Gran Canaria Tourism Guide - Gran Canaria North

Arucas and a Bit of Rum Tasting!

Arucas has a long history, not just post Spanish colonialism evident in its many historic buildings, but just outside Arucas to the north is the Montana de Arucas which is thought to be the area where courageous Doramas the Guanche leader was killed in 1481 by Pedro de Vera in the Battle of Arucas.

Arucas has been famous for it's rum as far back as 1884. A visit to the Arehucas Rum Distillery here is highly recommended - the rums and liqueurs made here are sublime, and you can purchase them in the shop for very reasonable prices!

Another iconic feature attraction in Arucas is it's gothic and lava stone built church. Building commenced on this Gaudi influenced structure in 1907 and wasn't finished until 1977! Well worth a look, it towers over the town. Move inside for views of a 16th century Italian Crucifixion. The church's tower stretches upto 60 metres.

Agaete Gran Canaria

The GC-2 motorway runs all the way along the top of Gran Canaria from Las Palmas, making it easier driving to reach the northern hotspots including Guia, Galdar and Agaete. Agaete to Las Palmas in your hire car shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes! Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves (once Gran Canaria's main port but now only serving a tourist route by boat to Santa Cruz de Tenerife) merge into one town really. It's an attractive spot, with a selection of attractive houses and pretty narrow streets.

Agaete is a chilled town and a good base from which to explore the many Guanche sites and caves in the north - there's also some pretty good seafood restaurants up here and a bohemian edge infused by a history of artists basing themselves here. Note the selection of art galleries in the town. The Fred Olsen Express departs from neighbouring Puerto de las Nieves Harbour to Santa Cruz de Tenerife (only takes about 60 minutes) six times every day. If Canary Island hopping is on your holiday menu, then Agaete makes a superb base. Phone the Iknow-Holidays booking line direct on 0871 423 5056 for ferry bookings from Agaete to Tenerife's capital Santa Cruz.

Teror Gran Canaria

The town of Teror just a short distance to the southwest of Las Palmas doesn't take much from it's name, in fact it's one of the prettiest and historic locations on Gran Canaria, and an important site for one of Gran Canaria's most celebrated religious festival - the Fiesta de la Virgen del Pino (held annually in the first week of September).

Pretty Canarian balconies and architecture, a stunning church at the centre, the Basilica de la Vigen del Pino (admission is free from 8am to noon, then 2-6pm) are what you can expect to see here. Inside the church it's ornate indeed, with the centrepiece being the bedecked 15th century carving of the Virgen de la Nieve all highly illuminated - all rather a kitsch effect. The Virgin of the Pines is the Patron Saint of Gran Canaria. Visit Teror, as we did, on the 8th September and see the town decked out for the Fiesta de la Virgen del Pino (the Feast Day of the Virgin of the Pine).

Galdar & Guanche History Gran Canaria

Base yourself in Galdar, and you'll be situated in one of the best locations for exploring Guanche archeological sites across the Canaries. You'll also be conveniently close to Las Palmas for the Museo Canario, and indeed easy access into the interior of Gran Canaria for walking holidays. A spot of island hopping is also made easy, with nearby Puerto de Las Nieves offering 8 sails daily to Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. (this trip only takes about 60 minutes on the express catamaran).

Take you pick from a choice of Guanche archeological sites in this area including the Cenobio de Valeron consisting of around 300 caves situated behind a dramatic rock arch. Most of these caves were carved out by the Guanches, with a few being natural phenomena. Caves are linked by a network of tunnels and steps - all of which indicate a complex social structure with the Harimaguadas (noble Guanche women who were treated like queens and indeed were regal reproducers! You'll note the mini Harimaguadas available in cultural centres and museums for purchase and there's an original Harimaguadas statuette in the Museo Canario in Las Palmas).

Alongside some of the important Guanche cave sites on La Palma, the Cueva Pintada or Painted Cave site on Gran Canaria is one of the most treasured Guanche cave networks across the Canary Islands. As well as the painted cave there's a superb Museum and Archaeological Park here (see weblink right). Various ceramics and human skeletons were discovered here at Cueva Pintada in 1873.