We received an e-mail some days ago asking for more information (if that’s possible!) about some present characteristics of Las Canteras beach – the atmosphere in different areas of the beach, waves, currents, interesting places, etc. That’s the reason why we have decided to publish a series of articles about these aspects. This, the first one, is about the different areas of the beach and who frequents each one. Of course, the text which follows doesn’t have any scientific or sociological basis. It’s just an open interpretation from the point of view of a local beach-goer.
1) Cícer: area frequented by surfers and young people, where you can practise beach sports. During the holidays there are many groups of teenagers and twenty-somethings dreaming about beautiful girls. And beautiful girls dreaming about a handsome surfer emerging from the waves.
2) Punta Brava: there is a mix of families who have lived in the Guanarteme area all their lives and occasional beach-goers. Families with small children from the Cicer area also come here because they can’t swim there due to the waves.
3) Peña de la Vieja and Los Lisos: traditional area which is frequented by families who have always lived in the neighbourhood. It is an area of the beach where just about everyone knows each other.
4) Playa Chica: It has always been frequented by mothers and children because The closed in bay makes it easier to keep an eye on them. It is renowned for the children running freely across everyone’s towels. On Sundays and holidays, due to the very built-up area around the beach, it is always very crowded.
5) Area around the Reina Isabel Hotel: here you will find both local people and tourists showing off their sculptured bodies. Busier and more cosmopolitan, with fewer local families.
6) San José Hospital: a long time ago it was groups of friends would meet here regularly. Lots of people now come here from the city centre because there is car park nearby, but it is not too busy. Many families from the Moroccan community meet on the promenade, especially at sunset.
7) In front of the ‘Cristina Hotel’ (now the Hotel Meliá): many years ago this was the tourist area, very high-class and almost exclusively gay, but it is no longer so glamourous. What forty-something doesn’t remember the parties in the old “Bar Playa”, and the long-gone “Lord Nelson”?
8) La Puntilla: typical cosmopolitan area with a mixture of people from la Isleta, fishermen and retired elderly tourists who own apartments near the beach and spend their time on the island.
9) El Confital: utopia. Surfers, fishermen, lifelong beach-goers and many families from la Isleta who spend their holidays on the immaculate sands which should be better cared for.
www.miplayadelascanteras.com
Translation: Students from the 2nd Year 2008 at the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
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