The Erasmus: everything started from here

Trip around the magnificent Canaria's islands

it was the 31th of August 2014 when I left towards one of the most importatnt experience of my life.

Destination Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: a small town on the Gran Canaria island, one of the seven marvellous island which compose the Canaria's archipelago right in the impetuous Atlantic Ocean facing the north-occidental part of Africa.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria join with the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the capitals of these islands.

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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria remains between two fabulous bays and their beaches:Playa de Las Canteras e de Las Alcaravaneras.

The city substantially reaches the beach of Las Canteras 4 km long. Thanks to the presence of volcanic rocks all over it its waters remain calm; in fact, the so called Barra is a natural protection for most of the beach against the power of the ocean. the "Barra" is easily reachable swimming and it is possible to see that in low tide conditions. (During the San Juan day (24th of June), the tide is soo low that you can reach the "Barra" on foot). For sure one of the best moments to walk on the beach is during the sunset (around 7. 30 pm in the winter and 8. 30 pm in the summer).

In Las Palmas you can find one of the most important harbors in Spain: Puerto de la Luz with a commercial and turistic purpose between Europe, America and Africa.

Even Las Canteras boasts a great path right next to the sea allowing the access to it also to people with disabilities thanks to the presence of a very qualified personal and special facilities. I had to enfocus this particular aspect because during my erasmus programme I broke a leg and it was immobilized for two months but, despite this, thanks to the impeccable organization, I was able to continue my experience.

The path right beside the sea is rich of everything you need from bars to ice cream stores and particular places with live music; it extends from the Isleta neighborhood (one of the most antique in the city) till Muellitos where you can find the auditorium and all the beaches specially dedicated to the sport of surfing.

In these islands Surf is one of the most practicated sports and, in fact, there are people from all over the globe coming here to practice and do competions. During winter waves can be 5 meters high and, for these reasons, these islands are also called the Hawaii of the Atalntic Ocean. The spots like El Quemao (Lanzarote), El Fronton and El Confital (Gran Canaria) are some of the best European spots.

The water is pretty cold (18°-25°) and island is very windy. These islands boast one of the best climate of the entire world; the temperatures are almost constant during the whole year and they're around 28/35°C during summer and 18/25° during winter.

When I asked my professor about the climate in the islands he said something i won't forget:

" If i should define the weather just with one word i would say it is "light" a light which gives us an immense sense of joy. A light which gives life and allow to enjoy every single spot of the islands the whole year. A light that gives us one the most precious things in life: freedom. Freedom to do whatever you like to do.

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