I was intrigued by several doors while on holiday in Gran Canaria but this one was the most notable. This green door in a whitewashed wall looks fairly ordinary. But I would be very reluctant to open it up and step through – without a parachute!

Because on the other side is a massive drop. It is part of the dam, at the Embalse de Soria at the small village at Soria in the Mogan and San Bartolme de Tirajana districts. See that door below?

The dam at Soria was built between 1962 and 1972. It is the largest and highest dam and reservoir on the island. It has a capacity of 35 million litres but has never been more than 40% full and has never overflowed. And that must have been some time ago judging by the vegetation on the sides of the valley which include large palms very near the base. The basin covers 32 km2 and the dam wall is 120m high. From what I can tell, many of the dams on the island have become less important in recent decades as agriculture has reduced in significance, despite the increased need for water through population increases and tourism, presumably because of desalination.

After you have wandered down to see the dam you can have a rest and a coffee at the Casa Fernando on the main (only) road in the village and marvel at the cyclists who have just pedalled their way up the mountain road that took your breath away just driving.

And take a last look back at the dam on your way back down.

* With apologies to Jim Lowe and Shakin’ Stevens

Embalse de Soria, Gran Canaria, soria dam