Gran Canaria—a Spanish island off the coast of Africa—is a wonderful and welcoming EU tropical paradise.
A Tropical Paradise Named Gran Canaria
By Dr. Barefoot Sidy Diallo
Gran Canaria—a Spanish subtropical island at 27°58′N off the West Coast of Africa—is like a mini continent with European standard of living, sunny weather and spring temperatures all year around, kilometers of crystalline beaches, natural pools, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, pristine dunes, national parks, volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, etc., and yet only a few hours’ flight from Madrid, Paris, Rome, London or Berlin, with no risk of jet lag. The island has only one hour difference with Western Europe.
In other words, Gran Canaria is a truly tropical paradise, particularly for EU citizens who are most welcome, without bureaucratic requirements. Plus in Gran Canaria it’s possible to walk or run barefoot anytime of the year. My first trip to the island was for the 2013 Gran Canaria Marathon. I switched two years later to barefoot running.
I was 55 when I did my first race, namely the 2010 Bastille Day 5 km Run in Lincoln Park, Chicago. I’ve so far completed in all over the world—including in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Oceania--nearly 400 marathons and ultramarathons to promote the fitness and health benefits of running.
My book Running Barefoot for Human Survival is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book format (French edition: Courir pieds nus pour sauver les humains).
Gran Canaria—a Spanish subtropical island at 27°58′N off the West Coast of Africa—is like a mini continent with European standard of living, sunny weather and spring temperatures all year around, kilometers of crystalline beaches, natural pools, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, pristine dunes, national parks, volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, etc., and yet only a few hours’ flight from Madrid, Paris, Rome, London or Berlin, with no risk of jet lag. The island has only one hour difference with Western Europe.
In other words, Gran Canaria is a truly tropical paradise, particularly for EU citizens who are most welcome, without bureaucratic requirements. Plus in Gran Canaria it’s possible to walk or run barefoot anytime of the year. My first trip to the island was for the 2013 Gran Canaria Marathon. I switched two years later to barefoot running.
I was 55 when I did my first race, namely the 2010 Bastille Day 5 km Run in Lincoln Park, Chicago. I’ve so far completed in all over the world—including in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Oceania--nearly 400 marathons and ultramarathons to promote the fitness and health benefits of running.
My book Running Barefoot for Human Survival is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book format (French edition: Courir pieds nus pour sauver les humains).