White houses in Lanzarote: why they look this way
One of the most recognisable images on the island is that of the white houses in Lanzarote standing against black, red and ochre volcanic terrain. The contrast is not simply the result of a modern aesthetic choice: it reflects centuries of vernacular architecture, adaptation to local conditions and, much later, [...]
Agaete coffee: history, cultivation and flavour
Among volcanic slopes, subtropical fruit trees and deep valleys grows Agaete coffee, one of Gran Canaria's most distinctive local products. Its appeal goes well beyond the cup itself: understanding this small crop reveals how climate, agriculture and local history have shaped a remarkable corner of the island. On the First [...]
What to pack for Gran Canaria: coast, north and peaks
Packing may seem straightforward, but deciding what to pack for Gran Canaria means considering one of the island's defining features: in a single day, you can move from a warm sunny coast to a greener, cloudier north and then into noticeably cooler mountain areas. Versatile luggage therefore makes much more [...]
What to pack for Lanzarote: beach, wind and trails
If you are wondering what to pack for Lanzarote, thinking beyond swimwear is a good place to start. Sunshine, wind, volcanic landscapes and the possibility of combining beaches with walking routes mean that a few carefully chosen extras can make the trip much more comfortable. On the First Minute Excursions [...]
Panza de burro in the Canary Islands: Why Weather Changes
You can wake up to completely grey skies in northern Gran Canaria and find sunshine after climbing towards the mountains or travelling to another side of the island. Panza de burro explains much of this contrast and, rather than simply being “bad weather”, it is one of the most characteristic [...]
Queso Flor de Guía: a Gastronomic Treasure
Among the flavours that best explain northern Gran Canaria, Queso Flor de Guía has an identity that is difficult to confuse with any other cheese. Its use of plant-based rennet from cardoon flowers, the predominance of Canary Island sheep's milk and its close relationship with Santa María de Guía, Gáldar [...]
Parque Rural de Doramas and Finca de Osorio
In northern Gran Canaria, Parque Rural de Doramas preserves some of the green landscapes that most surprise travellers who associate the island mainly with beaches, dunes and volcanic terrain. Within this extensive protected area, Finca de Osorio offers the chance to walk through woodland, farmland and trails where traces of [...]
Caldera de Bandama, perfect hiking
Only a short distance from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Caldera de Bandama offers the unusual experience of walking down into one of the island's most distinctive volcanic landscapes. The route combines volcanic terrain, historical remains, native vegetation and a final climb that is more demanding than the relatively [...]
Barranco de las Vacas in Gran Canaria
tHow to get to Barranco de las Vacas responsibly A common question is how to get to Barranco de las Vacas, because the name used on social media does not always lead visitors to the exact location. The entrance is easy to miss, the nearby road is narrow and parking [...]