These structures helped people survive in dry areas by bringing water from wetter parts of the island. Even now, water storage and distribution remain very important for everyday life.
While Gran Canaria’s natural beauty attracts tourists, this has created significant challenges. The influx of tourists has raised the cost of living, especially in the south, where luxury resorts and large hotels dominate the landscape. As a result, many locals have been forced to leave their homes due to skyrocketing rents.
In places like Maspalomas, I noticed that nearly every building was a resort or hotel catering to international visitors. When I dined at a restaurant there, the waiter offered me the menu in English or German— there was no Spanish option at all! Many Canarians are concerned about these changes and the impact on their way of life. This made me realize how important it is to support local businesses and be respectful when visiting another country. It's helpful to learn a little about the culture, language and customs of the place you're visiting.
Another challenge on the island is the limited availability of freshwater. Gran Canaria doesn’t have many rivers or lakes, so residents rely on desalination plants to convert ocean water into drinkable water. These are factories that take the salt out of ocean water, and they are essential to sustaining life on the island.
Climate change is also a big problem. The weather is getting hotter, and there are more wildfires in the mountains.
