The west

You start the journey at the lighthouse Faro de Maspalomas, the southernmost point in Europe, and from here follow the coastal road. The road hugs a coastline of spectacular cliffs at the feet of which lie the beaches named after the island´s principal ravines at the point at which they meet the Atlantic Ocean. The port of Arguineguin, a fishing village, and the beaches of Patalavaca, La Verga, Puerto Rico, Amadores, Playa del Cura, Tauro and Taurito all have excellent tourist facilities for every kind of water sport. Lastly we reach the Puerto de Mogán, a highly attractive tourist development. The port is a great place for organized deep-sea fishing trips and indeed the area holds no less than 72 world records for a variety of species, outstanding among which is the blue marlin. As in most of the island´s leisure marinas, it is possible to hire boats, either with or without crew to sail on the calm coastal waters. From Puerto de Mogán the road heads inland, into the fertile, subtropical Valley of Mogán, some 8 kilometres inland from the port. The village of Mogán itself is most attractive and is surrounded by the first foothills of the chain of mountains, which rises up to the island´s majestic peaks. The road leads you trough the beautiful landscape, until you reach La Aldea de San Nicolás, a fishing port and centre of agricultural activity, situated at the very centre of the west coast, in the outlet of a wide ravine. This is the least densely populated part of the island. The Aldea Lake is home to a unique breed of fish known as lisas which are allowed to grow all year until September 10th. On this annual festival hundreds of participants launch themselves into the water in an attempt to catch the fish by any means possible, including with their bare hands.

If the scenery from the south-west of the island was breathtaking, the road from La Aldea to Agaete in the north-west of the island is no less so. Eventually you come to the lush pine forest of Parque Natural de Tamadaba (Tamadaba Natural Park). The forest is caressed by the Trade Winds, which provide it with the high level of humidity required for heather, ferns and lichen to flourish after a gentle rainfall. In Agaete you can contemplate the crest of pine trees on the soaring cliff faces above you, and you can enjoy an eagle´s eye view down to the bay at Puerto de Las Nieves.