Gran Canaria

A night of strong persistent winds, and rain from the north, has brought snow and hail to the summits of Gran Canaria. The Cabildo closed access to Pico de las Nieves this Monday afternoon-night due to adverse weather conditions caused by storm 'Celia', just two hours before the snowfall arrived.           'Celia' brought strong winds and caused the suspension of school classes and extracurricular activities this...

Canary Islands prices rose almost 7% in February due to increases in housing, transport and food costs

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Canary Islands increased by 6.8% over the month of February, in the year since February 2021, due to an increase in housing, transport and food prices, according to data published this Friday by Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE).         In one year housing has increased by 22.3% on the islands, while transport grew by 11.4%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages have...

Huge rise in petrol prices across the Canary Islands

The price of fuel continues to rise and, it will continue to do so for the duration of the conflict in Ukraine, predicts Dacil Jimenez for El Diario's CanariaAhora. In the Canary Islands, despite having the lowest prices in Spain, due to lower taxes, this increase has been noticeable, on some islands more than others. According to information published and updated daily by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the difference between the cheapest fuelling station on the islands and the most...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 11-13 March 2022

The second weekend of March arrives with some excellent events taking place. The Artisan's craft fair by FEDAC kicks off this Friday just next to the Maspalomas lighthouse. There is a European cheese Fair in Teror, an Eco market in Las Palmas and some covid friendly carnival celebrations taking place over the coming days. Upcoming events:  Rally Villa de Santa Brigida 18-19 MarchKm.0 Fair Valsequillo 19-20 MarchENORTE 2022 in Gáldar 1-3 AprilThe 9th Institutional Fair of the Canary Islands...

Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro remain at level 3 alert; and Fuerteventura joins Lanzarote at level 2

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health, today, updated health alert levels following the latest epidemiological report from the General Directorate of Public Health, using data consolidated as of March 9. The report analyses the evolution of health indicators regarding COVID-19, and confirmed the island of Fuerteventura could drop to level 2, thanks to improvements in the epidemiological indicators. The rest of the islands maintain their current alert levels for another week. This means that...

More wind alerts for Gran Canaria and the Western Islands over the weekend

The Canary Islands declares an Alert due to Wind expected to reach the summits and east, south and west slopes of the island of Gran Canaria, from 00:00 on March 5th, also affecting the midlands and summits of the island of El Hierro; the island of La Gomera; and midlands and summits of the islands of La Palma and Tenerife.           This decision was made taking into account information provided by the Spanish State...

Supreme court rejects Cordial attempt to declare El Pajar CEISA cement works concession already expired

The Spanish Supreme Court (TS) has rejected an appeal, presented by Cordial Properties, trying to end the cement company, CEISA, concession held on the port of Santa Águeda. CEISA general director, Claudio Piernavieja, celebrated the decision.         In a statement sent to journalists, CEISA reported that the Supreme Court would not admit the appeal for processing, and instead Cordial Properties will have to pay the...

Two accidents happen independently, almost at the same, heading in different directions on the GC1 near Playa del Inglés

Two separate accidents on the GC-1 main highway, near Playa del Inglés, just before noon this Friday, March 4, were reported by 1-1-2 Canarias. As a result, a 54-year-old man suffered moderate injuries and was transferred by medicalised SUC ambulance to the Gran Canaria Insular University Hospital.         The first accident, heading north, occurred when a car collided with the central reservation and the driver became...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 4-6 March 2022

It's the first weekend of March and markets galore are open again this weekend including La Aldea and Tejeda. One of the biggest sporting events on the island, the toughest billed as one of the toughest in the world, the 'TransGranCanaria 2022' is happening on Gran Canaria this weekend. Carnival main stage celebrations are now in full flow in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with local carnival events in Mogán, Santa Lucia and Agüimes. Meanwhile Ingenio and Telde have announced that they will be...

Canary Islands continue de-escalation, returning to 100% capacity in general, for hospitality, sports and culture

The Government of the Canary Islands have agreed at their meeting held this Thursday, March 3, to continue with the de-escalation of restrictions applied to contain the pandemic caused by COVID-19, after the latest measures approved 15 days ago.         The agreement affects the general capacity, both in outdoor and indoor spaces, and those of cultural and sports activity, which is established in both cases at 100% in...

Gran Canaria goes to alert level 3 due to the improvement of its epidemiological indicators

Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and El Hierro continue at Level 3; and Lanzarote, at Level 2 The daily average occupation of conventional hospital beds in the Archipelago as a whole has decreased by 26% compared to last week and ICU beds occupied by covid patients has fallen by 14%           The Ministry of Health has today updated the health alert levels following this week's epidemiological report...

Mogán Policia Local track down and arrest two pickpockets in Puerto Rico

Mogán Policia Local say they stopped and arrested two pickpockets last week, after a day of surveillance, having received reports from Playa de Mogán, and subsequently a tourist whose belongings had been allegedly stolen in a pool bar, in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, the tourist resort town where they were eventually intercepted.         Puerto de Mogán control tower operators reported to the Policia Local the identity...

Canary Islands Issue Alert for Strong Winds from Sunday 00:00

The Canary Islands' General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, based on predictions from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other available sources, in application of the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena PEFMA (Decree 18/ 2014, of March 20), has declared an alert due to strong winds expected on the islands of La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro and La Gomera. This alert will take effect at 00:00 this...

Increased Portuguese Man of War sightings on Gran Canaria’s north east beaches

Spanish language press have reported bathers warning this week of 'Portuguese man-of-war' sightings on the north eastern beaches of Gran Canaria, particularly in the municipalities of Telde and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Similar warnings were being issued from Fuerteventura earlier this week, with reported sightings on Monday. A sting from this species of "jellyfish" is known to be one of the most poisonous and painful, they can cause fever, headache, inflammation, nausea, vomiting among...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 25-27 February 2022

The last weekend of February and the weather forecast is not looking very promising, unless you are a gardener in hope of a pre-spring boost to your patch . A rainy weekend across Gran Canaria is expected so bear in mind that any outdoor events could get postponed or cancelled if the rain predictions become a reality. The month of March also brings a lot of events so stay tuned for things to come. The weekend offers Carnival celebrations in Las Palmas and Playa de Arinaga. The mountain village...

Gran Canaria remains at Alert Level 4 while Tenerife goes to Alert Level 3

Gran Canaria remains at alert level 4; La Palma, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and El Hierro at level 3; and Lanzarote at level 2. The evolution of the indicators on the rest of the islands does not yet present sufficient stability to allow other changes in level           The Ministry of Health has today updated the health alert levels after the epidemiological report of the General Directorate of Public Health with...

66 specimens of the Yemen chameleon located on Gran Canaria since 2017

The Canary Islands Ministry of Ecological Transition, Fight against Climate Change and Territorial Planning, through the Canary Islands Early Warning Network for the Detection and Intervention in cases of Invasive Alien Species (RedEXOS) working the public company Gesplan, have, since 2017, located a total of 66 specimens of  Yemen chameleon on Gran Canaria, mainly in the municipality of Arucas.         This invasive...

Gran Canaria Weather: As temperatures rise, Calima departs, and a little rain to follow, particularly on the north, by the weekend

While this winter in Spain has been marked by a drought, with fewer rainstorms than would usually be expected, thanks to an anti-cyclonic weather system over the Iberian peninsula, here in the Canary Islands, following a fairly dry year, even by the standards of the archipelago, significant rains and even snowfalls have occasionally arrived in recent weeks,  on a few days combining low pressure with strong winds, Calima followed by warmer than usual days. According to Meteored, this Monday, ...

Meanwhile at The Yumbo: Yet another wrong turn captured on camera

Anyone passing by the Yumbo centre, in Playa del Inglés, was likely to be more than a little surprised this Monday after yet another hire car driver appears to have become confused about how to enter the commercial and leisure zone, famous for its Drag bars, nightlife and colourful characters.     Believe it or not, this is not the first time that a visiting tourist has taken a wrong turn at the Yumbo. Just 18 months previously,...

Canary Islands crime rate falls to the lowest figure in the last decade

This Monday it was announced that the crime rate fell in the Canary Islands, in 2021, to now stand at 37.4 criminal offences per 1,000 population, the lowest figure in the last decade, ten points below the 2010 data, which the National Police commanders and Civil Guard have put down to the "good performance of their troops."       This places the Canary Islands almost four points below the national average, of 41.3 criminal...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 18-20 February 2022

It's the third weekend of February and the weather is finally back to "normal" after Calima finally leaving Gran Canaria. So far it looks like an unstable weekend ahead around the island with some clouds to the north from Friday and even some possible rain in the forecast. The first of the Carnival celebrations start this weekend in the municipality of Agüimes, followed by the Las Palmas Carnival next week. Even though this year, the festivities are still not back to full strength parties in...

The Crew of a Cargo ship have had to be evacuated after a fire aboard the vessel carrying high end automobiles to America

A ship loaded with luxury cars is currently adrift in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, some 1,700 kilometres northwest of the Canary Islands. The Felicity Ace was carrying Porsche or Volkswagen brands, but suffered a fire that forced the Portuguese Maritime Rescue authorities to evacuate its crew.       The ship, a 200-meter-long car carrier, was travelling between the German town of Emden to Davisville, and the US state of...

Canary Islands continue towards full de-escalation of pandemic restrictions

The Canary Islands Government Council held on Thursday, February 17, agreed to continue with the de-escalation of the restrictions in force to contain the pandemic caused by COVID-19.       To do this, two unique packages of measures have been established, to be applied depending on the level of risk for each island. New regulations approved this week, specify more flexible rules for for the islands of Tenerife and Gran...

Work begins on Salto de Chira, the first large energy storage system in the Canary Islands

Third vice-president of the Spanish Government, and minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, the president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Victor Torres, the president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, the president of Red Eléctrica de España, Beatriz Corredor and the mayors de Mogán and San Bartolomé participated today in the commemorative act of the start of the works. Salto de Chira aims to reinforce Gran Canaria's supply guarantee and will...

Suspect arrested in Gran Canaria north after Gáldar bus driver attack, detainee’s mother heartbroken

Guardia Civil have arrested a 21-year-old man, with numerous prior police records, accused of stabbing a bus driver in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Gáldar municipal bus station, as the driver started his work day.     The Guardia Civil said in a statement that the person, a resident of the area, was suspected of being responsible for the alleged crime of attempted homicide, just before 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning,...

Ministry of Social Rights’ cry for help in caring for nearly 3,000 minors in “unprecedented migratory crisis”

Canary Islands Minister of Social Rights, Noemí Santana, this Tuesday launched a cry for "help" and "assistance" in guaranteeing fundamental attention for migrant minors on the islands, which currently total 2,869 under guardianship as wards of the State.     "The situation is extreme", Santana urged during an appearance at a parliamentary committee, in which she warned that "there is not a single space more", economic and human...

Instigator of high speed pursuit on the GC1 jailed awaiting trial

Tanausú O., was jailed this Tuesday, February 15, by decree of a Telde Investigating Court, after being involved in an altercation with security forces on Monday, having fled in a stolen car, dodged a check point and was pursued on the GC-1 to end up crashing into two Guardia Civil crews on the main highway passing the Las Terrazas Shopping Centre.     The Prosecutor's Office has announced the perpetrator having been admitted to...

Bus driver attacked in the early hours of the morning

A bus driver was assaulted in the early hours of this Tuesday morning, February 15, at the Guaguas de Gáldar bus station, in the north of Gran Canaria.       The events are reported to have taken place around 04:38 in the morning, according to the 112 Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES). Doctors from the Gáldar health centre, located next to the scene of the attack, responded first. “They told me from 112 that...

Newly cashless Maspalomas beach-hammocks-and-umbrellas services start once again, re-employing 41

First thing, this morning, the sun bed and umbrella service staff were visibly back in action to reactivate the services that have been absent for nearly two years on the beaches of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. 9 sectors have been reactivated, with a total of 1,000 hammocks, distributed as follows: One in Meloneras, three sectors in Maspalomas, four in Playa del Inglés and one on El Cochino beach, near San Agustín. This week the rest of the sectors will continue to be added, to total 23 in...

Police pursuit causes tailbacks on Gran Canaria’s main GC1, and ends in a collision with a motorcycle

A car chase on the GC-1 followed a driver evading and escaping a control checkpoint, on Monday afternoon. In a joint operation by the Policia Nacional and the Guardia Civil, the main GC-1 north-south highway was closed as a fugitive was being pursued.     At first the driver slowed and stopped for agents but then escaped by dodging the control point. He was followed until he collided with a motorcycle near Las Terrazas de Jinámar,...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 11-13 February 2022

A gorgeous February weekend coming up with temperatures expected to come down a touch from the almost summer-like highs of this week. Last week pretty much felt like summer with a nice hot spell of calima, hopefully putting an end to the weeks of dusty gusts we have been enjoying, still occasional strong winds in some parts of the island. As Gran Canaria continues with Level 4 but measures having been relaxed a little, it is been welcome news for many leisure establishments with a new closing...

Spain and The Canary Islands remove restrictions on travel for British youths

The Canary Islands State Gazette, the BOC, this Friday included an order by which, as of Monday, British people between 12 and 18 years of age will be allowed to travel to Spain, and specifically to the Canary Islands, with a vaccination certificate or PCR carried out within 72 hours prior to arrival. The restriction had caused a huge drop in bookings and in the arrival of tourists, according to the hotel sector, during the high winter season.    ...

Canary Islands maintains Covid Alert Levels as Government establishes a de-escalation in the measures applied

    Groups of people in spaces for public and private use, indoors or outdoors, can be no more than a maximum of 12 people, cohabitants excepted, at Alert Levels 1 and 2; no more than eight people, except cohabitants, at Alert Level 3, and six people, except cohabitants, at Alert Level 4. Night time opening hours are restricted until 04:00 at alert level 1 and 2; at 03:00 hours at alert level 3, and at 02:00 hours at alert level...

Newsbrief: Guardia Civil recover objects stolen from Mogan Mall with market value of €4870

The Guardia Civil of the Main Post in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, in collaboration with the Policia Local of Santa Lucía, arrested three people between the ages of 26 and 33, with numerous prior police records, for thefts committed in commercial establishments.     The investigation began on January 30, when Mogán Mall shopping centre security team alerted the Puerto Rico Guardia Civil Post of the occurrence of a criminal act in a...

Police dismantle prolifically active cocaine organisation on Gran Canaria

Guardia Civil and Policia Nacional, regarding Operation JEZABEL-DOOLITTLE, consider dismantled one of the most active criminal groups on the Island of Gran Canaria, specialised in the introduction and subsequent distribution of large quantities of cocaine on the island.     After several phases of investigation, the operation has resulted in the arrest of 8 people, 7 of them of Spanish nationality and another Bulgarian, having...

Guardia Civil arrest two suspected phone thieves in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

Guardia Civil, from the Main Post in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán, last Saturday, February 5, arrested a man and a woman, aged 31 and 19 years of age respectively, both with prior police records for crimes against other people's property, on suspicion of a robbery with violence against two minors, committed in a shopping centre in Puerto Rico where they attacked the young people and stole their high-end mobile phones valued at about €1,600.    ...

Good news as Canary Islands President announces Spain to resolve travelling restrictions on British children

Health restrictions, imposed during the COVID-19 response, that prevented British children traveling to Spain, are to be relaxed by Spain's Central Government, according to an announcement made by Canary Islands President, Angel Víctor Torres. In coming days, the central government will facilitate the arrival of families thanks to the modification of current health requirements.     The Archipelago's tourist sector should get a...

“Several islands” set to begin de-escalation of Covid Alert Levels this week

The president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced this Tuesday that the Governing Council will, "probably", approve the lowering of Health Alert Levels this Thursday "on various islands". Several islands will likely begin to de-escalate from their respective Covid Alert Levels after this Thursday's Governing Council meeting. The President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, made the announcement during a Canary Islands Regional Government control...

Strong gusts of wind forecast this week, rising temperatures and still more Calima in the Canaries

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has declared a yellow advisory warning for this Tuesday, due to gusts of very strong winds from the southeast, which could exceed 70 kilometres per hour, in the west of the easternmost islands and on the summits and western slopes and north of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Gomera.       According to the AEMET forecast, the skies will clear, with occasional cloud, and intervals of...

Spain to end requirement to wear masks in the streets as early as next Thursday, says Health Minister

Spain's Health Minister, Carolina Darias, said this Friday that from next Thursday she expects the use of masks outdoors may no longer be mandatory, once the measure has been published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) next Wednesday, following approval one day before at the Council of Ministers.     "If everything goes well, which is what we hope, it will be published in the Official State Gazette on Wednesday so that it comes...

Canary Islands Scraps Mandatory Covid Certificates and extends opening hours for Level 3 or below

The Canary Islands Government Council (regional cabinet) agreed this Thursday to revoke the mandatory requirement to present a Covid certificate at leisure and restaurant establishments, as well as some other activities, and to request that the regional high court, The Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC), extend its voluntary use, in such a way that establishments choosing to use the system will gain greater capacity limits and opening hours, according to the Alert Level...

The Canary Guide #WeekendTips 4-6 February 2022

  Always around this first weekend of February on Gran Canaria, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Tejeda, celebrates their traditional and very popular Almond Blossom festivities. This 50th-anniversary celebration, however, has been postponed to 2023, along with Almond blossom festivities that were to take place in the municipality of Valsequillo. Gran Canaria continues for at least one more week at Health Alert level 4, though there was a surprise announcement made by the town...

Canary Islands Alert Levels maintained this week, though La Palma moves back down to Level 3

Tenerife and Gran Canaria remain at Alert Level 4; Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro and Lanzarote at Level 3. La Palma moves down to Level 3 from 00:00 this Friday, February 4. Accumulated incidence has fallen by 44.8%, but the hospital occupancy remains at very high risk on both Tenerife and Gran Canaria; on Lanzarote and La Gomera occupancy is at high risk; on Fuerteventura and La Palma, medium risk; and El Hierro's is at at low risk, which maintains all the islands at their current Alert...

Yellow advisory for strong winds adds to warnings in force for rain from the west

Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) updated their advisory warnings in force across the islands this Wednesday with a new one. Rainstorms and strong winds.     The notice comes into force from 00:00 this Thursday on the Western Islands of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro; from 03:00 on Tenerife; 06:00 on Gran Canaria; and from 12 noon on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. According to the forecast, maximum gusts of up to 70...

Maspalomas International Carnival 2022 set for a summertime return, June 9 – 19

Maspalomas International Carnival is to be held during the summertime, from June 9 to 19 following a meeting this Wednesday morning at the Town Hall. Mayor Concepción Narváez, the Councilor for Events and Celebrations, Francisca Quintana, the president of the Las Palmas Federation of Hospitality Entrepreneurs and Tourism (FEHT), José María Mañaricua alongside the president of the Association of Tourist Accommodation Entrepreneurs (AEAT), Tom Smulders, and Vice President of the FEHT, via...

Current rules on travelling to The Canary Islands, entry to Spain restricted for unvaccinated travellers

There has been some confusion over recent days regarding entry requirements for anyone flying to Gran Canaria and The Canary Islands, whether from inside the EU/Schengen area, or from outside, so-called, third countries.     The European Union has a adopted a policy of allowing unvaccinated travel between member states and Schengen zone countries, though a negative test result is required (for PCR, TMA, or LAMP NAAT tests)  within...

Maspalomas beach beds and umbrellas to return from February 7

On the south of Gran Canaria the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Council, this Monday, through Samuel Henríquez Quintana's Department of Cleaning and Attention to Coastal Maintenance, requested that sun beds and umbrellas services in Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas be restarted once more, having been suspended since March 14, 2020 as a result of the global COViD-19 pandemic.     The town councillor informed the company responsible...

Spanish Health Department reduces validity of antigen tests to 24 hours prior to entry to Spain

The validity of the antigen detection tests required to enter Spain has been reduced, from this Tuesday, to 24 hours rather than the 48 hour period that had been allowed until now, according to the Moncloa, referring to the official State Gazette published this Tuesday.     The resolution by the General Directorate of Health, regarding sanitary controls required at the entry points to Spain, highlights the decision as the result of...

Meanwhile on Lanzarote: First e-powered ultralight glider tested in Canary Islands in Calima

The pilot Manfred Ruhmer, has traveled from Italy to Lanzarote to fly his ultralight electric plane, the SWIFT LIGHT E (Icaro 2000). This is the first flight of this type of vehicle on the Canary Islands. It has an autonomy and range of more than four hours, able to remain in the air without landing. Even adverse weather conditions, like the Calima haze and gusty winds that have swept the Archipelago, have proved no obstacle.     [adrotate...

85 year-old Norwegian bather dies while swimming at Mogán beach

An 85-year-old Norwegian tourist tragically died this Monday afternoon, having been pulled out of the water in cardiorespiratory arrest at the Anfi del Mar beach, in Gran Canaria's south west municipality of Mogán.     The event occurred around four in the afternoon when the main 112 Coordinating Centre for Emergencies and Security (CECOES) received a report indicating that a man in cardiorespiratory arrest had been pulled out of...

The Anfi del Mar beach concession is being reconsidered as two companies compete for control

Anfi del Mar SL (majority owned by hoteliers Lopesan, and the beleaguered Santana Cazorla Group) are reportedly competing with Santana Cazorla family company, Gestiones y Explotaciones Narval SL, for management of businesses and concessions along the Barranco de la Verga beach. The two companies are competing once again for the business concession to oversee the artificial beach at the mouth of the La Verga ravine, in Mogán, including sun beds and umbrellas, jet skis and other recreational...

Yumbo nightclub forcibly closed by police for breaching Covid restrictions

San Bartolomé de Tirajana Policia Local and Policia Canaria, on Sunday morning, had to enforce the closure of Heaven nightclub, in the Yumbo shopping and leisure centre, Playa del Inglés, where clients were still being served at dawn despite Level 4 restrictions temporarily meaning all nightlife is supposed to close by midnight.     Policia Canaria agents forced customers inside the establishment to leave it at around 6am, it is...

Calima Yellow Advisory Maintained, Reduced Visibility Expected

The yellow advisory warning for Calima dust in the Canary Islands issued by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) continues this Monday across Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.   Feature image: Yellow Calima Advisory for Gran Canaria and The Canary Islands 30012022 Aqua Modis CR TC courtesy of NASA     Saharan dust in suspension, affecting the archipelago over the weekend, will...

Submarine earthquake between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura

Spain's National Geographic Institute (IGN) reported a magnitude 4 earthquake detected on the ocean bed on Saturday night, between the islands of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, at a depth of six kilometers, with no reports of it having been felt by the population.     Activity is being constantly recorded in the Canary archipelago, with most seismic readings in the last 24 hours located in the subsoil of La Palma, primarily around...

Ayuntamiento de Mogán Town Hall fines five bars €15k each

Mogán Town Hall, responsible for the tourist resorts of South West Gran Canaria, have fined five establishments for administrative infractions they have classified as very serious.      'Tiffany's' bar in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria were issued a fine of €15,001 for broadcasting music with a loudspeaker outside their establishment without having the authorisation to do so. The popular tourist bar also had to suspend activity for...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 28-30 January 2021

It's the last weekend of January already and what a month it certainly has been! Almond blossom festivities both in Tejeda and in Valsequillo have been postponed until next year, 2023. Many Carnival celebrations have also been postponed until summer 2022 and the start of the main Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival, moved to 25 February and will be celebrated without most of the popular street events. Gran Canaria continues on Health Alert Level 4 for another week, and the...

Guardia Civil arrests two men for animal abuse and abandonment in Santa Lucía de Tirajana

The Guardia Civil's Seprona Patrol (Environment and Animal welfare) from the Vecindario Post, between January 08 and 14,  arrested a 26-year-old man and another 50-year-old man, as the alleged perpetrators of a crime of animal abuse and abandonment. The events occurred after several residents of Santa Lucía de Tirajana provided the Guardia Civil videos and photographs of the unfortunate state the animals were being kept in, suspecting a possible case of mistreatment or omission of the...

Public Works plan €14 million improvement and reorganisation of the Agaete port

The Minister of Public Works, Transport and Housing of the Government of the Canary Islands, Sebastián Franquis, has presented a new project for the improvement and reorganisation of the Port of Agaete, promoted by the Regional Executive, to modernise the facilities and, at the same time, promote greater connection and communication between the port and the population of Puerto de Las Nieves through a comprehensive urban intervention. To execute this project, the Ministry, announced Minister...

Vaccine booster appointments offered to everyone over 18 years of age

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health this Wednesday, January 25, issued an open invitation for people aged between 18 and 39 years to receive Covid-19 booster vaccinations by making an appointment, for anyone born between 1982 and 2003 who has previous completed their vaccination schedule.  Older citizens are also welcome. Anyone who had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines must wait at least five months to receive their booster dose after a change in the time intervals established by the Vaccine...

Gran Canaria stays at Alert Level 4 for at least another week and La Gomera moves up to level 3

Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma remain at Alert Level 4; Fuerteventura, El Hierro and Lanzarote at Level 3. La Gomera moves to Level 3 at 00:00 on Monday, January 31. Covid-19 Occupancy levels of hospital beds on Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are still at very high risk levels; Fuerteventura and La Palma are at high risk; and La Gomera and El Hierro are currently at medium risk, keeping all the islands where they were except La Gomera, which rises from Level 2 to 3. 86.1 % of...

World’s pre-eminent expert on Canary Islands flora, Liverpudlian botanist, and Templar, Dr David Bramwell dies

World respected authority on Canary Islands flora, plants and trees, Liverpudlian, Doctor David Bramwell, died on Thursday January 20 2022 surrounded by loving family. Few have devoted such long service and dedication to Gran Canaria and its natural environment.  An Englishman of renown, who made his life in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, David Bramwell earned a privileged perspective from the highest summits of Canarian academic, political and cultural society.  A towering figure, in every...

Anfi Sales and Anfi Resorts declared bankrupt with a €56m debt they cannot pay

The Commerce Court number 1 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria agreed this week to declare necessary bankruptcy for tourism companies Anfi Sales SL and Anfi Resorts. There will be an appeal against that judgement heard before the Provincial Court, although it will not be suspensive, that is to say it will not impede the judgement.                 Judge Alberto López Villarrubia accepted the request made...

One wrong turn in Playa del Inglés leads to some extraordinarily bad parking

Hilarity and a little confusion in Playa del Inglés this Friday afternoon after a rental car driver apparently got confused and took a wrong turn, ending up on one of the access stairways of the famous Yumbo Centre. -  Passers-by and witnesses were left bemused by the extraordinarily bad parking, after the driver had realised his error and decided to get out and leave the vehicle where it was, presumably to go and inform the well known...

Some evidence of alcohol and drug use among the youths of Puerto Bello, nothing more serious currently, the priority now is to relocate them.

The Government of the Canary Islands, according to the Department of Social Rights, say their priority now is the closure of the Puerto Bello temporary reception centre for migrant youths in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán, saying once that objective is achieved, decisions will be made as whether any action needs to be taken against the Siglo XXI Foundation, who were contracted to manage the out of use hotel facility in December last year, after it began to be used as temporary emergency...

Puerto Bello investigation looks more closely as it emerges current director is newly appointed

The manager currently responsible for the unaccompanied migrant minors, temporarily housed in the Puerto Bello apartments, in Mogán (Gran Canaria), it has emerged, was only appointed to the position one day before being asked to give a statement to the Prosecutor's Office Puerto Bello investigation based on anonymous allegations sent on June 10, and so he says he does not know what happened in March, when the reported sexual crimes are supposed to have occurred. -  [fb_plugin...

Minors continue to be moved from Puerto Rico while prosecutors investigate anonymous allegations

The Las Palmas Provincial Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into accusations of alleged sexual assaults against at least one minor and reports of three individuals having been involved in prostitution at the temporary reception centre for unaccompanied migrant minors, who have been accommodated in the Puerto Bello apartment complex, in the tourist town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, after taking a statement from the director of the facilities and having verified that eleven of...

Cabildo declares alert for the risk of forest fires in the midlands and summits of Gran Canaria

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria has declared an alert for the risk of forest fires at the summits of the island and in the southern midlands from heights above 400m altitude, and on the north from 300m above sea level. The alert was declared at 10:00 am on Friday and will be in effect until 09:00 on Monday, June 14, and prohibits the use of fire on forested land. -  The predictions of Spain's State Meteorological Agency...

Canary Islands Tourism launches an unprecedented strategy to encourage domestic travel market

The Canary Islands Regional Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, through the public company Promotur Turismo de Islas Canarias, has launched a never-before-seen strategy to encourage domestic tourism, especially focused on the accommodation sector. "We carried out an unprecedented exercise of communication and sales promotion, which we combined with a program to generate economic activity around the regulated tourist establishments of the eight islands," explained the Regional Minister...

New till 2am opening hours and a return to nightlife on islands on Alert Level 1

The Governing Council of  The Canary islands agreed in their weekly session held on Thursday, June 10, to approve adjustments to COVID-19 prevention measures including the operation of nightlife establishments on the islands epidemiologically at Alert Level 1, where nightspots may remain open until 2am in the morning and must meet certain capacity and occupancy requirements, as well as register attendees. At Level 1, hospitality hours are now also established until 2am at the latest. The...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 11-13 June 2021

The second weekend into the Gran Canaria summer, as our first little calima heatwave of the season gusts saharan winds and dust slowly away, its looking to be a marvellous weekend ahead to explore local festivities and events happening this weekend 11-13 June all across the island.  You just need to know where to look.12-13 June, Villa de MoyaFeria Artesanal y comercial The Pico Lomito Park in Villa de Moya plays host this Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, to an Artisan and Commercial Fair...

450 kg of cocaine found in a container at the port of Las Palmas

A container, which was destined for Valencia, was inspected in the Port of Las Palmas and 450 kg of cocaine was seized, as a result three people were arrested in the port of Valencia -  ​Policia Nacional Agents, in a joint operation with the Guardia Civil and the Tax Agency, this week discovered 450 kg of cocaine hidden in a container that was in transit from Brazil to Spain, its first point of entry into Spain being the...

Gran Canaria residents over 45 years and not vaccinated can make an appointment at 012

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health report that from today, Wednesday, June 9, residents on Gran Canaria and Tenerife over 45 years of age who have not yet received an appointment for their first dose of coronavirus vaccine can call to request it through 012 (or at 928 301 012 or 922 470 012). This appointment system is part of the usual sending of sms messages or direct calls made as a usual protocol for notification to the population from the SCS, as well as the possibility of users in...

Canary Islands ready to start issuing Digital Green Certifications for EU resident travellers

Canary Islands Health Minister, Blas Trujillo, reported, this Tuesday morning, to the Regional Parliamentary Plenary, the affirmation that his department are moving forward with the EU's COVID Digital Green Certificate, the official document with which, as of July 1, anyone residing in European Union Member States will be able to prove that they have received the vaccine, overcome the disease or have received a negative diagnostic test result. -  [adrotate...

Alert for high temperatures and risk of forest fires declared in Gran Canaria

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, have declared an Alert for Maximum Temperatures on Gran Canaria, starting at 09:00 on the morning of June 9. The decision takes into account available information and triggers the application of the Specific Emergency Plan for the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).Observations: Generalised maximum temperatures may reach 35º to 37 ºC. The maximums will occur...

Ghost Boats: A Mauritanian cayuco in the Caribbean highlights those lost on The Canary Route

The Canary Island of El Hierro marks the last possible point of landfall for those who head west into the Atlantic Ocean from the coasts of Africa. Beyond it lies 4,500 kilometres of open ocean. The Canary Islands rescue services hold their breath, says Efe's José María Rodríguez today in Spanish language daily La Provincia, whenever an open boat is discovered in the westernmost waters of Europe's most southwesterly point, as they are probably adrift and for anyone still left alive on board,...

Vaccinated travellers can now enter Spain again from third countries without the need to test

The Canary Islands, along with the rest of Spain, as of Monday now allow travellers from non-EU and Schengen third countries, except India, Brazil and South Africa, if they can prove they are vaccinated against COVID-19. The order, published last Saturday in Spain's Official State Gazette (BOE) modifies the temporary covid restrictions on non-essential trips from third countries to the European Union and Schengen associated countries. -  [adrotate...

Child rescued from leisure centre arcade machine in Maspalomas

Last weekend on the south of Gran Canaria, at a leisure centre, a little panic was caused after a 3 year-old managed to crawl into an arcade machine, according to BTC Canarias, from Televisión Canaria. -  The minor ended up trapped inside the machine after sneaking in through the prize chute, where cuddly toys are delivered whether won through luck or skill. The security personnel quickly arrived to assist the child, no injuries reported.. [adrotate...

British cargo ship rescues 25 migrants from the Atlantic, 426 km south of Gran Canaria

A British-flagged cargo freighter on Monday night rescued 25 sub-Saharan migrants, 426 kilometres south of Gran Canaria, and is now headed to the port of Las Palmas. -  A Salvamento Maritimo (Maritime Rescue) spokesperson reported to Spanish News Agency, Efe, that the M/V Anvil Point, a 193-meter-long merchant ship, reported last night at 8:35 p.m. that it had located and rescued 25 men from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean,...

Weather: Gran Canaria prepares for 40ºC+ as desert calima brings first heat wave of the season

The stable blue skies and warm weather across the Canary Islands this weekend has given way to an incoming African desert calima expected from Tuesday, June 8. The desert sands and dust are to be accompanied by our first real heatwave of this season in the archipelago, according to forecasts from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the effects of which will last several days starting to soften by the coming weekend, giving way to clearer blue skies once more.  In the meantime...

Lucky escape in the Puerto de La Luz, Port of Las Palmas, caught on camera

The loading and unloading of more than 1 million containers every year at the Puerto de La Luz, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, comes with its own set of dangers, which is why health and safety is of paramount concern in The Canary Islands biggest port. Disaster nearly struck last week, when several large containers toppled on to a waiting truck under a one of the cranes. Thankfully there were no injuries as a result of the incident, although the company has opened an investigation into what...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 4-6 June 2021

It's the first weekend of June and Summer season is officially here, albeit with a few less visitors than we are used to, but Gran Canaria Culture continues to return. Slowly the events and festivities are starting again across the island, with many public events for summer now being announced. It is going to be a busier season than last year, with some of the bigger events taking place even with the extra health protocols. Leisure events like The Festival Internacional Canarias Jazz &...

All the Canary islands remain at their alert levels for another week

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health agreed this Thursday, June 3, after analysing the latest data, to keep all of the islands at the same levels of alert. Tenerife and Lanzarote (where La Graciosa is epidemiologically included) continue at level 2 (Amber); and Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and La Palma at level 1 (Green). -  The updated assessment comes into force coinciding with the weekly update of...

Canary Islands Tourism invests €1.4 million for renewal of El Perchel beach in Arguineguin, Mogán

The Canary Islands Ministry for Tourism, Industry and Commerce, led by Yaiza Castilla, has awarded a subsidy of €1,469,268 to the municipality Mogán to remodel El Perchel beach, located in Arguineguín and the provision of complementary services. -  The project focuses on the remodelling and expansion of the transit area of ​​the promenade and the establishment of new defined leisure and recreation areas, such as a...

Canary Islands region were quietly hopeful of summer chances as UK press reported no new Green List countries

**UPDATED** UK press reported early today that their government were not likely to add any new countries to the British travel "green list" leaving many in The Canary Islands region hoping they might yet stand a chance of being included, despite the rest of Spain missing out.  Those hopes have now been dashed. The UK's Joint Biosecurity Centre met on Wednesday to present their risk assessment based on 7-day & 14-day accumulated incidence, infection rates, risks of Covid variant...

More than 3 million square meters of Güi-Güí is now publicly owned by Gran Canaria

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria island government has acquired, through auction from the State Tax Administration Agency (AEAT), a total of 2,852,630 square meters, in two plots, at the centre of the Güigüí Grande and Chico ravines, for €2,876,000. These lands join the ​​225,340 m2 purchased via the same procedure last January, for a total of 3,071,000 square meters, making the land public property. -  In the two purchase...

Smoke and Soot and smouldering forest: teams work to extinguish the Arico fire

The Brifor Tenerife Forestry Brigade firefighters and technicians have continued this week to work on concluding the Arico forest fire, which has continued to burn despite having been declared under controlled since Monday, May 24. The Tenerife forestry brigade are focused on smothering the tree stumps and pine trees that are still burning and smouldering within the perimeter of the burn zone. -  The Cabildo de Tenerife...

The Hero of Pepe Chiringo KM 13 puts out car fire at petrol station

I couple driving an Opel Corsa along the GC2 highway, on the north coast of Gran Canaria, had a nasty shock this afternoon after stopping outside the popular Pepe Chiringo fresh fast food outlet opposite the BP service station at San Andres roundabout in the municipality of Moya. -  A sudden flash of flame from below the car sends the couple inside into panic as they leap out, the driver grabbed a cushion from off of his seat and tries to tackle the fire, but...

No need to test if vaccinated or resident: Canary Islands confirm new covid testing rules for checking in to tourist accommodation

The Canary Islands Ministry for Tourism began making changes to their websites this Tuesday, in expectation of new amendments to regional laws regulating access to hotels and other tourist accommodations during the pandemic.  The Canary Islands pioneered their new "safe tourism" law last autumn, in the absence of any national legislation for testing arriving tourists, by making it mandatory for anyone checking into a registered tourism accommodation to show that they had been...

Two detained in an animal abuse case in Tauro

The Guardia Civil detained two people for an alleged crime of continual animal abuse, thought to have been committed by keeping 23 dogs, two horses a donkey, 60 chickens, four sheep and six goats "in conditions incompatible with life". -  The only water available to some of the animals was completely full of larvae due to the lack of hygiene and many of them presented cachexia, parasites and physical symptoms of...

US military’s African Lion exercises will not be happening in Western Sahara

The African Lion 2021 military exercises, in which Morocco, the United States and seven other countries are set to participate, will not be held in Western Sahara after all, according to to El Periódico de Catalunya news portal, who contacted US Military Command Africa (Africom) for comment and to clarify speculations over recent days, fuelled by the Moroccan president, Saadedín Otmani, who said this week that part of the exercises would be held in the former Spanish colony, suggesting that...

The Canary Guide Canary Islands’ Day Weekend Tips 28-30 May 2021

This is The Canary Guide Weekend Tips for events and leisure on Gran Canaria this 28-30 May 2021. An important weekend with Canary Islands Day being celebrated this Sunday. This year, for obvious reasons, the festivities are very low key but there are still few events and things to do and explore around Gran Canaria. On Thursday it was announced that Gran Canaria moves down to Alert Level 1. It is good to remember to keep on keeping it real and help keep the Island safe and ready for when the...

Canary Islands announce no need to test if vaccinated, travelling from within Spain, and open the door to international passengers

.:. Edward Timon .:. The Canary - Feature Image: View For Sale - 45photos.com Bård Ove Myhr The Canary Islands have this Thursday announced that they will no longer require, from as early as next week, a PCR or an antigen test from domestic travellers, and international transit passengers, who arrive on the islands, so long as they have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recently  recovered from the disease.  The changes look set to align with measures already taken in Spain,...

Lowest Alert Level 1 for Gran Canaria as data continues to improve across the region, the other islands stay at their current levels

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health has agreed this Thursday, May 27, to place the island of Gran Canaria at Alert Level 1 following the continued improvement of epidemiological indicators. The rest of the islands remain at their current alert levels: Tenerife and Lanzarote (along with La Graciosa) all at Level 2, and La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, Fuerteventura all at Level 1, now joined by Gran Canaria too.  -  For the latest Canary...

San Bartolomé de Tirajana will pay outstanding irregular invoices worth 10.6 million euros

Two budgetary modifications, worth €10.6 million were taken to the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Ordinary Plenary session last Friday, May 22 in order to deal with the huge backlog in payment to suppliers that have been pending since at least 2017. This last block of payments puts an end to the large debt inherited by the current quadripartite government group, who have made a total of payments over these last two years worth €28 million, to suppliers who had been chasing money for several years,...

‘Votes for life’ for British citizens living abroad

New measures announced in the Queen’s Speech will make it easier for British citizens who have moved abroad to participate in UK democracy, according to a statement released today on the British Government's Cabinet Office, on their main website. -  The UK government vowed to scrap the law, introduced in 2002, that bans British citizens who have lived abroad for more than 15 years from taking part in UK elections. Decisions made in the UK...

Crash driver fleeing Guardia Civil who killed musician sentenced to ten and a half years

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Criminal Court number 2 has sentenced the driver who killed a musician in Pasito Blanco on February 5, 2019 while he was fleeing from the Civil Guard, to ten years and six months in prison. -  The judge accepted the merits of prosecutor Cecilia Acebal's request for eight and a half years in prison for the crimes of reckless driving in contest with homicide through serious recklessness and one count of an attack...

Any legal resident over the age of 16 can now get a vaccination appointment in The Canary Islands

With the announcement this week that anyone over the age of sixteen, resident in The Canary Islands, can now register for an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health have reported that more than 100,000 residents were processed during the first 24 hours of operation of the new web form  (www.canariassevacuna.com) launched this Monday, 24 May by the Regional Government, and this Thursday that number stands at more than 255,000 according to a Ministry of Health press...

Massive US military deployment planned for African Lion exercises with Morocco in Western Sahara

Military manoeuvres will take place in June both on land in Western Sahara and close to the waters of Canary Islands in a joint US and Moroccan exercise, along with several other countries but not including Spain. This has been billed as the "largest exercise in Africa" with an overwhelming deployment of resources planned for Operation African Lion scheduled from June 7 to 18. The main peculiarity is that the Western Saharan town of Mahbes, near the border with Algeria beside the Tindouf...

British holidaymakers can now fly to Canary Islands, and the rest of Spain, without tests

Spanish borders officially reopen to the British, who will be able to visit from Monday without the need to test, after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared last Friday that the country is "delighted" to be able to welcome back tourists from Spain's main tourism source market, as well as from other third countries deemed to be safe, based on their current epidemiological data.  Whether vaccinated or not, Spain has decided there will be no need for tests so long as the UK's 14-day incidence...

Tenerife forest fire stabilised though not yet declared under control

The Tenerife forest fire has continued through the weekend, though the conditions on the ground have led to more favourable forecasts by fire crews who have been battling since Thursday to bring the blaze under control. Last night and into the early hours of Monday morning work continued along with surveillance to control hot spots, according to reports from the main 1- 1-2 Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordinating Centre. -  Aircraft have continued...

The Tenerife forest fire in Arico evolving favourably, although it remains uncontrolled

The Minister of Public Administrations, Justice and Security, Julio Pérez, announced on Friday night that the forest fire declared on Thursday in the municipality of Arico, on Tenerife, is still active and uncontrolled, although conditions are favourable for the extinction tasks. "We can say that the situation this afternoon is better than this morning." -  The perimeter around the blaze has reached 25 kilometres, containing a surface area of 2,600 hectares of...

#IFArico Tenerife Forest Fire still “out of control” as fire crews head into their second night tackling the blaze on the mountain

Ángel Víctor Torres, president of the Canary Islands, travelled to the Tenerife municipality of Arico today to learn in detail about the forest fire that has affected that area since noon on Thursday. Torres highlighted the effort that public administrations have made from the beginning to try to perimeter the blaze, control it and extinguish it as soon as possible. This effort has been joined by six helicopters, a seaplane and some 300 service personnel, including members of the Military...

#IFArico: Gran Canaria firefighters help more than 300 fire fighters with the Tenerife forest fire which continues uncontrolled

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria this Friday morning sent troops to assist in the extinction of the Tenerife forest fire declared on Thursday, May 20 in the municipality of Arico. Two forestry brigades, a "presa" team and a "bravo" team, with four commanders, have travelled to Tenerife. The contingent plan is made up of two fire engines and eight light vehicles, they travelled by sea to integrate with the rest of the teams, of more than 300 firefighters and at least 7 aircraft, in the work of...

#IFArico: Tenerife Forest Fire has already burned more than 1500 hectares (6000 acres)

The Tenerife forest fire that started on Thursday, around 11:30 a.m., in the Chajaña ravine, in Arico, remains uncontrolled this Friday morning having already affected more than 1,500 hectares of forest, and continues to climb towards the peaks of the island. The blaze has now been declared a Gran Incendio Forestal ( GIF - Great Forest Fire). The right flank is heading towards the Teide National Park and the left flank towards the south of the island, with firefighters already at work in the...

Spain and The Canary Islands Are Now Open For Summer Holidays, Government adds UK to “white list”

Spain will open their borders to British tourists as of Monday May 24th, even to visitors who are not vaccinated, and ahead of the European Union. The Spanish Government, as was predicted, have decided to include the United Kingdom, their main tourism source market, on the so-called "white list" of safe non-EU countries, known as third countries, due to their positive epidemiological situation, published this Friday by the Official State Gazette ( BOE).  This is great news for The Canary...

Canary Islands studying how to restart international travel in anticipation of new measures expected “in the next few days”

The Canary Islands Governing Council met on Thursday, as they do every week, to discussed the development of the coronavirus pandemic in the Archipelago. The Canary Islands Government spokesman, Julio Pérez, explained that the alert levels for each of the islands remain unchanged, and he expressed positivity regarding the contagion data over the last week, adding that it is important to continue improving the situation.  Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and La Graciosa are all on alert level...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 21-23 May 2021

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips for events and leisure on Gran Canaria this 21-23 May 2021. It’s the weekend before the Canarian Day festivities and here our highlight picks for you to explore around the island.  SATURDAY 22 MAY, LA ALDEA DE SAN NÍCOLASMERCADILLO 'PRIMAVERA DE SENSACIONES' "Spring of Sensations" market , Mercadillo 'Primavera de Sensaciones' in the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás on Saturday 22 May 2021 from 09:00 to 14:00. This yearly festive event celebrates the...

Canary Islands are hoping to recover up to 85% of the summer tourism connectivity they had in the pre-Covid era

The Canary Islands are hoping to recover up to 85% of the tourism connectivity they had in the pre-Covid era, in 2019, throughout the course of this year. Announced on Thursday, at the FITUR International Tourism Fair by the Canary Islands Regional Minister for Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Yaiza Castilla, it was explained that the Archipelago had reestablished flight connections with 130 of the 153 cities for 2021 with which there were connection routes two years ago. - ...

Tenerife Forest Fire declared a Level 2 emergency at the request of the Cabildo de Tenerife

The forest fire that started at around 11:45 a.m. in the Chajaña area, in the municipality of Arico, on Tenerife, at 7:30 p.m. was declared a Level 2 emergency at the request of the Cabildo de Tenerife, as per the Government of the Canary Islands emergency direction, applying the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Assistance for Forest Fires in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA). -  The territorial scope of the emergency, at...

Four helicopters, a seaplane, fire fighters and the army try to bring Tenerife fire under control

A forest fire was declared this morning on Tenerife, in the Chajaña ravine, and by 4pm this afternoon had already affected more than 240 hectares of pine forest in the south eastern municipality of Arico. Strong gusts of wind, exceeding 30 kmph, have been pushing the flames in the direction of Granadilla de Abona.  -  ?En estos momentos tres helicópteros del #GES trabajan en las labores de extinción del #IFArico pic.twitter.com/NWvM5uh2ig — 1-1-2 Canarias...

Confusion continues for British Tourism despite an estimated 2.6m bookings for Amber list destinations this summer

Confusion for British tourists continued this Thursday after Health Minister, Matt Hancock, at Wednesday's Downing Street press briefing, downplayed any possibility that the UK Government will expand their Green List of destinations. For the moment the United Kingdom has not made any clear decision regarding which destinations might be added to the list, despite the European Union this Wednesday having approved new rules for vaccinated travellers from third countries, with a particular focus...

Gran Canaria summer season starts with the most ever air routes to mainland Spain

The Gran Canaria summer season will start boasting the greatest ever number of air connections to mainland Spain, now having direct links with 21 cities on the Peninsula.  460,000 airline seats will be available for the months of June, July and August, similar levels to those last seen in 2019, the summer before the global health crisis. -  These announcements were made on the first day of International Tourism Fair FITUR, in Madrid, which opened yesterday...

Seaplane heroes of 43 Group carry out Gran Canaria exercises ahead of the summer heat

Beach users, bathers and holidaymakers, those few, for now, on Gran Canaria's favourite Maspalomas beach, were treated to an unusual surprise on Monday. Delighted sun seekers unexpectedly witnessed some of the preparatory exercises currently being carried out by the Spanish Air Force heroes who fly the big yellow seaplane of the UME 43 group. These guys became instantly famous, most recently, on the island back in summer 2019, and briefly during February 2020, when they...

Reckless driver who killed an innocent man in a crash, claims the fault was not his but the Guardia Civil who were chasing him

A reckless driver whose actions while fleeing from the Guardia Civil led to the death of a well known Canarian musician, Miguel Estupiñán Díaz, on February 5, 2019 in Pasito Blanco has tried to suggest that it was the agents chasing him who caused him to lose control of the vehicle, invading the opposite lane and colliding with the victim. -  The defendant, Evaristo José P. M., also known as El Platanito, testified yesterday before the...

British Foreign Office continue to exclude Canary Islands from their advice against travel to Spain, the Dutch can now travel to the islands too.

The Dutch can travel here from Saturday. Spain's Ministry of Foreign affairs are set to allow travel from the UK into Spain without tests from May 20. The UK have separated their advice for Canary Islands from the rest of Spain, it is thought in preparation to soon allow return travel from the UK without quarantine. Right now Spain is on the UK Amber list, which means travel is allowed after Monday, but requires 5-10 days of quarantine and negative PCR results. -  [fb_plugin...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 14-16 May 2021 – We’re Back!

As Gran Canaria continue to bring infection rates down, maintaining a level 2 alert, and as the rules and regulations are slowly eased, this a good weekend to enjoy the beautiful views this springtime island has to offer, together with a few events and leisure options to explore, as different communities start to carefully reopen their municipal agendas. The weather forecast for the weekend is not the usual all sunny all around but definitely warm enough to have a joyful time. Hopefully soon...

Gran Canaria Weekend Weather: Warnings for strong winds and rough seas, highs in the shade of 30ºC and climbing next week

Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) activated a yellow advisory warning for rough seas along the east, south and west coasts of Gran Canaria this Thursday. Waves are expected to reach up to four meters in height. Advisory warnings for strong winds also took effect at 12 noon on Thursday affecting the south, east and west of Gran Canaria. Gusts of between 70 & 90 km/h are expected. -  This Friday, the waves advisory is extended to the entire...

Tauro Beach residents take matters into their own hands to #RemoveTheFences

The residents of Playa de Tauro beach this Thursday began to dismantle what they called the "illegal fence" preventing them from accessing the beach in front of their homes. According to Los Verdes, the Green party of Mogán, in a statement, the Costas, coastal authority, has decreed the opening of Playa de Tauro following a complaint made by the party last December to the Prosecutor's Office. The Greens denounced "the abuses that have been repeatedly committed against the residents of Playa de...

Anfi Tauro SA will be billed by the coastal authority for the removal of the illegal breakwater and embankment on Tauro Beach

The Costas, Costal Authority, the Government department for the Demarcation of the Coasts of the Canary Islands, have commissioned the public company Tragsa to remove a breakwater and embankment built "without a license" by the timeshare company, Anfi, that held the concession during work carried out back in 2016 on Playa de Tauro beach. -  The esplanade covers an area of between ​​50 & 60 meters by 20 meters, and will cost an estimated €35,000 to be...

Canary Islands primed for EU health passport test next week ahead of FITUR launch, Turespaña launches You Deserve Spain campaign

Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, will present the Digital Green Certificate, a health passport, on Friday, May 21 alongside the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, to promote the reactivation of international tourism at the main FITUR international tourism fair 2021.  Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, made the announcement during a press conference to present the Madrid tourism fair, which aims to represent a turning point for the recovery of travel and...

Legal foreign residents, even without a Spanish health card, can register to get vaccine appointments

The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands has announced that all foreign residents, legally registered in the Archipelago, who do not have a health card can now make appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  Many foreign residents with private healthcare had reported issues in participating in the vaccine roll out programme, this latest announcement should resolve the problems encountered. -  To do this, they can go in person to their...

Coastal Authority postpones Anfi signing the nullified concession on Tauro beach, awaiting TSJC High Court conclusions

The "Costas", Coastal Authority, Demarcation of Coasts Las Palmas, have postponed their planned final act in the recovery to the Spanish State of the controversial Tauro beach, which was scheduled for today with the planned signing over of the land, and the nullification of the concession awarded to Anfi Tauro, following an order from the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC - Canary Islands High Court) who are looking into precautionary measures requested by Anfi Tauro, the...

Spain expects EU travel restrictions to be lifted as early as May 20, even allowing Brits to visit without testing

The Spanish Government has expressed confidence that the European Union will lift restrictions on non-essential travel to foreign countries from May 20, meaning that British tourists could travel to Spain. This was announced by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, at the press conference following the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, when asked about the expected arrival of British tourists this summer, taking into account that London has not yet included Spain among the...

Latest Canary Islands regional measures all either on alert level 1 or 2

The Government of the Canary Islands have updated the regional measures in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus following the end of Spain's National State of Emergency on Sunday May 9, and the suspension to curfews and the perimeter closures , after the Canary Islands Superior Court of Justice (TSJC) refused to ratify two measures adopted by the regional Executive.  Though the Regional Government did announce plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, since Tuesday afternoon there has...

€51 million project to manage Canary Islands migrant reception facilities announced as referrals increase from the Canary Islands

The Spanish Central Government's Council of Ministers this Tuesday approved an initiative from the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, agreeing to contract the public company Tragsa, for the amount of €51 million, to provide properly managed migrant reception services on The Canary Islands over the next year. -  Government spokesperson, María Jesús Montero, announced at the press conference following the Council of Ministers, that the...

Canary Islands Government forced to cancel curfews, along with other suspended measures not supported by the regional High Court

The Canary Islands Regional Governing Council was forced yesterday to cancel curfews along with the other measures not supported by the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC - High Court -) in their ruling ratified yesterday. The Government had requested urgent clarification from the courts on the validity or not of the suspended measures to control the pandemic until the Spanish Supreme Court has pronounced, but the High Court magistrates were exhaustive, ratifying their...

La Aldea say no Kokoon “there is no place” for a 7-star resort in their development plans, despite the company’s claims

The Councillor for Urban Planning for La Aldea de San Nicolás town hall, Naira Navarro, has issued a statement, following an interview on radio station Cadena Ser last Friday with the representative of a now infamous US company known as Kokoon, stating very clearly that La Aldea say no project of any kind has been presented to the town council regarding the supposed "macro complex" Kokoon resort in La Aldea. -  The company behind Kokoon were supposed to be...

A group of four on trial this Tuesday accused of gang rape in Puerto Rico

Four foreign nationals are accused of allegedly participating in the group rape of a Danish woman in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, back at Christmas 2016. Their case is to be heard at the Second Section of the Provincial Court of Las Palmas next Tuesday and the accused face sentences of between nine and sixteen years in prison. -  The brief of conclusions, from the Las Palmas Provincial Prosecutor's Office, reveals that the first of the accused, a 30-year-old...

TSJC High Court ruling questions necessity for curfews or inter-island travel restrictions in Canary Islands following end to State of Emergency

A Canary Islands TSJC High Court ruling has refused to endorse the regional government's intention to maintain scheduled curfews, and in particular travel exclusion rules around perimeter closures on islands at alert levels 3 or 4. The Contentious-Administrative Chamber of the TSJC also established the limits to people in places of worship and maximum numbers of non cohabitants at family or social gatherings in public and private. All Canary Islands are currently at level 1 or 2, and so for...

The Canary Islands designated “Amber” and not yet on the UK travel “Green List”

The UK Government this Friday announced their initial 'green list' of 12 countries and territories to which their citizens can travel without having to quarantine of May 17, which includes Portugal, Gibraltar and Israel, but leaves all of Spain, France and Greece out for now. The Canary Islands are also excluded from this list of safe places. -  British Transport Minister Grant Shapps explained that travellers returning to England from those destinations will...

Unaccompanied migrant minors: Canary Islands Ministry of Social Rights has been appealing for help for months and to all the administrations to help take responsibility

The Deputy Minister of Social Rights of the Government of the Canary Islands, Gemma Martínez, said back in January that the archipelago is "clearly facing an humanitarian emergency situation" in the care of unaccompanied foreign minors, she appealed to all the administrations to take responsibility, as well as to the Government of Spain and the European Union (EU), during a meeting held with the representatives of the seven island Cabildos focused on addressing and specifying measures to care...

Next Tuesday new Spanish speed limits are due to come into force

Next Tuesday new Spanish speed limits are due to come into force.  Last November 2020, the Spanish Government announced the adoption of new measures and reforms in traffic regulations, aiming to reduce the accident rate, particularly among users of roads presenting greater risk. -  Changes come into force on Tuesday 11 May, as per Royal Decree 970/2020 amending Article 50 of the General Traffic Regulations to establish new speed limits in urban areas. The royal...

Judge insists on removal of 150 minors from Tamanaco apartments in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

A judge has denied any further continuation to migrant minors being allowed to be temporarily accommodated in the Tamanaco Apartment Complex in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaira ordering the removal of migrant minors within the next few days and weeks. The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria court of contention number 2 has reportedly rejected an attempt to suspend the timely eviction of the unaccompanied migrant minors who have been accommodated at the Tamanaco tourist apartment complex in recent months....

Norwegian will close bases on Gran Canaria and Tenerife

Norwegian airlines has announced a cost reduction plan to close bases on Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife, as well as the cancellation of the Tenerife South-Rome route along with capacity reductions on some other routes. The decision does not affect any of the other five bases operated by Norwegian in Spain: Alicante, Barcelona (with two bases: short and long haul), Malaga or Madrid, nor its corporate headquarters in Barcelona.   -  Of the 122...

Playa de Mogán recreational park inaugurated on site that spent 25 years vacant

Residents and visitors of the sunny beach resort of Playa de Mogán now have a new recreational park, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, May 4th. The plot has stood vacant for decades and was once destined to host an Aquarium for which construction began in 1996 but was never finished.  It has taken 25 years to remedy the unused area with the total investment of €1,065,770.65 of which half a million euros came from the Secretary of State for Tourism and €350,909.44 from Gran Canaria Tourist...

Disturbing paradise: A small group of foreign residents feel themselves “besieged” by youths living in a Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria hotel

Another normal day in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, but disturbances, on one street at least, have become more frequent in recent times. Some will claim there are "daily riots", this is inaccurate.  There are incidents, however.  Mostly noise related, occasionally more serious.  And although almost every problem is pretty well contained within the one building involved, local residents are losing sleep. Some feel threatened when leaving their homes, for fear of the strangers across the road....

UK nationals Pop-Up Residency events this week with Age In Spain, on Gran Canaria North and South

Age in Spain's Regional Co-ordinator for the Canary Islands, Deepika Harjani, will be holding some pop-up events on 5 and 6 May to help British people on Gran Canaria who may have residency questions or concerns. -  Given the amount of confusing, conflicting and even just plainly inaccurate information that is circulating about residency (quite a lot of it from the UK press) this will be a chance for anyone who needs it to get free information and guidance from...

UK hope to allow travel to Canary Islands as first Spanish destination so far expected on the “Green List”

The British Government on Tuesday let it be known they are removing the Canary Islands from their list of destinations to which they advise against non-essential travel, due to the low incidence of the coronavirus. -  An update to the travel restrictions for Spain, that appear on the British Government's main website, said "The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Spain, including the Balearic Islands but excluding the Canary Islands, based on the...

Fore! Huge success for the European Tour at the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open helped with a header from our man Gilliam…

Golf's prestigious European Tour returned to the Canary Islands this April, for the first time in nearly 20 years with The Gran Canaria Lopesan Open, staged on the south coast, at the visually outstanding Meloneras Golf. The European Tour has form in the Archipelago, having visited Campo de Golf de Maspalomas in both 1995 and 1997, as well as El Cortijo Club de Campo in 2002, but this was the first time the international event has been held at Lopesan's flagship course, on an island that is...

Mogán Mayor Bueno opens a Motorhome Trailer Park for Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

On Friday the mayor of Mogán, O Bueno, opened her latest gift to the residents of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria with a new trailer park space for overnighting of motorhomes and campers. Beaming, together with members of her current governing group, she welcomed the first motorhomes to arrive, ready to enjoy May day weekend. -  The space, located beside the park, in the old Motor Grande neighbourhood, makes use of a large parking area which will now be for the...

Canary Islands Unemployment rate is the highest in Europe, if you include those on ERTE

The Canary Islands are once again officially the region with the highest unemployment in Europe, reports Spanish language daily La Provincia this Monday. However to reach that conclusion they have added the official statistics regarding registered unemployed to the number not currently working because they are on the Spanish furlough system, known as a Temporary Employment Regulation File (ERTE), workers who, although they do not officially count within the national stats, are, say the...

GRAN CANARIA ALERT LEVEL 2 – BASIC DOs & DON’Ts

Here are the list of basic rules for Gran Canaria as we move down to Alert Level 2 (Amber).  Bars and restaurants can open again for indoor service. Camping sites, recreational parks and children’s play areas can reopen. Inter island travel restrictions are also lifted completely and no tests are needed for other level 1 and 2 islands.  A new modification to the regulations also allows tourism at Alert Level 3, but you need a negative Covid-19 test, just like the rules were during...

Relief on Gran Canaria as we move to (Amber) Alert Level 2, with cautious hopes for the summer.

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health has agreed this Thursday, April 29, following their weekly analysis of epidemiological indicators, carried out by the Governing Council, to decrease restrictions on the island of Gran Canaria, to Alert Level 2 and bring Fuerteventura down to Alert Level 1 (the lowest risk level during the pandemic). The islands of El Hierro, Lanzarote and La Graciosa all remain on level 2, and La Palma and La Gomera, at level 1. The Governing Council also announced that...

British government announce lower test prices, while Ambassador discusses UK holiday travel to the Spanish islands this May “if the incidence of COVID-19 is low”

The ambassador of the United Kingdom in Spain, Hugh Elliott, visited the Spanish islands, and reported this Thursday from Palma de Mallorca, to confirm that the British Government are closely studying the data that will hopefully allow travel to the Balearic and Canary Islands from May, so long as the incidence of the coronavirus remains low, regardless of the epidemiological situation in the rest of Spain. -  For the latest Canary Islands...

Gran Canaria starts to breathe a little easier as accumulated infection rates drop once more

For Gran Canaria all eyes will be on the weekly Governing Council meeting on Thursday morning, focused towards the prize of a hoped return to medium risk, and Alert Level 2 restrictions.  We will find out tomorrow afternoon if changes are to be announced in the next BOC, regional state gazette. For the latest Canary Islands data on Covid-19, updated daily, check our mobile device dashboard, or for a more feature rich experience try our dashboard for desktop and tablet devices...

Guardia Civil from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria identify and charge suspects in two separate thefts over the easter holidays

The Guardia Civil in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán, have been investigating two crimes of theft resulting in four arrests announced this week.  The first three detainees were caught red-handed having allegedly stolen booze from a supermarket and the fourth was charged with stealing the wheels from a parked vehicle, all of which happened in Puerto de Mogán over the easter holidays. -  €359 worth of booze A shop worker first reported a group of three people,...

“An unprecedented emergency” Spain’s Ombudsman demands that the Interior Ministry not prevent the departure of migrants from the Canary Islands

The Ombudsman, Francisco Fernández Marugán, tasked, as the Public Defender, to investigate Spain's response to The Canary Migrant crisis, has directly demanded that the Ministry of the Interior cease “police practices” that prevent migrants from leaving the Canary Islands to go to mainland Spain.  He clarified that these measures are not justifiable, even through arguments for immigration control, nor does stopping onward travel avoid the so-called “pull effect”, as the central government have...

Mogán Local Police detain an alleged drug dealer in the otherwise quiet and deserted streets of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

The Mogán Policía Local report that they have detained an alleged drug dealer in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria after stopping a vehicle for breaking curfew on Alert Level 3 to discover that he was carrying hashish, marijuana and cocaine, in addition to €237,15 in cash. -  Just after 3:00 a.m. on April 20, two local police noticed a car driving around, after the curfew limits established by the Government of the Canary Islands, as a measure against COVID-19, on...

Mogán town hall plan to pedestrianise lower Arguineguín’s beachfront streets around Calle Miguel Marrero Rodríguez

More disruption is planned for the streets of Arguineguín on the south coast of Gran Canaria. Not only is a major contraflow system already in place throughout the town, which has been heavily criticised for blocking access to many of the local businesses, but now it has emerged that there is a plan to pedestrianise large swathes of Lower Arguineguín, replacing the beach front thoroughfare along with a huge number of shorefront parking spaces. Now residents are asking who is it that benefits...

Canary Islands Tourism Minister, Yaiza Castilla, says we will need to halve our infection rates to get on the British Travel Green List

Canary Islands Tourism Minister, Yaiza Castilla, yesterday made clear that so far as she can see, in the first instance, "we will not be on the list," when it comes to the British Travel Green List, due to be announced by UK authorities as part of their plan to reopen holiday travel. She pointed out that a reduction in the Accumulated Incidence rates of coronavirus is a first level objective for the Archipelago.  She thinks we have some way to go before we will be deemed as low risk by the...

A quarter of UK travellers already booked plan to soak up some summer sun in Spain, according to analysis of UK bookings since February

A recent survey claims that more than 52% of the UK bookings volume for pre-pandemic summer holidays has already been achieved, with more than 25% of those bookings headed for summer sun in Spain.  Given the uncertainty around mainland Spain at the moment, it is thought the vast majority of these tickets to fly this summer are for the islands, including in particular Europe's only sub-tropical destination, The Canary Islands.  The survey also points to a more than 60% recovery on 2019 tourism...

Green light for Gran Canaria expected on the UK holiday safe list along with the rest of The Canary Islands

A Green light for Gran Canaria is expected this summer after the British Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said that the travel traffic light system the UK Government will launch from May 17, to classify countries based on their current Covid and vaccination indices, will take into account the data on the islands separately from the nation of which they are part. He said he trusts that the high vaccination figures, and overall low numbers of infections, for those islands preferred by the...

Gran Canaria and Tenerife continue with Level 3 Alert with a change to the curfew

The Canary Islands Government have announced that Gran Canaria is to continue on Level 3 Alert following the Governing Council session on Thursday, reviewing prevention measures during the continuing health crisis caused by COVID-19, though they have confirmed some slight changes to some restrictions. The BOC (Official Bulletin for Canary Islands) has been published so these modifications enter into force from today, April 23 and will be in affect until at least April 29. Gran Canaria and...

Policia nacional’s “Operation Arión” broke up a trafficking ring that may have organised transit for thousands of migrants, using false documentation, and with access to thousands of passports

“Operation Arión” was the name given to a coordinated series of raids, as part of a covert operation, across the south of Gran Canaria, and on mainland Spain that has managed to smash an organised criminal gang, suspected of having arranged transport for thousands of incoming migrants from the Canary Islands to the peninsula. More than 300 migrants, who had arrived in the archipelago aboard open boats, known as pateras and cayucos, had their travel arranged from the same travel agency in...

Gran Canaria infection rates decreasing, leading to hopes of being able to relax restrictions within the coming week or two

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health on Tuesday registered 148 new cases of coronavirus COVID-19. The total accumulated cases in the Canary Islands now stands at 50,972 with 4,194 active, of which 84 are in the ICU and 324 remain hospitalised. Infection rates appear to be dropping on Gran Canaria, though Tenerife is still struggling. -  For the latest Canary Islands data on Covid-19, updated daily, check our mobile device dashboard, or for a more feature rich...

Coastal authority investigating claims of unauthorised work on the Faro de Maspalomas breakwater

The Costas, Spanish Coastal Authority, are investigating whether the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Hall's Beaches Department have been carrying out unauthorised work by moving large rocks around the Faro de Maspalomas Lighthouse, in an alleged effort to expand the breakwater running parallel to the walkway, along which Gran Canaria's most iconic beach is accessed from the lighthouse. A video, recorded by local residents shows a digger operator moving large stones and stacking them in front of...

Tenerife man detained with 3D printed guns has “a worrying profile and is obsessed with weapons”

The man found making weapons using 3D printers, as well as homemade improvised explosives devices (IEDs) who was arrested in Santa Cruz de Tenerife last September, after a secret investigation that lasted more than year, has been identified with the initials JM. According to police sources, he presented "a worrying profile", as someone who mixes an obsession with weaponry and a manifest interest in terrorist activities, urban guerrilla-craft and a far-right ideology. He is known to have used...

Gran Canaria Cabildo to plant 8000 trees across several zones, recovering forest, and creating green fire-resistant areas

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria are allocating more than €400,000 to plant 8,000 laurel trees, and thermophilic forest containing species resistant to fire, at the eight of the largest island farmlands on the north of Gran Canaria. -  Each year, 2000 specimens are to be planted at these Farms; Osorio located in Teror, La Cazuela in Firgas, El Brezal in Santa Maria de Guía, Los Chorros, Los Tilos and Peñón in the municipality of Moya, and San José del Álamo and...

Airline News: New routes are starting to be announced for Summer 2021, flying to Gran Canaria and the Islands, across Spain and the EU

As the long awaited first steps towards rebuilding tourism and international travel are looking ever more likely, so recent airline news announcing new routes to Gran Canaria, to the islands and throughout Spain and Europe, has included many offering very flexible terms to try to encourage confidence in bookings.  With luck a cautious start to the summer could well lead to a bumper winter season for this destination. -  SmartLynx Airlines has announced that it...

DGC, the Digital Green Certificate, should be up and running by end of June, to facilitate mobility and guarantee public health protection

The Digital Green Certificate (DGC) will facilitate mobility at a European Union (EU) level, guarantee the protection of public health and gradually allow the return of safe economic activity, said Alfredo González, Spain's National Health Secretary-General for Digital Health, Information and Innovation, at a Moncloa press briefing explaining that the Government of Spain and the regional governments have started to work on introducing the Digital Green Certificate, this summer, to comply with...

Secret Investigation: The Most Serious Threat To Security – Spain’s first 3D printed weapons workshop, dismantled on Tenerife, man arrested with explosives and white supremacist iconography

The greatest, most serious threat to security on The Canary Islands today, in Spain and in Europe, does not come from outside. It comes from within.  Spanish Police have finally removed the secrecy order from an ongoing covert investigation, that resulted in a significant and shocking find, on our neighbouring island of Tenerife. A fully functioning arms factory; creating dangerous unlicensed weaponry, discovered last September, in a workshop run by a man who bought materials over the internet...

Las Palmas judgement concludes that migrants can legally travel from the Canary Islands to the Peninsula, with just their passport and an asylum request

A passport and an asylum application are sufficient documents for any migrant to legally travel from the Canary Islands to mainland Spain. This fact, under the law, was formally recognised by a judge at the Contentious-Administrative Court number 5, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this week. The magistrate, Ángel Teba, concluding the hearing, ordered the Jefatura Superior de Policía (Canary Islands' Policia Nacional Headquarters) to allow a migrant, who was trying to travel from Gran Canaria to...

Canary Islands approach their half millionth vaccine dose administered as Gran Canaria and Tenerife remain on Alert Level 3, and Fuerteventura’s improvement means they drop down to level 2

The Canary Islands Governing Council, who met on Thursday, as the region approaches their half-millionth vaccine dose administered, agreed to maintain current alert levels for COVID-19 on all islands, except Fuerteventura, which, given their epidemiological indicators continuing to improve, drops from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2. So, until April 22 at least, Tenerife and Gran Canaria continue at level 3 (red traffic light), Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa at level 2 (orange traffic...

Mogán to control Tauro Beach, but it is not likely to open any time soon, despite Anfi being summoned to sign the public declaration cancelling their concession

The current Mogán mayor, Bueno, and the timeshare operator, Anfi, are in a bit of a pickle, and are no longer, it appears, feeling bullish about the battle to control Tauro Beach. This mayor, who so very publicly stood in the spotlight to support Anfi's project, dumping 70,000 tons of sand, illegally extracted from the disputed and occupied territory of Western Sahara, onto the Mogán coastline, using the now partially bankrupt Santana Cazorla Brothers to move it, as one of the first major...

A covid test certificate is required for all travellers coming to the Canary Islands, including from the rest of Spain where these are free for residents

A valid negative diagnostic test certificate for SARS-COV-2 is required for all passengers coming to The Canary Islands, including from the rest of Spain need, done 72 hours before arrival. The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands decided last week to extend, by means of an Executive Order by regional health minister Blas Trujillo, screening measures to help contain the transmission of SARS-COV-2,by ensuring that every passenger entering the Canary Islands from the rest...

Vice President of Cabildo de Gran Canaria agrees to directly assist in funding The Food Project in Arguineguín

The vice president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Miguel Ángel Pérez del Pino, met on Tuesday with Artemi Artiles, spokesman for the PSOE of Mogán and Jenni Hymoff, president of the Neighbours Association of Las Lomas del Barranco de Arguineguín, who among their projects are perhaps best known for organising The Food Project, in Arguineguín. At the meeting they analysed the difficult situation that many families throughout the municipality are going through and agreed on ways of collaborating...

We’re all made of stardust, but only some of us know how to shine. How Andy Reed shone

Calm waters, and a toast to Arguineguín’s happiest, most exuberant guy: The life and soul of Andy Reed. At the beginning of April 2021 the small, close-knit, coastal community of Arguineguín, on the south of Gran Canaria, lost a gentle soul. Known to many as a “people person”, Andy Reed always thought himself a bit of a comedian. Everyone thought he was funny, he thought he was funnier. He was a funny guy.   -  A paradox, Andy was born, a child of war, on...

Mogán Town Council again announces restrictions to the water supply, unfit for human consumption, this time in the Soria neighbourhood

Sources and cover image courtesy of our partners over at El Sur Digital GC:Mogán Town Council have once again, through social networks, announced restrictions on the supply of water, this time in the Soria neighbourhood, warning that the water supply cannot be used for drinking, cooking or preparing food. -  This is not the first, nor is it the only neighbourhood that is now suffering from these water supply restrictions, apparently, as has been confirmed in...

Ash from the volcano erupting in the Caribbean could arrive over Spain from Wednesday with the expected storm

A storm, expected to arrive over mainland Spain on Wednesday, is thought to be carrying some part of the emissions, including ash from the volcano, La Soufrière, erupting on the Caribbean island of St Vincent, according to a prediction by Meteored. AEMET, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency, has clarified today that the storm is not expected to have any great effects on the Canary Islands, as it will arrive already "broken" and at most will bring some rain to the westernmost islands, and...

Nearly 50 arrests as part of Gran Canaria Policia Nacional investigation against people trafficking to The Canary Islands

The police raids across the South of Gran Canaria, on Friday, as part of a cross border investigation into the illegal organising of irregular migration, in the municipality of Mogán, have resulted in nearly 50 arrests, with a confirmed total of 27 arrested on Gran Canaria, 17 of whom have been directly jailed on charges. Policia Nacional Agents have made between 15 and 20 more arrests in mainland Spain related to these events, investigating alleged crimes including the illegal trafficking of...

Binter adds new direct weekly air routes, connecting Canary Islands with French, Italian and Spanish cities, among 26 other destinations beyond the archipelago

The Canary Islands airline, Binter have announced that from July it will open new international routes operating direct links with five destinations in Italy and France. The homegrown airline, which started with inter-island flights, expands their connections with regular flights to the European airports of Toulouse, Marseille and Lille, in France, and Turin and Venice, in Italy. -  Binter will maintain the routes to mainland Spain they currently operate and,...

Volcanic Plume of Sulphur Dioxide Stretches Across The Atlantic From The Caribbean to The Canary Islands

On 8 April, 2021, after months of build up, and following a sustained increase in volcanic and seismic activity over preceding days, a "red alert" was declared on the Caribbean island of St Vincent in the Lesser Antilles, and an evacuation order issued as an explosive phase in the eruption of La Soufrière volcano was deemed imminent, the resulting activity has produced a cloud of Sulphur Dioxide stretching all the way to The Canary Islands. -  Concerns have...

Canary Islands Covid numbers remain relatively low, but a sudden increase in hospitalisations this week have brought concerns of a more virulent fourth wave

The Canary Islands Government Ministry of Health recorded 202 new cases of coronavirus COVID-19 on Saturday. The total number of cases accumulated in the Canary Islands has now reached 48,943, with just 4,567 patients still being actively monitored.  78 are currently admitted to the ICU, and 316 others remain hospitalised. There has been one new death, a 66-year-old woman in Tenerife, who had been admitted to the hospital and was also suffering from previous pathologies. For the latest Canary...

Secret police operation makes 30 arrests since coordinated raids across south of Gran Canaria on Friday

Reporting: Timon .:. Cover Image: Bård Ove MyhrSpanish National Police have so far detained a total of around thirty people as part of a secret police operation, what is being termed as a macro-operation, against people trafficking and irregular migration, linked to the arrivals of open boats travelling from the West African coast to the Canary Islands, according to sources close to the investigation. A large deployment of heavily armed police wearing balaclavas and bullet proof vests, and...

Here are the current guidelines of Alert Level 3 on Gran Canaria, Tenerife & Fuerteventura that came into effect at 00:01 on Saturday April 10

The health alert Level 3 on Gran Canaria, and restrictions on the Canary Islands, remain generally unchanged, it was announced on Thursday, after the finalisation of the extraordinary enhanced measures adopted over the easter holidays, with the exception that normal mobility between islands is to be restored, depending on the alert level in force on each island, and therefore it is no longer, in general, restricted, across the entire archipelago, to travel only for work, appointments for...

Exclusive: Spanish police raids in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and Arguineguín, with Europol, result in at least 15 people detained suspected of people trafficking

There were at least 15 people detained in a combined operation between Spanish police and the EU Agency for Law Enforcement on Friday, when agents with balaclavas, bullet-proof vests and automatic weapons were deployed onto the streets of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria and Arguineguín, in a coordinated series of raids as part of an ongoing investigation into a people trafficking gang, who were working out of several premises in the southern coastal towns, to arrange for irregular migrants and...

Western Sahara drone strike allegedly kills head of the Sahrawi National Guard in disputed territory conflict with Morocco

The head of the Sahrawi National Guard, Adah el Bendir, was killed on Thursday afternoon in an alleged Western Sahara drone strike, carried out by Moroccan forces, at a point along the wall built by Rabat, in the disputed and occupied Spanish ex-colony territory, according to an official Sahrawi source reported by EFE. -  According to the source, El Bendir "fell as a martyr, and with honour, while fighting the occupying forces in the liberated area of ​​Rouss...

No changes necessary to COVID-19 containment measures or alert levels, at least until next Thursday

Canary Islands Governing Council spokesperson, Julio Pérez, reports no changes necessary and nor will it be necessary to take any new containment measures, at least until next Thursday, when the council will again meet to look at the most current data regarding COVID-19 infection rates and steps needed to ensure the general health of the population. Following the Governing Councils regular weekly meeting they are of the opinion that with the current data,...

The British Variant now represents more than 80% of all new Covid infections in The Canary Islands, and between 50% and 99% throughout Spain

The British variant of SARS-Cov-2 , B.1.1.7, is now the dominant strain on The Canary Islands. In December it already accounted for 10.7% of all cases detected on the island of Tenerife, it has now gone on to account for between 80% and 90% of all diagnoses in the Archipelago. This was confirmed by the genetic sequencing data supplied to The Public Health Department from the Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria University Hospital and the Technological and Renewable Energy Institute (ITER) where...

Coastal Authority file complaint for Tauro Beach environmental pollution from desalination outlet pipe buried under the sand, Anfi Group claim ignorance, the fences will stay up for now

Five years after the Tauro bay was closed officially to the public, due to a hastily green-lighted project to import sand from Western Sahara, as part of an Anfi Group tourism development, followed by a legal dispute with the company and the constructors of the artificial beach, Santana Cazorla; the Demarcation of Coasts of Las Palmas (coastal authority) say they have found a buried pipeline, under Tauro beach, that is pouring brine environmental pollution into the sand. This extremely...

The Guardia Civil catches the ‘surfer’ driver of Gran Canaria, who has received a denuncia

The Guardia Civil's Investigation and Traffic Analysis Group from Las Palmas successfully identified the 'surfer' driver of a vehicle who was caught on camera with either end of a surfboard sticking out both rear passenger windows of the small car he was driving down the main GC-1 highway, on the island of Gran Canaria last week, and have administratively denounced his failure to understand that his actions were illegal, based on the General Traffic Regulations. [fb_plugin...

Canary Islands working with Spain to better share responsibility for migrant minors, and employment rights for government workers, taking control of coastal management and planning

Ángel Víctor Torres, the President of the Canary Islands, met in Madrid this Tuesday with Spain's Minister of Territorial Policy and Public Function, Miquel Iceta, to conclude the process of transferring strategic competences, including coastal management, financial protection and promotion of market competition, from central State control to the Regional Executive. They also discussed the urgent need to amend the laws regarding migrant minors and employment rights for government...

The Canary Islands Flight Development Fund will need to address lost connectivity across 80 air routes, accounting for 64% of the routes pre-pandemic

During talks over Spain's Flight Development Fund, Canary Islands Regional Government Minister of Tourism, Yaiza Castilla, this week asked Spanish Central Government Tourism minister, Reyes Maroto, to provide a specific plan for the islands aimed at allowing the archipelago to recover all the lost the air connectivity that has resulted from the covid-19 pandemic. Castilla made the request during the Tourism Sector Conference held last week. Although the...

Shifting Sandcastles in the Sky: Spanish Supreme Court upholds the cancellation of the Tauro Beach coastal territorial plan on Gran Canaria

A little-known beach on the south west of Gran Canaria has been making big waves, again, following more than 30 years of talk, 20 years of hype, 16 years of planning procedures and 6 years of controversy in the hands of the recently bankrupted Grupo Santana Cazorla. It appears the long awaited Tauro Beach project has finally been cancelled, after years of intrigue, investigations, recriminations and shifting sands. Well, cancelled for now, at least.Reporting: Edward Timon .:.  -  Main...

Surfer fails to recognise surf board error in tiny car on Gran Canaria motorway

The long easter weekend always brings large numbers of young Canarians and families heading south from across the island to enjoy the beaches and a little staycation time. This year has really been no different in that respect, along with occasionally silly drivers who, in their excitement, do not always appreciate that the normal rules of the road still apply, such as this surf board error caught on camera. The Guardia Civil Traffico have been trying to...

Tragic death of well known local Norwegian resident, in Arguineguín, suspected to be by misadventure, autopsy ordered as part of investigation

The tragic death of a Norwegian national, well known in the local foreign-resident community on the south of the island, occurred Thursday afternoon following a fall from the roof of his apartment block in Arguineguín, having allegedly been locked out during the night with his keys inside. Paramedics at the scene could do nothing to revive him due to the severity of the injuries.  Death by misadventure is most likely say witnesses and investigators. The main...

Detained without bail: Three Ukrainian crew members from the hashish smuggling Panamanian-flagged fishing vessel intercepted last weekend

The Central Court of Instruction number 6 has agreed to the three Ukrainian nationals being detained without bail, all crew members from the Panamanian-flagged fishing vessel intercepted last weekend in the Atlantic, more than 300km south of the Canary Islands, which was found to be carrying a total of 18,985 kg of hashish, while they await trial.  Legal sources have reported that the National Court judge decided to send the three detainees to prison without...

Fourteen men arrested by National Police including the skippers of seven boats that recently arrived on the coasts of Gran Canaria and Lanzarote

Spanish National Police have arrested a total of fourteen men on Gran Canaria and Lanzarote as alleged perpetrators of crimes connected to illegal immigration, three of them were charged also for belonging to a criminal organisation and another four for reckless homicide. All of them were identified by migrants as the people who supplied and navigated the boats, which recently arrived on the coasts of Arguineguín, in Mogán (Gran Canaria), Órzola and Arrecife...

Four women detained for working as a gang to steal alcohol worth €1200 from supermarkets on Gran Canaria

Policia Nacional report that four women detained on Gran Canaria, between the ages of 30 and 43, all with numerous previous police records, are alleged to have committed crimes of theft and illicit association. Acting as a team, members of the group kept watch and disabled alarm systems, to steal alcohol from supermarkets, by hiding bottles in their bags, and leaving the establishments without paying for drinks. Between February 19 and 23, various items amounting to €1,200 euros were allegedly...

It’s official! No change to mask rules, you don’t have to wear them in the pool or while sunning yourself, as long as you maintain distance

The Canary Islands Government spokesperson, Julio Pérez, has confirmed that the Regional Community's understanding of the national law published on Tuesday, in Spains Official State Gazette, known as the BOE, does allow each community to continue to regulate the use of masks according to their own specific circumstances. "The change in the wording of the law obliges the use of the mask, but attends to exceptions by communities, and the Canary Islands have specific guidelines," ​​said Pérez. ...

Masks required when moving around, says Canary Islands President and urges “common sense” on beaches

The president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, has asked that "common sense" solutions be found, while always protecting public health, to the mandatory use of masks included in Tuesday's Official State Gazette (BOE), reported to include beaches and swimming pools, regardless of any interpersonal distance that may exist. The BOE itself however does not appear to specifically mention either beaches or swimming pools. ?  This was made clear to the...

What you need to know: Spain’s newly finalised Law of The New Normality is causing confusion about having to wear a mask even when sunbathing

For many, particularly in The Canary Islands, it was a bit of a bombshell to learn that Spain's finalised Law of The New Normality, announced on Tuesday, will mean having to wear a mask everywhere, even when lying sunbathing on the beach or at the pool. The legislation comes into force throughout Spain this Wednesday, just ahead of the main four-day easter weekend. The latest Official State Gazette (BOE) tightens mandatory regulations for the use of face masks and makes very clear: it must...

Migratory flows headed for the Canary Islands continue to worry the Regional Government who fear “a constant humanitarian crisis”

Migratory flows, headed for the Canary Islands, continue to worry the Canary Islands Government, in particular the increases in two vulnerable groups: minors, whether accompanied or not, and women, particularly pregnant women. In fact, data from the last two weeks reinforce this upward trend with 75 [supposed] minors (pending medical confirmation) and 94 women having arrived on the islands in recent days and weeks. The changing profile of migrant arrivals, with respect to the 2006 crisis, a...

Operation ‘Avio’ Spanish Tax Agency “Aduanas” intercept fishing boat carrying 18,000 kilos of hashish south of the Canary Islands

March 29, 2021 .- More details have emerged from Operation 'Avio', the second major drugs haul to have been carried out in recent days in waters near to Gran Canaria and The Canary Islands archipelago. Three crew members were detained on a fishing vessel, flying the Panamanian flag, following a four month long investigation by Customs Surveillance agents who suspected the vessel was being used to transport drugs The interception was carried out by a patrol...

Two separate maritime interventions results in several bales of hashish, potentially up to 10 tonnes, being seized and taken to Gran Canaria

Customs and Guardia Civil over this last week have intercepted up to ten tons of hashish on in two separate operations to inspect and seize a ship that was sailing more than one hundred nautical miles south of Gran Canaria and an inflatable zodiac that was preparing to deliver a cargo of the drug to the islands. The first intervention occurred last Thursday morning when an aircraft tracking the coast, in search of a suspected migrant boat, located another...

Shipping companies start sending ships to the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Port of La Luz to circumvent the blocked Suez Canal

Shipping companies have started sending ships via the main Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Port of La Luz to avoid the blockade in the Suez Canal. The president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Luis Ibarra, confirmed on Saturday that the capital will be one of the beneficiaries in the commercial crisis caused by the Ever Given accident, caused when the large container ship ran aground last Thursday in the famous Egyptian canal. Freight companies have signalled that they now intend to avoid the...

Extra restrictions on Gran Canaria over easter, including travel, gatherings, entertainment and the beach

This Friday morning began the first day of additional restrictions over easter being in force, until April 9, aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus as much as possible, at a time when general mobility traditionally increases Gran Canaria over easter, as well as the rest of the canary islands. The measures already established for each island have been tightened, depending on the current alert level in play, and so this may well have generated some confusion as the various measures in...

50 more feared perished at sea as Maritime Rescue search the ocean in response to warnings and a distress call from a sinking rubber boat

The Salvamento Maritime Rescue search plane that has been tracking the 100km-wide strip of ocean between Fuerteventura and Tarfaya (Morocco) this morning has not yet managed to find any sign of a rubber inflatable boat after the distressed occupants put out a call for help after finding themselves in serious trouble. A another alert has also been received following the departure of a second boat, this time from Dakhla.   50 migrants were reportedly aboard...

Epidemiological indicators suggest Intensive Care Units (ICU) capacity on the Canary Islands at high risk, health experts have warned

Capacity within Intensive Care Units (ICU) on the Canary Islands is at high risk, health experts have warned. The Ministry of Health delivered its latest epidemiological report on Wednesday March 24 (with data consolidated up to the 23rd), in which all the epidemiological indicators are shown in orange, that is, medium risk, with red flags starting to appear.For the latest official data on COVID-19 in The Canary Islands, updated daily, visit our Mobile Dashboard, of for a more...

Gran Canaria Weather: Time to hit the beach at more than 28ºC in the shade, Calima bringing Saharan Dust and 70kmph+ winds, light rain possible into next week

The Canary Islands General Directorate of Security and Emergencies declared a state of pre-alert yesterday in anticipation of Calima affecting Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Gomera. A yellow advisory was already in place for winds expected to gust to more than 70kmph for Thursday.   After a warm night of occasional howling winds, Gran Canaria awoke on Thursday morning to temperatures exceeding 28ºC in the shade, higher in direct...

CEISA group’s iconic Gran Canaria cement factory at El Pajar request renewal of private port concession from Puertos Canarios

Cementos Especiales de las Islas SA (CEISA) has requested new authorisation from Puertos Canarios to renew their private port concession to continue using the Santa Águeda Pier, the only privately-owned industrial port on the islands, after the current concession ends. The request was made and processed this Tuesday morning, as the port's concession term, granted in 1972, expires in October of next year, reports the company in a statement. "The port...

Calima brings slight increase to temperatures, with wind advisory for 70kmph gusts on Thursday and the possibility of some rain before the end of the weekend

Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) have announced that this Thursday will activate a yellow advisory warning, for strong winds, reaching up to 70kmph gusts and perhaps even higher, on the north, east, south and west of Gran Canaria. Tuesday started, in the north and northeast, with cloudy intervals during the morning that gave way to clear skies. Clear skies throughout the day elsewhere have been tempered with a slight Calima, increasing during the...

British will fine up to £5000 for trying to leave the UK without a valid reason, no foreign holidays likely before July

United Kingdom Residents who travel without a valid reason will face fines of up to £5,000 (€5,789) from next week, according to new legislation prepared by the British Government that will be voted on this Thursday in Parliament. British Health Minister, Matt Hancock, indicated that there was a possibility of a new wave of infections that could arrive from Europe. The new law, which will tighten restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19, imposes large...

Meanwhile on Tenerife: Feisty British immigrant couple wrestled to the ground by Policia Local after illegally parking in disability space

Two brits living on Tenerife have been involved in a brutal street fight with Policia Local agents on the south of Tenerife. A British citizen, of about 50 years old, remained detained on Monday evening in the cells of the Adeje Local Police, after being denounced (accused) of having allegedly attacked an agent, on Monday morning, as he proceeded to issue a fine to a British immigrant couple for having illegally parked their vehicle in space reserved for people with disabilities, beside the...

GüïGüí Mushroom Party: Guardia Civil and Policia Canaria launch joint operation to catch beach partiers high on hallucinogenic fungi, and without masks

A bunch of young people celebrating at a GüïGüí Mushroom Party, on hard to access beach, while high on hallucinogenic mycelia, and without masks, were denounced, by Guardia Civil and Policia Canaria agents, on Sunday morning, after having been discovered at a GüïGüí Mushroom Party for The Moon, held on perhaps Gran Canaria's remotest beach, on the wild west coast. Known as GuiGui (GüïGüí or Guguy dependant on who you ask), a specially deployed joint patrol, involving more than 20 agents,...

Balcony fall on Gran Canaria, 58-year old man in Patalavaca taken to hospital with head injuries

A 58-year-old man was injured on Monday afternoon following a balcony fall from a Gran Canaria tourist accommodation on El Escorial street, Patalavaca, near the the sunny southwest coast of the currently tranquil holiday island. According to the main 1-1-2 CECOES emergency co-ordination centre, when first responders arrived, the victim presented severe head trauma, for which he was transferred via SUC advanced life support ambulance to the Gran Canaria Insular University Hospital, in Las...

GRAN CANARIA ALERT LEVEL 3, AGAIN – Here are the Level 3 BASIC DOS AND DON’TS

Gran Canaria find themselves back at Level 3 restrictions this week. The region has done extraordinarily well in coping with and controlling COVID-19 infections over the last year, and though there have been times of real concern, nevertheless, numbers have been kept relatively low in comparison to most places. However after a small, but recent, surge, Gran Canaria returns to Covid-19 Alert Level 3 restrictions again, which came back into force on Monday, March the 22nd, along with Tenerife...

Slightly warmer winter than expected across the Canary Islands, but with some record lows and highs, say AEMET

AEMET, Spain's State Meteorological Agency, on Thursday held a press conference to report on their findings over the winter, in regards to climate balance, and the forecast for spring 2021 on the Canary Islands. A slightly warmer winter, according to the meteorologists, that has been pretty "normal", with average temperatures over the Canary Islands archipelago of 15.3ºC, that is 0.2ºC above the historical average for this season. Data provided by AEMET's territorial delegate in the Canary...

Strictly No Dancing: Canary Islands events & shows restricted over easter with extra limits on hospitality, bars and restaurants over easter

On Thursday The Canary Islands announced their special measures for Easter, including requirements for either PCR or Antigen test results before travelling to any of the island in the archipelago.  These will include no shows, no karaoke, no concerts or any background music that encourages people to get up or sing. Strictly no dancing. Curfews will be enhanced to discourage and limit freedom of movement at night, so as to control the potential for larger...

Specific restriction measures for easter on The Canary Islands to control COVID 19 infections

Specific restriction measures for easter time in the Canary Islands will come into force from 00:00 on Friday, March 26 until April 9, Regional Minister for Health, Blas Trujillo, announced this Thursday, following the weekly Government Council meeting. It will not be possible to travel between islands, regardless of the epidemiological alert levels for each one, unless you have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, in order to reinforce protections...

Maritime Rescue operations have increased this week, with all indicators pointing to greater numbers attempting the crossing by boat in 2021

As the springtime arrives and the weather becomes less hostile, so The Canary Islands, and the 100km+ stretch of ocean separating us from the African coast, are likely once again to become the focus of Maritime Rescue operations in an increasing trend toward irregular migration that is good for no-one, not The Canary Islands, not the currently absent tourists, not the residents, not the governments, not the police, not the EU, and least of all, the migrants themselves.  After last year's huge...

Europe hopes to restart tourism and travel with the new Digital Green Certificate to facilitate safe EU freedom of movement

On Wednesday the European Commission laid out their proposals for the new Digital Green Certificate to facilitate safe freedom of movement inside the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Digital Green Certificate will be used to prove whether or not a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, if they have received a negative test result or recovered from COVID-19. It will be available, free of charge, in both digital or paper formats. It will include a QR code to ensure security and...

Feral cat hunting is to be included in new Canary Islands Biodiversity Law, Spanish Senator complains

Spanish Senator Carles Mulet, a member of the Parliamentary Association in Defense of Animal Rights (APDDA), has denounced to the Central Government a draft of the new Canary Islands Biodiversity Law because he maintains that it includes cats as a species that can be legally hunted.  Feral cat hunting, by hunters with guns, during hunting season has historically been allowed if there is no way to identify the animal has an owner. Consequently many cats in the wild are shot, and many report...

Canary Islands Government trying to stop evictions from “skyrocketing” after State of Emergency ends

The Canary Islands Government Minister of Public Works, Transport and Housing, Sebastián Franquis, has said this Tuesday that his Executive is working on legal measures to help prevent "skyrocketing" evictions from "spiking" on the islands once the state of alarm is again officially de-escalated this coming May 9. In response to a question from Sí Podemos in the parliamentary committee, he commented that there is "concern" within the regional Government due...

“????? ?? ?? ?????́?” Agaete’s Cordial Spa Hotel Roca Negra pioneers live music events where dancing is allowed by performing to the balconies as the sun sets

An innovative event was held for the second time this weekend at a hotel on Gran Canaria's rugged north coast. The Cordial Roca Negra Hotel & Spa in Agaete held a large live weekend ????? ?? ?? ?????́? music concert, with multiple performing artists, which enabled concert goers to reserve a hotel room, from which to watch and dance on their balconies, to the delight of attendees. This tranquil spa hotel transformed into a concert theatre for a few hours to host the event. This pioneering...

Spectacular El Hierro rockslide caught on camera in The Canary Islands on Monday March 15 2021

A spectacular rockslide has been caught on camera in The Canary Islands, this time on the island of El Hierro, when rocks and debris fell from a high cliff in an area known as El Golfo, located in the municipality of Frontera. The exact site of the rockfall is known as the 'Fuga de Tibataje'. It is a very rugged, isolated and uninhabited area on the sweeping western north coast of this western-most island. Fortunately, at the time of the rockslide there were...

Spain announces €11 billion aid package to help self-employed freelancers and companies to overcome the economic crisis

Spain's Council of Ministers this Friday approved an €11 billion aid package to help self-employed freelancers and companies to overcome the economic crisis into which the global pandemic has plunged them.  €7 billion euros will be allocated to autonomous communities with €2 billion of that exclusively for the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, as they are the territories most affected due to their dependence on tourism. Canary Islands President, Ángel...

Two intoxicated tourists in multiple collisions along quiet residential street in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

On Saturday night, March 13, two young French tourists, intoxicated with alcohol, were treated by emergency services having caused multiple collisions along the otherwise quiet Calle de Gran Canaria street, on Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria's east side. The spectacular accident caused by drunk driving occurred when the tourists' vehicle collided with several parked cars. One of the occupants of the car in question banged his head against the windscreen, and had...

Bentago Express ferry repairs on schedule for resumption of service before the summer say Fred. Olsen

The repair work to the stricken Bentago Express ferry that ran aground at the beginning of the year at Gran Canaria's north west port of Agaete, is continuing at the Astilleros Canarios (Astican) facilities in the Puerto La Luz, Port of Las Palmas. Fred Olsen confirmed this Thursday that the ferry repairs are progressing as planned and that the ship will be able to sail through the Archipelago once again before the summer. The company's own freight forwarding operation, Shipping Solutions, has...

On March 10 the deadline period for requesting direct aid for Canary Islands small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and self-employed (Autonomos) started and will be open until April

The first day of the Canary Islands deadline period for requesting direct aid for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and self-employed (Autonomos) saw 1,147 claims processed through the four chambers of commerce throughout the autonomous community "and endless calls" aimed primarily at resolving questions and doubts. The extraordinary financial aid measure, launched by the Canary Islands Government, has an budget of €84 million, aimed at alleviating damages within the sectors most...

Deportation flight to Senegal from Canary Islands cancelled for the second time

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has for the second time canceled a deportation flight to Senegal, meant to return migrants who arrived by boat to the Canary Islands over recent months. The flight was due to be on Wednesday night, the first such flight since 2018,  confirm sources involved in their supervision. The flight, which originated in Madrid, was scheduled to arrive at Tenerife North at 8:35 p.m., to embark a group of Senegalese citizens, who are...

Ryanair ordered to reinstate and fully compensate workers unfairly dismissed from Canary Islands base

The National Court (Audiencia Nacional - AN) has issued an order declaring the dismissals of 174 workers from Ryanair bases in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands as inadmissible, due to an employment regulation file (ERE) that has already been declared illegal, forcing the Irish low cost airline to compensate these workers. The compensation, according to the USO union, more than doubles Ryanair's attempted proposal of liability.  It obliges Ryanair to...

Mogán electoral corruption investigation into serving mayor risks stalling, complain witnesses ready to testify

The current serving mayor of Gran Canaria's tourism hotspot of Mogán, Onalia Bueno (Ciuca, former PP), has been under judicial investigation for electoral corruption more than once.  The current and ongoing scrutiny she is being subjected to, along with her right hand man, the lawyer and deputy mayor, Mencey Navarro, is related to repeated accusations of election rigging, vote buying and a string of alleged irregularities with the manner in which contracts, tenders and urban development...

First group unaccompanied foreign minors transferred to Castilla y León

A group of ten unaccompanied foreign minors were transferred this Wednesday to Spain's autonomous community of Castilla y León where they will be placed under the care of region's child protection service. Five of them will head to the province of León and another five to Palencia. The Canary Islands Ministry of Social Rights said in a statement, this is the first group of the 25 youths who will be welcomed by Castilla y León, after an agreement reached, led...

Weekend expected to bring locally strong north winds, a drop in temperatures and rainfall on the Canary Islands as winter comes to a close

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) reports that from the afternoon of this Friday, March 5, the weather on Gran Canaria "will be similar to last weekend", with the presence of "high pressure in the Azores and lows to the south of the peninsula" which will bring locally strong north winds, a drop in temperatures and rainfall to the Canary Islands. AEMET predicts rain on Friday from the north with cloudy skies with from the second half of the day,...

US Naval 6th Fleet IKE Strike Group conduct maritime exercises with Morocco in Operation Lightning Handshake

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) is participating in Operation Lightning Handshake, a bi-lateral maritime exercise between the U.S. and the Royal Moroccan Navy (RMN) and Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) during the first week of March, which will take place between The Canary Islands coastal waters and Morocco's Port of Agadir.   "It’s an honour to participate in this historic bi-lateral maritime exercise; hallmarking 200 years of...

Four defendants jailed on remand without bail accused of an alleged sexual assault on the south of Gran Canaria

The judge at the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Court of Instruction No. 1 has ordered four defendants to be jailed on remand without bail, after they were arrested and appeared in court on the south of Gran Canaria, accused of an alleged sexual assault in a quiet neighbourhood park of Puerto Rico, Mogán, last Friday. The court heard their statements on Wednesday afternoon and they were ordered to take part in a line-up. Three of the detainees are accused of a...

Identification line-up ordered by judge investigating four men detained, under suspicion of an alleged group sexual assault last Friday

On the basis of a victim statement and her descriptions given on Sunday, four arrests were made this Sunday/Monday by the Guardia Civil. The four men detained, under suspicion of the alleged group sexual assault last Friday in Puerto Rico, Mogán, this Wednesday afternoon will form part of an identification line-up, whereby the complainant, thought to be a 36-year-old Nordic woman (initially reported as Irish) who, according to sources who know the family, lives on Gran Canaria, though some...

Bone age determination tests on hundreds of young migrants have shown that adults were being accommodated in juvenile facilities

Bone age determination tests are being carried out on hundreds of young migrants, and some results, as suspected, have shown that there were adults erroneously being accommodated in juvenile facilities. Upon arrival to the Canary Islands, unaccompanied minors, young people under 18 years of age, are protected under law by the Autonomous Community. The Regional Government has previously estimated that up to 600 of the migrants claiming to be children are in fact older and have chosen to enter...

500 migrants are still pending medical determination of whether they are adults or minors

Around 500 migrants, who arrived irregularly to the Canary Islands archipelago, from the African continent, are still pending medical determination of whether they are adults or minors, reports the Canary Islands Minister of Public Administrations, Justice and Security, Julio Pérez . This was stated in the parliamentary committee, in response to a question from Deputy Jana María González, who pointed out that there are significant delays in conducting tests to...

Two squatters from Tafira “Mansion” arrested having allegedly encouraged minors to commit theft in exchange for booze and drugs

Policia National in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have arrested two squatters, aged 18 and 35, both with previous police records, alleged to be the perpetrators of crimes of robbery with force and crimes against public health. They reportedly provided narcotic substances, alcoholic beverages and psychotropic drugs to various minors, in order to encourage them to carry out criminal activities. They are also believed to have committed several robberies with force and one of them physically...

Four suspects arrested after alleged group sexual assault of 36-year-old on Friday night

Four suspects arrested by the Guardia Civil, according to reports on Monday, are alleged to have committed a serious sexual assault on a 36-year-old woman, in a park in Puerto Rico, in the municipality of Mogán. The suspects are accused of a group attack that allegedly occurred last Friday when the victim, according to press reports of her statement, given on Sunday, had enquired about their situation when she was walking through a park area in the tourist town. [fb_plugin...

March 17 set for the launch of EU Digital Green Pass unifying freedom of movement requirements

EU Digital Green Pass is set to debut on March 17 2021 - Last week, MEPs were already advocating common criteria for "safe and clean" tourism travel within the EU. And, they say, these criteria should include a common vaccination certificate. On February 25, the Committee on Transport and Tourism adopted the draft resolution on the establishment of an EU strategy for sustainable tourism.  Today, March 1, the European Commission has set the day, to propose an initiative focused on travel and...

Spain urges European Commission toward European vaccination certificate to guarantee safe travel

Spain has urged the European Commission (EC) to accelerate the introduction of a European vaccination certificate, as a "useful and effective" tool to resume mobility in a safe way and guarantee safe travel. At the meeting of European Union Ministers of Tourism, the Spanish Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, urged the EC to develop an ambitious program for the recovery of EU community tourism under the new budgetary framework that allows Europe to continue being a tourism...

Cabildo invests €880,000 in two projects aimed at reactivating southern commerce and industry in San Bartolomé de Tirajana

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria is to invest €880,000 in two projects in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, creating 70 parking spaces in the San Fernando Open Commercial Zone, and improving energy provision, the environment and accessibility for the El Tablero industrial area. The Island Council approved a grant of €400,000 for the Ayuntamiento (town hall) to carry out the works on two projects, which will start in June, aiming to resolve one of the main issues with the...

Meeting with TUI Group CEO, Sebastian Ebel, confirms good forecasts for the Canary Islands and confidence in the reactivation of holidays from this summer

The Canary Islands Government Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Yaiza Castilla, held a meeting on Gran Canaria on Thursday evening, February 25th with the CEO and the financial director of the TUI Group, Sebastian Ebel. He confirmed they have good forecasts for the Canary Islands, within the moderation required by the current situation due to the pandemic, as it is "the only destination in the area of Europe and North Africa with the capacity to be open to tourism at all times and...

Policia Nacional arrest the skippers of seven boats that recently arrived on the shores of Gran Canaria

Policia Nacional arrest thirteen men and one woman on Gran Canaria, all between the ages of 19 and 45 years old, suspected of crimes facilitating illegal immigration. Six of them are alleged to have engaged in reckless homicide and three are also charged with belonging to a criminal organisation. All of them were identified by the migrants who travelled aboard the boats, as the organisers of the trips and in charge of running the boats recently arrived on the coasts of Gran Canaria. [fb_plugin...

Spain’s Ministry of Migration Cautiously Trumpet “Canary Islands Plan” To Accommodate Migrants In Camps For Processing

Spain's Ministry for Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations have announced the opening of a warehouse, ceded temporarily by Bankia to the central government, in the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria industrial estate of El Sebadal, next week, offering 500 places to accommodate migrant arrivals, to be managed by the Fundación Cruz Blanca. Several camps were announced in November, within the framework of what is known as the Canary Islands Plan, which is to be able to offer 7,000 bed spaces to...

Where 800€ Is An Annual Salary, Indebtedness Affects 68% of Returnee Migrants, In Six West African Countries

Posted: 02/05/21 Dakar – A study conducted by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on the impact of indebtedness on returnee migrants in six West African countries reveals that 68 per cent are in debt, while over two-thirds characterise either the shame or burden of their indebtedness as a hindrance to their reintegration in their home communities. As migration becomes increasingly hazardous and costly, many migrants take out loans and incur debt...

1,243,783 people fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, reports Spain’s Ministry of Health, more than all the people infected over the last year

Spain's covid vaccination campaign is now in its second month of activity as of this Saturday with a total of 1,243,783 people fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, reports the Ministry of Health. The first vaccine dose was administered to 96 year old Araceli Rosario Hidalgo on December 27 at the 'Los Olmos' nursing home in Guadalajara, and since then a total of 4,508,845 doses, of the three vaccines available, have been distributed among the autonomous...

Canaries face prospect of empty beaches for Springtime as UK confirms non-essential international travel ban

As the new Covid-19 strain spreads in United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson this Monday announced his roadmap out of the pandemic restrictions including a total ban on non-essential international travel both from and to the country until at least May 17 2021.  Though this may have put a hole in any hopes for a quick return to tourism for The Canary Islands, leaving empty beaches for springtime, it does at least offer a sense of certainty for when we might expect British holiday makers...

Río de Janeiro strain of COVID-19 not of immediate concern in Canary Islands, where data trends continue positively

A Government report yesterday, from the Spanish Ministry of Health, caused some concern here on The Canary Islands when, among its many findings, it was noticed to include a statement regarding the P2 Río de Janeiro strain of SARS-CoV-2, due to nine out of the eleven cases of that particular variants having been detected here in the archipelago.  Closer examination of the report and the information contained within it, verified through local sources, have in fact shown that though this data is...

Canary Islands have detected 9 cases of the Río de Janeiro variant and 3 of the British variant

Spain's Ministry of Health say they have identified nine cases of the Río de Janeiro coronavirus variant in the archipelago and continue to monitor three cases with the British strain over recent weeks, according to data published on Monday.The Canary Islands currently has the lowest 14-day Accumulated Incidence of any region in Spain, standing at just under 109/100,000 population cases detected, compared with the overall national average of more than 250/100,000.  Overall The Canary...

Canary Islands are evaluating the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination passport, but there are doubts

The Canary Islands are evaluating the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination passport in their efforts to relaunch the ailing Islands tourism sector. The Regional Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, headed up by Yaiza Castilla, has reportedly submitted an...

Gran Canaria Alert Level 2 – Basic DOs and DON’Ts

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health agreed this Sunday, February 21, to, as of Monday, return the island of Tenerife, following just one week at level 1, back to Alert level 2, relaxing restrictions on Gran Canaria down from weeks at Alert Level 3 also to this same Alert Level 2, while El Hierro and Fuerteventura go to Level 1. The islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa remain unchanged, at level 4, and La Palma and La Gomera remain at Level 1.  We've gathered togethers some of the most...

Gran Canaria and Tenerife in Alert Level 2, Lanzarote and La Graciosa in Alert Level 4, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro all now on Alert Level 1

The Ministry of Health agreed this Sunday, February 21, to keep the island of Tenerife up and move Gran Canaria down to Alert Level 2 following analysis of the epidemiological indicators for the last 14 days, the islands of El Hierro and Fuerteventura go to Alert Level 1, while Lanzarote and La Graciosa remain unchanged, continuing at Alert Level 4, and La Palma and La Gomera at Alert Level 1. The changes come into effect coinciding with the weekly update of...

President Ángel Víctor Torres is confident that alert levels will drop on Gran Canaria next week

The President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, has expressed his confidence that alert levels currently in force will be lowered on some of the islands as of next week. "The Minister of Health will appear on Sunday with an updated report and will announce that the levels will change as of Monday," Torres said after the Governing Council meeting on Thursday afternoon. According to the president, Gran Canaria will move back down to...

SOS Save Our Summer Travel campaign to help restart UK tourism to Spain from May 1st

A campaign action group, which started last Friday from Mallorca, calling themselves "SOS Travel" is continuing to grow having gained support from several UK tourism companies and the south of Spain's Asociación Provincial de Hoteles y Alojamientos Turísticos de Alicante (APHA - Alicante Provincial Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations). They are fighting to advocate for a tourism sector that finds itself against the ropes, particularly when it comes to seasonal destinations like...

Saharan dust continues to blanket The Canary Islands as we wait for heavy rain to potentially arrive by Sunday

The Calima affecting the archipelago for the last day or so continues this Wednesday, but is expected to begin to dissipate visibly from Thursday, which in turn will deactivate the yellow warning for fine North African dust suspended in the air, along with the yellow warning for strong winds, from about 5pm on Wednesday afternoon. Two days of calm clear weather are expected to act as a prelude to a radical change in the forecast, according to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET,...

Migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands subsided in the first half of February, but all the data so far suggests there will be more arriving

The number of migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands has seen a sudden decrease in the first half of February, with just 155 people having arrived irregularly by boat, however overall numbers are up, with 1,008 having arrived in the last two weeks of January and 1,069 in the first two weeks.  Are we on the verge of an even greater increase in migrant arrivals to The Canary Islands?  If so, what's the plan?  Will we distinguish ourselves through our humanitarian response, or will we allow...

Irish man tries to convince border cops at Dublin airport that he is an essential worker so he can fly to The Canary Islands

An Irish citizen has tried to circumvent pandemic restrictions, prohibiting him from leaving his country to holiday in The Canary Islands, by having claimed to the Irish authorities that he was in fact an "essential worker" at a hotel on the south of Tenerife. He allegedly decided to present a typed letter to the police at the airport which he claimed was solid confirmation of his necessary role, as an essential worker, providing an essential service, requiring him to travel and, therefore,...

Gran Canaria Weather: Temperatures rising from Sunday afternoon with Calima expected on Carnival Monday

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has forecast Calima for this Carnival Monday, February 15, with Saharan winds from the afternoon on the eastern isles of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Graciosa, and by the end of the day the south and east of Gran Canaria. The weather phenomenon is not expected to produce significant reductions in visibility, however airborne dust will bring an increase in temperatures from the this Sunday afternoon remaining moderately high on Monday and falling...

Guardia Civil redeployment of GRS 8 Reserve & Security Group from Tenerife following altercations in temporary migrant accommodations for minors

The Guardia Civil's GRS Reserve and Security Group number 8 have been deployed once more to Gran Canaria from Tenerife, to provide support to Mogán Local Police on the south of the island, following new incidents in Mogán over the last week. The Town Council requested the deployment, despite the current mayor only last Friday announcing that there had been a clear reduction in problems within complexes and that: “In the municipality the incidence rate has dropped and that is palpable in the...

Adult male imprisoned for causing significant damage to tourist apartments in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, after pretending to be a child

On Thursday a judge ordered an adult male to be imprisoned, who had been detained earlier this week, along with three minors, for causing significant damage to tourist apartments in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán. They had all been temporarily accommodated, as wards of the state, the responsibility of The Canary Islands Child Protection Services, under the care of an NGO association who have been dealing day-to-day with many of the unaccompanied minors to have landed on the shores of Gran...

Suspected counterfeit merchandise worth €2.5 million seized from Yumbo shopping centre in Playa del Inglés

Agents of the Cuerpo General de la Policía Canaria, the main regional force, have seized products suspected to be counterfeit, with a market value equivalent to €2.58 million, from 12 establishments in the southern tourist areas of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on Gran Canaria, in an operation in which 40 personnel from different units participated, accompanied at all times by an expert in the field as well as officials from the Work and Social Security Inspectorate. [fb_plugin...

Gran Canaria continues Level 3 Alert and special measures for Carnival period

The Canary Islands Governing Council session of Thursday February 11th have agreed and approved extraordinary measures to help maintain controls over infection rates during what would usually be the Carnival period, particularly as the main week leading up to lent is about to begin, with Carnival Monday, MardiGras/Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday just around the corner in what would be traditionally the final finale week of Carnival de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria . [fb_plugin...

Internet video car chase driver accepts sentence of one year and one month on top of jail time for prior offences

The woman who starred in a 10 minute Guardia Civil police car chase, caught on camera in the Gran Canaria municipality of Agüimes on January 21 has pleaded guilty to the facts and consented to of one year and one month in prison, the sentence requested by the prosecutor, after reaching an agreement with the prosecution and justice system. The closed-door trial against reckless driver, Lioba Cazorla, was held on Wednesday in Criminal Court number 1 in Las...

Luc André Diouf, Member of Congress for Las Palmas and migration expert, positively values the ongoing migration crisis response

The national diputado (Deputy - Member of Congress) for the province of Las Palmas and executive secretary for Refugee Policy of the governing [socialist] PSOE party, Luc André Diouf, has, this Monday, said how positively he values the work being done by the Government of Spain and the Canary Islands on the current migration crisis. The parliamentarian made clear that "without the development of cooperative policies, and work coordinated with countries of origin, it will not be possible to...

“95 percent” of current problems in migrant minor accommodations caused by those suspected to really be adults

The residents of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria have complained for weeks about problems where migrant minors have been accommodated in the south western municipality of Mogán. The majority of the 800 or so unaccompanied children temporarily accommodated in the south, who arrived by boat last year, have been staying in empty tourist hotels in Mogán. While local crime, suspected to be perpetrated by a small number of these wards of the state has been generally limited to a couple of break-ins...

189 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in the Canary Islands with almost all the data moving positively in the right direction

The Canary Islands Government Ministry of Health have, this Sunday, confirmed 189 new cases of coronavirus over the last 24 hours. Throughout the epidemic the Canary Islands have detected an accumulated total for 37,024 cases of which, today, 7,345 remain active. 76 patients are currently in the ICU and 321 remain hospitalised. The 7-day Accumulated Incidence (AI) throughout the Canary Islands stands now at 65.62 cases per 100,000 population, a significant...

The highest summits of Gran Canaria remain closed to traffic due to snow and bad weather

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria announced this Sunday that two roads up to the very highest point on the sub-tropical island, the GC-134 and GC-135, were to remain closed to traffic, for at least one more day, as they were still not deemed as safe, due to adverse weather conditions that have affected the area over recent days and hours. Snow and hail storms this weekend across the mountainous interior of the island, and in particular at the highest summit, Pico...

Spanish Government confirms speeding up of migrant transfers from temporary accommodation in hotels

The Spanish Government has confirmed that they are now increasing the pace of the migrant transfers away from empty tourism establishments on Gran Canaria. According to sub-delegate of the Spanish Government in Las Palmas, Teresa Mayans, by Sunday Aguineguín Park apartments will have been completely emptied of the last 100 people remaining there, and then begins the transfers of foreign migrants staying in the Waikiki hotel to what are being controversially termed as "humanitarian camps"....

A second migrants protest took place on Saturday afternoon demanding “solutions for migrants”

A second migrants protest took place on Saturday afternoon, without prior warning or any information available about the group of around thirty individuals, all wearing masks and chanting loudly who displayed makeshift banners, written on bed linen, demanding "solutions for migrants".It is not yet clear if this is the same group who marched briefly yesterday, who it had been thought joined the large group, waiting for transfer, headed for Tenerife, though it seems likely that in fact this...

30-40 North African migrants march in brief Puerto Rico protest overlooking Amadores Beach in Mogán

Surprised neighbours and residents, at around 11:40 on Friday morning, watched around 30-40 North African migrants march through at least two streets, overlooking Amadores Beach in Mogán, in an impromptu public protest on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria. The demonstration was in the area closest to the small hotels in which several have been temporarily accommodated over the last 3 months, in the otherwise empty tourist town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.  By all accounts, eye witnesses...

A car was completely destroyed in a roadside fire this afternoon, under the bridge at the entry slip road to Arguineguín

A car was completely destroyed in a roadside fire this afternoon, under the bridge at the entry slip road to Arguineguín from the GC-1 highway. Firefighters used about 1,500 liters of water and foam concentrate to tackle the blaze, however luckily the incident resulted in no injuries. At 5:01 p.m., the 112 Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (Cecoes) received an report of a fire in a Volkswagen Golf at the entrance to Arguineguín from the main southern...

Six potentially dangerous dogs seized by Mogán local Police in Playa del Cura

This Thursday the Policia Local in Mogán there were six potentially dangerous dogs confiscated, from two people who lived with the animals in an apartment building in Playa del Cura on the south west coast of Gran Canaria. The owners had previously received disciplinary proceedings for having potentially dangerous dogs, without the requisite license, and for failing to comply with the obligation to microchip them for census registration, as specified in the Mogán Council bylaws. [fb_plugin...

Snow alert for Gran Canaria summits

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies, declared an Alert for Snowfall expected on Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma as of 6:00 p.m. on Thursday February 4. The snow alert was declared based on the latest data and information provided by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET combined with other available sources, leading the Regional Government to activate their PEFMA Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Risks of...

Weather: Clear skies and a little cloud expected to give way to stormy weather and a drop in temperatures from a “Polar Jet”

A cold front is expected to arrive on The Canary Islands by Thursday bringing a drop in temperatures this week and we may see significant rainfall before the weekend. A storm, currently near the British Isles, is expected to influence the formation of a deep Atlantic trough that is predicted send a "Polar Jet" of cold air that could reach the Canary Islands, if forecasts are correct. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET point out that there is "a...

Guardia Civil swoop on migrant youths enjoying a swimming pool to enforce covid rules after multiple complaints by neighbours

Guardia civil agents successfully swooped on a group of migrants enjoying a swimming pool, all teenagers temporarily accommodated at an, otherwise, empty tourist complex, in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, on the south coast of the practically touristless holiday island, as video from an, otherwise law abiding, neighbourhood watcher went viral across social media this Saturday. The mobile phone footage showing the youths enjoying a swimming pool (Que Horror!)...

Shopping centre fire brought under control at a motorcycle rental store in Playa del Inglés

Firefighters in Playa del Inglés were deployed this Saturday afternoon to put out a shopping centre fire in a motorcycle rental store at the CC Plaza, on the south of Gran Canaria, according to reports from the 112 Canary Islands Centre Emergency and Security Coordination team (CECOES 112). The alarm was raised at around 4:50 pm, reporting a shopping centre fire, at which point firefighters and police officers were activated and deployed, as well as an...

The Canary Islands vaccine supply failures force small readjustment to roll out schedule

Pharmaceutical company vaccine supply failures in the delivery of doses has had a knock on effect on The Canary Islands. Moderna canceled a shipment of nearly two thousand vials this week, and along with other expected delays this has forced the Canary Islands Government Ministry of Health to have to readjust their immunisation program calendar for rolling out coronavirus vaccinations on the archipelago. The plan has always been to administer both doses required within 21 days of each other,...

Spain’s Government Delegate is committed to processing irregular migrants legally and correctly

Spain’s Government Delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, on Friday strongly refuted Cabildo de Gran Canaria President Antonio Morales’s suggestion that the Spanish State might be trying to turn Gran Canaria into a “prison so that migrants do not reach the continent”. Pestana repeated his commitment to prioritise repatriations, returns and expulsion for all irregular arrivals who cause problems, or are involved in any type of criminality or violence. He also, once again, made clear...

The Canary Islands have administered 84.62% of all received batches of vaccines

The Canary Islands Regional Government Ministry of Health reported this week that up until Wednesday,  January 27th, 58,165 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered out of the 68,740 received, which represents 84.62% of the total batches so far. Of these, received doses, 67,440 were those manufactured by Pfizer, of which 84.34% (56,885 doses) have already been administered. And the other 1,300 received were from Moderna, of which 1,280 doses have...

Gran Canaria Covid Alert Level 3 likely to be extended until at least February 8 as infections continue to fall

Next Monday will be 14 days since Gran Canaria moved to Covid Alert Level 3 and the regional Government are expected to announce this afternoon that these restrictions will continue to be extended, as the infection rate has not yet been sufficiently controlled. The cumulative 7-day incidence this morning stood at at just over 107 per 100,000 population indicating that current restrictions will continue for the moment, though things are moving in the right direction.For the latest Canary...

Canary Islands announce support plan for sectors most affected by the COVID crisis with an extra €400 million in aid

The President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, and the vice president, Román Rodríguez, presented last week the regional support plan of extraordinary measures to help the sub-sectors of restaurants, bars, hospitality, commerce and sports companies most affected due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the health restrictions applied in response. The new program of measures contemplates a total of €400 million, in addition to the €95.3 million in direct contributions...

Brits wanting to buy a property in the Canary Islands must first get a permit from the Ministry of Defence, after proving they do not have a criminal record

Brits wanting to buy a property in the Canary Islands must now get specific permission from Spain's Ministry of Defence, since January 1, following Brexit, when British subjects officially went from being EU citizens to being considered foreigners. Under Spanish law, Third Country Nationals, like the British, who wish to purchase a house, or any other rustic or urban property, in areas and facilities designated of interest for national defence must get prior military authorisations before any...

Spanish Government Delegation security round table meetings, with the town councils of Gran Canaria tourist municipalities, review migrant situation

The Government Delegation in the Canary Islands indicated on Wednesday that the visible increase in police presence, particularly in Gran Canaria's southern municipalities of Mogán and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, has contributed to reducing feelings of insecurity expressed by residents, based on reports of "isolated" altercations between migrants temporarily accommodated in empty hotels. The preplanned security round table meetings, agreed last week, took place individually with members of each...

Dangerous car chase driver imprisoned on outstanding conviction and denounced for theft and several other crimes

The dangerous car chase driver who was pursued by Guardia Civil for nearly ten minutes last Friday, has been imprisoned for a previous outstanding conviction, having already been prosecuted for violence, causing aggravated injuries and abuse. The woman, who does not have a driving license, is now also facing reckless driving charges for the for trying to evade police, in dramatic scenes caught on camera.  She has so far refused to admit responsibility despite the events being recorded on video...

Pruning and burning at the peaks and inland areas of Gran Canaria

You may see occasional columns of smoke at the summits of Gran Canaria around this time of year, as the Cabildo (island government) carry out pruning and 'burning heaps' projects around the the island's peaks, aimed at preventing the spread of forest fires,  also using the burnt trunks, of non-native Pinus Radiata, the Monterey pine, which were introduced in the 1950s, they are not resistant to fire like the canary islands pine, so they now use these to create earthwork barriers, called...

European Commission “strongly discourage” non-essential travel, and call for new greatest risk category

The European Commission this Monday has asked the EU27 to take further measures to "strongly discourage" travel both within member states and between them, as well as to and from outside "third countries", to try to contain the new variants of coronavirus found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil, calling for a new category to be created, coloured "dark red", to identify areas of greatest risk that show more than 500 new infections per 100,000 population over a 14 day sample. [fb_plugin...

Norwegian tourist arrested after allegedly wrecking hotel room, breaking televisions and trying to leave on a flight

The Guardia Civil Guard Airport Security Detachment on Gran Canaria, arrested a Norwegian national on suspicion of having caused serious damage to a hotel room where he had been staying on the south of Gran Canaria. The Norwegian tourist arrested was trying to escape without taking any responsibility for breaking several items, but was caught out when his partner tried to find out how much should be paid to pay for the damage. The complaint was filed at the...

Ten minute Gran Canaria car chase caught on camera as maniac driver dangerously attempts to escape Guardia Civil police patrol

A woman has been arrested, following a ten minute Gran Canaria car chase, after attempting a dangerous, life threatening escape through the streets of the municipality of Agüimes, whilst pursued by a Guardia Civil Tráfico patrol, having been discovered  talking on her mobile phone while driving. She faces several charges for various crimes caught on camera during the ten minute car chase, including reckless driving. Traffic police, based in Maspalomas, proceeded to arrest the 33-year-old...

Mogán’s brilliant new plan to spend more than €2m in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, by building a second urban park and children’s area, with trees

Mogán Town Council, faced with the largest economic challenge of our time and a 97% drop in tourism, have come up with a brilliant new plan to spend more than €2m of taxpayers money in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, with a second urban park, children's area and sports zone, including bleachers for cultural events, a cafeteria, public toilets, picnic areas and bike lanes. The outlandish new park will take up ​​7,742 square meters of space, close to the main promenade and the beach, an area known...

Yet another macho Gran Canaria Mister Angry blowing everyday situations out of proportion and this time attacking a cyclist

There has been a lot of tension coming up on video recordings on Gran Canaria in recent days and weeks and childish men seem to think it is ok to brutalise others for no good reasons whatsoever. This latest footage sent to us shows yet one more childish tantrum with a ridiculous Mister-Angry suddenly attacking another citizen for no known reason as he has a public meltdown caught on camera.  The cyclist who fell prey to the overly macho shouty person driving around in his motor car, was being...

First island to move to Alert Level 4, other islands could follow if the infection rate continues to climb

Lanzarote has become the first island in the Canary Islands Archipelago to be moved to the COVID Alert Level 4 . Epidemiological indicators are at extreme risk and this Friday measures  that come into effect from midnight have been published in the BOC Official Gazette of the Canary Islands.  With the 14 day rate now topping 732 new infections per 100,000 population, extreme measures will need to be brought in to regain control on the islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.  You can keep up...

Las Palmas remembers their connection to best selling crime novelist of all time, unveiling Plaza Agatha Christie, with a memorial plaque

Our provincial and island capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this month officially honoured the famous British mystery crime writer, Agatha Christie, by naming a public space after her. The City Council revealed the signage naming Plaza Agatha Christie, near to the La Cícer pedestrian footbridge, to mark the 45th anniversary of her death.  2020 marked the centenary of her first ever published novel. The place chosen recalls the ties that the "first lady" of crime had with the city, and the...

Gran Canaria Public Holidays 2021 – The Canary Guide

The island of Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands shares 11 official holidays with the rest of the Spain in 2021. In addition to these, each of the Canary Island has its own official holiday as does each municipality. This year, many main patron saint festive days fall on a Sunday so they are allowed to designate another day of the week to celebrate, meaning there are few surprise local bank holidays. You can check all the local bank holidays for each municipality in the Canary Islands...

First suspect arrested following investigation into violent attack on Monday afternoon in San Fernando

Policia Nacional have arrested a man thought to have been directly involved in the brutal unprovoked attack that took place on Monday in the little car parking area of the Plaza del Hierro, in San Fernando de Maspalomas, on the south of Gran Canaria, official sources have confirmed. The authorities continue to investigate and attempt to locate and identify participants in the brawl which was caught on video by a concerned local resident, going viral across social media, and in local and...

Government of Spain and Southern Mayor Conchi discuss security fears expressed on the south of Gran Canaria, and agree an increase in resources for the area

San Bartolomé de Tirajana Mayor Conchi Narváez this Tuesday morning met with the Spanish Central Government Delegation, Policia Nacional, Policia Local to discuss the range of security fears being expressed within the municipality, on the south of Gran Canaria, and agree an increase in resources for the area that includes some of the most important tourism zones, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín, among other areas that form part of the largest local administration on this part of...

Massive drugs bust as social networks falsely used to claim Puerto Rico “riot” on Monday night

A video, from the currently empty tourist resort town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, was widely spread across social networks and Whatsapp groups on Monday night, reporting to show several units of the Guardia Civil's Reserve and Security Group (GRS) rushing to the scene of a "riot". Shared without question repeatedly, and falsely, claiming that there was a massive "fight" between some migrants and the police, and even suggesting that migrants were "destroying" the places where they are...

Lies and hoaxes spread fear encouraging anti-migrant opinions and the rhetoric of hate

On Monday afternoon yet another hoax was spread across various social networks claiming that one of the victims involved in the attack in a San Fernando car park, on the south of Gran Canaria, had died. However, the man who was assaulted, who is thought to be a longterm resident, possibly homeless, and who these fake reports say has died, actually got up on his own and left the scene of the attack caught on video. Those at the scene told Spanish language daily, La Provincia, that the man...

Two (possibly) homeless individuals, who pretend to be car parking attendants, violently attacked in San Fernando

Two men were approached by two others today in a San Fernando car park, in Plaza de El Hierro, and violently attacked after a brief exchange of words.  The victims appeared to be two of the homeless individuals who often stand there, wearing hi-vis, to act as unofficial parking attendants, in the hope of earning tips for finding spaces for drivers in the often crowded parking area not far from the San Fernando and La Ronda commercial centres.  Police are looking for the perpetrators of the...

Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria restaurant robbed three times in one night by what seems to be the same group of individuals

In the early hours of Sunday morning, in the tourist resort of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, there was, allegedly, a restaurant robbed three times over a 7 hour period, by what seems to have been the same group of people, in the south-western Gran Canaria municipality of Mogán. This is a crime that should never have occurred, particularly at so well established and loved a restaurant, during some of the hardest times most have ever seen on the island.  Some Mogán business owners have over...

€17.5m Canary Islands Rental Assistance aid package announced, accepting applications only until March 5

The Canary Islands Government Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Housing on Friday presented their new rental assistance aid package for 2020-21, through the Canarian Institute of Housing, with a budget of €17.5m in financing collaboration with the Ministry of Mobility, Transport and Urban Agenda. The subsidy is intended to guarantee access to rental housing for the most vulnerable sectors of the population in the Canary Islands as well as young people who wish to access their first...

More Guardia Civil needed at Canarian airports to effectively deal with citizens coming from the UK, says AUGC

The Canarian delegations of the Unified Association of Guardia Civil (AUGC), one of the many unionised associations that represent their members among the Spanish Civil Guard, have said, in a statement last week, that the Guardia Civil's General Directorate should increase the workforce at the main airports of the Canary Islands archipelago by a magnitude of five or six times the current deployment, so as to be able to guarantee they can effectively deal with the entry into force of the United...

Gran Canaria Level 3 alert – basic Do’s and Dont’s

The Minister of Health of the Canary islands Government announced on Saturday in a live press conference that starting from 00:00 on Monday Gran Canaria will go to Alert Level 3. The minister, Blas Trujillo, appealed to citizens' sense of responsibility to comply with the measures. Here are the basic rules and regulations for Alert Level: You can find the latest COVID-19 data for The Canary Islands, updated daily, for mobile devices here, or a more feature rich version for desktop devices...

Suspected perpetrator of several thefts in and around Puerto Rico apprehended and charged

The Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria Guardia Civil Main Post have said in a statement that they recently detained a 25-year-old with numerous prior police records, as the alleged perpetrator of several thefts from homes and businesses in and around the popular resort town in the southwestern municipality. Investigations began last November 2020, after a considerable increase in criminal activity was observed in Arguineguín and Puerto Rico. Specifically, a robbery...

Levels of alert restrictions now in force on Lanzarote and Tenerife could also be extended to Gran Canaria from Monday

Lanzarote has entered alert level 3 for coronavirus, in line with Tenerife which has been under special restrictions for some weeks and is now seeing significant reductions in new infections. Those same restrictions will now probably be applied to Gran Canaria which is currently at Level 2 (if the situation on the island being reviewed on Saturday still merits the increased restrictions, the new levels of alert will be applied from Monday). Though new infection...

Coronavirus infections continue to rise in the Canary Islands

Though still in a much more favourable position than most places in Europe, the constant monitoring of infection rates across the islands has shown some reasons for concern, particularly on Lanzarote and potentially Gran Canaria too. Coronavirus infections continue to rise in the Canary Islands: this Thursday there have been 357 new cases and four deaths...

Gran Canaria COVID alert level under review as worsening data comes in of increasing infection rates

The Canary Islands Government Minister of Health, Blas Trujillo, held a press conference this Thursday afternoon to announce new measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic here on the islands following 357 new infections having been announced, with Gran Canaria having gained significantly more new cases than on Tenerife over the last 24 hours, who in turn are continuing to bring their new infection rate down. Following the weekly review, Lanzarote now moves to level 3 alert for Covid while...

News report of Arguineguín altercation, resulting in one migrant arrested, also lists multiple reports of disturbances in Puerto Rico

There has been a sudden increase in reports of altercations involving migrants. A news report this morning, following altercations earlier this week, has described new incidents, on Wednesday night, involving migrants currently being housed temporarily in empty tourist establishments on the south of Gran Canaria. Three security guards are said to have been injured, one of them badly, with one migrant arrested by the Guardia Civil as one of the alleged aggressors. Two Red Cross volunteers have...

Southern Mayor Conchi calls on citizens to report crimes, even involving migrants, and not just post on social media

The southern mayor Conchi Narváez in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, has openly encouraged citizens of the southern municipality to report any criminal acts committed, including those they suspect have been perpetrated by immigrants "and not only posted on social networks."  Her municipal town hall is responsible for several areas including Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín. Narváez has today indicated that only in this way will she be able to request...

Canary Islands High Court TSJC annuls modernisation plan that authorised Siam Park Gran Canaria Water Park Maspalomas

The long running and much beleaguered Loro Parque group project to build a Siam Park Gran Canaria Water Park has been dealt a serious blow, many months after the company had warned that the investment project could no longer be maintained without movement forward, particularly in the face of the global pandemic. The Canary Islands Superior Court of Justice, our regional high court, (TSJC) have ruled to annul the Plan for Modernisation, Improvement and Increase of Competitiveness in the area of...

Stranded Fred Olsen ferry, the Bentago Express, spends fifth day aground at Agaete harbour

The work in the port of Agaete, on the north west of Gran Canaria, to free the Fred Olsen ferry, the Bentago Express, which ran aground last Thursday night, and transfer it to the Port of Las Palmas has continued now through its fifth day. The fast catamaran had been attempting to dock on Thursday night when a mixture of strong winds, from Storm Filomena, and a reported engine failure left the passenger ferry, carrying vehicles and passengers on board, with one of its hulls ruptured and...

Young man detained after throwing garden furniture at police on Monday night in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria

The Mogán Policia Local have arrested a presumed minor on charges of disobedience, resistance and attacking authority having allegedly taken part in altercations following some sort of fight on Monday night at an apartment complex in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria where unaccompanied minors, legally in the care of the regional government, are being temporarily accommodated. Having been identified by local police the youth was then seen throwing garden furniture from a balcony terrace. Mogán town...

Alleged theft from Arguineguin port shrine under investigation

The Mogán town hall has this Friday denounced the alleged theft of various offerings, decorative trinkets and "jewelry" displayed in the port shrine to the Virgen del Carmen, located in the Arguineguín dock which is thought to have taken place before daybreak on Thursday, January 7. In a statement, the town council condemned the crime saying that according to the complaint filed by the Arguineguín Fishermen's Association, the alleged theft took place between...

All crew and passengers safe after night aboard ferry that ran aground in the Gran Canaria port of Agaete

All crew and passengers have been declared safe and well, after spending the night aboard a Fred Olsen ferry which ran aground, at around 9pm on Thursday, after the vessel had struggled with high winds and rough seas in Gran Canaria's Northwest port of Agaete.  For several hours this Friday morning, two tugboats tried to move the stranded passenger ship into the port of Agaete, they were later joined by two more tugboats. All attempts made to release the vessel have been so far...

Weather: Gran Canaria issues snowfall alert

Following a week of rain and wind across the archipelago and the Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET predictions of potential snowfall, reported earlier this week, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria has today activated the Insular Emergency Plan in the event of the snowfalls expected on the summits, issuing a snowfall alert from 8pm on Friday evening. The Island Government reported the snowfall alert on social networks expecting temperatures continuing to drop making snow more likely from...

New covid restrictions and curfews for Gran Canaria and Lanzarote limiting gatherings to four people or less

The President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, has said this Thursday, January 7, that while infection rates on Tenerife have at last improved slightly, the data on Gran Canaria, El Hierro and La Palma have all worsened. The president explained that this has forced some Canary Islands to have to take additional measures, announcing new covid restrictions and a three level alert system. President Torres announced the approval of a...

Newsbrief: 1-1-2 Canarias calls decreased by 7.4% over the New Year

The Canary Islands' 1-1-2 Canarias Centre for Coordination of Emergencies and Security (CECOES), coordinated 909 incidents over the New Year, compared to the 982 dealt with last New Year's Eve, a 7.4% decrease. This decrease in generalised activity was of course primarily due to prevention measures established by the Government of the Canary Islands on travel and gatherings, to reduce the risk of contagion and the spread of COVID -19. Incidents related to citizen security were the only ones...

Weather: Strong winds alert and rain all week across The Canary Islands

The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Safety and Emergencies, have declared a Wind Alert from January 4,  the winds alert and rain forecast take into account the information provided by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other available sources. Moderate southwest and west winds - strong and gusty. Variable average speed 30 - 60 km/h. Maximum gusts in prediction of 70-110 km/h, with the greatest winds and gusts expected in the midwest...

The Canary Guide New Year Weekend Tips 1-3 January 2021

Happy New Year 2021! The Canary Guide Weekend Tips, Gran Canaria this 1-3 January 2021 and the start a more hopeful New Year. Sightings of the first of the Almond Blossom brings Spring a touch closer already.  Saturday 2 January, El Tablero de MaspalomasChristmas Market El Tablero There is a Christmas Market happening in El Tablero on Saturday, 2nd of January 2021 The Christmas Market, organised by the town hall of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, will be on Avenida de las Américas from 14:00...

End of Transition Period Q&A for UK Nationals living in Spain

Information correct as at 29 December 2020. What happens if I am not registered as resident by 31 December? If you are unable to complete the registration process before 1 January, you will still be protected by the Withdrawal Agreement, as long as you were legally living in Spain before the end of 2020. That means that you were living here and meeting the EU free movement conditions of working, being self-employed, or having sufficient income and comprehensive...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 18-20 December 2020

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips for events and leisure (and more...) on Gran Canaria this 18-20 December 2020. It's the weekend before Christmas and here our highlight picks to explore. 18-20 December, GáldarSemana de Las Flores  Right now is simply a magical time to visit the ancient pre-hispanic Gran Canarian Royal Capital, Gáldar. The 22nd "Flower Week" in this historic city centre highlights the colours, beauty, art and magic of this most noble native...

Police say they have stopped a criminal gang that transferred “several hundreds” of migrants by boat from Morocco to the Canary Islands

Spain's National Police say they have stopped a criminal gang that transferred "several hundreds" of migrants by boat from Morocco to the Canary Islands, in particular to the islands of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. 19 were detained in the operation, 17 of Moroccan nationality and two Spanish. 10 of them were on Lanzarote, but there were also arrests in Murcia (2), Cádiz (2), Almería (1), Granada (1), Huesca (1), Madrid (1) and Málaga (1). Investigators estimate...

Damaged Russian nuclear-powered cargo ship now more than 200 nautical miles northeast of Lanzarote

The Sevmorput, a Russian nuclear-powered cargo ship, the only one of its kind in service, that has been slowly transiting through the Canary Islands waters is now more than 200 nautical miles northeast of Lanzarote, and moving away from the archipelago after its captain had to be evacuated on Wednesday night, suspected to be suffering from meningitis. The ship, heading to its home port of Saint Petersburg, will be repaired after a mechanical problem forced it to abandon its onward journey,...

Cold war era Russian-flagged nuclear-powered freighter out of commission and limping along in Canary Islands coastal waters

A cold war era Russian-flagged nuclear-powered freighter, the Sevmorput, recently described as "floating nuclear scrap", is out of commission and limping along just off the coast of the Canary Islands, this morning some 70 nautical miles south of Gran Canaria, with plans to travel between Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The ship reportedly suffered a rupture in one of the four blades on its sole propeller, and in the shaft, back in October when it was about 500 miles off the coast of Angola, on its...

Spain does not currently recognise or approve antigen tests for foreign travellers, ignoring Canary Islands decree

Spanish State Council have recommended that last week's regional decree from the Canary Islands Government, intending to approve antigen tests for foreign tourists to be used to prove that they do not have coronavirus, be overturned. The non-binding legal opinion, from the supreme advisory body to the Spanish Government, sets guidelines for the central Executive in Madrid. Spain's Health Minister, Salvador Illa, did not approve the regulation, declared by the regional government, meant to...

Detained “social educator” released from custody without further restrictions, while accuser is also under investigation

A "social educator" detained on Saturday by the Guardia Civil, following serious accusations alleging aggression towards a resident of Arguineguín, Kevin L., 28, in the southwestern Gran Canaria municipality of Mogán, on December 9, has been released. The detained man, Rachid, was working, alongside a female colleague, at the time of the alleged altercation, to monitor and chaperone a small group of teenage minors on an outing. He was released from custody without further restrictions of any...

A serious car fire on the GC1 highway near Arguineguín on the south west of Gran Canaria

A serious car fire has been reported and videoed, this afternoon just after 4pm, on the main GC-1 motorway in the south of Gran Canaria.  Emergency crews are believed to be en route.  No information yet about any casualties, however there are serious concerns for the occupants of the vehicle https://www.facebook.com/TheCanary.TV/posts/2793106664342659 Warning. Caution. Automobile Fire on the GC1 heading south at the heights of Arguineguín. Possible retentions...

Anyone travelling to The Canaries, even from mainland Spain, must now have a negative COVID-19 test result carried out in the 72 hours prior to arrival

All people who, as of this Friday, December 18, travel to the Canary Islands from anywhere in Spain, except those under six years of age, must have had a negative COVID-19 test result within the 72 hours prior to their arrival on the islands, as ordered by the Canary Islands Government. Anyone who does not take the test before arrival will have to isolate themselves, and be tested on the islands within 72 hours, or otherwise remain isolated at their accommodation/residence for 14 days,...

Man in Mogán charged for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol

Traffic Agents of the Guardia Civil investigated a man on December 6 suspected of being the alleged perpetrator of a crime against road safety, for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Their investigations began following a report of a car having left the road, which then later collided with another parked vehicle, around kilometre 63 of the main GC-200 road through the municipality of Mogán, on the south west of Gran Canaria. Agents of the...

22-year-old migrant found dead at hotel in Playa del Inglés on the south of Gran Canaria

The body of a 22-year-old migrant found dead at a hotel, in Playa del Inglés on the south of Gran Canaria, appears to show no signs of criminality. In a statement, the Spanish Government Delegation to the Canary Islands clarified that "Until the autopsy is carried out, the cause of death cannot be determined". Judicial law enforcement sources have said that the autopsy result will not be known today, adding that "everything indicates that it was a heart attack." explaining that samples have...

Two Spanish nationals charged with assault, causing minor injuries, and released before preliminary hearing on Tuesday

The Duty Court of San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Gran Canaria), Court of Instruction Number 1, has provisionally released the man who is alleged to have attacked another on December 9 in the Anfi del Mar area, in the municipality of Mogán , for which he was charged with assault and detained by the Guardia Civil over the weekend. The detainee is alleged to have committed a crime, causing minor injuries, and appeared in court on Sunday morning and he was then provisionally released, after giving a...

Spanish national detained by police on assault charges following various accusations and unclear motives for anger expressed at migrants

The Civil Guard main post in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Mogán, have confirmed that they have detained a person -of Spanish nationality- on assault charges, as the alleged perpetrator of a crime, causing injuries, having physically assaulted another male during the early evening of the 9th December in the Anfi del Mar area, in the south western municipality of Mogán. The detainee was sent before a Judge on assault charges in the town of Maspalomas, having been identified by the Guardia Civil,...

The Mogán Town Council condemns the use of any type of violence and incitement to hatred and calls for the calm of residents

At last something like leadership as Mogán town hall condemns all violence and incitement of hatred, in particular the angry mob who visited the apartment complex yesterday where migrants, unconnected to the original events, are being temporarily accommodated. They used the opportunity to remind everyone that the local mayor has given an ultimatum and plans to try to fine any hotel that still has migrants staying after December 31. Coincidentally, also the date originally agreed and signed by...

An ugly angry mob gathers on the streets of Arguineguín based on hearsay spread across social networks

This article is based on the subject of an ongoing police investigation, and does not try to draw conclusions about the reasons behind the initial incident which led to an angry mob in the streets of Arguineguín.  Our analysis has been based on careful study of the available evidence, and in particular video footage that appears to show the original events to have been somewhat different from the claims made that have led to anger, on the basis of unfounded accusations without clear...

Test to Release will allow early exit from UK quarantine after 5 days

The announcement this Thursday afternoon, that the UK Government plans to remove The Canary Islands from their safe corridors list comes just ahead of their new "Test to Release" programme which starts next week. It will allow travellers arriving into England to reduce the amount of time that they must spend in quarantine by more than half, just so long as they are willing to pay for an approved COVID test after five days. If the result is negative, they will be free to mix with others. These...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 11-13 December 2020

The Weekend Tips for events and leisure on Gran Canaria 11-13 December 2020. Less than two weeks to go for Christmas and this year it is going to be a bit different with special regulations set up for the seasonal festivities. You can check them here. The weather predictions continue to be a bit unstable but quite normal winter weather for the weekend ahead with a chance of cloud and even rain around the island. This weekend will also see the rest of the...

Latest Canary Islands data on COVID19 infections show all islands stable except for Tenerife, where numbers continue to increase

The Canary Islands Regional Government Ministry of Health today reports the total number of COVID-19 cases accumulated since the start of the pandemic, in the Canary Islands, now stands at 22,696 with 4,707 cases currently active, of which 43 are inthe ICU and 262 remain hospitalised, with the remaining 4,402 being monitored from self isolation in their homes.  The Accumulated Incidence over 7 days in the Canary Islands stands at 51.8  per 100k population and over 14 days at 96.9/100k....

Another F’ing Plot Twist: UK to remove Canary Islands from Safe Travel Corridors list, requiring visitors to quarantine on return

Following cautious jubilation among tourism businesses in The Canary Islands in response to the new regional decree law, that will finally allow antigen tests for entry to the archipelago, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has thrown an exploding spanner in the works once again, by announcing that all arrivals from the holiday archipelago, into the UK, will once again be subject to mandatory quarantine, after they have been earmarked once more for removal from the UK government’s list of...

Canary Islands tourist board update the HelloCanaryIslands website with COVID-19 testing information for international travellers

The Canary Islands Government Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce have been working very hard to try to keep potential visitors well informed and are now intensifying communication across all their channels, starting with their main HelloCanaryIslands.com website, to update the information on the entry into force of the new decree, as of Thursday December 10, that will regulate access to the destination for international travellers using either an antigen test or PCR test result. ...

The Canary Islands want a special deal in agriculture export and tourist mobility with the UK, through the EU negotiations

The Canary Islands have been trying to negotiate a special deal with the United Kingdom as of January 1, 2021 in terms of agriculture for export and tourism mobility, according to the Vice President and Minister of Finance, Budgets and European Affairs, Román Rodríguez, last week in the regional parliament. In a parliamentary appearance in relation to Brexit, the vice president indicated that the Government of Spain has been kept informed of all matters of interest to the Canary Islands before...

Canary Islands decree they will accept Antigen tests for travellers and holidaymakers on arrival

It has been confusing, all this talk of testing for COVID-19.  Canary Islands Regional Minister for Tourism, Yaiza Castilla, and Canary Islands President, Ángel Víctor Torres, have been demanding tests for travellers since at least March of this year, when the pandemic responses across Europe and the world near enough shut down tourism.  Once the first peak was passed, the Canary Islands Regional Government already had in place various methodologies and protocols that would allow them to...

Cara al Sol – Fascism marches with its ‘face to the sun’ as far-right vox party protest in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria against migrants

Editor-in-Chief - Edward Timon .:.Spain has come a long way over the last 45 years and since it became a "Social Democracy" with the 1978 passing of the Spanish Constitution, being celebrated across Spain this weekend, during the 6th of December Constitution Day holiday culminating on Sunday.  Almost all Spanish political parties celebrate the country's transition away from the ultra right wing dictatorship under which it spent four dark decades.  Though Spain's far-right vox party confess...

Christmas restrictions on get togethers and gatherings limited to 6 people, or 10 who live together

The Canary Islands Governing Council, in its session on Thursday, December 3, approved a set of specific Christmas restrictions measures for the Canary Islands this year, which aim to contain the spread and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. The maximum number of people at any social or family gatherings that take place, whether in spaces for public or private use, enclosed or outdoor, will be limited to six people, except if they all live together,...

Antigen test results for travellers to be decreed valid by Government of the Canary Islands

The Government of the Canary Islands have decided that they will take matters into their own hands, and have declared that they will allow the antigen test, as an alternative to PCR, as a valid way for travellers to prove themselves negative for Covid-19 when visiting the archipelago. The decision represents a "visible difference of criteria" from the Spanish Ministry of Health, according to the spokesman for the regional government, Julio Pérez who spoke this Thursday.  Confusion has reigned...

The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 4-8 December 2020

It's been a long time coming but 'welcome to December 2020' and a new edition of The Weekend Tips for events and leisure on Gran Canaria 4-8 December. This one is going to be a long weekend with two bank holidays coming up, making it an option for many locals to enjoy an extended “puente”, long “bridge” weekend. This Sunday is Spanish Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) and marks the 42nd anniversary of the referendum held on December 6, 1978 to enshrine...

Gran Canaria demands that Spain accepts antigen tests as well as PCR results

The President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, has called on the Spanish state government to immediately authorise the use of antigen tests for travellers instead of the more expensive PCR tests to save the winter tourist season in the Canary Islands. The the island government supports the demands of the tourism sector to reactivate the main economic activity of the island, repeating that the antigen tests allow detection of  the virus with a level of reliability sufficient to...

Europe now recommends no systematic testing or mandatory quarantines on travellers

The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have this Wednesday requested that no systematic testing or mandatory quarantines be imposed on travellers who travel between member states, saying that the risk of contagion between airline passengers is "much smaller" than among the general population, but has demanded clear and precise information for tourists about the situation at their destinations. You can download their full report here...

Spain approves €40 million contingency funding to help deal with Canary Islands migrant crisis

The Council of Ministers agreed on Tuesday to allocate €40 million from Spanish Government contingency funding to deal with this year's increase in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands. The announcement came on the same day as a further €10 million of extraordinary funding was granted specifically to deal with unaccompanied minors who arrive on migrant boats, more than 2,500 of whom are currently being cared for on The Canary Islands. The Government pointed...

Pay rise for Mogán councillors who suddenly increase rates and slash funding for social needs on Gran Canaria

On the same day as one Onalia Bueno publicly led a "protest march" ostensibly to "save tourism", which was attended by a range of citizens, who arrived en masse in the popular tourist resort town wanting to remove migrants from being temporarily accommodated in empty hotels, and were then applauded by the far-right, the town hall also, more quietly, had a meeting to discuss spending budgets for next year. Local news team El Sur Digital GC report that Nueva Canarias (NC), a political party...

Contributions increase for Spanish self-employed workers despite losing €60 billion due to pandemic

The Association of self-employed workers (La Federación Nacional de Trabajadores Autónomos, ATA) has complained about the rise in the Social Security contributions rate for 2020, which was applied from October after having been postponed back when the pandemic began. "The Ministry has been insensitive to the self-employed",  the president of ATA, Lorenzo Amor, declared this Monday saying that the rate hike applied "has punished 3.2 million self-employed." Amor...

Spain’s Tourism Minister insists that, at the moment, only PCR tests are allowed for travel from high risk areas

Spain's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, has insisted this Monday afternoon that, at the moment, the European Commission (EC) "only PCR tests" are allowed on international travel from high risk areas. That is why, in the Public Health in Spain resolution, which was issued two weeks ago and came into force on November 23, only PCR tests have been included for all international travellers, as the only one recognised right now by the European Council, Maroto explained at...

A touch of wintery weather this week as meandering depression gains 40% chance of becoming a storm.

This Monday the recent touch of wintery weather continues with a large non-tropical low pressure wet weather system centred over the eastern Atlantic Ocean, just north of the Madeira Islands, continuing to produce disorganised showers and thunderstorms. This meandering low is expected to continue over northern Macaronesia for the next day or so and could acquire subtropical storm characteristics during that time, reports the US NOAA National Hurricane Centre. Afterwards, environmental...

The old beachfront water slide park in Playa del Inglés planned for renewal as a viewpoint and gardens

Cleaning work has already started on this emblematic plot, with perhaps the best views of Playa del Inglés. The Maspalomas Tourism Rehabilitation Consortium plan to construct a viewpoint and gardens, removing the neglected decaying eyesore that has been closed and in ruins for more than 25 years. The site has been accumulating garbage and generally spoiling the landscape of the main tourist area, in what was termed as "a strategic enclave" for the tourism image...

Spain supports the Canarian Government‘s requests to the European Union for antigen tests

The Government of Spain supports the Canarian Government‘s requests to the European Union for antigen tests to also be accepted for travelers who wish to reach the islands, Spain’s Minister of Tourism, Reyes Maroto, has confirmed upon arrival in La Palma to participate in the G20 summit that aims to reactivate the tourism sector worldwide. Maroto explained that currently only PCRs are accepted in the European framework, although she made clear that her...

Gran Canaria on alert for rough seas, with stormy weather, gale force winds and rain

The Canary Islands Government General Security and Emergency Directorate, on the basis of forecasts by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET),  have activated an alert for rough seas "adverse coastal phenomena" as of 9:00 pm this Sunday, with waves expected to reach up to 5.5 meters high. The alert extends to the north and west coasts of the islands of El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, and to the northern coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. On Monday, winds...

Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria protest march to “Save Tourism” and remove migrants

A protest to remove migrants and "Save Tourism In Mogán" took place this Friday, November 27, in the well known tourist resort town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.  It is estimated up to a thousand people may have attended, with large groups coming from across Gran Canaria and its south coast to support "concerned citizens and business owners" who complain that any chance of a tourism recovery, following the global pandemic response, could be harmed if the, just over, 3,000 migrants staying in...

Weather: Rain and strong winds to end the week on Gran Canaria as Atlantic storm passes to the north

Yellow (risk) advisories are in place this Wednesday and Thursday, in the Canary Islands, due to heavy rain and strong winds forecast by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). An Atlantic storm to the north of us is expected to pass, over the next couple of days, bringing strong winds and rough seas to Gran Canaria and the archipelago, followed by a bigger storm likely to visit the island of Madeira at the weekend on its way to mainland Spain, bringing more wet weather to the islands...

At least 8 dead after migrant boat capsizes just off Lanzarote coast in the night

Emergency services have today recovered four more bodies from the water after a boat carrying a group of at least 35 people capsized last night just off the coast of La Condesa, on the north of Lanzarote, very close to the shore, bringing the total to 8 dead, all male. The increased death toll was announced by the manager of the Lanzarote Emergency Consortium, Enrique Espinosa, who said that emergency services personnel were bringing the dead to shore. At least...

Canary Islands Government will carry out PCR tests for residents flying back over Christmas from Spanish mainland

The Canary Islands Government will carry out PCR tests for residents of the islands who wish have them when returning to the archipelago from the mainland for Christmas, the Regional Minister for Health, Blas Trujillo, said today. The Ministries of Health and Transport are working to reach agreements with regional laboratories, in order to carry out the tests at origin, said Trujillo. "The tests will be carried out on all residents, not only on students", although this is the largest group...

King Felipe VI of Spain will isolate for 10 days following COVID-19 close contact

King Felipe VI of Spain, 51, will have to stay in mandatory isolation for at least ten days after finding out on Monday that a person with whom he had close contact has tested positive for COVID-19. The royal household has had all the head of state's official activities suspended, the Zarzuela palace has reported. The Casa del Rey has clarified that Queen Letizia and her daughters, the Princess of Asturias and the Infanta Sofía, will be able to continue their...

Mogán mayor Bueno’s migrant case against the Spanish Government swiftly dismissed as “not relevant”

The magistrates Court of Instruction number 2 for San Bartolomé de Tirajana on Monday swiftly dismissed proceedings initiated by the mayor of Mogán Town Council, who filed complaints regarding the migrant situation on the Aguineguín harbour, which has made headlines around the world. Following the judge's in-person visual inspection at the Red Cross camp last Friday, judicial authorities declared that the facts described in the Mogán Town Hall's denuncia (complaint) does “not meet the...

Canary Islands expect a surge in Christmas bookings as England Lockdown lifted December 2

The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced this evening that the latest lockdown restrictions will be eased from December 2nd, however announced tiered restrictions that are expected to be in place until at least March.  Though the UK remains marked as a high-risk territory by the ECDC, and therefore anyone travelling from there needs to be tested before flying to spain, travellers are expected to be allowed to go on holiday once again so long as they do not live in a tier 3 area,...

“Moroccan immigration and blackmail” writes President of Gran Canaria Cabildo

As well as a regional government, and local councils (municipios), the Canary Islands also has an added political layer of Island Councils (Cabildos Insulares).  The Cabildo de Gran Canaria is our island's representative government, made up of every local mayor and representatives of all the major parties.  The current president of the island Cabildo de Gran Canaria, since 2015, is Antonio Morales (from the Nueva Canarias party - NC). In a strongly worded statement, on his own personal blog,...

The Canary Islands working with Madrid to include antigen tests before December 2

The Canary Islands Government have expressed their hope that coronavirus standards with England can be "harmonised" with the Spanish Ministry of Health to include antigen tests as well as PCR results in rules for travel through Spanish ports and airports by December 2.  If agreed then this would come just in time for the expected relaxing of restrictions currently imposed in England, and other parts of the UK, in the face of their second wave of the pandemic.  The UK are still currently deemed...

Maspalomas roundabout fail leaves car abandoned beneath GC500 roundabout

This crashed car abandoned beneath GC500, the old national road that connects Vecindario on the southeast of Gran Canaria to Puerto de Mogán on the southwest, was reportedly  found "parked" this morning under the roundabout between the Parque Sur Maspalomas and the Holiday World theme park.  First reports say the occupants simply stepped out of the vehicle and left the scene, with no evidence of any emergency services having been called.  Questions are now being asked as to whether the vehicle...

The Canary Islands: lowest infection rates, new cases per hundred thousand, in all Europe

The Canary Islands have the very lowest Covid-19 infection rates in all Spain, and are among the lowest across Europe by a country mile. The archipelago have, however, just reported their 20,000th case, detected since the coronavirus pandemic began back in the spring. In fact this weekend the accumulated total stands at 20,002, with 15,422 of those having already recovered from the infection. 319 people have died and 4,261 cases remain active across the islands, out of a population of more...

Canary Islands appeal to Spain to include Rapid Antigen tests as well as PCR results for tourists coming from high risk zones

The Canary Islands Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Yaiza Castilla, in the Regional Parliament this Friday, has appealed to Spain's central Government for an expansion to the list of diagnostic tests, required to enter Spain from a high risk country, to also include rapid antigen tests. Castilla is doing what she can to try to salvage the main winter season, as Spain prepares to impose, as of Monday 23 November, potential fines on anyone arriving from a high risk zone without the...

High Court invalidates Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria urban planning permits not legally administered

The Canary Islands High Court has ruled that the urban planning permits, used by the Mogán mayor and her CIUCA party, supported by PSOE, to authorise several major new developments in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, the framework for which had been granted just as they entered office in 2015, were not legally administered. Despite the deficiencies having been pointed out and serious concerns raised by their opposition (PP and Nueva Canarias) during the April 17 2017 plenary, the governing group...

Spanish Airline Association welcomes European Commission antigen test recommendations

Madrid, November 19, 2020- The Spanish Airline Association ALA has welcomed the recommendation adopted by the European Commission that encourages EU member states to use rapid antigen tests to contain the spread of the virus and limit isolation and quarantine measures. This opens the door to their being accepted from travelers, in addition to defending the validation and mutual recognition of these tests and their results. With this recommendation, the EC seeks to increase EU coordination on...

Coronavirus: European Commission recommends rapid antigen tests and support to increase testing capacity

Today, the European Commission adopted a recommendation on the use of rapid antigen tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19. This follows the Commission's recommendation on 28 October to ensure a common approach and more efficient testing strategies across the EU. It builds on the guidance developed with Member States input and expert advice from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Here is the complete text of Wednesday's historic Commission Recommendation of 18.11.2020...

EU recommend Rapid Antigen Tests for travel, President Torres celebrates “the safe reactivation of mobility and tourism in the Canary Islands”

The European Commission on Wednesday announced that they are approving rapid antigen tests for travel as a way to avoid severe restrictions that limit freedom of movement between European countries. They recommend that all EU states validate the tests which could be the key to restoring mobility throughout the European Union and help put an end to blanket quarantines. The President of the Canary Islands Government, Ángel Víctor Torres, commented yesterday, on...

Transfer of migrants from the Port of Arguineguín camp begins with noisy protests

This Wednesday afternoon the first transfer of migrants from the Port of Arguineguín camp, by bus bound for the military tents of the newly set up Temporary Attention Centre for Foreigners (CATE) in Barranco Seco, Las Palmas, left just after 6pm, to the sound of jeering from a small group demonstrators at the port, waving Spanish flags and other symbols. The group of about 50 migrants was the first of 200 scheduled to be transferred this Wednesday from the port, a number alluded to by Mogán's...

Investigation ordered into Tuesday’s migrant debacle on the port of Arguineguín

Following the embarrassing scenes from the Port of Arguineguín on Tuesday, with more than 200 migrants marched out of the harbour camp by police, and then summarily transported to the capital Las Palmas, without reception, recourse or resources. The north African, mostly Moroccan, migrants were left to fend for themselves in front of the closed buildings of the Spanish Government Delegation. The Ministry of Migration eventually were able to organise some return transport to bring 139 of them...

Migrants marched from port leads to confusion in Arguineguín

National Police this Tuesday afternoon were ordered to remove about 200 migrants from the Port of Arguineguín dockside.  The migrants, apparently all of Maghrebi or Moroccan origins interviewed by The Canary News and TheCanary.TV team, said that they each had friends or family on the island who were either coming to pick them up, or with whom they would be staying moving forward. The fact of their removal and release was confirmed by police sources and also the Mogán Town Council, however no...

Spain’s DGT “Traffico” puts new system in place to help UK license holders exchange to drive legally in Spain

As you know, one of the key actions for UK Nationals living in Spain is to exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one, but recently a lack of appointments has made this difficult. Therefore, to speed up the licence exchange and ensure UK Nationals can begin the process before the end of the year, the DGT "Traffico" has put a new system in place which went live on their website yesterday. It is a two-step process. The first step is to make an application to the DGT before 30 December....

Weather: Canary Islands enjoying temperatures of 30ºC+ this week

The head of the Spanish Meteorological Agency, AEMET, in the Canary Islands, Jesús Agüera, says that the storm "Theta" that passed north of the Canary Islands last weekend has produced easterly winds, bringing warm weather temperatures well above normal to the archipelago, "an anomalous meteorological phenomenon" expected to last until at least Thursday, when the warm weather will likely be replaced by the sudden arrival of cold air from the north. Since the weekend many areas around the...

Fighting breaks out in Western Sahara as tensions escalate between Polisario Front and Moroccan occupying forces

Most have little or no understanding of the conflict situation just 100km east of The Canary Islands.  Africa's last colonial battlefield has been in a state of ceasefire since 1991, when UN peacekeeping forces brokered a truce in order to ensure a referendum was held on self-determination.  Originally agreed to by Morocco, who then changed their minds once the Sahawari fighters laid down their arms, the area has been in a state of...

Search team rescue dogs verify that no-one was caught in La Gomera landslide

Search team rescue dogs have been able to confirm there were no casualties in Saturday's rockfall.  All residents living near where a massive landslide yesterday afternoon occurred, the area known as Argaga on the west coast of La Gomera island, have now been located, the local Cabildo (island government) has announced, along with all visitors known to have been in the area yesterday where a cliff spectacularly collapsed into the sea. The search was carried out using specially trained rescue...

La Gomera landslide caught on camera, rescue workers are searching for anyone injured

  A La Gomera landslide caused by the massive collapse of part of a cliff this Saturday afternoon, was captured on video on the west coast of the island of La Gomera, in Valle Gran Rey. Several people in the vicinity witnessed the rockfall. Images show a large vertical cliff face suddenly collapsing into the sea, raining debris onto a coastal path, used to access Argaga beach, known as Las Arenas beach, where caravans and other vehicles often park, causing several cars to completely disappear...

Spain lays out tactics for dealing with the migration crisis in Canary Islands, President appeals for everyone to fight racism and xenophobia

Spain's Minister of Territorial Policy and Public Function, Carolina Darias, announced this Friday, during a press conference alongside the president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, that the Government of Spain will reinforce immigration policy in the Canary Islands with greater resources and vigilance to deal with the migration crisis, with plans to designate transfer of land for usage in the processing of those that arrive and increased diplomacy with countries from which...

Up to 800 migrants will be transferred to military camp in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The Spanish Army have constructed a transit camp at their old Barranco Seco facility, ready to start receiving migrants currently crowded onto the harbour pier in the port of Arguineguín. The army's Twitter account was used to announce that the Canary Islands XVI Brigade has erected 23 tents (nine more than those available in Arguineguín) at the facilities assigned to the Ministry of the Interior, to which, once completed a total of up to 800 migrants will be transferred and accommodated and...

Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria car crash driver six times over the limit

A 69-year-old Irish woman collided with three vehicles yesterday while she was trying to leave a parking space in the tourist resort town of Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria. A breathalyser test revealed she was six times over the alcohol limit allowed, and so she was arrested on road safety charges. The events occurred, directly outside The Devil's Pub, just before 10:30am when, it is thought, the driver was trying to leave a parking space located on the main street through the town Avenida Tomás...

British tourists are reportedly postponing holidays booked to The Canary Islands until summer 2021

British tourists are reportedly postponing holidays booked to The Canary Islands until the summer of 2021, instead of trying to visit this winter, due travel restrictions imposed by the British Government banning holidays from England until at least December 2, say British travel agencies, although some may well try for last minute deals before Christmas. The Minister of Tourism for the Canary Islands Government, Yaiza Castilla, met yesterday, via video link, with the Association of British...

The coasts of The Canary Islands receive more than 2,500 migrants in 3 days

This Monday it is being reported that around 2,500 migrants have arrived since Friday, on the coasts of The Canary Islands, and that the make shift camp on the Arguineguín dock has once again overflowed with new arrivals on the south of Gran Canaria. Nearly 500 migrants have arrived just this Monday morning. The highest number to arrive in one weekend since 2006, numbering around  2,000 arrived on Saturday and Sunday, in 45 boats, with comparisons continuing to be made to the record breaking...

Canary Islands Hurricane? No. Some rain and wind (maybe) as gathering Atlantic storm passes to the northwest of the islands

The United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC) have been monitoring the formation of a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic, possibly a gathering Atlantic storm which some commentators fear could affect the Archipelago . If the wet weather currently travelling southwest of the Azores does continue to organise then either a tropical or sub-tropical storm is expected to form, which would be officially named Theta. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AMET) has also said that the cyclonic wet...

Warm weather and sunshine do not stop COVID-19 from spreading, we must be sensible this winter season

Warm weather and sunshine have little effect on stopping the spread of Covid-19.  The Canary Islands archipelago as a whole remains the Spanish region with the lowest accumulated incidence of Covid-19 over the last 14 days, writes Yanira Martin in Spanish language daily LaProvincia, with 76.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, as well as the lowest over the last seven days, with 43.3 per 100,000. While the spread of the virus has skyrocketed throughout the rest of Spain and other European...

Hotels on Gran Canaria, and elsewhere, are looking to innovative reservations models to survive the crisis

Despite the coronavirus crisis and the huge reduction in tourism globally, online entrepreneurs and tourism professionals have been forced to innovate, adopting various new opportunities to try to ensure they can simply stay in business, and even prosper, despite the unprecedented economic fallout.  Some hotels on Gran Canaria have moved away from 2-night minimums and overnight stays to offer themselves to different types of customer.  ByHours is a hotel booking site like most you will have...

Rapid antigen tests to be authorised by Canary Islands for visiting tourists

The Canary Islands Government have now made clear that they will authorise the use of rapid antigen tests in the screening of tourists, news which will provide a boost and some much needed confidence, moving forward, for an industry which accounts for 40% of GDP in the archipelago, and which has been devastated this year due to the various measures employed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canary Islands Ministry of Health is preparing instructions to include this diagnostic...

Canary Islands do not currently advise using antigen tests to detect coronavirus, except in certain circumstances

The Canary Islands Government Ministry of Health this Monday published a resolution setting the parameters for using antigen tests to detect SARS CoV-2 virus. They advise that diagnostic tests, which produce results in just 15 minutes, only be performed on patients who have either had symptoms compatible with COVID-19 for the previous five days or to find asymptomatic patients who have been in close contact with a confirmed positive case. The Government announcement last week had stated that...

New strain of coronavirus emerged in Spain, now most prevalent in second wave across Europe

A new strain of coronavirus that causes covid-19, which was identified as having emerged in Northern Spain "does not produce a more serious condition, nor does it compromise the effectiveness of possible vaccines, although it seems to facilitate the transmission of the virus," according to a disease specialist at the CSIC Infectious and Clinical Genetics centre, Vicente Soriano, speaking to the Spanish news agency Efe. Soriano is director of the Medical Centre at the International University...

Gran Canaria tourist accommodation worth 100 million euros now on sale

A raft of Gran Canaria tourist accommodation complexes, hotels and apartments, have recently gone on sale, in a further measure of the economic fallout from what is being called the "worst tourist crisis in the Archipelago" ever experienced. Losses of up to 83% of expected occupancy, air connections running at less than 40% compared to a year ago and an expected total arrivals to The Canary Islands of less than five million tourists this year, less than a million on Gran Canaria, compared to...

Ministry of Defense offers to accommodate migrants at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria barracks

Spain's Ministry of Defense has this weekend offered a fourth facility to help accommodate migrants who have been arriving en masse to the islands by boat over the last few weeks and months, so as to try to ease the pressure on local infrastructure following a huge increase in people trafficking, and migrants attempting the crossing, on what is known as the Atlantic Ocean Canary Route, widely considered one of the most dangerous migratory routes in the world. The ministry has now made...

New UK lockdown announced from Thursday, travel restrictions likely to harm Canary Islands recovery hopes

Just one week after The Canary Islands have been added to the safe travel corridors list from the UK, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tonight announced a new nationwide lockdown in England which will prevent all but necessary travel, for work or other exceptional circumstances, which is likely to scupper any recovery of UK tourist flows to The Canary Islands, which had been expected throughout November.  Although not quite as restrictive as the first national lockdown, it seems travel...

Canary Islands pioneer new COVID certification requirements for tourist accommodations

The decree law, requiring tourists to self certify negative test results for coronavirus, approved on Thursday afternoon by the Canary Islands Regional Governing Council is now pending technical modifications before it will be published in the Official Gazette of the Canary Islands (BOC), to take effect immediately. However, there will be a transitional period before the decree is validated by the Regional Parliament. The new security regulations have been brought about by the Regional...

Canary Islands become first in Spain to require negative test results from tourists

The Canary Islands Executive Governing Council, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this Thursday, October 29, 2020, has, as expected, approved a new decree law of extraordinary measures in tourism to deal with the health effects and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the legal text establishes that in order to access licensed tourist accommodation establishments on the Islands, travellers must have completed an active infection diagnostic test established by the health authorities,...

Illegally built tanks for dolphins at Palmitos Park cannot be legalised after the fact

In a rural valley just ten minutes from the most popular tourist resort area on Gran Canaria, dolphins have been kept for the last ten years and made to perform for visitors, in purpose built pools that were built illegally, without proper permissions, and which experts also say are wholly inappropriate for animals who, when in the wild, can swim more than 100km a day, not to mention the cruelty of being kept in a tank and forced to perform for food.  It seems the days of dolphins at...

Man who flew to Lanzarote with COVID19 fined €1500

A passenger who flew to Lanzarote with Covid-19 last May has been fined €1,500, for having committed a "very serious" infraction in the face of coronavirus control measures. The passenger was a resident of the island, but the disciplinary proceedings began in the Spanish city of Ciudad Real, where he had traveled to be with his mother, who died of cancer, but had also contracted coronavirus. Once there, having been in contact with a positive case of the virus, a PCR test was performed....

Canary Islands residents will not need coronavirus test results to stay in hotels

Canary Islands residents will not have to submit a coronavirus test result to be allowed to stay in holiday accommodation on the islands.  Once the amendments to tourism laws come into force, currently being prepared by the regional Government, residents will have to declare that they have not travelled outside the Archipelago in the 14 days prior to their stay in any tourist apartment or hotel, in an affidavit signed at checkin. Residents will need to clearly state that they have not left the...

New Canary Islands’ covid test certification law could be in place within 15 days

Regional Tourism Minister for The Canary Islands, Yaiza Castilla, has given more detail on that the new decree law obliging all visitors to certify that they have tested negative for COVID19, saying that the rules will be open enough so that certificates issued by health organizations or clinics from all the countries of tourist origin will be accepted and so that, if technological progress provides new rapid diagnostic routes, it is not necessary to reform the articles of the new covid test...

Canary Islands first region in Spain to approve COVID test results certification for tourists

Representative of various social and economic groups in the Canary Islands including the UGT and CCOO unions and employers, CEOE and CCE, and the island Cabildos, on Monday afternoon, supported a new decree law from the Government of the Canary Islands that will make possible COVID test results certification controls on tourists who arrive onto the islands, whether foreign or or domestic, from within other Spanish territories. Members of the President's Advisory Council, said they are...

State of emergency declared throughout Spain, with nightly curfews except Canary Islands

In Spain, a national state of emergency, writes LaProvincia, came into force a few minutes before 6.30 pm with the publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of the royal decree approved this Sunday by the Spanish Government at an extraordinary ministerial council. Special measures include restrictions on night time movement affecting the entire nation, nightly curfews except Canary Islands who, though included in the State of Emergency, will not currently be required to observe the rest...

Germany to lift recommendations against travelling to Canary Islands from Saturday

Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has announced this Thursday that they will be removing the Canary Islands from the regions considered at risk due to their incidence rates of coronavirus, though the rest of Spain continues to be blacklisted, which in turn will allow Germany to lift recommendations against travel to the islands. The news was posted by the President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, on his Twitter account saying "The German government decided last night, and due...

The Canary Guide: mass events cancelled in Maspalomas including Reyes Magos and the 2021 Carnival

The deadlines needed, in the face of the ever-changing pandemic response measures, for the proper organisation of the usual seasonal mass events have made it impossible for the San Bartolomé de Tirajana town hall to guarantee the holding of these much anticipated cultural celebrations. Given the uncertainty in the evolution of the pandemic and the impossibility of establishing a date to recover "normality", the council say they have been forced to cancel the holding of mass events including...

The Canary Guide: The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria suspends the celebration of the official festival program until 2022

The Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have suspended the official celebration of the festival program until 2022. This was communicated by the councillor Inmaculada Medina to the different representatives of the groups involved, after having spoken with each sector throughout the summer. "The uncertainty generated by the evolution of the pandemic is incompatible with the forecast and previous work required for an event of the magnitude of Carnival," explained Medina, who pointed out that...

The Government of the Canary Islands has authorised cruise ships to operate between the Canarian ports

The Government of the Canary Islands has authorised several cruise ships companies to operate between the ports of the Archipelago as of November 5, once the companies have committed to comply with the strict sanitary protocol agreed by the Public Works, Transport and Housing departments and that of Health to guarantee the safety of both tourists and residents. The negotiations process started last summer when several shipping companies approached the Government interested in activating the...

Positive news for recovery of tourist flows for this winter season in The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Government Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Yaiza Castilla, has held a video-conference meeting this morning with Magnus Wikner, the CEO of the main Scandinavian tour operator, Nordic Leisure Travel Group, and his management team in order to advance the recovery of tourist flows for this immediate winter season and for which the Scandinavian group have announced their resumption of operations with the islands as of October 24. On behalf of the travel wholesalers...

An autumnal week of wind and some rain across The Canary Islands

An Autumnal few days ahead, with warnings in force this week across The Canary Islands for very strong gusts of wind and some rain expected with occasional showers, even the potential for storm weather.  Gran Canaria and the eastern province are likely to escape the worst of the wet weather, however meteorologists are predicting a 100% probability of rain, starting from Tuesday. The week has begun with bright blue skies across Gran Canaria and calm flat seas, temperatures ranging from 19º -...

Gran Canaria shame as delinquent Mogán mayor closes The Food Project for no good reasons: No Tan Bueno

First, an apology to our tens of thousands of regular readers, we have been somewhat absent over the last few weeks, sorry.  We have been fully engrossed in an attempt to stop the eviction, without alternatives, of the most amazing group of volunteers it has been our honour to work with for many years.  Normal service from us will resume shortly, sadly the doors of The Food Project in Arguineguín have been nonsensically closed by a heartless town hall offering no solutions to the needs of...

Belgium is relaxing travel restrictions to The Canary Islands

Belgium has announced they are relaxing travel advice to the Canary Islands, as well as to the Valencia region, and it will no longer be mandatory for visitors to go into a quarantine upon return to the country from these regions. The news that Belgium is relaxing travel restrictions could well indicate similar moves from other source markets across Europe. According to the Belgian Foreign Ministry, they have lowered theit rating of the entire Canary Islands and the three Valencian provinces...

Canary Islands report just 78 new cases of COVID-19 over the last 24 hours

The Canary Islands Government Ministry of Health has reported just 78 new cases of COVID-19 over the last 24 hours, bringing the overall accumulated figure to 13,347 of which 6,919 remain active. The data represents a decrease compared to yesterday and confirms the stabilisation in numbers of new cases detected at less than the 200 daily occurring until last week, except for a peak last Friday. Gran Canaria has Seen 7,439 accumulated cases in total, but today just 20 new cases and 4,606 still...

Tourism and hospitality association FEHT advocates free movement within Europe

Tourist High Season would usually begin around now in the Canary Islands and given the uncertainty of how it will be dealt with by companies in the sector, the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Las Palmas (FEHT) have announced that they are advocating European authorities decisively invest in free movement within Europe for EU citizens between the member states of the European Union. FEHT wants the EU to push forward, instead of simply establishing zones, according to the...

TUI wants to bring tourists to the canary islands despite warnings

The global tour operator group TUI, who are the biggest in the world, say they plan to bring tourists once again to the Canary Islands as of this coming weekend, on October 3, despite a German Government advisory still being in place to avoid travel to several countries, including Spain. TUI's director for Germany, Marek Andryszak, has indicated to several newspapers, when talking about the Canary Islands, that "travelers should be able to decide for themselves whether to take their holidays...

The Canary Islands appeal to the Spanish State and Europe allocate more resources to attend to migration

The President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres chaired the inaugural session of the Canary Immigration Forum, to appeal to the Spanish State and the EU, from the Presidency headquarters in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria earlier in September, with participation from the Secretary of State for Migration, Hana Jalloul, the President the Civil Liberties and Home Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, the Minister of Social Rights, Noemí Santana, Spain's...

Activist Emma Colao hunger strike to protest delinquent Mogán mayor’s eviction of The Food Project #SaveTheFoodProject

Canarian trans-feminist and gender rights activist Emma Colao, from the association EQUAL LGTBI+, has announced radical action in an effort to try to highlight the need to #SaveTheFoodProject in Mogán. From this Wednesday, September 23 at 10:00 a.m. she has declared a hunger strike to protest outside the Mogán municipal offices demanding occupational alternatives for the Las Lomas de Arguineguin AV Food Distribution Project, who, by October 17, are threatened with eviction by the delinquent...

Economists warning it could take Canary Islands five years to return to how things were before COVID

Editor's Thoughts: Simply put, we have a long road to travel in The Canary Islands.  Anyone hanging on to the hope of the repercussions of 2020 being short term may wish to readjust and start to work on not simply how they might return to how things were before, but also how they are going to deal with the sustained economic impacts of low tourism, high unemployment and difficulties in generating income.  We can get through this, but perhaps not all of us will. Economists are warning that...

COVID19 detection testing works: Great news, The Canary Islands seem to have successfully controlled a second wave

The Canary Islands have once again shown themselves extraordinarily successful in controlling corona virus infections. Following a record high of newly detected daily infections back on September 4, with 386 cases, the sub-tropical archipelago has managed to stabilise and control the epidemiological curve of a second wave which became evident from the first weeks of August. Just two weeks ago the growth rate in the number of COVID-19 positives being detected stood at 4.4% and now is 1.5%,...

Opposition leader in Mogán calls for immediate resignation of Mayor

The political party, Nueva Canarias in Mogán, on the south west coast of Gran Canaria, has demanded the immediate resignation of Mayor Onalia Bueno, this Thursday, along with her entire government group, after the president and two of her councillors were this morning arrested as part of a police operation investigating alleged electoral fraud in the municipality, in both the 2015 and 2019 elections. In a statement, Nueva Canarias states that this is now the second time that Onalia Bueno has...

Mogán mayor arrested and town hall forcibly closed by Guardia Civil searching for evidence of vote rigging in 2019

The Mayor of Mogán has been arrested alongside at least two of her councillors, Mencey Navarro and Tanya Alonso, under suspicion of serious electoral fraud, and the alleged rigging of the local elections by offering favours and even cash in exchange for postal votes. Judicial police officers entered the Town Hall and Arguineguín council offices in a surprise raid ordering all computers to be turned off. The mayor, Onalia Bueno (Ciuca) was forced to miss the visit of Ana Pastor (PP) the former...

Lopesan closes four hotels but most stay open on Gran Canaria

The Canarian Hotel & Resort group Lopesan has announced that it is closing four hotels, two on Gran Canaria and both of those on Fuerteventura "due to the notable decrease in the volume of reservations" suffered after recommendations from the UK and Germany advising against travel to the islands. The Abora Catarina and Abora Buenaventura hotels, both in Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, will close on September 16th, and on the 28th the IFA Altamarena hotel and the IFA Villas Altamarena, in...

Canary Islands Tourism Minister meets with the local tourism bosses about safe corridors and COVID-19 tests

The Canary Islands Government Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Yaiza Castilla, held a meeting last week with the presidents of the main hotel associations on the islands to coordinate the protocol to establish tests for tourists, to detect and diagnose Covid-19, both at origin and in destination, aiming to generate confidence in the Canary Islands as a destination for the winter season. The meeting was attended by leaders of the main hotelier and tourism business associations in the...

Canarian wines triumph in Italy

Canarian wines achieved notable success in the 2020 Mondial des Vins Extremes CERVIM competition held in the Aosta Valley, Italy at the end of August. A total of 38 medals were won by wine producers participating from the archipelago, 6 Great Gold Medals and 32 Gold Medals, and 6 Special Awards. The large participation from the islands has earned the Canaries the "Mondial des Vins Extremes 2020" award for being the region that has submitted the most samples to the contest. The Mondial des Vins...

While the tourists stay away, a humanitarian crisis looms, keeping people employed, at least for now, in hospitality

A humanitarian crisis has been brewing for more than a year, and now, with a distinct absence of tourism, The Canary Islands have controversially been repurposing some of their hospitality infrastructure, saving jobs and keeping establishments open. Politics is at play. Over the last weeks and months we have seen growing numbers of the local population expressing fear, anguish and concern towards the occupants of open boats that have been arriving to the Islands from the African continent....

Gran Canaria President wants migrants quickly moved on to mainland Europe

The president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria island Government, Antonio Morales, this Saturday urgently requested that migrants arriving on the island be transferred to mainland Spain and to Europe as quickly as possible, because, in his words, The Canary Islands "should not become a prison" for people who reach its shores in boats or pateras, saying that he wants migrants quickly moved on. He was visiting the Arguineguín harbour wall (in the southwestern municipality of Mogán), where 222...

Spain confirms that there will be PCR tests for tourists, both at origin and destination

Spain's Minister for Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Reyes Maroto, has made clear this Thursday that there will be PCR tests for tourists, at origin and destination, in order to create safe tourism corridors for the winter season. In statements to journalists after meeting with the president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, and representatives of the town councils and tourism employers, the minister pointed out that on September 28 a joint document signed by the ministers of tourism...

The Spanish Secretary of State undertakes to transfer migrants to Government run centres asap

Hana Jalloul, Spain's Secretary of State for migration participated this morning in an Immigration Forum, organised by the Canarian Government, in which the main migrant challenges facing the islands were discussed. She gave a firm undertaking to start to transfer migrants as soon as possible to State run facilities and said she appreciated the coordination between the administrations involved in the matter, and made clear that the situation to which the islands are currently exposed "is a...

More than 400 migrants in Arguineguín crowded on to a dockside in a heatwave

A man died while trying to reach the Canary Islands by sea aboard one of the eight boats that reached the Archipelago yesterday with more than 200 people on board. The deceased was part of a group of 58 migrants who were rescued by Salvamento Marítimo (Marine rescue) five kilometres south of Tenerife. Six boats arrived on Gran Canaria, the occupants of which were added to those already on the Arguineguín dockside, on the south-west of the island, detained and for several days on asphalt with...

Heatwave on Gran Canaria to last through Tuesday’s Fiesta del Pino and continue until Thursday

Fiestas del Pino is perhaps the most important religious festival in The Canary Islands, celebrating Our Lady of The Pines, who is said to have revealed herself to some 16th century woodsmen and a priest, between two giant pine trees at place called Teror, where cool waters flowed from the mountains, and became known for their restorative properties.  Once the clergyman had reported the apparition to the Bishop, who then wrote to the Vatican, it was decided to bless this holy place with a...

Canary Islands reduce R-rate to below one following measures to curb August resurgence

The Canary Islands have managed to reduce the average number of people infected by each known coronavirus carrier, the R-rate, to below one, following last month's resurgence when that all important number had reached, at least at one point, as high as five, which now suggests that measures taken since mid-August, to stop further outbreaks, are seemingly taking effect. In his Canarias Radio interview this morning, the Canary Islands President, Ángel Víctor Torres, said Gran Canaria, Lanzarote...

Canary Islands demands a comprehensive response to growing migrant crisis

Spain's Migration Minister, José Luis Escrivá, has decided to delay his trip scheduled for this week to the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands demands a comprehensive response to the growing migrant crisis. The President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, in statements to journalists, said "powerful reasons" have prevented Escrivá's visit this week, but that a "precise and immediate" solution was required to deal with the continuous arrival of migrants in boats,...

#CanaryIslandsMigrantCrisis: Five more migrant boats arrived on Saturday, there are many more to come

Five "Pateras" (open boats) arrived to the archipelago this Saturday carrying a total of 62 African migrants. 2020 has seen growing numbers risk their lives to try to reach European shores, via this, one of the most dangerous routes in the world. Four boats landed on Gran Canaria and one on Fuerteventura, according to information provided by the Spanish Marine Rescue, Salvamento Marítimo, the Red Cross and the...

Canary Islands ICU beds are now at 45% of total capacity

Following a sudden increase in detected coronavirus cases here on the islands, over this last month, while well-meaning, if sometimes ill informed, people argue about the virulence of coronavirus and its death rate, or their objections to masks, the government, conspiracy theories or whether we shouldn't just let people die to keep businesses running; the increase in cases has tangibly led to a creeping growth in hospital admissions and, of particular concern, Canary Islands ICU admissions....

RIU confirm hotels closing on Gran Canaria as temporary measure and “are ready to reopen”

It was reported yesterday that Mallorca based hotel chain RIU Hotels & Resorts, owned by the TUI group, have announced to its suppliers that they will be closing eight hotels in the Canary Islands.  Initial reports incorrectly stated that the hotels would close this weekend, however sources from within RIU confirm these hotels are closing, in fact, from as of September 13. In communications to clarify the closure the Balearic hotel chain, RIU Hotels & Resorts, say they have been forced...

Hoteliers on Gran Canaria offer temporary accommodation for irregular migrants

In a shrewd master stroke of resources management and public collaboration, at a time of real crisis, it has come to light this Friday morning that hoteliers, on the south of Gran Canaria, have stepped forward and shown willingness to allow their empty, closed establishments to be utilised as emergency temporary accommodation for irregular migrants, who have arrived in open boats over recent weeks, and for whom the central government has not been able to provide any suitable accommodation or...

#Tourism0: RIU close eight hotels on The Canary Islands

RIU close eight hotels in the Canary Islands as of Sunday September 6 2020. The news, that RIU Hotels & Resorts hotel chain have reportedly announced to their suppliers, comes following Germany having included the region, this week, on its list of destinations not recommended for travel. It is feared the move may cause other hotels in the archipelago to follow suit, as economic mayhem builds in the wake of continued uncertainty about the coronavirus pandemic in The Canary Islands. Though...

Canary Islands decree fines for failing to comply with COVID-19 prevention measures

The Canary Islands Government are taking stringent action to enforce COVID-19 prevention measures and try to keep businesses, as much as possible, and the economy open by targeting fines and sanctions at anyone who is found to be breaching measures to tackle coronavirus. The last month has seen a sudden increase in covid19 detections, particularly in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which has lead to a near total drop off in tourism and hospitality businesses, primarily affecting the south of...

Commitment from Spain’s Labour Minister to extend the ERTEs for as long as necessary

The President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, received a commitment on Tuesday from the Spain's Minister of Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz, that the Temporary Employment Regulation Files (ERTE), the Spanish Government "furlough scheme" for contracted employees at companies that could not continue operating this year, maintained in the Canary Islands and elsewhere since the state emergency, to extend the ERTEs for as long as necessary, as of September 30, the day they are...

The Canary Islands are reporting 31 new outbreaks, but far fewer numbers in a cluster

The Canary Islands Health Department are today reporting 31 new outbreaks, in addition to the 66 current outbreaks active over the last 15 days, added to thirty more outbreaks currently being followed-up, on the basis that they are due to be closed as having had no new cases detected over the last fortnight. Of the new outbreaks, 30 are in the province of Las Palmas ( 2 of them in Fuerteventura) and one is in the province of Tenerife, in Granadilla, involving 5 individuals, one of them...

Canary Islands now on Germany’s travel “Blacklist” requiring PCR test results on return

The German government has announced, this Wednesday afternoon, that the Canary Islands are, as of today, being placed on the Germany's travel "Blacklist" of regions to which they do not recommend travel. Berlin say that they will oblige all those coming from the islands, as well as the rest of Spain, to either quarantine or to present a valid PCR test result on arrival at the airport to prove that they are not infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus. Germany's decision puts in check all the...

Arguineguín footballer David Silva tests positive for COVID19 after negative result in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Arguineguín-born footballer David Silva, staunch supporter of The Food Project in the small but popular Gran Canaria fishing-cum-tourist town where he was raised, recently joined Spanish La Liga team Real Sociedad, and was presented to the press this Monday in San Sebastián after taking a second PCR test in 72 hours, news arrived this afternoon however that he has in fact tested positive for Covid-19 and will now be obliged to quarantine, according to a report from the San Sebastian club. The...

Nightlife and Tourism businesses in the Canary Islands are demanding an urgent rescue plan

Nightlife and Tourism businesses in the Canary Islands are demanding an urgent rescue plan saying, in presentations to the regional parliament this Monday, that they are "fed up" of the regional Executive "continuing to ignore" the sector. The statements come on the day that all four of the primary tourism associations in the Canary Islands - Ashotel, FEHT, Lanzarote Tourist Federation and Asofuer - have demanded the implementation of tests for tourists both at origin and destination, along...

Gran Canaria doctors appeal for individual responsibility due to “very serious situation”

A large number of Gran Canaria doctors appeal to the public, as medical professionals and staff members in the main Insular Hospital Universitario, having signed a group statement, trying to convey to the population their growing concern about the evolution of coronavirus in the capital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The statement, which was released by Dr. Víctor Pons, a long standing and well respected member of the Emergency Service at the hospital, and medical officer for UD Las Palmas...

COVID19 cases rising, Government asks everyone to avoid social gatherings and makes masks mandatory at work

COVID19 cases have continued rising over the last week. Gran Canaria and Lanzarote currently have about a dozen so-called hot zones, that is a rate of infection where more than 100 cases of coronavirus have been detected out of every 100,000 inhabitants in the Accumulated Index (AI) of cases declared over the previous seven days. On Gran Canaria more than half the municipalities on the island now currently exceed this threshold. "In these places we have made the most restrictive decisions"...

Sweeping new measures aimed at controlling soaring infection rates on Canary Islands

The President of the Government of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced "tough and drastic" sweeping new measures this Thursday, following the extraordinary session of the Governing Council and a meeting for the coordination of security forces, in an appearance before the media.  The new rules will apply to those islands that show COVID19 infections incidence of 100 cases or more per 100,000 inhabitants, as is currently the case on Gran Canaria and is expected to be on Lanzarote...

Arrested for attacking police after refusing to wear a mask in Maspalomas

A 50-year-old woman was arrested for attacking police today, with a prior police record in southern municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, after she allegedly rushed at officers at an establishment in the main tourist area of Maspalomas. The woman along and a friend, were said to be causing a scene and refusing to wear masks at a commercial establishment. The detainee is said to have run at the officers, attacking and biting them. The police also recommended that a second woman, having...

146 Covid19 patients are in hospital in the Canary Islands, 68% of available hospital beds are in use and 33% of ICU capacity has been reached

146 Covid19 patients are currently being monitored in Canary Islands hospitals, both public and private. The Intensive Care Units (ICU) are currently at 33% of total capacity, 24 of these patients are there due to complications derived from having been infected with coronavirus, out of a total of 477 units available across the islands. Of this total number of ICU beds, 402 are critical units with a respirator - 37% of them already occupied with 149 admissions, 24 of them people with...

Puerto Rico party boat excursion fined following serious safety infringements

The Canary Islands Health Service, following a proposal from the General Corps of the Policia Canaria (CGPC), have issued a fine of €6.000 to the owners of a commercial party boat excursion based in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for serious infractions having failed to comply with measures established by the Government of the Canary Islands against COVID-19, such as not keeping interpersonal safety distance and not wearing masks. The events took place at an excursion that was held on August 16...

Canary Islands alert issued for 40-44ºC temperatures and high risk of fires over the next few days

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) have this afternoon increased their advisory Canary Islands alert level to red due to high temperatures expected across the Canary Islands with temperatures on the islands set to reach 40º C in the shade, in particular inland and on the south of Gran Canaria, where temperatures could reach up towards 44ºC.  It is always hotter in direct sunlight. The Ministry of the Interior General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies has issued an...

Government of Spain and Prime Minister met today to suggest regional lockdowns, and military trackers and tracers

Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez , has made an "institutional appearance" after the Government of Spain met this Tuesday, in a press conference following the first Council of Ministers since August 4, after their annual summer break. Taking stock of the growing coronavirus outbreaks and the latest measures taken by some autonomous communities to stop the rise in numbers, he has reasserted the government intention to reopen schools, and the possibility of giving regional parliaments the...

2136 active Coronavirus cases on Canary Islands, a second wave of confusion and fear

There can be no doubt, a second wave of coronavirus infections in the Canary Islands Archipelago is upon us. The increase in positives in the capital Las Palmas throughout the month of August has meant Gran Canaria for the first time has now accumulated more cases than any other island since the beginning of the health crisis. On Sunday 2136 active cases of coronavirus have been confirmed, more than half of them on Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, tourism is once again in decline, having barely...

State of Emergency “is not our choice”, Minister makes clear Spain does not want to declare another

Spain's Minister for Consumer Affairs, Alberto Garzón, has this Saturday said that the Government's "choice" is to invest in coordination with Spain's 17 autonomous communities so that they can face the pandemic "within their powers", instead of again decreeing a state emergency, which, however, they have not ruled out should it become necessary. "[A state of emergency] is not our choice. Our choice is that within the competences of the autonomous communities there may be excellent...

Maximum temperatures reaching 42ºC this weekend, Gran Canaria declared at risk of forest fires

Gran Canaria has been declared at risk of forest fire with maximum temperatures set to reach up to 38ºC in the shade.  Temperatures in direct sunlight could easily be significantly hotter, reaching 40-42ºC+ The Cabildo de Gran Canaria, island government, has asked that all citizens act responsibly and do not head inlands towards the summits as this can only complicate any potential situation during this extreme heat wave. All appropriate prohibitions have been activated, ranging from the use...

In August Gran Canaria has more than doubled Coronavirus infections

Despite The Canary Islands having been the most successful region in Spain at tackling COVID-19, Gran Canaria has seen a worrying upturn in new positives over recent weeks, having detected 736 new cases so far in August, which is 73 more than the 663 previously detected since the beginning of the pandemic until July 31. Gran Canaria has more than doubled Coronavirus infections in three short weeks. The latest data published by the Ministry of Health at 2:00 p.m. yesterday, confirms the island...

Mogán sports fields closed by Town Council over coronavirus security fears

Mogán Town Council today announced all sports fields closed in the southwestern municipality over fears they will be unable to avoid infections among the younger population having observed, they say, several not complying with the Regional Government's safety measures imposing maximum numbers on people allowed at "social gatherings". Policia local sealed off all sports spaces after verifying that maximum numbers of people gathered exceeded the rules of the regional executive aimed at dealing...

1,113 active cases in the Archipelago following 91 more newly detected

91 new positive of coronavirus have been confirmed over the last 24 hours, in the latest report by the Regional Ministry of Health this Tuesday afternoon.  There are now a total of 1,113 active cases in the Archipelago, on balance an increase of 62 people, taking into account the 29 medical discharges over the last 24 hours, 21 of them on Gran Canaria. There are now eight patients in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), two more than on Monday, while 63 are under observation in normal hospital wards,...

Smoking on bar terraces and on the street is not banned on Gran Canaria

Ever since the extraordinary meeting of the Canary Islands Government's governing council last Thursday, faced with a sudden increase in cases of coronavirus over the previous two weeks, there has been confusion among smokers about what is or is not allowed when it comes to smoking on Gran Canaria.  The decision to restrict smoking has led to a range of complaints and many smokers deciding to stay at home or in private spaces rather than visiting bars, restaurants and other hospitality...

Increase in new infections may have slowed this weekend

Are there are possible early signs that, for the first time in two weeks, the increase in new infections may have slowed? The latest data from the Canary Islands' Ministry of Health today seems to suggest that is a possiblity. Official confirmation over the last 24 hours shows 77 having tested newly positive and one new death, which means there are 1,051 active cases currently throughout the archipelago, of which 60 are hospitalised and 6 remain in the ICU. The number of people who have died...

Anti-mask protesters numbered less than active COVID-19 infections in Las Palmas

About a hundred anti-mask protesters gathered together this Sunday, August 16, by the sculpture of Alfredo Kraus, on the capital's Las Canteras beach, demonstrating against what they see as the imposition of the mandatory use of masks, along with a range of other complaints and theories about the latest decisions by the governments of the Canary Islands and Spain to further restrict activities that are thought to favour the increasing numbers of coronavirus cases being detected daily across...

Latest Canary Islands figures confirm 1025 COVID19 cases active and increasing

The Latest Canary Islands figures, this Sunday, exceeded a thousand active cases of coronavirus. 134 more than yesterday, in total, according to data from the Regional Health Ministry. Todays declaration confirms 146 new COVID-19 positives detected across the archipelago over the last 24 hours. Of the new cases, 95 are on Gran Canaria, 29 on Tenerife, 18 on Lanzarote with 2 on La Gomera. The situation across the archipelago continues to get a little more complicated every day, however the...

144 new coronavirus cases in The Canary Islands, one deceased, 891 total active cases

A total of 891 active COVID-19 infections have been confirmed this Saturday in The Canary Islands. 144 new coronavirus cases have been registered since Friday, and one new death registered.  More than 200,000 PCR tests have been carried out since March 1st 2020 The Canary Islands Health Ministry statistics confirm four people are in the ICU and 47 others hospitalised in various hospitals in the archipelago. 840 people are isolated, confined to their homes. Since the pandemic began, The Canary...

Total COVID-19 cases increasing fastest on Gran Canaria as new restrictions attempt to curb contagion

Total COVID-19 cases detected in the Canary Islands since the start of the pandemic currently stand at 3,323, 111 more over the last 24 hours, with 748 active cases throughout the archipelago this Friday. There are two people currently being treated in the Intensive Care Units,  38 are being monitored in hospital and 708 are in self-isolation at home, according to the data published this afternoon by the Canarian Ministry of Health. The archipelago has registered a considerable increase in...

All Nightlife venues in Spain closed, nationwide rules and recommendations for Care Homes

"This is the first time in democracy that coordinated measures have been formally declared in the field of Health that will be adopted jointly by all autonomous communities and cities," highlighted the Minister of Health, Salvador Illa as he announced the closure of all Nightlife venues in Spain August 14, 2020.- Spain's Ministry of Health, along with every autonomous community in Spain have today unanimously agreed, during an extraordinary Interterritorial Council meeting, called today, to...

The Food Project: When your local council refuse to help Families in Need and you have to call the Army

Original reporting on The Food Project by: Adrián Suárez of Canarias Ahora   Images: Alejandro Ramos Additional interpretation: Edward Timon, The Canary The pandemic has multiplied the numbers of individuals and families in need of social assistance throughout Spain and The Canary Islands, hitting tourist areas such as the south of Gran Canaria with extra force. However, that does not seem to have hindered the Mogán Town Council, during the biggest crisis in more than 100 years, from appearing...

Canary Islands President: “If security measures are not kept up in the face of the pandemic, people and the economy will pay for it”

- President Angel Victor Torres announces that in the Canary Islands smoking will be prohibited in public spaces, as soon as the new rules are published in the BOC (Canary Island Official Bulletin) tomorrow- The head of the regional Executive emphasised that the latest data has forced restrictions on nightlife again and that the elderly and workers in their residences will be screened increasingly- The Canary Islands government does not foresee a return to confinement in any particular areas,...

Masks mandatory everywhere: Canary Islands restricts nightlife despite lowest number of infections in Spain

The Canary Islands Extraordinary Governing Council meeting held  Thursday morning (August 13, 2020) has agreed to approve a series of health measures seeking to contain the current outbreaks on the islands. At the request of the Spanish Ministry of Health, they approved mandatory use of masks, both in open outdoor spaces as well as closed indoor spaces, irregardless of whether the prescribed 1.5 meter safety distance can be maintained. The Council also brought in sweeping new restrictions for...

COVID-19: More than 85% of newly detected cases are people under 30 infected during leisure time

The Canary Islands Ministry of Health have today reported that more than 85% of newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases  in the Canary Islands over the last week have been people under 30 years of age, who have been infected during leisure activities or at family gatherings without having maintained the prescribed security measures such as social distancing. Over the last 24 hours, 85 new COVID-19 cases have been detected,  59 of which are on Gran Canaria, 20 on Tenerife, 2 on Fuerteventura and 4 on...

More than half of the 421 Canary Islands active cases are now on Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands continues to carry out, on average, of more than 1000 tests a day, having so far carried out more than 192,000 tests, and have gone for almost 2 whole months without any new deaths attributed to Covid-19, but this weekend added two more fatalities, last Saturday, to bring the total to 164 dead since the pandemic first arrived on the islands, on January 30th.  The total infections detected over that time has now nearly reached 3,000 (2,959 as of Monday afternoon) and so the...

Tragic migrants dying to reach Canary Islands this week

[Patera capsizes (Archive Image), Patera washes ashore (UNHCR)] - Reports estimate up to 50 sub-Saharan migrants drowned this last week, when the boats in which they were travelling towards the Canary Islands were either run aground or broke down. Moroccan authorities found seven bodies, and rescued 40, last Monday, and details started to emerge on Thursday night of a patera or cayuco (open boat) wrecked off the coast of Nouadhibou, Mauritania, where it was thought up to 40 people had...

Is the mayor of Mogán planning to evict The Food Project in Arguineguín?

This afternoon it came to our attention that Item 6 on the Ayuntamiento de Mogán council meeting agenda for (tomorrow) Wednesday August 5th is a sudden proposal, without warning, to evict http://TheFoodProject.es in Arguineguín from the premises where they have been serving the poorest people in our community, as the only food bank in the area, and helping hundreds of local families, for years, by supplyIng emergency rations of food once a week to the most poverty stricken in our area of...

All newly clarified Canary Islands safety rules regarding masks, hospitality and drinking on the street

There has been much debate, since the Canary Islands de-escalated from the State of Emergency, between bar owners, hospitality providers, clients, residents and tourists about when and where masks must be used and safety distances maintained.  From the beginning it has always been the case that if you are meeting with someone you do not live with you are expected to maintain a minimum interpersonal distance of 1.5m and if you are unable to guarantee that, then you are expected to wear a mask....

Canary Islands to tighten control over bars and nightspots, large gatherings and private parties

The Canary Islands Government has been evaluating whether it needs to strengthen the rules obliging the use of masks in public places, as has happened in recent days and weeks in other autonomous regions of Spain, the consensus seems to be that this is not a necessary measure at this time, so long as guidelines are being followed. They have said however that they will intensify and harden controls over young people gathering, in what are locally known as "botellones", as well as poeple at...

Plot Twist: UK Government suddenly includes Canary Islands in non-essential travel advice

In a sudden and surprising move from the UK, following appeals to exclude Canary Islands from their quarantine requirements, the British Government travel advisory has now been amended, but not as had been hoped for.  The new advice for British travellers is now to also avoid the Canary Islands for all non-essential journeys. The move is bound to anger and further confuse a situation caused by the sudden announcement on Saturday that all returning from Spain would have to quarantine, despite...

British Government confirm they are reviewing Canary Islands epidemiological data

The BBC have reported this Monday that The British Government is discussing with the Spanish the possibilities for "air corridors" between the UK and the Canary Islands, although first they want to review the epidemiological data well and will not make an immediate decision. In a radio interview with BBC Radio Four's The World At One, ex-minister now travel broadcaster, Michael Portillo, himself of Spanish descent, expressed his consternation at the lack of thought behind the British...

Gran Canaria Tourist board working to secure an agreement with the United Kingdom

The Gran Canaria Tourism board have announced that they are working closely with the Government of the Canary Islands to support the regional administration's request to establish safe and direct air-corridors with the United Kingdom, based on the low incidence of cases related to Covid-19 in the Archipelago. "Gran Canaria is a completely safe destination, which is why the Tourist Board are aligned with the efforts initiated by the Presidency of the Canary Islands Government to avoid...

TUI will resume flights to the Canary Islands from Monday

Tour operator TUI has announced this Sunday that they will be suspending all holiday packages to Spain until August 9, with the exception of those flying to the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, to which clients will once again be able to travel starting on Monday July 27.  In a statement, the popular tourism company indicated that those who were travelling to mainland Spain between July 27 and August 9 will be able to cancel or modify their reservations, while those who have packages...

Canary Islands safe and direct air corridors to the United Kingdom

The President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, and the Minister of Tourism, Yaiza Castilla, are to hold talks with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and representatives of the British Government, to try to prevent UK tourists from being subjected to the 14 day "self isolation" quarantine, announced this Saturday evening, when returning from their holidays on the islands. No warning was given ahead of the announcement. Popular tour operator TUI reacted angrily to...

33 people rescued in a boat adrift 6 nautical miles from Gran Canaria

Salvamento Marítimo (Marine Rescue) on Tuesday night saved 33 people adrift on board an open boat about six nautical miles southwest of Gran Canaria, according to the 112 Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordinating Centre. Canary Islands 112 were alerted to the location of the boat at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, transferring the rescued migrants to the Arguineguín dock , in the municipality of Mogán. Once ashore, Canarian Emergency Service (SUC) personnel, together with staff from the local...

Murder trial underway in Las Palmas over strangulation of disabled homeless man in Playa del Inglés

A wheelchair-bound homeless man, Stefan Putreanu, 61, was strangled and his body burned at an unused kiosk where he used to sleep in Playa del Inglés last year.  The man accused of his murder, known only as Ali GG, has denied any involvement in the killing during the dramatic first days of his murder trial, which started on Monday before a jury in Las Palmas. Turkish born Ali GG, of Spanish nationality, is accused of having strangled the disabled vagrant and then set his body on fire at the...

Canary Islands on The New York Times front page: Southern Europe Opens Its Doors to Tourists. Not Many Are Coming. –

Music blared from a beachfront cafe along the normally bustling southwestern coast of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. But several tables sat empty, a month after a Covid-19 lockdown had ended, and the doors to many resorts remained shut. Though tourism is returning to southern Europe — stretching from Portugal to Greece — its restart has been sluggish amid new outbreaks in some countries. Bookings are down 80 percent in Italy despite government incentives. Ferries to the Greek...

The Canary Islands track and trace more contacts for every individual new corona virus case than anywhere in Spain

Click here to see the latest Canary Islands corona virus figures, updated daily.  The Canary Islands Health Service manages to locate up to 27 contacts per newly detected case of Covid-19, whereas regions such as Catalonia only manage to identify no more than two on average. This was reflected in the latest report published by the Carlos III Health Institute, on the Covid-19 situation in Spain, looking at cases diagnosed between May 11 and July 15, during which time 22,997 cases of coronavirus...

€100 Fines for failure to comply with masks rules

The Canary Islands Government will activate increased controls this weekend to guarantee the use of masks as one of the most fundamental measures of protection against COVID 19. Special vigilance is to be carried out at recreational and festive gatherings such as bars, nightspots, Private parties, and celebrations in open spaces. Members of the Policia Canaria, Local Police and State Security Forces, including the Guardia Civil, will be deployed in a visible show of enforcement. Failure to use...

Canary Islands masks rules unchanged, but must be enforced

Mask guidance on Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands remains as it was, following The Canary Islands Government review of the current rules around wearing masks in public.  The regional executive say they plan to intensify enforcement to ensure existing regulations are being properly met, however have stopped short this week of increasing the number of mandated settings in which they are advisable to wear. Face Protection must be used in all enclosed spaces and in any public area, indoors and...

Scorching high temperatures on Gran Canaria for the next 4 days, Risk to Health advisories issued

The Canary Islands Government's Ministry of Health have activated a heat advisory, through the General Directorate of Public Health, warning of potential risk on Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Fuerteventura with forecasts overcoming the coming days predicting sustained high temperatures in the south ranging between 24ºC at night through to 38ºC in the daytime shade, with the potential for temperatures in direct sunlight to be significantly higher. These temperatures exceed the...

Hillside Fire Near Pueblo de Mogán, Man Arrested

A little shock tonight for the south west of Gran Canaria after a raging fire broke out on a hillside, just after 21:30, on Tuesday night, above the main GC200 highway connecting the popular town of Pueblo de Mogán and the village of Veneguera. Arriving to the blaze Policia Local immediately arrested a resident of La Aldea, in his mid 30s, on suspicion of having allegedly started the fire. Local residents had made sure that the man could not leave until the authorities arrived and took charge,...

#UNHCR will deploy a team to the Canary Islands to assess refugees arriving by boat

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR / ACNURspain) have this week announced that they will be sending a specialist team, to the Canary Islands, to work on this year's worrying increases in migrants who risk their lives in open boats trying to reach the archipelago.  It is thought that nearly 200 people have been lost already this year, having failed to make landfall. Pressure is quickly mounting on the islands' ability to patrol, retrieve, accommodate, then identify those who do survive...

The Canary Islands to review measures ensuring masks are worn when necessary

With a sudden spike in new corona virus cases on the mainland over the last week, there are growing indications this week that the Government of the Canary Islands Ministry of Health are going to approve new measures, to reinforce the mandatory use of masks in various places, where members of the public are likely to come into contact with each other, following reports this Monday of their communications with Spain's Inter-territorial Health Council.  We expect to know more by the end of this...

Canary Islands COVID prevention guide for hotels agreed by employers and unions 

Minister of Economy, Elena Máñez has announced today that The Canary Islands Government's Hospitality Advisory Board has this Monday approved a guide to job security advising companies in the hotel sector dealing with the COVID-19 response, in collaboration with tourism employers and unions. Representatives of the sector's main business associations (FEHT, Ashotel, Asolan and Asofuer), the UGT and CCOO unions, the government's Labor and Social Security Inspectorate have all participated...

The Canary Islands celebrate one whole month without COVID19 deaths

Corona virus, it appears, has almost been completely eradicated on The Canary Islands, but not yet eliminated.  The preventative quick actions of the government, regional and local administrations, and the outstanding compliance and cooperation of the resident population has left the region as one of the least affected in numbers of detected cases. As of Saturday July 11 an accumulated 2,459 people had been confirmed to have contracted the condition, and 2,224 of those have already been...

World Tourism Organisation flight to Gran Canaria, endorses Canary Islands as a safe tourism destination

The Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, and the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism for the Government of Spain, Reyes Maroto, flew to Gran Canaria this week (Wednesday July 8) aboard a scheduled promotional flight to demonstrate the Canary Islands as a safe tourism destination. The first official flight of its kind promoting safe tourism to Spain in the post pandemic era. Just like King Felipe and Queen Letizia  did a couple weeks...

Spanish Government launches new residency document for UK nationals

On Monday 6 July the Spanish Government launched a new residency document for UK nationals who are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement – the Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero or TIE. This means some changes to the appointments process and that anyone registering from now on will be issued with the biometric TIE card, rather than the current green paper document.  Spain is one of the first EU countries to bring in a new residency system for British nationals and HMA Hugh Elliott welcomed its...

All the “New Normality” rules you need to follow when in The Canary Islands (new updates this week)

The Canary Islands government have produced a handy guide to understanding social distancing rules in Spain under the so-called “New Normal“, to help avoid spreading infection. Whether you like it or not this is what everyone is expected to do to stay safe. These New Normality rules are not always crystal clear, they are still new, and subject to changes, and everyone has an opinion, but for everyone’s safety and well-being we are all being asked to try to follow the instructions. You can be...

Mogán closes all the beaches on the eve of San Juan festivities

Mogán Town Council will close accesses to all the beaches throughout the south-west's municipal areas from 20:00 on Tuesday, June 23 to avoid possible concentrations of people on the occasion of the popular San Juan night celebrations. Citizens will be able to enjoy the beaches once again from Wednesday morning at 8:00 on the 24th. "We have decided to close our beaches as a preventive measure in order to avoid gatherings of people on this date, when our neighbours as well as residents of other...

Gran Canaria’s southern beaches to close for a night to avoid crowds celebrating San Juan

Councilman Samuel Henríquez Quintana said today that San Bartolomé de Tirajana (inc. Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés/San Agustín) have announced the closure of all its beaches on the eve of the Fiestas de San Juan The Town Council of San Bartolomé de Tirajana announced the closure of all its beaches as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19. Usually this evening is marked by large crowds on the beaches, with bonfires and fireworks and a collective midnight dip in the sea. Public...

British holidaymakers can fly to Gran Canaria and the rest of Spain from Sunday Without Needing to Quarantine

Spain's foreign minister, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, has told the BBC this Saturday that British tourists will now be allowed to fly to Spain from from Sunday without the need for them to spend two weeks in quarantine, out of fears of them bringing the coronavirus. "We will allow British visitors to enter Spain just like the rest of the European Union or Schengen area from 21 June freely and without the need for the quarantine," she told the BBC News in an announcement that has surprised many...

How to identify the freshest Gran Canaria eggs, and ensure they are humanely produced

For years, the Cabildo de Gran Canaria island government has been promoting food sovereignty, energy self sufficiency, eco-island, buying local produce, and green renewable energies;  the Cabildo has continued this trend by launching this week a campaign, in coordination with the Sanitary Defense of Poultry of Gran Canaria Group, with the hashtag #YoComproHuevosDeAquí, loosely translating to "#IBuyEggsFromHere" to promote across social networks consumption of local eggs from the island, which...

Gran Canaria Cabildo recovery centre rescues a huge 38 kg turtle and two others, all on the same day

The Cabildo de Gran Canaria has rescued a 38-kg Caretta Caretta turtle, the largest ever to have been taken in at the island's pioneering Wildlife Recovery Centre in six years. It is a sub-adult turtle specimen that was found at the Bocabarranco Beach, on the island's north-north east coast, which was very weak and has a very deep wound on one of its fins caused by nets in which the animal had been snared. On the same day this week that this majestic specimen appeared, another 4-kilo turtle...

The Canary News, Views & Sunshine - Est. 2009