Join me in discovering Gran Canaria (page 3 of 10)

BARRANCO DE SILVA - HIKE TO THE CAVES OF JEREZ

27.97387, -15.41402 Start of the trail 27.97346, -15.41389 Descent into the barranco 27.97351, -15.41040 Cuevas del Jerez

The Caves of Jerez are located in the Barranco de Silva in the municipality of Telde.

The trail descends along the left bank of the barranco to the bottom. You quickly catch sight of several caves. They are arranged at different heights, some of which are connected to each other. Some are even easily accessible. The site is very photogenic.

You’ll also find an "Almogarén," a place used by the island’s ancient inhabitants for their religious rituals. This site consists of small cavities carved into the rock, connected by small channels.

It’s believed that these structures were used to collect liquids such as rainwater or milk, and they can be found in various locations across the islands.

https://youtu.be/e26mD-QH6gs

GÁLDAR - PIC DE LA ATALAYA - SAMSON CAVE

28.15353, -15.63669 Mirador de la Montaña de Ajodar 28.15248, -15.64102 Samson Cave 1.1 km away 28.15164, -15.64069 Summit 1.6 km away

The Cueva de Sansón (Samson Cave) is located on the trail leading to the summit of Pico de La Atalaya, in the Montaña de Gáldar region. It’s a fascinating spot for hiking and exploration, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse of the island’s natural beauty.

In the year 1920, the first wooden cross was placed at the highest point of Pico de La Atalaya by a resident of the Atalaya neighborhood in Guía (Mrs. Romanita) as an offering to safeguard the life of her son, who had enlisted to fight in the war in Africa.

Later, a total of 14 crosses were erected, forming a place of worship known as the "Via Crucis" from the aforementioned neighborhood to the mountain’s summit, following a path on its northeast side.

Until a few years ago, the crosses were decorated by different families responsible for this task. Today, the tradition has faded, and the crosses have been abandoned.

On the northwest slope lies one of the island’s most impressive quarries, originally known in the early 20th century as the "piconera de Pepe Ojeda" or, more recently, as the "Grotte de Samsón" (Samson Cave, named for its enormous dimensions).

Once inside, we’re immersed in a world of shadow, light, and dizzying heights, where the sheer pleasure of the view contrasts with the grueling work these miners must have endured.

Moving deeper into the cave requires considerable effort because the ground is covered with small, rolling stones. However, the effort is rewarded by the stunning viewpoints we discover inside the cave.

https://youtu.be/KrVqxQc09BA

AGAETE - ROQUE GUAYEDRA AND BARRANCO DE GUAYEDRA

28.07469, -15.71009 Roque parking 28.07531, -15.70980 Roque de Guayedra 28.07684, -15.70480 Barranco parking 28.07372, -15.70217 End of the trail, basins of Barranco de Guayedra ± 570 m one way

Roque Guayedra is a fascinating archaeological site located in Agaete. Surrounded by impressive cliffs, it offers a breathtaking view of the ocean.

The area is renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty, making it a popular spot for hiking and exploration.

Barranco de Guayedra is a stunning natural space. It’s famous for its geological, natural, and picturesque richness. The barranco is home to a diverse endemic fauna and flora, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Historically, it’s important because this is where Fernando Guanarteme, an indigenous king, went into exile during the conquest of Gran Canaria.

If you plan a visit, you can explore its jaw-dropping landscapes, enjoy the hiking trails, or relax at Playa de Guayedra, a nearby secluded beach known for its volcanic beauty and spectacular sunsets. It’s a true hidden gem of the Canary Islands!

https://youtu.be/jQ2-YjQQmSY

ARTENARA - CABALLERO CAVES

28.02278, -15.62404 Start of the trail 28.01678, -15.62027 Caves 1 km away

The Cuevas de Caballero are a fascinating archaeological site located near Artenara. This site includes twelve natural caves that were adapted for habitation using scraping techniques. Beyond their historical value, the caves offer spectacular views of Bentayga and the Nublo basin.

Some of these caves contain cave art, suggesting they had a magico-religious significance for the ancient Canarians.

It seems this place was associated with women who practiced witchcraft, adding a touch of mystery to its history.

https://youtu.be/PGM-vNKFxuc

ARUCAS - THE SALINAS DE BUFADERO

28.15165, -15.52341 Parking 28.15259, -15.52379 Salinas

The Salinas de Bufadero are located in Arucas. They are a fascinating historical site dating back to the 17th century.

These salt pans are part of a group of six in the region, but they are the best preserved thanks to their unique location and protective morphology. The salt production process involved capturing seawater in lower basins and then transferring it to higher crystallization basins.

The salt pans are not only an example of traditional economic activity but also a cultural treasure. Restored, they are now recognized as a site of cultural interest. The area offers a magical experience with its picturesque beauty and historical significance.

https://youtu.be/Yhhioh-IDL0

BARRANCO DE PINO GORDO - NATURAL POOLS

27.98768, -15.75167 Start of the trail 27.98719, -15.75123 Crossing 27.98604, -15.75280 Right turn 27.98557, -15.74896 Dam 27.98671, -15.75036 Natural pools

Barranco de Pino Gordo is a stunning natural site. It’s famous for its freshwater pools and breathtaking surroundings.

These natural pools, or *charcos*, are perfect for a refreshing swim and are surrounded by lush landscapes, making it a favorite spot for hikers and nature lovers.

https://youtu.be/tMHys6JpUaQ

TELDE - BARRANCO DE LOS CERNÍCALOS

27.97965, -15.47402 Parking 27.97914, -15.47720 Start of the trail 27.96568, -15.49630 End of the trail (most beautiful waterfall)

Barranco de los Cernícalos is a stunning natural site. It’s famous for its year-round flowing waters, beautiful waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

The area is part of the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve and the Lomo Magullo Protected Landscape, making it a protected natural space.

This spot is perfect for hiking, with a trail of about 7 kilometers round-trip. The route, mostly flat, is suitable for beginners, including families with kids. Along the way, you’ll discover endemic flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape.

https://youtu.be/S2I1dLdhjvY

LAS CRUCES - TOBA CAVES & PICÓN

Location: 28.11511, -15.67541

Some lovely caves that are easily accessible since they’re right by a main road in Las Cruces.

https://youtu.be/0RYxO1dDPDc

PUERTO DE LAS NIEVES - MORO CAVE

28.10524, -15.70478 Parking 28.11430, -15.70350 Cave 1.2 km 28.11645, -15.70670 Punta Gorda Viewpoint 1.7 km 28.11688, -15.70462 El Juncal Beach 2.2 km

The Cueva del Moro is a cave located near Puerto de las Nieves. This route offers spectacular landscapes and lets you discover unique rock formations.

https://youtu.be/R2ps7bs7WRk

AGÜIMES - MORROS DE ÁVILA CAVES

27.89720, -15.44440 Start of the trail, 2.6 km one way 27.89736, -15.43699 Cruz de Montaña de Agüimes 27.90352, -15.43140 Morro del Cuervo 27.90762, -15.42323 Cuevas Morros de Avila

This 5.2 km round-trip hiking trail crosses the protected landscape of the Agüimes mountains and lets us visit two archaeological sites: Morro del Cuervo and Morros de Ávila.

First, we stopped at the Cruz de Agüimes, located at the mountain's summit. From there, we had a stunning view of Agüimes, Ingenio, Roque Aguayro, and the entire southeast of the island.

Afterward, we headed to the archaeological site of Morro del Cuervo, where we could see some engravings on the cliff, including petroglyphs with human shapes. One of them is known as the "Man of Guayadeque."

We continued our hike to the second archaeological site, Morros de Avila. This site includes two caves, one of which features several paintings in the form of red and white triangles.

https://youtu.be/cULBFPcCKi4

JUNCALILLO DEL SUR - LAGOON & SALINAS DE ABAJO

27.79650, -15.47380 Parking and trailhead 27.79410, -15.47867 Lagoon 27.79357, -15.48542 Salinas de Abajo

Juncalillo del Sur is an alluvial plain that serves as an important habitat for various bird species. The area includes saline wetlands where water levels fluctuate, providing a resting and feeding spot for migratory birds and waders.

If you're into birdwatching, there’s a hide set up where you can observe the diverse avian wildlife.

When we visited, there weren’t many birds around. Still, the walk along the edge of the lagoon and salt pans was really pleasant.

https://youtu.be/MU2r8L7yUcs

CAVES OF THE CAMINO DE SAN FELIPE

28.14475, -15.59510 Parking 28.14205, -15.60177 Caves

The caves of the Camino de San Felipe are located on the northern coast of the island, along the historic Camino Real de San Felipe. This trail, about two kilometers long, crosses cliffs and offers spectacular views.

The caves have great archaeological and heritage value, as some of them were used as pre-Hispanic necropolises around 1,000 years ago.

The Cueva de Las Ánimas is also worth mentioning, as it served as a resting place for funeral processions.

In the 20th century, some of these caves were used as dwellings and for other purposes, including sanitary controls to prevent the spread of diseases like yellow fever in the 19th century.

The trail starts at San Felipe beach and climbs along the coastal cliff, offering breathtaking views.

Along this route, you’ll find a set of eight caves that were used as dwellings and for other purposes. These caves are known as Las Cuevas del Camino Histórico de San Felipe.

https://youtu.be/GYPuaHFbpuE

CRUZ DE TEJEDA, CRUZ CHICO AND DEGOLLADA VIEWPOINT

28.00743, -15.59975 Cruz de Tejeda 28.01308, -15.59534 Cruz Chico Route 150 28.01656, -15.59428 Belvedere 28.01595, -15.60317 Mirador de Degollada Return

A stunning 4-kilometer loop hike starting at Cruz de Tejeda, near the Parador de Cruz, in the municipality of Tejeda, in the heart of Gran Canaria.

The trail offers spectacular views. It passes through the protected area of the Rural Park of Roque Nublo, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2005 for its great landscape, cultural, and environmental value.

Some sections of the route run along paved roads, so be careful with cars and cyclists.

https://youtu.be/6G1P7UftF9o

HIKING THE PATALAVACA CIRCUIT

27.77210, -15.68675 Parking 27.78250, -15.68370 Landmark 27.77383, -15.68954 Viewpoint 1 27.77220, -15.68880 Viewpoint 2 Return to parking

The Patalavaca Circuit is a scenic hiking trail located near Mogán.

This 3.6-kilometer loop offers stunning views of Patalavaca, Arguineguín, and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail is considered moderate, and the average completion time is 80 minutes.

It’s essential to wear good hiking shoes and bring water with you since there’s no shade on this trail.

https://youtu.be/UdofoOuNP18

MOTOR GRANDE - PUERTO RICO ARCH

27.79910, -15.69548 Start of the trail 27.79917, -15.69153 Left turn 27.79945, -15.69183 Left turn 27.79957, -15.69226 Arch

This hike lets us discover the Puerto Rico Arch, located in Motor Grande.

The well-marked trail starts in the Motor Grande ravine and leads to this majestic natural arch that defies gravity.

We sat at its base and enjoyed the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area.

For the return trip, we found another trail behind the arch that allowed us to make a loop back to our starting point.

https://youtu.be/uKA0mGKRcdo

EL MONTAÑÓN - PRESA DE LOS HORNOS

27.96620, -15.59772 Start of the Presa de Los Hornos viewpoint trail 27.96856, -15.58802 Right turn 27.96485, -15.58757 Right turn 27.95483, -15.59196 Degollada de Los Hornos 27.95890, -15.60029 El Montañón Return to the parking lot

This is a 5.8 km loop trail located near San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

There are several starting points along this route for this hike. For our part, we started from the Mirador de la Presa de Los Hornos.

The trail quickly descends toward the Presa de Los Hornos, which has water with a vibrant green color. The reservoir wasn’t at full capacity when we passed by.

The trail climbs back up through a pine forest and leads us to the area where Camp El Garañon and the Llanos de La Pez recreation zone are located.

We then have to cross Route GC-600, as the trail continues on the other side of this road.

We continue our hike along the path that takes us to the Degollada de Los Hornos and El Montañón, offering us some really pretty views of the Presa de Los Hornos, the iconic Roque Nublo, and the majestic mountainous landscape surrounding us.

https://youtu.be/vYci1sEDf2o

SEASIDE PROMENADE - AMADORES BEACH – PUERTO RICO BEACH

27.78855, -15.72300 Seaside promenade 27.78451, -15.71581 Descent 27.78290, -15.71335 Marker 1 27.78012, -15.71129 Marker 2 27.78256, -15.71121 Marker 3 27.78273, -15.71447 Marker 4

This roughly 7 km round-trip hike starts at the Amadores Beach parking lot. It takes place along the seaside promenade between Amadores Beach and Puerto Rico Beach.

Both beaches are perfect for swimming, eating, and drinking at the many nearby restaurants.

The seaside promenade overlooks these two beaches, offering stunning views of them.

https://youtu.be/IkNagFEXhdI

PRESA DE LAS NIÑAS

27.92861, -15.66654 Parking 27.92584, -15.66737 Árbol de Casandra 27.92126, -15.66766 Belvedere 27.92273, -15.67278 Dam view

The Presa (dam) de Las Niñas, located inland on the island of Gran Canaria, is a beautiful natural spot for a day trip.

This artificial lake, surrounded by Canary Island pines, has a large recreational area with tables, fire pits, restrooms, and parking. There’s even a designated camping area.

Several trails wind through the area, letting you experience the Las Niñas dam and its surroundings in different ways.

The Las Niñas dam is steeped in legends and mysteries. One of its pines, the Árbol de Casandra, is over 400 years old and is the subject of a tragic story in which a young woman was consumed by flames at the foot of the tree.

It’s worth noting that this pine, whose silhouette stands out against the stunning landscape of the Las Niñas dam, has survived several fires throughout its history.

https://youtu.be/JdiyQKDysGk

EL HORNILLO - OMEGA & OMICRON CAVES

28.05577, -15.66090 Parking 28.05610, -15.66066 Start of the trail 28.05883, -15.65931 Caves

A really beautiful 1.4 km round-trip hike that leads to the Omega and Omicron caves at El Hornillo.

The trail starts next to the El Hornillo refuge. It’s set in a picturesque landscape and offers stunning views of the barranco and the surrounding mountains.

https://youtu.be/cTpca0_bFHs

ARTEARA NECROPOLIS

Location: 27.84581, -15.56934

The Arteara necropolis is an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the funeral and ritual practices of the aboriginal people who inhabited the island before colonial conquest.

It houses over 800 tumular structures, with both individual and collective burials.

The structures at this site reflect a meticulous organization of funeral rites. Various types of tombs can be found here, from cavities carved into the stone to enclosures that may have been used to mark a particular social status or spiritual connection with ancestors.

Excavations and studies conducted on-site have uncovered artifacts—such as ceramic pieces, tools, and even skeletal remains—that enrich our understanding of the daily life and ancestral beliefs of these populations.

These discoveries help reconstruct complex aspects of their culture, including hierarchical systems and ritual practices embedded in community life.

https://youtu.be/dnQdtCSb4GE