Montecristo De Gran Canaria

A very small sign nestling into the rocks above the road saying “Finca Montecristo de Gran Canaria” guides you to the destination. There were a set of steps built into the rock and it looked promising, but – of what? We didn´t know. It actually describes itself as a “destination for friends of culture and nature” and effectively is an outdoor arboretum (obviously! and art gallery!! In an area of over 40,000 m2 it offers more than 1,000 tropical and exotic plants tagged professionally with the horticultural name and country of origin. We didn´t know what we were expecting – we thought it was just a visit, but hoped there was, at least somewhere to get a cup of tea as the climb was gruelling, but along the way all sorts of signs and stalls and exhibits of jewellery, art, crafts and sculptures! Just that alone would have been worth it, but we were in for a treat far more than that! At only €8 to go in, you could spend the whole day there, although as we came by tourist bus, I have no idea about the availability of local bus provision. You´d probably have to hire a car, and then have the winding roads to contend with! Not for the faint hearted! But for us spoiled tourists – a lovely table had been set out made of heavy tiles, with cut flowers and foliage in the centre of white bougainvillea, and berries, just under the hillside with floral and animal decorations all around. Just next to the table was a cage with colourful parrots squawking at us and artwork and sculptures all around. The climb had been so hard and so narrow, I cannot believe they could get catering equipment up here, but that´s exactly what they did, as before long the waiting staff arrived with water, and took our order for sect (cava , beer, still wine and anything else anyone wanted. Not for anyone in a rush, this is for the leisurely tourist, and anyway, being so far off the beaten track, the working contingent would never frequent it, anyway. But a wonderful place for a romantic occasion, a wedding, anniversary, birthday and the like and I am told a regular occurrence are music evenings for you to enjoy a fabulous meal under the stars, listening to classical concerts and surrounded by art. On the week we went, an operatic soprano, Judith Pezoa, together with a tenor, Marcel García, and their pianist, Nauzet Mederos, were scheduled to perform works from Donizetti, Brahms, Verdi, Glück and more.

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Montecristo is an amazing place, simply out of this world. It consists of a park, a botanical garden and a nice outdoors restaurant area, admidst all the plants, water installations, and colourful birds. We came here for a Saturday brunch and we loved it! Outdoor buffet with healthy and fresh choices, partly vegetarian, great service and most of all a calm, relaxing, paradise-like atmosphere. Definitely a must-see when visiting Gran Canaria. Also a great location for events.

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