When I moved to Gran Canaria in 2004, Gáldar's Sardina del Norte was one of my early discoveries. And it's somewhere I find myself inextricably drawn back to, time and time again. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm revealing the location of my fave beach on the island.
Sardina del Norte: getting there
Ordinarily, I travel to Sardina del Norte with my family. From our Las Palmas de Gran Canaria home, it's a relatively straightforward drive along the GC-2, turning off onto the GC-202 at exit 25. Door to shore, it's just over half an hour.
For my latest visit, however, I went by bus, travelling to Gáldar from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Global's 105 (€3,10). I could then have completed my journey, by using Guaguas Guzman. However, considering I had time to kill before my connection arrived and to cut down on travel costs, I decided to walk the rest of the way.
It's a journey I probably won't be making again, and indeed I returned to Gáldar on a Guzman bus (€1,40). Although the GC-202 is relatively short, it's a bendy road which reduces the visibility of both cars and pedestrians. Plus Gáldar's an agricultural area and the passing farmyard smells you experience by car linger more when walking.
High-tide Sardina del Norte
At 80 metres, Sardina del Norte's not one of the island's longest beaches. Meaning less towel space. However, there's always room for one more, especially when the tide is at its lowest.
However, I arrived at high-tide Sardina del Norte. Although, when my kids were younger, we once turned up to see that the Atlantic had covered all the sand. "Where's the sand gone, Dad?", they asked. I convinced them that Lorenzo, a friend who lived nearby, had taken it, turning his bedroom into a beach in the process. To this day, they jokingly refer to him as Lorenzo the Sand Thief.
Sporty Sardina del Norte
Look around you on Sardina del Norte's beach and you'll inevitably see a bodyboard. Look further afield and you'll probably be able to make out a jetski. Sardina's also one of the most popular diving spots on the island, along with Arinaga's Playa de Cabrón.
You'll see lots of boats around too. Many of these are of the fishing variety. If San Cristóbal's the best place to eat fish in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Sardina del Norte's the top place on the north coast with local restaurants sharing a signature dish: freshly-caught sardines, of course.
On the 11th August 1492, Sardina del Norte had its most famous nautical visitor. For sailing close to the port, Christopher Columbus noticed that the rudder of his La Pinta was damaged. He ordered the boat to be repaired in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, while he continued with the rest of his fleet to La Gomera. Although he did return to GC to check on progress.
Scenic Sardina del Norte
The majority of the properties in Sardina del Norte, like Gran Canaria in general, tend to be functional rather than aesthetically pleasing. However, there are some that are easier on the eye. This is because Sardina del Norte's a weekend retreat of some of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's wealthier families.
It's also a permanent residence for the island's mega rich. The locals say you know when the construction magnate who owns a mansion on the hill's at home. For his house lights up the night sky. I know where we're buying if we ever win the lottery.