Did you know that Moby Dick was filmed in Gran Canaria? Or that the oldest rum factory in Europe is located in the north of the island… Or that Christopher Columbus got his supplies in the capital of Gran Canaria for his great expedition to the New World? Discover more curiosities in our guide!

Gran Canaria was the location for the filming of Moby Dick

In 1954, the legendary John Huston revolutionized the capital of Gran Canaria with the filming of this spectacular movie starring Gregory Peck, which took place in places such as Las Canteras Beach, Las Alcaravaneras Beach, La Puntilla, El Confital, Puerto de La Luz and Maspalomas. More than one hundred technicians from England and the United States, a replica of the whale of more than 65 meters built by artisans of the island and whaling boats: an unprecedented display on the island at that time.

The world’s longest transoceanic regatta

Every year during the month of November you can enjoy a unique spectacle on the coast of the capital of Gran Canaria. The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, ARC, departs from the Muelle Deportivo de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on its way to the Caribbean in what is the largest transoceanic nautical leisure event in the world where sailors from all countries set sail against all odds to cross the Atlantic.

The last port of Christopher Columbus’ expedition to the Americas.

The Canary Islands were the last port where the caravels Santa María, La Pinta and La Niña docked on Christopher Columbus’ expedition to the eastern coasts of Asia. On August 9, 1492, they arrived in Gran Canaria to settle for several weeks in order to refuel, finish fitting out the ships and recruit some sailors before embarking on the long voyage that would lead them to the discovery of the New World.

Europe’s oldest rum factory

12 kilometers from the capital, in the municipality of Arucas, is the factory of the most famous rum in the islands: Destilerías Arehucas. More than 130 years of life of one of the signs of identity of Gran Canaria, which is also the largest and oldest rum factory in Europe. The doors of this emblematic building are open to the public from Monday to Friday.

The first Japanese cuisine restaurant in Spain

Japanese gastronomy arrived for the first time in Spain more than 50 years ago thanks to Toshihiko Sato and his renowned Fuji restaurant located in the capital of Gran Canaria. The Japanese fishing fleet had an important base in the port of Las Palmas and Sato decided to take advantage of the opportunity to bring to the island the most famous dish of his country, sushi. It thus became the first Japanese food restaurant in the country.

Text taken from: https://www.themintcompany.com