Gran Canaria has become an international showcase for one of the world's biggest car manufacturers, with Audi using the island for a major global convention and vehicle-testing programme throughout September.

The Audi Partner Convention 2026 is expected to bring around 3,000 people from more than 100 countries to Gran Canaria over several weeks.

As part of the event, Audi is using different locations around the island for presentations, driving experiences and vehicle demonstrations.

One of the most striking locations chosen is the Degollada de las Yeguas viewpoint in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, overlooking the dramatic landscape of southern Gran Canaria.

The location sits alongside the GC-60, the popular road linking the tourist areas in the south with the mountainous interior.

Audi's activities at the viewpoint are significant enough to require temporary traffic and parking restrictions on 18 separate days during September.

Up to 15 Audi models

The international convention includes presentations, workshops and driving experiences, with plans for up to 15 Audi models to be showcased on the island.

Five of those are reported to be new vehicles, with scenic road routes, dynamic driving tests and some off-road sections included in the programme.

The decision to use Gran Canaria gives the island considerable international exposure.

Its combination of coastal roads, volcanic landscapes, mountain routes and relatively short distances between contrasting environments has long made the Canary Islands attractive for automotive launches, advertising campaigns and vehicle testing.

For this event, the Degollada de las Yeguas has become one of the focal points.

The viewpoint normally attracts tourists and residents because of its extensive views across the south of the island and towards the Maspalomas area.

Restrictions continue until September 29th

Visitors planning to use the viewpoint should be aware that Audi's activities will continue to affect access on a number of dates this month.

Restrictions apply on September 14th to 17th, 21st to 26th, and 28th and 29th, following the first block of dates earlier this month.

Parking in designated areas adjoining the GC-60 around Degollada de las Yeguas is prohibited during the affected periods, except for authorised, security, emergency and cleaning vehicles.

Restrictions are more extensive within the viewpoint's esplanade itself, where both driving and parking are prohibited while the event is taking place.

Vehicles left in restricted areas may be removed.

The final restrictions are scheduled to end at 10pm on September 29th.

While the temporary restrictions may inconvenience visitors wanting to stop at the viewpoint, Audi's decision to stage such a substantial international event in Gran Canaria provides another example of the island being used as a backdrop for major global brands.