Gran Canaria, like the rest of the Canary Islands, is dotted with crosses on almost every summit. These crosses, aside from their traditional significance, are handy markers for tourists. If you spot a cross on a hilltop or peak, it usually means the place is accessible and offers wonderful views of the surrounding area. Probably the most famous cross in Gran Canaria is the Cruz de Tejeda, which we will discuss in another post. Today, though, I will stay in Las Palmas to chat about a different, and perhaps more helpful, cross.

As mentioned in the novel, accessing the hotel’s pool and observation deck described in Chapter 7 can be tricky unless you are staying at the hotel or dining at the in-house restaurant.

If that is not the case, don’t worry, amigo, I have a better vantage point for you. Just go to Las Canteras’ promenade and look north. As far north as you can. Up. Up. Do you see the cross? That is where we are going: the Cross of Las Coloradas.

You can easily hike there from La Puntilla—the round trip should take less than two hours. There are many trails available, such as this one, although you must bear in mind that the back of the Isleta peninsula is fenced off by the military, so please respect the signs and don’t wander into forbidden areas.

Alternatively, you can drive there in a few minutes. Just set your GPS to the “El Padrino” restaurant in Las Coloradas. The short footpath to the cross is literally next to the restaurant’s terrace. It is easy to find and even easier to climb. The short effort will be rewarded with a stunning view of the city.

And yes, if you are hungry, you can always stop at the restaurant to enjoy a nice Canarian puchero and a cold Tropical beer.

Orroight, me Sire?

P.S. If you don’t have the time to go to Las Coloradas, the closest alternative viewpoint for Chapter 7 is the top floor of the El Muelle shopping mall. That is freely accessible too, although the mall itself can be eerily empty at times.