The long and winding roads of Gran Canaria

Picturesque balcony garden in Teror

We arrived under overcast skies at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.  Despite the lack of sunshine we were struck by the brightly painted, misshaped houses that, from a distance, seemed to tumble down the hillsides. 

Many were quite small and looked as though they had been constructed with Lego. Others were less modest but all had generous patio areas with beautiful plantings. 

What the buildings also had in common was intense colour - greens that ranged from olive to avocado to emerald - citrus colours of lime, lemon and grapefruit - strident red, fuscia pink, terra cotta and mustard. 

Magnificent covered wooden
balcony in Teror

We were on our way to the highest point on Gran Canaria and the communities of Teror and Arucas, all linked by a winding, narrow road with blind bends aplenty and steep drops. 

Oncoming vehicles did not slow down unless they absolutely had to, passing with barely a credit card’s width between us. 

Our Lady of the Pine Tree, Teror

In spite of its dubious name the town of Teror is charming with colourful buildings, wrought iron street lighting and magnificent wooden balconies, some of which were overflowing with vines and flowers.  

The main square is flanked by an 18^th century church dedicated to Our Lady of the Pine Tree.  The town seemed sleepy with just a few locals frequenting the open air cafes.

Church of San Juan Bautista, Arucas

Continuing on our hairpin-fraught drive we reached the community of Arucas, dominated by the towering Church of San Juan Bautista.

Known for its rum production, Arucas also has its share of brightly coloured buildings and winding volcanic cobblestone streets along which the locals drive with unbridled enthusiasm.

Spain's yellow mail boxes

The bright yellow mail box in the main square reminded us of a troublesome trivia question: What is blue in the US, red in the UK and yellow in Spain? 

Why mail boxes of course!