Then, we drove to the south of the island to see the Maspalomas Dunes. These are large sand dunes that look like the Sahara Desert. In just 30 minutes, we drove down winding mountain roads, and the whole landscape changed again. The temperature alone went from 50°F up in the mountains to sunny and 75°F in the south of the island. Gran Canaria’s dramatic changes in climate and geography make it a very unique place.
The environment of Gran Canaria changes how people work and live. The fertile lands of the north, with their abundant rainfall, are ideal for farming. Local farmers grow bananas, tomatoes, olives, coffee and much more!
Many families in Gran Canaria have homes near the coast or in towns, but they also own separate fincas—small farms located in the countryside. These fincas are often passed down through generations and provide a place for families to grow their own food. Many locals spend their weekends working on their fincas, connecting with the land and each other. One afternoon, I had the chance to visit a local man's finca, where he showed me around and even gave me some fresh fruit to take home!
In the south of the island, there is less water, so farmers use special systems to save water. A long time ago, people built wells and aqueducts to move water across the island, and many of these systems are still around today.
