Kirian Rodríguez -Lifespan - Fez, a map of smells
Florence: history and renaissance heritage - Ponta Delgada - Vitoria’s green belt
Cubo de La Galga - Respectful footwear - Canarian cocktail
MADE IN THE CANARIES Page 104
CONTENT COORDINATOR
Beneharo Mesa · redaccion@barabaracomunicacion.com
TRANSLATION
Karl McLaughlin
EDITING
Lavadora de textos
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Beneharo Mesa, Francisco Javier Torres del Castillo, Alberto Piernas, Amanda Hernández, Elena Ortega, Julia Laich, Galo Martín Aparicio, Carla Rivero, Cristina Torres Luzón, Francisco Belín, María Sánchez, José Hernández.
CREATIVE DIRECTION AND LAYOUT great · greatttt.com · estudio@greatttt.com
COVER PHOTO
Carlos Novella
PHOTOGRAPHS
Pedro Orihuela, Beneharo Mesa, Julia Laich, Rocío Eslava, Carlos Novella, Adobe Stock, Pixabay.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Capi Cabrera, Ilustre Mario.
BINTER
Rodolfo Núñez – President
Alfredo Morales – Vicepresident
Noelia Curbelo – Institutional Relations and Communication
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PRODUCED IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
I would like to begin this editorial by once again thanking you for choosing to fly with us. In June, Binter surpassed the figure of eighty million passengers carried in its more than three decades of flying. Achieving this milestone motivates us to continue to offer you a summer schedule which will see us operate 16,000 flights during July and August, with 650,000+ seats available on over forty-five routes.
I would like to take advantage of these lines to pay tribute to the team of people that cared for a passenger who suffered a heart attack on one of our inter-island flights. Special thanks in particular go to the healthcare personnel on board at the time and to the Canary Islands Emergency Services for coordinating the intervention. I would also like to express my acknowledgement to the diligent Binter cabin crew who are trained in first aid and the use of the defibrillator. Together, they provided the passenger with the necessary care until the plane returned to the airport, where an ambulance was waiting for her. All this saved her life. We are very grateful to the healthcare professionals concerned for their help in looking after one of our passengers.
We recently renewed our agreement with the Randstad Foundation to enhance the employability and labour market integration of disabled people in the Canary Islands through support for the Canaries’ Integrated Project. Among other things, the project puts in place social and employment integration itineraries to improve the employability of people with disabilities, creates training scholarships, and promotes inclusive activities centred on outreach and awareness-raising regarding disability. Our collaboration stretches back more than a decade and is part of Binter Social, our commitment to a sustainable future.
I wish you a happy and restful summer and hope to see you again on board one of our flights.
Santiago Guerra Coordinador general
Kirian Rodríguez (Candelaria, 1996) is a midfielder at Unión Deportiva de Las Palmas (UDLP). As a boy he played for the C.D. Ofra football club and then joined the Las Palmas youth set-up until he established himself in the first team in 2019. His career was put on hold when he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer last year but he came through it. He returned to the Las Palmas side this year and won promotion to the Spanish premiership.
First of all, how are you?
Great. To tell the truth I am really pleased.
Secondly, how does it feel to be a top-flight player?
If I am honest, I don’t think it has sunk in yet. Until pre-season training starts and we get back to the normal routine, I will find it hard to believe. You read of signings for premiership sides and think, «hey, they are strengthening their squad for the top flight», but you don’t realise that you are now in that division too. It is still hard to believe you are in the top flight.
Describe the final weeks of the promotion race in your case.
They were great. I think that in all the pictures of me on away trips or anywhere, I was always smiling, happy and really enjoying the moment. My team mates who had been involved all year probably felt the pressure more or were more nervous
as this is what we had been fighting for the entire season. I was more relaxed as the games were the first of the season for me. I was playing, trying to enjoy myself and my excitement was more like that of a youngster who was back on the pitch after a long time out. Like when you are sidelined through injury and don’t know if you will ever play again. That is why my approach was to live the moment, stay calm and believe that everything would turn out well.
So, you were fresher than your team mates and that was very helpful to you.
Exactly. They had been there all season, knowing that it could all fall apart due to a simple mistake … whereas I had just come back, was thrilled at playing again and enjoying what I have been doing my whole life. I was not under the same pressure nor did I feel the same need or nerves that I had to do well. After what I have gone through, I prefer to en-
joy the experience and life in the certainty that everything will go much better.
Did you notice the tension in training, for example?
Occasionally, particularly off the back of a bad result and there were long faces because of what was happening. However, the weeks were quite relaxed. The team kept to the same approach in all respects, whether we won or lost. If we won, we might have been euphoric the following day and if we lost, we may have been half ‘mourning’ but the next day we regained our focus. As a result, the team remained competitive and this was reflected every day on the training pitch.
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the happiest times for me was when I was re-registered. It was like giving me my life back after my cancer. That game was very important because it secured promotion but getting my registration back after everything that had happened and returning to training was one of my happiest moments in sporting terms.
Tell us about your battle to beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
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It was magic. The feeling of finishing off something you had been fighting to achieve for years. I have been here for a number of years and been part of a project in which we nearly all know each other from old and the newer team mates have adapted very well. It was a source of great pride and joy to see that all that work we had put in had got us to where we wanted to be. It was great to look at each other’s faces and see that satisfaction … It was really lovely.
Is it the happiest moment in your career?
It is probably one of them. I think that those who know me in the dressing room and at the club know that one of
I was convinced from the outset that things would turn out well. I considered it an injury, a pause on life. It was my way of saying to myself «take it easy, feet on the ground, football is not everything». I got through it quite calmly thanks to those around me, the doctors, family, friends … My messages were always positive. I always believed that being positive was the key. It all went really quickly: it was like hitting rock bottom and seeing everything collapse around me but then realising that the days became normal for six, seven months and it was just an anecdote in the end. That said, it was a massive blow to the family and those around me, but generally-speaking the illness was not a big change for me. I treated it as just another thing I had to cope with in life.
Has your outlook changed as a result?
People tend to say that cancer changes you but, in my case, it taught me that the life I had was the one I wanted. I was enjoying myself and doing the things I wanted to do. I was surrounded by people who wanted to be with me and who I wanted to be with. It taught me to appreciate what I had and see things differently.
«It was a source of great pride and joy to see that all that work we had put in had got us to where we wanted to be»
The holidays begin when you donate blood
Dónde donar / where to donate: efectodonacion.com
y cuando donas sangre, continua la vida.
And when you donate blood, life continues
Text by Francisco Javier Torres del Castillo*
Humankind has made advances on many fronts down the years, including tackling growing old. Ageing is a global phenomenon reflected in a greater proportion of old people in the overall population. Among other reasons, this process is a consequence of increased lifespans and declining birth rates.
The number of people aged 60 and above is expected to double by 2050, with the rise particularly pronounced in Europe, where over-60s will make up 34 % of the population in that year. This situation will impact on all aspects of life, society, the economy, health care, pensions and family structures. It will be the next major transformation of our time.
As the population gets older, demand for health care increases, generating additional pressure on health services both in terms of resourcing and qualified staff.
Proportionally-speaking, there will be fewer workers contributing to pensions and this will cause problems for the sustainability of social security systems.
In short, the economic impact will be significant and there will be an increase in demand for products and services aimed at old people. All this will create situations which will be difficult to resolve. At the same time, however, they will generate economic and social opportunities.
Lifespan is the title of a book by David Sinclair, the scientist and prestigious biology of ageing and longevity author, who has a PhD in molecular biology and is a researcher at Harvard University.
Sinclair is a pioneer in the study of the molecular mechanisms of ageing and the search for ways to delay or reverse the ageing process.
What will happen if significant advances are achieved in terms of the longevity of the human species? Are we close to modifying and achieving major improvement in the form and quality of our ageing?
If we do finally manage to bring about a longer and healthy life, and increase lifespans and health generally, we would be in a very different situation to that described at the beginning of this article.
So-called «elderly people» would enjoy better health and may well see an increase in their lifespan and working life. Their experience and knowledge, and hence their productivity, would increase and they would use health services much less.
A few years ago, prestigious Spanish ageing scientist Juan Carlos Izpisúa said that «the people who will live to the age of 130 have already been born».
Sinclair believes that we have to radically change our way of thinking about
ageing: «Instead of considering it a common and natural process, we should approach it like a disease».
«Deceiving our body by making it think it is going through a bad patch, with fasting and exercise, is the ideal way to feel better».
Our current lifestyle means that we are doomed to age a lot and quickly. The combination of fast pace and abundance is a sure equation for speeding up ageing. Abundance will be the death of us eventually.
Sam Altman, CEO of Open AI (ChatGpt), recently invested 130 million euros in Retro Biosciences to fund a dar ing mission, namely, to “add ten years to lifespans”.
The question to be answered is what are we waiting for?
Let’s invest in future, health and age ing in order to bring about a revolution in life: the delaying of death.
We are back in the air once again, a lit tle older but also more hopeful. In addition to requesting a smile from you, allow me to repeat my customary advice. Follow the cabin crew’s instructions and keep your seatbelt fastened because sharp bends lie ahead even if we are flying.
Have a good flight.
The economic impact will be significant and there will be an increase in demand for products and services aimed at old people
According to Spain’s College of Registrars, the number of new firms created in Spain rose by 10.2% in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2022. During the period, a total of 29,592 companies were created nationwide, with the increase in the Canary Islands reaching 12.5%. Over the last twelve months, a total of 105,824 new companies have been registered, representing an increase of 4.4%. Annual operations have once again passed the 100,000 mark and have remained around this figure since the third quarter of 2021.
Most Spanish regions posted a yearon-year increase in the creation of companies during the second quarter, except for Navarra, Galicia and Cantabria. In terms of sectors, of particular note is the increase in the hospitality sector, which
accounts for 11.8% of new companies and has recorded interannual growth of 7.5%. Next comes the construction sector, which accounts for 14.5% of all new companies and has seen growth of 5.6% compared to the previous year.
The Canary Islands ended June with 74,478 workers registered with Social Security in the accommodation services category (hotel and non-hotel), 10.59% more than in the same period in 2019, according to hoteliers’ association Ashotel. Compared to last year, the increase in employees in the accommodation sector was 8.1% across the Canaries, according to data published by the Canarian Institute of Statistics (ISTAC), based on information provided by the Spanish Social Security Institute and analysed by Ashotel’s Tourism Competitiveness and Sustainability Observatory.
Of the islands, Tenerife has the most Social Security affiliations in the accommodation sector, with a total of 28,326, 11.3% more than the same period in 2019 and 8.6% more than June 2022.
Next comes Gran Canaria, with 21,716 affiliations, 9.4% more than in 2019 and 8.3% more than 2022. Lanzarote has 11,447 sector workers registered for Social Security, 22.7% more than in 2019 and 12.4 % more than 2022, For its part, in Fuerteventura there are 11,417 affiliates, an increase of 2.3% compared to 2019 and 3.8% compared to 2022.
According to the latest Perspectives report unveiled last month by Exceltur, tourism enjoyed noticeable growth during the second quarter of the year. Tourism GDP increased by 15.7% compared to the same quarter in 2019, due largely to higher prices. Excluding the effect of inflation, this indicator is 0.3% below pre-pandemic levels. In this regard, the forecasts indicate that tourism will continue to evolve positively throughout the summer, although to a slightly lower degree than in the previous three months. Businesses in the sector expect sales to increase by 10.9% compared to 2019.
The report highlights an evolution in the tourism model, as revealed in aspects such as private investment in the improvement of tourism products and services.
In the hotel subsector alone, the number of four- and five-star beds has increased by 62,000, while lower-category beds have fallen by 40,000, according to the Hosteltur tourism website.
The Dell Technologies Innovation Index, a study based on a poll of 6,600 technology innovation professionals in 45+ countries, has revealed that companies are confident in the strength of their innovation to overcome the global challenges faced. More than three quarters (84% worldwide and 82% in Spain) said they firmly believed that their businesses have a solid culture of innovation. To understand the level of innovation maturity of organisations around the world, respondents were asked to rank themselves on a scale from innovation leaders to laggards. The results show that, despite the positive vision held by most regarding their companies’ innovation culture, only 18% of organisations worldwide (22% in Spain) can actually define themselves as innovation leaders and adopters, which are the highest levels on the scale.
Rural tourism in Granada offers an extensive range of activities and locations the length and breadth of the province.
The nature and historical / cultural heritage possibilities of locations such as the Sierra Nevada National Park, the Geopark, the Alpujarra, and western and northern parts of Granada attract growing numbers of people to this form of travel, which allows them to discover new environments away from the bustle of the city. It is a form that is particularly appealing to foreign visitors, who opt for rural tourism in a big way and stay for longer.
During March, April and May of this year, almost six thousand foreign visitors enjoyed a rural tourism break in the province of Granada, staying a minimum of three days on average.
The numbers indicate that these visitors take full advantage of Granada’s interesting rural tourism possibilities and spend several days on such holidays, according to the GranadaDigital website.
Asturias saw 330 new firms created in the second quarter of the year, an increase of 8.6% compared to the same period in 2022, according to data published last month by the College of Registrars. In Spain overall, 29,592 new companies were created, a year-on-year increase of 10.2%.
Of the new commercial companies registered, 114 are limited companies, with a subscribed capital of more than one million euros. In addition, twenty-three firms in the region –five public limited companies and eighteen limited companies– increased their capital, by an overall total of 3.46 million euros. The number of companies (1,567) wound up fell also, by 15.6%. Of these, 60% did so voluntarily, 9% due to mergers and 31% for other reasons.
The capital of Islam and oldest city in Morocco, Fez invites visitors to lose themselves in its labyrinth of alleys, guided largely by the smells that are the key to unlocking all its secrets.
All roads in Morocco lead to Fez. Specifically, to Bab Bou Jeloud, known as the Blue Gate of the Medina. This symbol of a city founded by the Idrisid dynasty in 789 marks the starting point of a journey where the tastes, smells and colours defy reason. Where the senses multiply.
Once through the gate, the Fez-El Bali souk unfolds in front of you with its bearded vendors, teashops and stalls offering products of all kinds. You are first struck by the smell of fried food and if you go a little closer you will discover that it comes from the delicious potato fritters. The same smell mingles with that of the honey used to coat one of Morocco’s typical pastries, the tasty shebakia.
Heading along the so-called Rainbow Street, a particular favourite with instagrammers, you venture into the fashion jewellery and gemstone zone. You see chickens lined up on the butcher’s stalls,
children scampering through the alleys, and soaps made from argan extract and night jasmine. If you turn towards the Kasbah, the city’s old fortress, you will see that someone has lit a bonfire on the other side. Here the fire smells of incense.
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Continue down the street to get to one of Fez’s biggest secrets. To the right lies the Bou Icania madrasa, where Islam was studied for centuries, and the Karaoine mosque, which is one of the Morocco’s biggest, with its green mosaics and rooms that smell of a mystical,
You are first struck by the smell of fried food and if you go a little closer you will discover that it comes from the delicious potato fritters
sepulchral silence. On the way back, the Nejjarine fountain, one of the oldest in the city, is ideal for to cool down from all these stimulants. You are nearly there, getting closer.
Needless to say, the smells here are the first noticeable sign although, in this case, not very pleasant ones, particularly when you get to a courtyard where the wool from hundreds of animals is on display. Someone tells you that you are nearly there and takes you by the arm: «Follow me», they whisper. From this point you walk through narrow alleyways with donkeys and women hidden underneath colourful fabrics. Where steps take you to the start of this last part of your visit and you cannot stop holding your nose. Finally, at the far side of the terrace, you discover the Chouwara tannery, a secret Fez guards with its customary zealousness. As you look in, you see a man walking among natural dyes made
from pigeon excrement, while another dips in the colours the animal hides that are turned into leather and sold the length and breadth of Morocco.
The smell continues until the guide hands you a leaf of spearmint plant which you hold in front of your nose. It is the best possible ally as you contemplate this human watercolour scene. To keep at bay the map of smells that make up timeless Fez.
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Fez is Morocco’s oldest city and, along with Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat, one of its Imperial Cities. Founded in the year 790, it was once the spiritual heart of the country. Entering the Fez El Bali walled medina, the world’s biggest pedestrian zone according to Unesco, is to travel back in time and immerse yourself in a world of exoticism.
Binter has a direct flight to Fez from the Canaries. The 3-hour flight operates weekly every Saturday from Gran Canaria until 19 September.
Ibis Fez (3 stars): warm and modern, situated just ten minutes from the medina. Riad Laaroussa (4 stars): sleep in an old palace dating back to the 17th century, in the heart of the old part, which is the world’s biggest pedestrian zone according to Unesco.
Fez is the capital of Moroccan gastronomy, which offers an extensive selection of dishes catering for all budgets. Typical dishes you can try include harira, the typical Moroccan soup; Moroccan salad; tajines, delicious slow-cooked stews; couscous; lamb skewers; and pigeon pie. The crowning glory is provided by Moroccan pastries, made with honey, almonds and other nuts.
Wander aimlessly around the Fez El Bali medina, the old city, whose more than nine thousand alleywayw make it the biggest pedestrian zone in the world. Go through the iconic Bab Bou Jeloud blue gate. Enjoy haggling when buying glazed pottery and tiles painted in the city’s emblematic cobalt blue. Take a selfie on the photogenic Rainbow Street, paved with colourful tiles. Admire the Karaouine Mosque, one of Morocco’s biggest. Awaken your senses in the Chouara Tannery. Don’t forget to take mint leaves to mask the smells. Admire the beautiful doors of the Royal Palace. Find peace in the Jewish cemetery next to the Mellah. Enjoy a mint tea in one of the colonial-style cafés in the new city. Treat your palate to some of Morocco’s exquisite gastronomy.
Florence is one of those places that you have to visit once in your lifetime. Every corner of this Renaissance city, the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci, is brimming with art, architecture and history. Among the many cultural activities it offers, such as visits to museums and galleries and the beautiful buildings dating back to the Renaissance period, the Piazza del Duomo, Santa Maria de Novella and the impressive Palazzo Vecchio are not to be missed.
A short distance from the Piazza del Duomo lies Santa Maria Novella, an architectural jewel of Florence and the first thing you see on your way to the Duomo if you travel by tram. This gothic church stands between the last stop and the city’s train station, and it boasts an exquisite white and green marble façade, Renaissance frescoes and an elegant bell tower.
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The piazza is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and is the very heart of Florence, a landmark and public space surrounded by three wonderful monuments: the Duomo, Campanile de Giotto and Battistero di San Giovanni. The cathedral, like the Duomo, stands out majestically with its iconic dome, designed by the Renaissance architect, sculptor and goldsmith Brunelleschi.
Just beside the Duomo, the Campanile de Giotto or Giotto’s bell tower beckons visitors to climb its steps and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. This beautifully decorated tower is a very striking work of gothic art and offers a unique perspective over Florence’s reddish roofs and the surrounding hills. From its highest point you will be able to admire the grandeur of the Duomo and the beauty of the piazza, where the lively atmosphere is palpable among those enjoying a coffee or, in summer, a nice ice cream. Italian ice cream shops are famous for good reason.
Leaving the Duomo behind, we head towards Palazzo Vecchio, an impressive palace that served as the seat of govern-
The Palazzo Vecchio, an imposing stone building, is a further example of Florence’s wealth and power during the Renaissance.
ment of the Republic of Florence. This imposing stone building is a further example of Florence’s wealth and power during the Renaissance.
However, before entering we should treat our eyes to the delightful sight of the Piazza della Signoria, which has several replicas of Florence’s most famous and representative sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David, the original of which is held in the Accademia Gallery. Another striking sculpture in the square is the one by Bartolomeo Ammannati, who built the Fountain of Neptune, which features the Roman god surrounded by other mythological creatures.
From Arnolfo’s Tower, situated in the Palazzo Vecchio, you can enjoy an unrivalled panoramic view of the city and take in the medieval towers, Tuscan landscapes and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore from a distance. The palace doubles up as the city museum, where you can admire works of art and historical objects from Florence.
A trip to Florence is a trip back in time to Renaissance Italy. The grandeur of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the majesty of the Palazzo Vecchio, and the charm of Santa Maria Novella merge to create an unforgettable and must-do experience for all tourists and will make you fall in love with its history and heritage.
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The capital of Tuscany exudes beauty. Florence is a veritable outdoor museum, full of masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. A city to enjoy an unforgettable cultural break.
Binter flies direct to Florence from the Canary Islands. The weekly flight on Saturdays from Gran Canaria takes four hours.
c-hotels Ambasciatori 4*: next to the train station, just ten minutes from the cathedral and old part. NH Collection Porta Rossa 5*: a few minutes from the Ponte Vecchio and very close to the luxury shopping district.
Florence’s gastronomy is a blend of typical Italian and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Meat plays a prominent part (hare, ox, wild boar...) as does offal (tripe, chitterlings, liver…), although you can also find vegetarian dishes such as pappa al pomodoro or ribollita. Highly popular dishes include trippa a la fiorentina, lampredotto, bistecca a la fiorentina, crostini di fegatini and pasta dishes such as pappardelle alla lepre, which is one of Tuscany’s most typical and is made with Bolognese sauce and hare meat, or ravioli di cinghiale, filled with wild boar meat. Those with a sweet tooth will love the cantuccini, a kind of almond biscuit; castagnaccio, a chestnut, pine nuts and grape cake; or schiacciata alla fiorentina, typical sweets served during Carnival and Easter.
Admire the stunning Brunelleschi dome in Santa Maria di Fiore Climb to the top of the Campanile di Giotto bell tower. Gaze up at the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Stroll among the gold and silver stalls on the Puente Vecchio. Delight in the Renaissance masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery. Enjoy one of the most famous sculptures in the history of art: Michelangelo’s David in the Academia Gallery. Soak up the smells and tastes of the gastronomy in the central market. Wander through the Giardini di Boboli. Enjoy the sun setting over Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
More information on www.canariasviaja.com and revistabinter.com
Special prices for residents of the Canary Islands using promocode: RESCAN23
By Elena Ortega
Ponta Delgada’s calm bays attracted fishermen who brought life to a small village that was later to become Sao Miguel’s main port and one of the most important in the Azores. This island capital, with its many churches and convents, is today a city with a marked cosmopolitan flavour yet is bursting with nature.
The «green island», which gets its colour from its forests, volcanic lagoons and hills, is a lush orchard that entraps its capital. Dotted with emerald-green forests, orange trees and banana groves and bathed by the waters of the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada is the gateway not just to the largest and most diverse of the islands making up the Azores but also to the rest of the archipelago.
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with England. This status was reflected in the churches, convents and noble houses that shaped the old part during the 17th and 18th centuries and made Ponta Delgada Portugal’s third most important city.
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Situated on the southwestern side of the island, it replaced former capital Vila Franca do Campo when the latter was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1522. It established itself firmly as the capital years later thanks to international trade (citrus fruits for the most part) between the Azores and Flanders as well as
The best way to explore its streets with their whitewashed houses trimmed with volcanic stone is to enter via the Portas da Cidade (City Gate). Its three arches provide access to the main square or Praca do Municipio, home to the town hall and the church of St Sebastian, with its impressive clock tower. The pavements here are covered in Portuguese mosaics and invite you to wander around the rest of the old part, with its backdrop of other churches such as St Peter’s and St Joseph’s, as well as the church of the Jesuit College, whose tower remained unfinished given that the Order was expelled from the island by the Marquis of Pombal in 1759.
Built in 1545, the convent of Our Lady of Hope still today attracts pilgrims who pray in the gold-plated chapel to the image of the Holy Christ of Miracles, which was gifted by Pope Paul III to its
If you are keen to get a taste of local life among stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, artisan products and flowers, the Mercado da Graça market is the ideal place.
founders. The festivities in honour of the Christ are the most eagerly-anticipated in the Azores calendar. Another important convent is named after St Andrew and has been home since 1943 to the Carlos Machado Museum which was founded by the naturalist in 1880. Its extensive collection of botany, zoology and mineralogy items are an open invitation to learn about the archipelago’s geology, flora and fauna, as well as its traditional arts and crafts and the sacred art recalling its past.
If you are keen to get a taste of local life among stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, artisan products and flowers, the Mercado da Graça market is the ideal place.
In the direction of the port, Ponta Delgada’s white walls are like canvases for street artists who give expression to the city’s irrepressible inspiration. From here, Marginal Avenue takes us to the Fort of São Brás, which dates back to the 16th century and is currently home to the Miliary Museum.
The relaxed pace of this unusual capital is heavily influenced by nature, as is
clearly evident in the romantic gardens named after António Borges, Viscount of Porto Formoso –in what is today the University of the Azores– and the magnificent José do Canto Botanic Gardens, whose more than three thousand species of plants from five continents are set among waterfalls. Twenty-six kilometres away, the Sete Cidades Lakes provide an unreal landscape that give a flavour of these untamed lands. However, it is from the Ponta Delgada shoreline that we really immerse ourselves in the wildest side of Macaronesia as we watch the leaping dolphins, whales and sperm whales.
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Anchored in mid-Atlantic between Europe and America lies the archipelago of the Azores, nine volcanic islands with stunning landscapes. Formerly a land of whalers and privateers, today it is an obligatory stop-off point for yachts sailing around the word, as well as being a fashionable destination. Discover this Atlantic paradise.
There are two direct flights (2:55 hours flying time) –Tuesdays and Saturdays– from Gran Canaria to Ponta Delgada, capital of the island of São Miguel, with onward connections from there to Terceira and Faial.
In Sao Miguel, the most popular island due to its lakes, volcanoes and thermal springs, there are many types of accommodation to cater for all tastes: Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa 5*: on the north coast, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. Açorsonho Tourist Apartment s: to feel at home as you enjoy São Miguel.
Fish and seafood, quality meats, cheese, vegetables... The gastronomy of the Azores uses the plentiful resources from land and sea to make simple tasty dishes such as cocido das Furnas –meat and vegetables cooked slowly using the heat of the caldeiras –, oven-baked cheese with pepper sauce, limpets with butter and lemon, braised fish in a soup or a caldeirada stew, polvo (octopus) either roasted or in a salad... For dessert, quijada pastries or delicious tropical fruit. Finger-licking good!
Protected landscape of the Sete Cidades Lakes , one of Portugal’s seven wonders. Ponta Delgada’s old part , with its characteristic white and black patterned paving, noble houses and palaces in baroque and neoclassic style. Islet of Vila Franca do Campo natural reserve, visitable in summer only. Terra Nostra Park , one of Europe’s most beautiful gardens with its large thermal pool and more than two thousand species of tree.
By Julia Laich
The Green Belt is a space to enjoy nature and is situated a few minutes from almost any location in the city. It is the result of an ambitious project initiated in the early 1990s and is a source of great pride on account of its ecological and recreational characteristics. The Green Belt consists of a series of ecosystems that boast a wealth of biodiversity and landscapes. Here, we take a look at its parks and paths.
Not all cities in the world can boast a surrounding green belt, unlike Vitoria-Gasteiz. Situated just a few minutes’ walk from any point in the Álava capital, this circular natural area occupies a total of 833 hectares –a further 84 are to be added– and comprises a series of parks linked by eco-recreational corridors. In all the parks –Armentia, Olarizu, Salburua, Alegría, Zabalgana, Zadorra, Errekaleor and Las Neveras– and along its more than 90 km of pathways, pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy leisure and sporting activities and relax at all times of year.
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All the Green Belt Parks are of high ecological and scenic value and are the result of an environmental restoration project launched back in the 1990s to transform the city’s degraded peripheral areas into a space for the enjoyment and benefit of the public, as well as for the environment. The project is accompanied by an environmental awareness campaign aimed at both young and old. The Green Belt was fundamental to the city being designated green capital of Europe in 2012 and global green city in 2019, not to mention securing certification as a Responsible Tourism Biosphere Destination in 2016.
The woodlands, wetlands, rivers, meadows, bushes and watersides that make up the Green Belt are home to a rich biological diversity, not just to be preserved but hopefully added to in the coming years. Some of the ecosystems, such as the Salburua and river Zadorra wet-
lands, are internationally important and are part of Natura 2000, a European Union network for biodiversity conservation.
Thanks to this and its allotments, bird observatories, Ataria Interpretation Centre and Casa de la Dehesa de Olarizu (an old farmhouse), the Green Belt is also an ideal place for environmental education activities for children.
As a circular space, the Green Belt offers a looping route 33 km long and full of spots to enjoy nature and culture, as well as recreational zones. The route can be cycled in a single day or sections can be completed on foot, with running an option for those keen on sport. The Loop can be reached easily from any part of the city and other walks in the various parks can be accessed from it.
Although some sections go through peripheral built-up areas and pedestrian zones, the Loop mostly takes us through the Belt’s parks, particularly Salburua, Olarizu and Armentia.
The Salburua Park wetlands are well worth a visit for a morning or evening. They occupy more than 200 hectares and are formed by a series of lagoons, the main ones being Arcaute and Betoño. The area was dried out for agricultural use centuries ago but, thanks to the restoration work initiated in 1994, it has now recovered its life and biodiversity. Its extensive bird life can be studied in the Las Zumas and Los Fresnos observatories (checking the opening times is advised).
Olarizu is home to the Botanical Gardens, where collections of plants belonging to more than a thousand species grow and live, including several from European forests.
Olarizu is home to the Botanical Gardens, where collections of plants belonging to more than a thousand species grow and live
It is a good idea to use the Casa de la Dehesa as a starting point to visit the Gardens and to access other points of interest such as Mt Olarizu.
Armentia is ideal for a leisurely stroll, for cycling or even for a picnic surrounded by nature. Portuguese oaks, along with red maples, hawthorn, blackthorn and blackberry bushes feature prominently in this natural forest.
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Binter operates direct weekly flights to Vitoria from Gran Canaria on Tuesdays, with connections available from all other Canary Islands. The flight takes 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Silken Ciudad de Vitoria: this hotel’s location could not be better. It is right in the centre, a few minutes’ walk from the old part. It is therefore ideal for visiting the capital of Álava and discovering the city’s most important spots.
Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada: situated just forty minutes from the airport, this Parador (heritage hotel) occupies a 12th-century hospital which was built originally by Saint Domingo next to the cathedral to tend to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
Thanks to its proximity to the Bay of Biscay, Vitoria boasts excellent seafood and fish. Along with produce from the land, these are ever-presents in local dishes. Foodies will find the pincho snacks a feast for the senses and the city’s many bars, steakhouses and restaurants serve up delicious food of the highest standard.
MUST SEES:
Medieval Wall: Vitoria’s Old Part is situated on a hilltop. The wall surrounding this medieval centre was built in the second half of the 11th century. This strategic hilltop position allowed helped make old Vitoria a defensive fortress that protected the kingdoms of Castile and Navarre in the 11th and 12th centuries.
New Cathedral: construction of the Inmaculada María Cathedral began in 1907. Although the ceremonial laying of the first stone was a major celebration in which even the King took part, the main façade was never finished. The cathedral is still worth a visit, however. Its imposing proportions and stainedglass windows are very impressive.
Fiestas de la Virgen Blanca: Vitoria celebrates its fiestas in honour of the Virgen Blanca (White Virgin) every year between 4-9 August. The central character of the festivities is Celedón, who abseils from the top of the tower of the church of St Michael down to the massive crowds in the square named after the Virgin.
Casa del Cordón: commissioned in the 15th century by converted Jew Pedro Sánchez de Bilbao, this lovely gothic building was built around the ruins of the 13th-century Gaona Tower which can still be seen in its interior.
www.revistabinter.com
The good weather means that autumn and summer are always interesting times to travel around Spain. Here are some suggestions by NH Hotels for destinations and hotels to get to know the country and enjoy three of its flagship cities. We begin in Vitoria, where you can stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town to the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and the Cathedral of Santa María. The NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria hotel is the ideal choice in this Basque capital.
Our trip continues and we arrive in Madrid. The NH Madrid Nacional hotel combines the character and distinction of a venerable establishment with the needs of present-day travellers. Thanks to its legacy and central location on the Paseo del Prado, this centenarian hotel forms part of the life story of Madrid,
Our suggested route ends in Seville. A haven of contemporary elegance, the NH Plaza de Armas hotel is an ideal choice, next to the River Guadalquivir and close to the cathedral and the Giralda Tower. In short, this tour of Spain invites you to spend a unique experience in three incomparable destinations and in the best hotels.
Part of the essence of the Atlantic city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is Las Canteras, one of the most recognisable city beaches in Spain and a key location in the Gran Canaria capital’s daily life.
Las Canteras is divided into different zones along its three kilometres, each with its own characteristics. As a result, the beach offers possibilities for all kinds of visitors. What is the secret? The answer lies out to sea and is called La Barra, a natural reef situated around two hundred metres from the shore, parallel to Las Canteras, and providing protection from the waves. La Barra gives Las Canteras its special character as a unique city beach that prides itself on being many beaches rolled into one. From La Cícer, the quintessential surfing spot next to the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and Conference Centre, to Peña la Vieja, Los Charcones and Los Lisos, a spectacular place for snorkeling; Playa Chica, one of the most family-friendly sections, and Playa Grande, with its golden sand and where the protection afforded by the reef creates a refuge with calm waters. Then there is also La Puntilla, with its traditional fishing boats that recall an age-old profession.
In addition to all the sports and activities you can enjoy on the beach itself, there is a whole world of marine life hidden beneath the waters of Las Canteras.
More than one hundred and fifty species of fish and algae live on the seabed, an area of great biological importance and where the many species you can observe include angelsharks, also known as “angelfish”, and the spectacular manta rays.
Las Canteras offers one of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere on the island. On clear days, while watching the sun dip behind the horizon, you can glimpse the silhouette of Tenerife’s Mount Teide in the distance.
The Canary Islands. A multi-faceted, enriching, diverse, surprising and stimulating reality. A world full of things to do, all of them accessible, for old and young as well as for families. Take the plunge and rediscover the Islands through original environmental and cultural activities and even community engagement initiatives to care for our land, sea and air.
Located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s central Triana quarter, the Pérez Galdós House-Museum was created by the island’s governing Cabildo in 1954.
Refurbishment works began in October 1958 and it was officially opened on 9 July 1960 by María Pérez Galdós Cobián, daughter of the renowned Gran Canarian writer Benito Pérez Galdós. Since then, its aim has been to preserve, study and disseminate the writer’s legacy, in line with ICOM guidelines. Under the direction of Alfonso Armas Ayala and Rosa María Quintana, eleven international congresses, numerous conferences and exhibitions have been organised, and a publishing arm has been developed that includes several own collections.
Punta de Teno is a natural paradise in Tenerife that impresses and dazzles in equal measure with its imposing cliffs and unique scenery. It captivates visitors of all kinds, particularly nature lovers.
The iconic Punta de Teno lighthouse is a majestic sight and provides breath-taking panoramic views. The nature here is protected and flourishes, with a variety of hiking trails allowing you to explore its hidden treasures. Punta de Teno is an oasis of tranquility, an invitation to immerse yourself and discover one of the Tenerife’s loveliest spots.
Everyone knows that this is one of the flagship dish in Canarian cuisine. Potatoes with mojo sauce are a true delight for the palate thanks to their unique taste and the ingredients used. The potatoes are cooked in salted water until perfectly cooked, when their skin peels off easily and they are wonderfully tender inside. This dish would not be so exquisite if it were not for the mojo sauce, which is made from fresh and aromatic ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, red pepper, cumin and sea salt. There are two main kinds of mojo: red and green. The red, made with roasted red peppers and spices, has a slightly spicy flavour and is reddish in colour; for its part, green mojo is made with coriander, parsley, garlic and spices, and is has a fresher and more herbaceous flavour. Regardless of whether it is green or red, it is a simply unmissable dish.
Famara beach on Lanzarote is a natural paradise that fascinates visitors. Approximately six kilometres long, it stands out for its fine golden sand, imposing cliffs and choppy Atlantic waters. Thanks to its strong winds, it is very popular with fans of water sports, especially surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The beach offers stunning panoramic views. In addition to activities in the water, visitors can chill out on the shore, sunbathe and explore the surroundings. Famara beach offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism. Its restaurants and bars allow you to enjoy the local gastronomy while looking out to sea. It is without doubt a natural treasure combining beauty, water sports and tranquility in a unique environment.
The Canary Islands are considered biodiversity hotspots on account of the large number of endemic species that live here.
The Islands have twenty-four Special Marine Conservation Areas, which are designed to guarantee the protection of the species and habitats to which they are home. On the coast, the dunes and cliffs. Underwater, the shallow sandbanks, a habitat for sebadales or seagrasses that offer shelter, food and breeding grounds for many species. Some of these species are protected, such as angelsharks, green turtles and loggerhead turtles, as well as manta rays and butterfly rays. Unique species found on the reefs and in sea caves include the spiny lobster, which is critically endangered due to overfishing.
The conservation of these habitats is everyone’s responsibility. If you visit a protected space, check out the rules and do not disturb the animals or remove stones or vegetation. Don’t let your visit leave its mark!
For more information, visit www.accioncosteracanarias.com and #accioncosteracanarias networks.
Beyond its landscapes, an environment’s value lies in the people who make up its culture and values, attributes that make the memory of our holiday unique and unrepeatable. The value of MYND HOTELS lies in its care for this environment, whose roots have spawned a local culture so full of nuances that it makes the environment unique. This concept seeks not only to share with you a wonderful memory of your stay but to make you feel part of our home and participate in building a new experience. An experience based on innovative comfort representing a new form of travel that is more conscious and respectful of the destination, enabling you to form part of its community, values and culture.
This experience forms the basis of the values that shape the memory you will take with you from MYND HOTELS. Culture and the local products present in its wide-ranging gastronomic offering coexist alongside an environmental awareness centred on caring for the Canaries through actions that help protect the environment, as well as sustainable excursions to explore the islands’ treasures and most authentic spots.
By way of example, during the summer in MYND Adeje, LACUMBRE Rooftop offers a fusion of vanguard and tradition in the form of food that straddles Japanese and Canarian cuisine. For its part, MYND Yaiza offers guests a deliberately-sought combination of relaxation and a family-oriented concept. The desire to integrate into their surroundings is clear for all to see in LACASA Apartments Cotillo, whose apartments featuring solariums and tubs overlooking the sea opened in March 2023.
Customer satisfaction, reflected in over two thousand reviews highlighting the values upheld by our new concept - including friendliness, gastronomy and our services and activities -, is a key goal we pursue on a daily basis to achieve our mission to create new ideas and generate well-being in everyone and everything that surrounds us: from people to society and the planet.
Good memories are what makes a trip unforgettable; being part of those memories makes MYND HOTELS a unique place which we would like you to form part of.
Check out myndhotels.com to discover our hotels with special discounts for residents of the Canary Islands. We look forward to offering you an unforgettable experience.
Text by Galo Martín Aparicio
Photos by Rocío Eslava
This month’s walk takes us to El Cubo de la Galga and consists of a circular route beginning at the spot’s Environmental Information Centre. It follows the boundary between the municipalities of Puntallana and San Andrés y Sauces, in the Las Nieves Natural Park.
The bottom of the tucked-away and steep La Galga ravine boasts an almost-hidden trail through leafy laurel and fern forest. Along the trail you can hear the babbling of the water and sound of birds jumping from branch to branch in the many large trees that barely allow the sunlight through.
The highest point of the route is at the Somada Alta viewpoint, at 790 metres.
The Cubo de La Galga walk is easy and highly recommended. It follows a circular route beginning at the Environmental Information Centre bearing the same name. After starting out on the paved road, we then take a path under a bridge. The path is cooled, darkened and swallowed up by the thick laurel forest and lush ferns. The more humid and shaded part with
the thickest vegetation is the zone known as Fajana de los Tilos, which derives its name from its many linden trees.
Soon after, we walk under the arch of an old aqueduct and continue upwards, with protection offered by a wooden handrail. The highest point of the route is at the Somada Alta viewpoint, at 790 metres. The viewpoint has wonderful views but too much concrete.
The path down starts at the foot of the viewpoint. Care is needed when walking here as it is not just steep but potentially slippery. Walking sticks will prove useful for this part of the route.
We follow the path until we reach the section under the old canal. All that remains now is to head back along the trail and then the paved stretch of road that takes us back to the El Cubo de La Galga Environmental Information Centre.
Positive elevation: 750 metres.
Negative elevation: 0 metres.
Length: 12.4 km.
Highest point: Somada Alta viewpoint, 790 metres.
Nearby places of interest : towns of San Andrés and Los Sauces and the Los Tilos Waterfall.
Remarks: the walk is not technically challenging although it should not be undertaken when water levels are high. The route has two parts: a circular one and a second part linking up to the main GR 130 trail, with the possibility of continuing on to Puntallana or Los Sauces. You can also go down the PR LP 5 path to the Pósito district on the main road. Don’t forget the standard advice when heading into nature: check the weather forecast before setting out, tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back at, take supplies and a small first aid kit, and wear appropriate clothing, etc.
Did you know …? Laurel forest is a type of subtropical cloud forest. It is a remnant of prehistoric forest that still survives in Macaronesia, the collective name for a region comprising the Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde, the Salvajes Islands and the Canaries. Many walking trails in La Palma take you through vegetation of this type.
We provide efficient solutions to reduce environmental impact:
Siam Park has once again been proclaimed as the Best Amusement Park and Water Park in the World by Tripadvisor, today’s largest travel and tourism platform. The award is an exceptional milestone as it is the ninth time the park has won this distinction, and the only one to have won it on so many occasions. The award is based on the opinions that visitors have shared on the travel portal over the last twelve months, evaluating different aspects of the park.
Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best is awarded only to parks that exceed rigorous safety and quality standards. Only 1% of the eight million establishments listed on the travel platform achieve this distinction and Siam Park is the only one to have achieved it on nine occasions.
What makes this award even more valuable is that it is based directly on the opinion of visitors who have enjoyed the park in the last year.
The quality, the spectacular attractions and the aesthetic care of its Thai setting have made it a favourite among adrenaline lovers all over the world, with more than 12 million visitors since its opening in 2008.
The tide comes and goes. It erases thousands of footprints, washes away the seasnails and ruffles the pebbles, washes the spades and buckets the kids play with, and carries the soothing sound of the Atlantic to the shore. Situated just before you reach the chin at the bottom of the face of the island, Punta de Maspalomas in south-west Gran Canaria boasts a spot where the entire world is condensed in barely three kilometres: Playa del Inglés. The beach is one of the island’s most famous locations on account of its calm and clear waters, the ever-present heat accompanying bathers and its infinite width where a shoreline stroll and splashing around in the water are synonymous with wonderful memories.
Located between Playa de San Agustín and the edge of the Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve, Playa del Inglés derives its name from the landings by 16th century seafarers that caused the locals to believe that the area had been occupied by English pirates.
However, as the chronicles of the day reveal, it was really the armada of Dutch admiral Van der Does that used the bay prior to launching its attack on the island’s capital. Much later, the greenery around the Maspalomas lagoon (known as the ’charca’) that injected life into the rugged south led to the 1960s tourism boom in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It was around this time that the Count of Vega Grande turned his extensive farming land over for the construction work that saw the area take off as an international tourism destination.
Tower blocks began to appear on the skyline opposite the porches of homes and give rise to the developments, hotels and apartment blocks that gradually came to create one of Gran Canaria’s most important leisure locations.
Receiving millions of tourists every year, this bastion of tourism is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking its eternal summer sun, a far cry from the permanent cloud cover caused by the trade winds in the north of the island.
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This bastion of tourism is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking eternal summer sun -
Today, the rows of sunbeds along the fine sand are the prelude to a promenade packed with restaurants, shops selling wide-brimmed hats and suncream, as well as ice creams to help cool down in the high temperatures. Meanwhile, the beach bars make ready for their regular customers and await the Blue Flag seal of quality awarded by Spain’s Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in recognition of the conditions and optimal state of the beach’s facilities and services.
A group of land-based seafarers walk along the sand. They look like they are returning to their rooms after a long party. The bright-coloured sashes identify the victim: it’s a hen party. The girls are from Portugal, to where the fame of Playa del Inglés has extended: «This is the best-known beach». They need some rest after a night on ‘shots’, even if their deep sleep will have echoes of the loudspeakers blaring out the Quevedo and Myke Towers song about the square in Playa del Inglés and its many clubs and endless nights. The song is very catchy and relives the warm nights full of shirts, skirts and loose-fitting shoes heading to a bar with live music where ‘guiris’ –the local term used to describe foreigners– and Canarians share the microphone.
However, rest and relaxation are also possible. Hortensia Ramírez and her daughters Ana and Vicky gaze out at the sea. Comfort is paramount, as well they know sitting on their beach chairs. A solid chairback that allows them to read, chat or have a snooze is always welcome. They have to persuade their mother to dip her toes in the water as they do not want to leave just yet: «you watch, she ends up liking it». «We head home with our batteries fully charged –they laugh–, we are very lucky». They will come back this way again and, like many, will feel the Playa del Inglés breeze once more.
Location: municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, southwest Gran Canaria.
Lifeguards: yes.
Surfing beach: no.
Restaurants: yes.
Toilets: yes.
Showers: yes.
Sunbeds and umbrellas: yes.
Adapted for disabled users: yes.
Parking: yes.
Public transport: Global Bus routes 5, 30, 32, 33, 39, 40, 50, to/from several locations.
Dogs: no.
In July, the Santander Natural Capital project promoted by the city authorities organised a guided walk around the area of the Dr Morales Park, known popularly as Parque de la Vaca, in which night wildlife held centre stage. This first walk focused largely on two species: the European scops owl and the midwife toad
Santander Natural Capital is a project led by the Santander City Council primarily to reinforce the role of the network of urban green areas in local biodiversity conservation, by bolstering environmental services that help improve the quality of life of the city’s population.
It draws on strategic planning, public participation and engagement by Santander society.
The project runs until December 2025 and its partners include Santander City Council, SEO/BirdLife, the Amica Association, the Climate Research Foundation and the University of Cantabria.
A gala dinner, live music and DJ Pepino to round things off, all in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s most privileged setting to enjoy the spectacular St John’s Eve fireworks. Hotel Cristina by Tigotan is committed to opening up one of Las Palmas’ most iconic hotels to the city, offering the possibility to enjoy it without the need to stay. Acquired in 2019 by Canarian hotel group Dreamplace Hotels & Resorts and subsequently fully renovated, Hotel Cristina by Tigotan aspires to be the city’s landmark urban hotel on the vey doorstep of Las Canteras beach.
Come fly with us! A few months ago the Santa Cruz de Tenerife metropolitan area welcomed Residencia CleceVitam Vía Ronda, a new care home for elderly people in Tenerife, our best passengers!, featuring cozy surroundings and a modern and comfortable design, our best cabin! All in accordance with the Comprehensive Care and Person-Centred model, our best service! Our brilliant team comprises specialists in Gerontology, our best crew!, who are dedicated to caring for, supporting and looking after our residents, providing them with the affection and friendliness required for their wellbeing, as well as the peace of mind and reassurance for their loved ones, who are a key part of our big family. Our best trip!
Our professional staff are focused solely on our residents’ care and wellbeing. In addition, we offer a wide range of physical and cognitive enhancement activities, rehabilitation and socialisation programmes, and sociocultural and inter-generational activities. We offer round the clock health care, specialising in the treatment of conditions such as strokes and Alzheimer’s. Our facilities are equipped with the latest advances in technology, including telemedicine, smart systems for personalised care, individualised smart clothing recognition, and latest-generation audiovisual methods for cognitive and physical therapies.
On the food front, our in-house kitchen staff prepare delicious homemade meals using locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, with guidance from our nutritionists and under the supervision of our medical team. Families are always welcome at CleceVitam Vía Ronda.
In addition to extensive parking, we have outdoor garden areas to relax and enjoy lovely moments together.
Camino Real de la Verdellada, 1 San Cristóbal de La Laguna www.clecevitamviaronda.es residenciaviaronda@clecevitam.com
Thank you for reading us.
In our bid to improve every month, we invite you to feel part of our NT magazine team. Please answer the questions below and take part in our prize draw.
1. What do you like best about NT magazine?
2. What do you think might be improved?
3. What advertisements do you like or are most interested in?
4. What kind of information would you like to see that is not in the magazine?
Turning to the Canaries, what are your most treasured features?
a) favourite beach
b) best rock pool
c) best scenery for a souvenir photo
d) favourite restaurant
e) perfect place to stay
f) most fun place for all the family
g) most romantic spot
Please send your responses to the following email address: buzon@barabaracomunicacion.com
Deadline: 30 August
We will conduct a draw to select the name of a person who will receive a flight to La Palma for themselves and a companion, subject to availability, dates and based on the Canarian resident fare. The lucky winner will be revealed in the October edition of NT magazine.
By Cristina Torres Luzón Illustrated by Ilustre Mario
Who has not heard of the importance of walking 10,000 steps every day? Yet few people really pay attention to how they actually place their feet on the ground when walking and how this can impact on their health. Our footwear directly affects how we walk and also partially conditions our health. Learning to identify and appreciate respectful footwear is the first step towards quality walking.
When buying shoes we tend to be influenced by how they look and what they add to our wardrobe. If we conducted a survey on the aspects we weigh up when choosing footwear, the most cited reasons would probably be the type of material, the brand and the place of manufacture.
Do these characteristics really guarantee that the footwear is healthy? Science has already demonstrated that
the way we walk has directly impact on our health and our body posture. Health starts with feet. People with diabetes are very aware of this need. Their annual visits to podiatrists are preventive in nature and they learn how to cut their toenails properly and about using shoe insoles to help treat injuries.
From a very early age, others have had to attend paediatric podiatrists due to structural and functional alterations
and deformities in their feet that affect their walking and body posture. Early intervention prevents more serious impact on the rest of the body.
Many parents anxious to do the best for their children take an interest in the effects of footwear on their development. To ensure that our feet grow correctly, we first need to know what key aspects to consider.
Firstly, heels have become very common and not just for women. However, the resulting slope impacts negatively on body posture and effort is needed to rebalance the forward movement caused by the heels. A sole with zero drop, i.e. a flat one, allows the calf muscles to develop properly and reduces the shortening generated by the heels.
The thickness and flexibility of the sole are also very important: thinner, more flexible ones are more beneficial. Our feet muscles need to be exercised and to feel the variations in the ground underfoot in order to acquire dexterity and muscle strength. The idea that we should buy padded shoes that send our muscles to sleep is now outdated.
Moreover, thick soles reduce proprioceptive feedback and force us to make adjustments as we walk. The weight of shoes also impacts on the way young children walk and run: lighter shoes are better for walking development.
Good grip and removable insoles are other aspects to bear in mind. In addition, it is important to choose shoes with wide tips with room for each toe in order to avoid foot deformities such as the infamous bunions.
Influencers @neusmoya.podologa and @jesus.serrano.fisio, for children and adults respectively, are points of reference for advice on choosing and caring for barefoot footwear.
Thanks to the efforts of a number of mothers who are keen to ensure the best for their children, in Spain we have several footwear manufacturers who make respectful shoes, including Zapato Feroz, Mini Shuu, Poppis, Baby lobitos, Sambas the bambas and Blandy shoes. However, shoe outlets who stock such footwear are quite rare and thus the shoes usually need to be ordered in advance online from the maker.
Many people who suffer pain and even parents with an awareness of the subject often choose barefoot shoes. However, if our body posture has been incorrect for years or decades, we cannot hope or expect it to change overnight just with minimalist barefoot shoes. -
Our feet and our body structure require a process of adaptation. We can do different exercises to recover functionality in our feet and remedy potential issues caused by incorrect footwear and appropriate supervision by a specialist podiatrist will help ensure the transition is successful.
Leading professionals who test shoes feature increasingly on social media.
Now you know how important it is to look after your feet. I would encourage you to broaden your knowledge so that your 10,000 daily steps bring you the best possible benefit.
Various scientific studies show that women and people with a lower diversity of bacterial flora on their skin are more prone to mosquito bites.
For their part, mosquitoes are attracted to individual persons to a greater or lesser degree depending on their body odour, which explains why some people are more susceptible to bites than others.
For mild bites, treatment consists of applying oral antihistamines to relieve itching and prevent infection caused by scratching. For moderately serious bites, experts recommend the use of a corticosteroid cream. If improvement is not seen in either case, a doctor should be seen.
Dr Alejandro Risco, an allergy specialist at the Hospiten Bellevue University Hospital and Hospiten Lanzarote, reminds us that where a bite is detect-
ed «continuous scratching can lead to infections or build ups of pus, which is why particular attention needs to be paid to young children».
Fuerteventura General Hospital carried out its first vascular surgery bypass recently. The surgery was performed in collaboration with specialists from the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Department at the Maternity and Children’s University Hospital in Gran Canaria.
A vascular surgery bypass is a highly specialised intervention in which a shunt (with a synthetic or biological substitute) is created to re-establish the blood flow in an artery that has usually been totally or partially obstructed as a result of arteriosclerotic disease.
The technique makes it possible to restore adequate circulation and alleviate the symptoms associated with ischemic vascular diseases.
Close collaboration between the authorities in the two hospitals has
proven crucial to providing increasingly wide-ranging treatment cover for vascular disease patients in Fuerteventura.
Our Grupo Dentazul Vocational Training Centre is a private centre accredited by the Canarian Ministry of Education, Universities, Culture and Sport. It offers higher-level vocational qualifications in Dental Hygiene, Dental Prosthesis and Prosthetic Audiology, which provide access to university degrees, mainly in the field of health.
Grupo Dentazul, which is about to celebrate 25 years in business, has received accolades both in Spain and at international level, including the 2019 International Technological and Business Innovation Prize, received at the Museum of Technology in Berlin, and the 2020 SME Socially Responsible Business Award.
T. 922 23 24 59
www.grupodentazul.com
Discover children’s orthodontics with aligners at the Dr Fleitas Orthodontics Clinic in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and ensure your successful treatment for your children. Choosing the right orthodontist is essential and Dr Fleitas stands out for her exclusive training in this innovative approach.
Orthodontics with aligners has revolutionised the way in which children and adolescents can correct their dental problems. With clear and comfortable aligners, your children will be able to smile confidently throughout the course of their treatment.
The fact that the aligners are removable means oral hygiene is improved and your children will enjoy their favourite foods restriction-free. Without wires or braces, there is no risk of in-mouth irritation or injuries. Your children will be able to lead a normal life while benefiting from discreet and effective orthodontic treatment.
At the Dr Fleitas Orthodontics Clinic, you will find a highly qualified professional with experience in the use of aligners in children’s orthodontics. Her exclusive training in the method guarantees a specialised and personalised approach. Her passion for orthodontics and commitment to excellence ensure successful treatment and lasting results. Orthodontics with aligners brings remarkable benefits. With her specialised training, Dr Fleitas will devise a personalised treatment plan for each child, using technologically innovative and efficient methods offering exceptional results, gradually transforming your children’s smile.
Don’t miss the opportunity to give your children the smile they deserve. Get in touch today to book an appointment at our clinic in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Our team will be delighted to answer all your questions and guide your children towards a perfect smile. Children’s orthodontics with aligners at the Dr Fleitas clinic is the ideal choice for optimal dental health and lasting confidence.
CajaCanarias Cultural Space
14, 11 and 18 September
Leading female film-makers take pride of place at the CajaCanarias Film Club this September. This year’s film season pays tribute to women directors and incudes the screening of Lost in Translation, Zero Dark Thirty and The Portrait of a Lady on 4, 11 and 18 of the month. Screenings take place at 19:00 h and admission is free.
Golf Costa Adeje
From 10 to 26 August
Mujeres World Fest (Women World Fest) is a new space for reflection and culture that revolves around music and accommodates all views, actions and arguments that highlight and support the role of women in society. It offers a different perspective through music and various artistic expressions that will take place in Costa Adeje.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
From 11 to 20 August
Gastronomic experiences, brunches, tours and excursions by tourist bus and tuktuk, activities in the sea, workshops, guided tours, live music, gourmet tasting, culture, dramatised visits, cocktails, cycling tours, concerts, museums, open-air cinema and activities for all the family. More information at www.lpaestacion.com.
Príncipe Felipe Arena
8 October
Against the inexorable wind of passing years, the choppy tides of troubled times, and against all predictions, 74-year-old Joaquín Sabina - back again and cured of all tribulations due to being around for so long - announces his return to the stage for his own as much as his audiences’ enjoyment. An unmissable date with a survivor who will never tire of using his songs to celebrate the irreverent and passionately beautiful view of life drawn from a perfidious nocturnal life, feverish love and unmitigated lovelessness.
Gran Canaria Arena
26 August
Enamórate (Fall in Love) is the title of the concert tour by Seville singer Isabel Pantoja, as part of the promotion of her last single, Enamórate (released in December 2019), and her new album, Canciones que me gustan (Songs I LIke). This concert is the grand finale of the tour, which comes to an end in the Canaries.
6 October
Melodic pop is a style that never goes out of fashion and in which Paul Alone, real name Pablo Sola (Pamplona, 1996), is perfectly at home. Paul is one of many artists who have been catapulted to fame thanks to television. His style is plain and easy-going, while his aesthetic is a bit more of a rogue, caredfor/careless kind of thing. The blend has served him well and relatively quickly, following his early baptisms in Madrid venues such as Costello and Mon.
15 October
Requiem is the “stage suicide” of Suso Silva, creator and master of ceremonies of the Circus of Horrors. This final symphony sees us travel back in time to the past, take a look at the present and leave the future in new hands. It also involves rediscovering and returning to ancient places that have shaped this delirious universe of horrors over time, to the funny cemetery or perhaps the apocalyptic world undergoing extinction or the wild and sensual cursed cabaret and its most depraved bacchanalia.
21 October
Pedro Ruibal Iglesias (AKA HardGZ) grew up in A Coruña, where he came into contact with hip hop and rap. At the age of fourteen, he set up his first home studio and began rapping in the band Urban Style Crew, where he surrounded himself with DJs, MCs and graffiti artists. His style is characterised by phrasing and words reflecting his social engagement, in addition to hard-hitting social criticism and repeated references to life on the street and his own personal struggle as well as that of the working class. His music is hard-hitting and forceful and is backed by strong and raw rhythms that encourage jumping and headbanging.
Viper Theatre
18 October
Angelina Mango released her first album, called Monolocale, and her first singles Sono aggrappata a te, Va tutto bene, Non sento più niente, Naviglio grande, Muoio per niente, Treno in corsa, San Siro and Iron Man at the tender age of twenty. She came to radio prominence in 2022 with the singles Formica and Walkman, the latter produced by Tiziano Ferro. She recently unveiled her album Voglia di vivere and has also released singles Vita morte e miracoli, Nove maggio, Eccetera, Mani vuote, Voglia di vivere and Ci pensiamo domani. She is currently one of the biggest up and coming young female stars.
Funchal
From 31 August to 17 September
One of the island’s main tourist attractions, the Wine Festival pays tribute to Madeira’s wines and highlights their unquestionable social and economic importance. It is held during the grape-picking season (end of August and early September) and aims to recreate Madeira’s traditional wine-making practices down the ages.
14 October
Shaka Ponk, also known as SHK PNK, are a French group formed in 2004. They stand out for their fusion of various styles of popular music, including rock, punk and dance, producing a predominantly electric sound. Their compositions are notable for frequently combining lyrics in English, French and Spanish. The group’s beginnings go back to Paris and Berlin and were grounded on a concept that united music, imagination and energy.
Le Bikini
24 October
Blind Guardian are a power metal band with a long track record and firmly established reputation in the genre. Their epic music, lyrics inspired by fantasy and literature, and distinctive approach have made them one of the most influential and respected bands on the metal scene. Blind Guardian have continued to release hit albums and to tour the world.
Until October
TEA Tenerife Arts Space presents Óscar Domínguez. La conquista del mundo por la imagen, an exhibition that brings together over 70 works by the Tenerife artist, who was one of the key figures in the surrealist adventure and vanguard movements of the 20th century. This new exhibition features a series of paintings from the 1930s, his best period, and includes a dozen unseen works from private international collections and loans from Spanish institutions. They include El drago de Canarias and Cueva de guanches and are exhibited alongside works from the TEA’s own collection. Admission is free and the exhibition can be visited until 29 October, from Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10:00 to 20:00 h.
Until 15 October
Coinciding with the centenary of the death of Joaquín Sorolla, this exhibition brings to Donostia (the city where they were created) works from the Sorolla Museum, which are displayed alongside others from San Telmo’s own collection. Sorolla was a leading Spanish painter from the modernist period. He is renowned for the skilful capture of light and colour in his works, which led him to be known popularly as the painter of light. His style is impressionist and his works comprise mainly portraits, landscapes and costumbrista scenes.
Until December
The Casa Picasso houses reproductions of 33 works, four of which are by Picasso’s father and the rest by a young Picasso. The works are integrated into the decor of the house, in all rooms except the bedrooms. The house itself is in typical A Coruña architectural style, including the characteristic wooden galleries, and retains its original structure. The city council has recreated in the apartment a 19 th century home which features reproductions of Picasso’s A Coruña works together with an original engraving by the artist and his father’s best painting: a pigeon loft with nine birds. Admission is free, with dramatised visits available since February.
Via del Parione
From 28 September to 6 October
The Biennale di Firenze showcases the best of old Italian art. Visitors can see and buy paintings by old masters, antique ceramics, bronze and marble sculptures, tapestries, jewellery and much more. Attending the event is like being given a pass for one of the most amazing museums in the world, with the chance to take home some of the objects on display! Approximately 75 galleries and traders show their wares off at the fair, which has plenty of works and antiques to be admired.
The CajaCanarias Foundation has unveiled the line-up of shows which will be staged at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Cultural Space (Plaza del Patriotismo, 1) as part of its annual Autumn of Culture programme. The programme runs from 23 September until 2 December and comprises a total of nine events, all of which start at 8pm. Tickets are priced from ten euros and can be purchased via www.cajacanarias.com.
The CajaCanarias Autumn of Culture 2023 includes the following: Hinds (23/9),
Moisés P. Sánchez (30/9), Mikel Erentxun (14/10), Flor de Toloache (17/10), Cristina Branco (28/10), Juno (10/11), Pepe Viyuela (11/11), Ablaye Cissoko & Cyrille Brotto (21/11) and Sarah McCoy (2/12).
The CajaCanarias Foundation will shortly announce details of the remainder of the programme, which will include a range of children’s activities, discussion forums on different topics, and other events to held in the Foundation’s various cultural spaces.
La Palma was the venue for the third edition of the Canary Islands Cinema Advertising Forum, which aims to showcase the possibilities offered by the Canary Islands and local audiovisual industry production companies to national advertising film production companies and advertising agencies. This year’s forum drew top Spanish and international companies such as Only925, DDB, GarlicTV, GrayskullTV, Lobo Kane, Mirinda Films, Seven Senses and Vagabond Films, among many others.
The gathering was supported by the La Palma Film Commission and the APCP (Association of Advertising Film Producers). According to regional newspaper La Provincia, over the course of the three days, participating production companies held contacts with service companies and regional content producers, while also taking part in location scouting to discover natural spaces and locations on La Palma that might be used as scenarios for new audiovisual projects.
By Francisco Belín Illustrated by Ilustre Mario
Today’s classic cocktails are the legacy of the glamourous world of so-called liquid gastronomy which, due to many favourable factors, shines even more brightly in the Canaries thanks to the valiant work of mixologists who are open to experimenting in close cooperation with the restaurant sector and using locally-sourced products that crown interesting combinations brimming with the islands’ identity.
In reality, this kind of modern alchemy, in which high standards of excellence and virtuosity are hard to keep up, has male and female champions in the Canary Islands who ensure that a lovely drink does not need to come from beyond our shores. Not everything from outside is better than what is available here, a point well made by the prestigious cocktail makers who recently presented a wonderful book published by Hoteles Escuela de Canarias-Hecansa.
Here you can enjoy anything from a Bloody Mary or Cosmopolitan to flavours more in keeping with the culture of the Canaries, all thanks to the versatility of mixologists who, working from a classical starting point, are bold enough to transcend boundaries to eradicate the same old thing, using ingredients that define contrasts and vanguards in the liquid gastronomy of the Canaries.
Cocktail-making in the Islands is of a superlative standard today, adding to our gastronomic excellence. Indeed, visitors are becoming increasingly demanding with regard to such preparations, which are no longer a case of just throwing ingredients together. Mixed drinks served in horrible long glasses together with some peanuts are becoming a thing of the past and bartenders and their professional associations are keen to fly the flag of the Canaries high on the podium of cocktail-making. -
You just have to imagine a caipiblack and seafood gazpacho, a negroni red to accompany roast leg of pork, or a Canarian-style Bloody Mary in order to appreciate these new achievements in terms of drinks and compare them to other cocktails that are grey at best.
«The connection between cocktail and cuisine is not just possible, it is an absolute must», says Lafuente. Speaking from the perspective of creative cuisine based on local Canarian products, Schattenhofer believes that «it not only stimulates clients, but also stimulates us to further develop this exchange of knowledge and visual impact that we are in a position to investigate as mixologists and chefs».
«Merging gastronomy’s two sides (liquid and solid) ennobles and strengthens our profession, while also enriching it», notes chef Alejandro Bello. «Adapting food to a cocktail is not easy –he adds–and we pull out all the stops to achieve it; you have to trust your colleagues greatly, with countless tests and trials to adjust the goals we set out to achieve in these innovative fields».
The recent launch of the book Revoluzion Gastroliquid published by Hecansa evidences the breaking down of barriers between cocktails and food. Mixologists Óscar Lafuente and Gorka Pérez have found common ground with chefs Alejandro Bello and Diego Schattenhofer, and the book also features the wonderfully plastic photography of Sergio Blázquez. Neococktails are making lively headway today, playing with variants of creations of liquids and solids that respect the rigorous theoretical and practical knowhow of Canarian bartenders.
Gorka Pérez, along with Lafuente another key person behind the aforementioned book, feels it was necessary to join forces with the chefs (Alejandro and Diego in this case), given that each had his own individual concept and was ideally suited to an exciting adventure aimed at extracting cocktail-making, particularly here in the Canaries, from meaningless typecasting.
Restaurant diners are increasingly knowledgeable about ingredients and preparations, and the work being done in the Canaries is an example of what can be achieved through passion so that they notice the difference.
Canarian neococktails are making lively headway, playing with variations of creations of liquids and solids, and using local products as a differentiating factor
El Cotillo in Fuerteventura is an ideal spot for campers and should be underlined in red in any decent travel notebook if the aim is to spend a few hours trying wonderful sea food. Of the wide range of places available to eat, one stands out by tradition for its quality ingredients and friendly service.
La Vaca Azul is one of the top restaurants not just in Fuerteventura but also in the entire Canary Islands. Set in a stunning location looking out over the Atlantic and the old harbour at El Cotillo, here you will enjoy excellent fresh fish and seafood dishes, along with an extensive selection of soups, salads, meats, rice dishes and home-made desserts.
Requena, 9. El Cotillo - Fuerteventura. T. 928 538 685.
BUY NOW!
SHIPMENTS TO ALL THE CANARY ISLANDS!
DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AN EXPERIENCE?
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We keep the tradition and unique flavor of La Gomera alive Our commitment to the quality and value of artisan products has positioned us as one of the leaders in the manufacturers of traditional biscuits from La Gomera
You cannot talk about El Hierro’s gastronomy without mentioning its quesadilla cakes, the typical and flagship product of the so-called Meridian Island.
The Adrián Gutiérrez e Hijas Quesadillas Factory boasts a history dating back a hundred years. It was founded by Adrián Gutiérrez, who left a legacy built on effort and dedication.
The tradition has been handed down from generation to generation, with the original recipe still used to make these unique cheesecakes today.
The quesadillas are made in the traditional way, in wood-fired ovens and using artisanal products and methods, particularly their main ingredient: El Hierro’s local cheese with all its secrets.
The factory has forged its own path, keeping to the customs and rituals underpinning the making of a dessert that forms such a large part of the history of the island’s people.
In this interview, Virgilio Correa Suarez, the new regional president of the Canary Islands Industrial Association (ASINCA) following his election at the 45th general assembly in June, highlights some of the key aspects of Canarian industry and its role as a strategic sector and ally for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
«THE NEED TO TRANSFORM AND ADAPT IS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE FOR OUR COMPANIES»
Why should the Canary Islands view industry as a strategic sector?
Canarian industries have withstood many adverse crises and trends such as globalisation, which led to the relocation and closure of many industrial activities in Europe. More recently, industry proved to be a key sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplying the Canarian market and manufacturing products in response to the health crisis. And just when it seemed that the consequences were finally behind us, the war between Russia and Ukraine triggered terrible cost inflation, impacting on the profitability of our companies. However, Canarian industry has not only resisted and pulled through this adverse climate; our companies have created jobs, improved their value chain, digitialised their processes and made substantial investment in order to be more sustainable and efficient. For all these reasons, in ASINCA we try to show how important it is for the Canary Islands to have a strong, competitive and resilient industrial sector, one capable of supplying the Canarian market and balancing an economy that is increasingly dependent on tourism.
We face times of uncertainty not only because of the evolution of the economy but also because of the arrival of new governments in both the Canary Islands and local corporations, where new interlocutors are emerging whose decisions will dictate the future of our companies. Given the new Spanish government, it is more important than ever that the voice of Canarian industry remains firm and is heard in Madrid also, since we are battling to improve the special measures for our industries as set out in the
In this context of uncertainty and political change, in which the need to transform and adapt is a guiding principle for our companies, ASINCA is pushing for our sector to be included on the political agenda, as well as guarantees regarding the regulatory framework and economic support.
The measures that ASINCA demands include protecting the REF regime and improving the specific measures that alleviate the competitive disadvantages faced by our industry due to the Canary Islands being an outermost region. For this it is essential for our politicians to be aware of the reasons justifying the REF and the measures arising from it, and also for them to safeguard its implementation. These measures are crucial to the economic and social development of the Canary Islands and cannot be continually called into question.
Is the Made in the Canaries campaign an ally in helping the Islands become more sustainable?
Our industries undertake countless initiatives to make the Canary Islands richer economically, more prosperous socially and cleaner environmentally. We will continue to carry out campaigns to promote products made in the Canary Islands so that the population and other economic sectors take Canarian industry into account when making purchasing decisions, as they can choose products with a lower carbon footprint; products committed to the economic and social development of the Canary Islands; products made by and for Canarians. Read
Purchasing a product carrying the #ElaboradoenCanarias (Made in the Canaries) logo helps you boost the archipelago’s economy, enjoy fresh products and support sustainability. This regional initiative arose as a way of fostering the consumption of products made in the Canaries given their many advantages for the Islands. The shared goal is to promote progress and sustainable development in the Canaries as choosing Made in the Canaries products means you contribute to collective growth.
In an increasingly globalized world, valuing things produced close to home is crucial. The brand represents just that: the quality, sustainability and authenticity of products made by Canarian industry. For over forty years, Made in the Canaries has fostered local industrial development, promoting the consumption of local products and creating opportunities for the region’s industries and population.
The current label was created in 2009 by the Canary Islands Industrial Association (ASINCA), a business organisation committed to the economic and social development of the region. This collective brand highlights everything that local industry in the Canary Islands has to offer.
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The more than 150 industries that proudly display this label reflect the results of the efforts and passion of people from the Canaries. They promote progress in the Islands, care for the environment and reflect the Islands’ diversity and richness. Each product is unique and carries the spirit and identity of the Canaries.
It is important to note that every time a consumer purchases a product bearing the label they are endorsing brands that comply with strict rules and rigorous quality controls in food production and regulation.
Sustainability plays a fundamental role for these companies, which seek to
minimise their impact on the environment through responsible environmental management.
They strive to improve energy efficiency and use resources responsibly, advocating for a circular economy in the plastic, paper, water and glass industries and thus contributing to significantly reducing the carbon footprint.
The next time you buy a product or service, check to see if it has the Made in the Canaries logo, which guarantees that the products undergo strict quality controls, are made with great care and respect the environment.
In short, they are quality, local products that benefit the local economy. Remember the popular expression: “Buying things made here benefits you”.
This collective brand highlights everything that local industry in the Canary Islands has to offer.
Sistema corredero minimalista con nudo central de sólo 30 mm de aluminio visto.
Máximo hueco acristalamiento 34 mm
Apto zonas climáticas CTE DB-HE: α, A, B, C, D y E (Función del vidrio)
Posibilidad de MICROVENTILACIÓN
BIBLIOTECA BIM
Digitalisation plays a crucial role in the evolution of today’s companies. It is a process that involves the incorporation of digital technology in all aspects of business development, including structure, management, organisation and production. In essence, it marks the shift away from analogue to digital.
The concept, known as protodigitalisation, began to take shape in the early 1990s, a time when the Internet was still a distant dream but was already emerging as a disruptive agent in management and other business processes.
Over time, it came to revolutionise both the work environment and social relationships worldwide and became a key differentiator for understanding how the economy works.
Digitalisation is present in all companies today, even the more traditional ones.
However, it is important to distinguish between e-commerce or online business and actual digitalisation, the term covering all business processes that use digital technology.
Recent years have seen major progress towards digitalisation in the Canary Islands. Given their attractiveness for tourism, it is essential to be up to date in order to maintain efficiency and productivity in an increasingly competitive market.
In that regard, public administrations are providing increased support and more training opportunities and conferences are being offered by private entities, all to foster adequate digitalisation.
It is important to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the company to identify areas of weakness and take remedial measures. For this, companies must make sure that they have clear and measurable goals, with realistic objectives and specific guidelines that allow the entire process to be evaluated.
Similarly, it is very important that employees have adequate training that is tailored to the needs and aims of the company. We should also bear in mind the tools and technological solutions available on the market and choose those best suited to the company’s needs, especially with a view to optimising and improving efficiency.
panies, something critical to business success. The process encompasses much more than the adoption of digital tools; it implies a far-reaching transformation of the organisation, culture and internal processes.
Automating tasks, streamlining processes and optimising resource management allow companies to save time and cut costs, thus enabling teams to focus on higher value-added activities such as innovation and customer service, which in turn drive competitiveness and growth.
All these aspects have ceased being merely optional and instead have become an urgent need for today’s com-
In addition, all this has a significant impact on strategic decision-making. If companies have access to real-time data and advanced analytical tools, they can get a fuller and more accurate view of their work, identify patterns and trends,
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It is also very important that employees have adequate training tailored to the needs of the company
and anticipate changes in the marketplace. This undoubtedly gives them a competitive advantage as they can make informed and data-driven decisions.
However, it is not just limited to internal company processes: it has an impact on interaction with customers also. The process has led to more personalised care and an improved customer experience.
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Through digital channels, companies can better understand the needs and
preferences of their customers, offer them products and services tailored to their tastes, and build long-term customer loyalty.
This strengthens the relationship with customers and generates opportunities to grow the business.
In that regard, digitalisation has facilitated relationships and helped forge collaboration and communication within the company as well as with external partners.
However, it is important to note that digitalisation also poses challenges and risks. Cybersecurity has become a critical concern given that companies need to protect their information and that of their customers against possible cyber-attacks.
Moreover, rapid technological advances require a continuous learning mentality and constant adaptation to new tools and trends.
Furthermore, it has a significant impact on strategic decision-making. With access to real-time data and advanced analytical tools, companies can gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of their operations, identify patterns and trends, and anticipate market changes.
Undoubtedly, this provides them with a competitive advantage in making informed and data-driven decisions.
However, it is not limited only to the internal processes of the company; it also has an impact on how they interact with customers. This process has resulted in increased personalization and a smoother customer experience.
Through digital channels, companies can better understand the needs and
preferences of their customers, offer products and services tailored to their tastes, and build long-term loyalty. This strengthens customer relationships and provides opportunities for business growth. -
In this sense, digitalization has facilitated relationships and enabled collaboration and communication both within the company and with external partners.
It is important to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the company to identify those aspects in which it is ‘limping’ and take measures accordingly -
More than one hundred and sixty students throughout the Canaries benefited last year from study opportunities thanks to the Binter scholarships offered by the Canarian airline through Radio ECCA. Education is one of the key pillars of Binter Social.
Education is one of the most influential factors for the betterment and progress of individuals as well as societies. It is the most powerful transformation tool in existence since it helps foster human rights and sustainable development, as well as helping build a fairer and more equitable future for all.
For that reason, Binter Social collaborates with projects and bodies that seek to reduce inequality and offer tools to new generations to enable them to devise and map out their career.
The company has been working for a decade with Radio ECCA, an educational, communication and social action institution which has existed in the Canary Islands for over forty years and has its own teaching system, the ECCA System, featuring synchronised pedagogical material, audio classes and tutorial sup -
port. Since its creation, over two million people have registered for its training actions in different regions in Spain.
The education programme facilitates access to the Secondary Education Certificate, the minimum qualification for labour market entry and hence very importance for improving people’s lives.
In addition, Binter has been keen to play a part in Radio ECCA’s institutional alliances in Latin America and West Africa by flying didactic materials to Mauritania and Senegal (between two hundred and three hundred kilograms) at the start of each project.
For some students in the aforementioned countries, both companies also fund studies with content focused on raising awareness and reflection on issues related to their immediate context, such as the environment, family, wellbeing and equal opportunities.
Education and awareness thus become routes to securing comprehensive upskilling that fosters the inclusion of women.
June saw Binter notch up 80 million passengers carried on its aircraft since its creation in 1989. A year ago, in July 2022, the airline welcomed its passenger number 75 million in Fuerteventura and this year it set a new daily record of 19,400 passengers on 28 April.
The first milestone comes at a time when the airline has surpassed the one million passenger figure on its routes between the Canaries and its domestic destinations in the rest of Spain. These routes commenced in May 2018 with direct flights to Majorca and Vigo and have gradually been expanded since. We now fly to fifteen destinations following the addition this year of flights to Granada and Ibiza, the latter as of 6 July.
Binter currently operates sixty-three routes on which more than 6.3 million seats have been programmed for the current year. We are the only airline that flies to all the airports in the Canaries and we connect the islands with thirty-three external destinations, fifteen of them domestic ones in Spain and eighteen international destinations in northwest Africa, France, Italy and Portugal.
The company has launched its biggest ever summer schedule and the 650,000+ seats on offer on more than forty-five routes represent an increase of 12% compared to the summer of 2022 and almost triple the capacity operated the summer before the pandemic. Binter will operate a total of 16,000 flights during July and August.
One of the keys to Binter’s expansion is its fleet of ATR 72 and Embraer E195-E2 aircraft which are perfectly suited to its operations and which the airline has upgraded and purchased in order to operate one of Spain’s youngest
fleets, as acknowledged by Swiss airline intelligence provider Ch-Aviation.
Binter currently operates with thirty-one aircraft, twenty-six of which are ATR and five Embraer. However, it will soon take delivery of three more turboprops and this year will begin to receive the five jets purchased from Embraer in 2022. These will be followed by a further six aircraft purchased last month, the first of which will arrive in the second half of 2024. By the end of 2025, the airline will have a total of sixteen jets in its fleet.
The purchase of more efficient and environmentally-friendly aircraft, together with other improvements in ground support equipment, including greener and less polluting vehicles, and the innovations implemented in the materials used in our inflight services and in internal policies are all helping the company make progress in its ambition to be as sustainable as possible and reduce both fossil fuel consumption and waste generation.
Try something different this summer and earn triple points with Dunas Hotels & Resorts, staying in beautiful suites and villas set in an oasis of native vegetation. holders of BinterMás Gold and Silver cards will also receive exclusive benefits.
Earn x3
Suites & Villas by Dunas 4* 500 + 500 + 500 points/night
Valid: August 2023. *Subject to availability.
EARN POINTS x2
Earn x2
Marina Suites 4* 215 + 215 points/night
Earn double points when staying in an idyllic location with ocean views in the warm Gran Canaria sunshine, a hotel designed with family wellbeing and enjoyment in mind. marinagrancanaria.com
Valid: August 2023.
Make full use of your BinterMás points this summer in the exclusive AC Hotels by Marriot hotels in the Canaries. Enjoy an unrivalled experience in terms of stay and services, as well as a series of exclusive benefits designed especially for our most loyal clients.
AC
BinterMás Gold and BinterMás Silver: free breakfast or room upgrade.
AC Hotel Gran Canaria 4*:
BinterMás Gold and BinterMás Silver: late check-out or room upgrade.
AC Hotel Tenerife 4*:
BinterMás Green: 10% off cocktails.
BinterMás Silver: 10% off cocktails and terrace food and drinks menu.
BinterMás Gold: 10% off cocktails and terrace food and drinks menu, together with a free house cocktail with lunches and dinners over 30€. ac-hotels.marriott.com
Valid: until 10 September 2023. Stays, services and exclusive benefits subject to availability.
Earn double points with Lopesan Hotel Group in places perfectly suited to switch off from your everyday routine and, at the same time, lead a healthy lifestyle during the holidays.
420 + 420 points/night
+ 260 points/night
Enjoy the Canary Islands by staying in selected Meliá Hotels International hotels and earn double points as an exclusive benefit.
FLIGHTS
BINTER
(922) o (928) 327 700
bintercanarias.com
Earn: from 50 to 1.800 points
IBERIA
902 400 500
iberia.com
Earn: from 10 to 1.650 points
CAR HIRE
CICAR
928 822 900
cicar.com
Earn: from 40 to 100 points
AVIS
902 135 531
avis.es
Earn: from 50 to 75 points
FLIGHTS + HOTEL
CANARIASVIAJA
(922) o (928) 24 81 61 canariasviaja.com
Earn: 1 point per 1 €
WELLBEING
TALASOTERAPIA
LAS CANTERAS
928 271 170
talasoterapialascanteras.com
Earn: 40 points/circuito
PETROL STATIONS
DISA
900 818 411 disagrupo.es
Earn: up to 75 points
SHOPPING
CANARIENSIS
900 252 423
aldeasa.com
Earn: 120 points per 30 €
GOLF
SALOBRE GOLF RESORT 928 94 30 04
salobrehotel.com/golf/
Earn: 100 points
SOCIAL
UNICEF 928 269 293
unicef.es
Donation from 300 to 500 points
HOTELS
ARRECIFE
GRAN HOTEL & SPA
928 800 000
aghotelspa.com
Earn: from 240 to 330 points
BARCELÓ
HOTEL GROUP
902 101 001
barcelo.com
Earn: from 150 to 660 points
BUENDÍA
CORRALEJO NOHOTEL
928 943 027
buendiacorralejo.com
Earn: 215 points
CORAL HOTELS 928 327 700
coral-hotels.com
Earn: from 160 to 560 points
HOTEL CORDIAL MOGÁN PLAYA
928 143 393
becordial.com
Earn: 470 points
DREAMPLACE HOTELS & RESORTS
902 210 902
dreamplacehotels.com
Earn: from 200 to 600 points
DUNAS HOTELS & RESORTS
902 142 828
hotelesdunas.com
Earn: from 300 to 500 points
GLORIA
THALASSO & HOTELS
928 128 505 gloriapalaceth.com
Earn: from 55 to 415 points
GOLD BY MARINA
928 948 555 goldbymarina.com
Earn: 215 points
SECRETS BAHÍA REAL RESORT & SPA
911 229 866 secretsbahiareal.com
Earn: 600 points
H10 HOTELS
900 444 466 h10hotels.com
Earn: from 250 to 420 points
HOTELES ELBA
902 172 182 hoteleselba.com
Earn: from 140 to 800 points
HOTEL PARQUE TROPICAL 928 774 012 hotelparquetropical.com
Earn: 200 points
IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS
902 995 555 iberostar.com
Earn: from 210 to 300 points
LOPESAN HOTEL GROUP
928 402 418 lopesan.com
Earn: from 260 to 420 points
MARINA GRAN CANARIA
928 153 015
marinagrancanaria.com
Earn: 215 points
MELIÁ HOTELS
INTERNATIONAL
912 764 747 melia.com
Earn: from 100 to 200 points
R2 HOTELS 928 546 054 r2hotels.com
Earn: from 200 to 300 points
SALOBRE HOTEL RESORT 928 943 000 salobrehotel.com
Earn: 340 points
SHERATON FUERTEVENTURA BEACH, GOLF & SPA RESORT 928 495 100 sheraton.com/fuerteventura
Earn: 640 points
VILA BALEIRA HOTELS & RESORTS
+351 291 980 800 vilabaleira.com
Earn: 165 points
For the full terms and conditions governing the award and use of points, see bintermas.com or call (922) or (928) 327 700.A WORLD OF ADVANTAGES, WITH OVER 30 PARTNERS...
Paula is twenty-two and, although a social worker by profession, started studying make-up last summer. She began posting her artistic creations back in 2020 on Tik Tok and Instagram: @paulamateosmakeup. She went viral In May of this year thanks to a video in which she recreated all the best things about the Canaries, with Binter featuring prominently in the video. A true work of art. Thank you, Paula!
If you have fallen in love on one of our flights or have a story or anecdote from being on board, we invite you to share it with us by writing to redes@bintercanarias.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
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