Gran Canaria – a paradise for family vacations and a little treasure for wildlife photographers. My family and I were lucky enough to visit this island at the end of June and beginning of July and I would like to share our experiences with you.
First stop: Puerto Rico – view from the cliff
Our first stop on Gran Canaria was Puerto Rico, a small coastal town that immediately enchanted us with its charming flair. The beaches here are lined with rocks and small bays and were teeming with small crabs, much to our daughter’s delight. For me as a wildlife photographer, these animals provided a fascinating subject and I was able to get some great close-ups. On the rocks in the harbors there were large red giant crabs, whose color contrast to the blue sea is simply unique.
The cliffs of Puerto Rico are an absolute highlight. Our hotel was built into the cliff and from there we had a breathtaking view over the sea, and the sunsets were simply spectacular. The play of colors in the sky as the sun sank into the sea was an unforgettable experience every evening.
Another highlight of our stay in Puerto Rico was a dolphin-watching tour. We were lucky enough to see several pods of dolphins gliding through the waves around our boat. Watching these marine mammals in their natural environment was a moving moment for all of us, especially the youngest among us. We were able to observe the animals for a long time.
In the afternoon hours, numerous Canary Island lizards (Gallotia stehlini) romped about on the slopes around Puerto Rico. This lizard species is particularly remarkable as it is only found on Gran Canaria and is known for its impressive size. The males impress with their massive skulls, while females and young animals are much more delicate. The lizards feed mainly on plants and apparently flowers were particularly popular. As a reptile lover, I naturally had to photograph these lizards as they warmed up in the sun.
Second stop: Maspalomas – fascinating dunes and lizards
Our journey took us on to Maspalomas, known for its extensive dune landscapes that are almost reminiscent of the not-so-distant Sahara. This impressive natural landscape stretches for several kilometers in the south of Gran Canaria and offers a unique backdrop.
In the dunes of Maspalomas, I found many Canary Island lizards (Gallotia stehlini) in the vegetated areas. The areas without vegetation, on the other hand, are species-poor – as you would expect. The best photo opportunities were in the afternoon, when the lizards were particularly active. However, we had to be careful of the heat of the sand, which made it necessary to keep seeking out shady spots to cool off. Luckily I had water with me! There was a male lizard under almost every bush, vehemently defending its position against intruders. I was even lucky enough to observe a mating – certainly not an everyday sight.
These lizards are remarkably tame and not very shy. If the photographer moves slowly, the animals come within a few meters. Nevertheless, they are challenging to photograph as they move quickly despite their trusting nature and are often difficult to spot due to their camouflage. It takes patience and a good eye to get at least a few good shots.
During our explorations, I made sure to respect the local gay community, which is particularly active here, and not to disturb their privacy. A telephoto lens is not appreciated here – and so I had to leave the place after one of the men complained about my work. It’s a shame that tolerance didn’t work both ways here.
A summary: Perfect combination of family time and nature experiences
Our trip to Gran Canaria offered us the perfect combination of adventurous nature experiences and valuable family time. The consistently pleasant climate allowed us to enjoy every day to the full. The diverse landscape – from the stunning coastlines and cliffs to the expansive dunes – offered us a wealth of opportunities to explore nature while experiencing unforgettable family moments.
Gran Canaria impressed me deeply with its beauty and diversity. The island is a true paradise for nature lovers and offers everything for a relaxing family vacation. What could be better than combining the two?
