ARTENARA - A Things to Do in Gran Canaria’s Oldest and Highest Village

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ARTENARA
A Things to Do in Gran Canarias Oldest and
Highest Village
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Famous for its vibrant resorts and breathtaking
coastal towns, Gran Canarias tourism skyrockets
by the year. Yearning for more adventure and
curious to discover more, waves upon waves of
tourists journey inland with high hopes of
finding paradise. And they were not disappointed
upon arriving at Artenara. At an altitude of
1,270 meters, it is the highest village on the
island and one of the oldest as well. Vacationers
are never deterred by the challenging road ahead,
as the drive up offers spectacular panorama, and
the destination is sure to impress. Abundant with
natural and archaeological marvels, this serene
mountain village provides the perfect vacation
experience for every type of traveler.
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A Journey Back in Time
Hailing from the North of Africa, the original
inhabitants of Artenara were a tribe of Berbers
called the Canari. They excavated mountain rocks
to create cave dwellings and shelters, and left
the rest of the land for farming. Archaeological
evidence proves that the Berbers have settled in
this mountainous area 1,000 years before the
Spanish conquest. Up to this day, the relics of
their ingenuity persist to be one of the primary
reasons for the development of Artenara.
Wander in the Wonders of Artenara
There are plenty of things to see and do in the
lovely village of Artenara. Visit the cave houses
and churches, and wonder how bare hands and a few
tools can create such beauty. Hike in the
magnificent mountains filled with lush groves of
pine trees, and admire mother natures greatest
masterpiece. Look as far as the eyes can see
while standing on a mirador and ponder what could
be on the other side of that rock formation.
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In this part of the island, caves are a
necessity, then and now. And they have at least
one for every purpose one can think of. The 12
caves of Cuevas de Caballero were once used as
shelters by the native shepherds. It also
exhibits the unique use of symbology by the early
inhabitants of Gran Canaria. On the other hand,
the La Cueva de Los Candiles has wall decors and
drawings. Some caves were also of astronomical
and agricultural importance, like the Cuevas de
Risco Caído. Each cave has a window in the
ceiling where sunlight comes in to signify the
coming of the summer solstice and the moonlight
for the winter solstice. Religion is significant
for the people of Gran Canaria. So, in Artenara,
of course, they have an ecclesiastical cave. The
cave church La Ermita de la Cuevita, which houses
the statue of Virgen de la Cuevita, was carved
into a cliff side in the 18th century.
Furthermore, the altar, lectern, confessional and
choir seats, and everything else in it is also
carved out from the rock. Perhaps the most
popular of them all, the La Casa Cueva Museo
Santiago Aranda (Museum of Cave Houses), is
exactly what its name suggests. It has 7 cave
houses setup differently depending on its
functions, and each one showcases 20th-century
cave dwelling. Tourists love this museum, not
only for its caves but also for the stunning
views of the mountains and the valleys of central
Gran Canaria.
An Array of Caves
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Miradors or lookout stations are the best spot
for tourists to see the beautiful surroundings.
And in the majestic Artenara, there are three
Because having just one is simply not
enough. Reminiscent of the colossal Christ the
Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro, the statue of Jesus
on the Mirador del Cristo is smaller, but just as
awe-inspiring. It stands on a globe held by two
kneeling angels and is the first thing that
welcomes everyone as they approach Artenara, and
what a welcoming view it is. While already
impressive from afar, much more glorious views
from the Mirador itself await those who are
willing to walk up its mountain. Constructed in
1999, Unamunos Balcony is a tribute to Miguel de
Unamuno, a famous educator, philosopher, and
author, who stayed on the island in 1910. Seeing
the wonders from this balcony is often regarded
as the best part of the Artenara experience, as
it offers a breathtaking view of the amazing
landscapes of Caldera de Tejeda, Roque Bentaiga,
and Roque Nublo. The most difficult one to reach
is Mirador del Molino, but the grand spectacle
from its deck makes it well worth the drive.
Built at the peak of a towering cliff, visitors
feel like they are on top of the world looking
down on such extraordinary natural wonder. With
an undistracted view of the vast area that goes
as far as Roque Nublo, its no surprise travelers
take on even the most menacing road in Artenara
just to see it.
Marvelous Miradors
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Hiking Haven
With its scenic landscape filled with abundant
botanical riches, the natural surroundings of
Artenara is a hikers paradise. The trails around
the Natural Reserve of Pinar de Tamadaba, the
largest pine forest in Gran Canaria, provides
astonishing views of the Caldera de Tejeda and
Tenerifes Mount Teide. Another recommended trek
is through the Roque Nublo Rural Park, the
largest natural area in the island, where hikers
can admire the seemingly endless network of
mountains and enjoy nature in its purest
state. Probably the least explored part of the
municipality, the secluded coastal areas of Punta
Gongora and Punta de Las Arenas are popular among
adventurers and surfers. These black sand beaches
are worth the hike for those who yearn for
solitude while listening to the sound of huge
rolling waves crashing onto the shore.
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Getting to and Around
Artenara is only 50 km away from the capital Las
Palmas. The fastest way to reach the village is
by taking a 1-1/2-hour drive by taking the
Carretera del Norte (northern road) from the city
and pass through Teror and Valleseco. Another
option is to travel by the efficient public
transport. From Las Palmas, Bus No. 220 also ply
the same route to reach Artenara. Please note
that this bus trip only has three scheduled
departures a day on working days and holidays.
Cave House Rentals
The cave central of Gran Canaria has caves for
everything, and they have rental cave houses
equipped with all modern amenities so tourists
can experience cave dwelling in the 21st century.
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Casa-Cueva El Caidero
Perfect for families and group of friends, the
Casa-Cueva El Caidero is a big cave house with
stunning surroundings guests can appreciate while
relaxing by the balcony swimming pool. Complete
with great amenities and the best views, it is
also near restaurants, shops, and bars. Cave
dwelling has never been this easy.
Casa Cueva El Pastor
Just a few minutes away from the center of
Artenara, guests can expect an undisturbed stay
in the secluded Casa-Cueva El Pastor. Experience
cave living in a magnificent abode built in the
Montaña (Mountain) del Toril. Unwind and enjoy
the splendid view of the pine forest and clear
blue sky from its spacious terrace surrounded by
fruit trees.
Casas Cuevas El Mimo y Las Margaritas
With a fabulous balcony swimming pool and a brick
grill station, this cozy house carved out of the
rock is a favorite amongst tourists. Have the
best barbeque party with family and friends, or
just frolic by the pool with the exceptional view
of the neighboring mountain as a backdrop. Truly,
this charming cave house is a home away from home.
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Gastronomic Adventure
Artenara is famous for having the most delicious
grilled meat dishes and the best cheese in the
Gran Canaria. Travelers rave about the
mouthwatering taste of marinated rabbit and fried
suckling pig. They also love to snack on local
cheese made from a mixture of goat, cow and sheep
milk. The papas arrugadas with mojo sauce is also
a must try. The Bar Restaurante Tamadaba is
favored for their small menu of lovely dishes,
this marvelous restaurant is the perfect place
for every meal. Try their cheese salad with
olives, nuts and peppers, Canarian stew, fried
shrimps, and the surprisingly delicious dessert
of figs and cactus fruits. It is a fantastic
place where diners can enjoy great food with a
beautiful setting. A travelers favorite for
their delectable food, generous portions, and
reasonable price, the Bar Restaurante La Casa Del
Correo is a must try. The restaurant owner makes
fantastic calamari, croquetas, marinated meat,
papas arrugadas, gofio, and different kinds of
crepes and cakes which guests can enjoy with
either local wine or hot choco. They also
personally grow most of the fruits and vegetables
they serve. Last but certainly not the least,
the La Cilla Artenara Restaurant is, without a
doubt, the most popular restaurant in Artenara.
Guests must enter a cave and walk through a dark
tunnel to reach the remarkable terrace where they
can feast on great food (their grilled meat
dishes are highly recommended) and an outstanding
view of the surroundings. It is definitely the
best place for travelers who want to have an
unforgettable dining experience.
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A Travelers Paradise
Often referred to as small continent,
vacationers are learning how Gran Canaria earned
its moniker. From its picturesque mountains,
ravines, and cliffs, to the magnificent lowlands,
sand dunes, and coasts, it is truly a continent
on its own. But why only stay near the shores
when there is so much more to see? With
spectacular ancient caves built in solid rock
mountainsides, never ending stretch of panoramic
views, friendly locals, and the most delightful
food, its not hard to understand why Artenara is
considered a travelers paradise. In this small
continent, paradise is not a long drive away.
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