Punta de las Arenas: a journey to Gran Canaria's natural past

In the extreme northwest of Gran Canaria, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds, there is an enclave of unparalleled beauty: Punta de las Arenas and the solitary Playa de la Virgen. This space, shaped by tectonic movements and time, combines vertiginous cliffs, rubble slopes and a sandy area of ​​marine origin that seems to transport us to an extraterrestrial landscape.

 

 

 

 

The route begins by descending the historic Lomo de los Riscos, passing through the old Cortijo de las Arenas, where the legends of the orchilleros and shepherds who braved the dangerous slopes in search of sustenance still resonate. On this journey, adventurers enjoy privileged views of the Andén Verde, one of the most spectacular cliffs on the island.

 

The walk leads to a small ravine with golden walls, formed by solidified sands with organic remains dating back to the Pleistocene. This corner of the island is home to a rich biodiversity: among its tabaibas, cardones and bruscas there are birds such as the stone curlew, the shrike and the kestrel, which add life to the natural environment.

 

 

 

When you reach the coast, Playa de la Virgen surprises with its golden sand and its atmosphere of isolation. Its name, far from having religious origins, reflects the solitude and tranquillity that characterises it. Its difficult access makes it a rarely visited natural treasure.

 

The return, although challenging, is an opportunity to contemplate the majestic cliffs of Andén Verde. These cliffs, witnesses to the harshness of life in the past, were traveled by villagers who collected the precious Rocella Canariensis, also known as orchilla, used as a natural dye.