Each municipality on the island of Gran Canaria It is a world and in this entry we are going to talk to you about what to see in Artenara, in the central west of the island. This municipality is a very charming place where we can stand out his little helmet, the best cave houses in Gran Canaria, its viewpoints, its dams, trails and natural spaces in general. As we see it, this is an area of the island that you cannot miss if you want. know your most authentic side. Below we have prepared a small list of all the places to visit in Artenara. Here we go!
What to see and do in Artenara
The town of Artenara It is located at an altitude of 1269 meters, being the highest town on the island. At the same time, it is the least populated municipality. In general, its urban center is quite well preserved and most of its houses are white. Highlights the pretty Church of San Matías and the Museum of Las Casas Cuevas.
Similarly, Artenara has a network of viewpoints hard to get over. Most of them are in the center within walking distance. We tell you everything below and Don't miss the video at the end.
✔ Unamuno Balcony Viewpoint
El Unamuno Balcony It is located a few steps from the church of San Matías. This was built in 1999 to commemorate his time in Artenara, as well as the stay in Gran Canaria of the Spanish writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno in 1910.
✔ La Cilla Restaurant-Viewpoint
This viewpoint is also close to the town center on foot. To access you must go through a cave of about 25 meters and you will reach the terrace with views. The food itself is nothing to write home about and, unfortunately, neither is the service, but you can have a coffee. From this Mirador-Restaurant you can perfectly see the Roque Bentayga and the The Roque Nublo.
✔ Mirador del Corazón de Jesús, one of the most beautiful to see in Artenara
At the top of the La Cilla Restaurant we find another Viewpoint, the one on Jesus's Heart. And nail views even better than those of La Cilla, since it is higher and the view also encompasses the town of Artenara. To get to the Christ you must pass by the entrance to the Mirador de La Cilla and you will find some stairs that go up the mountain, in 2 minutes you will have it.
✔ La Atalaya Viewpoint
From here you can see the town more closely, as well as the Christ. The viewpoint has several steel sculptures, highlighting the cactus. This is located at one of the entrances to the town, so it is better to stop by car to see it.
From Here you will also have a good panoramic view of all the viewpoints and Artenara in general..
✔ Los Poetas, another viewpoint to see in Artenara
In this you will see on different plates fragments of poets. To get there you will have to drive along a fairly steep road, ask the locals once you get there!
✔ Visit the Virgin of La Cuevita
Another thing you can do to get to know the town of Artenara well is visit the Virgin of La Cuevita, patron saint of cyclists. Its visit is highly recommended, since the location of the virgin is not very common (in a cave) and the views from here are also very good. In the town there are signs that will tell you how to get there on foot.
✔ Risco Caído Interpretation Center, what to do in Artenara
In the same town of Artenara you can also get closer to the historical heritage of the island of Gran Canaria and visit the Interpretation Center of Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria. Access is free, but an appointment must be made. For more information, visit the center's website and everything you will find here.
✔ Los Pérez, Lugarejos and Las Hoyas Dam, hiking in Artenara
Just 10 minutes by car from the urban center of Artenara, we have the Los Pérez, Lugarejo and Las Hoyas dams. Along with these natural spaces there are several trails that cross the Pinar de Tamadaba, ideal for hiking or between running. As you can see in the photos, it is an area of total tranquility where there is hardly any tourism and you can soak up the peace in the middle of nature.
We especially highlight the Los Pérez Dam, which has several caves and a panoramic view of the Tamadaba Natural Park.
Restaurants in Artenara
If you are looking for where to eat in Artenara, we recommend the Risco Caído Bio-crepery. This restaurant sources its supplies from its own garden and has vegan options in its offer. It is very delicious, although the portions are somewhat short. Finally, if what you feel like is canarian food, in the Cueva del Molino restaurant It also eats well.
Rural houses in Artenara
Finally, if you are thinking of renting a rural house in Gran CanariaArtenara is a good place to stay. Both in cave houses as in beautiful Canarian country houses. Below we leave you a link so you can check availability and existing options. Disconnection assured!
Video of the route through the essential things to see in Artenara
Then we leave you with a video of our time in Artenara. Don't miss it and Subscribe to our YouTube channel if you haven't already here!
Gran Canaria Guides
Finally, if you want to discover what to see in Gran Canaria on your own without wasting your valuable time reading information here and there, we invite you to see all the island guides that we offer. You can see them by clicking below.
Missing from this guide is the Artenara Cave Houses Museum, which is essential to see the caves first-hand.
Hello Desiree!! Thank you very much for your comment! 🙂 We mentioned it in the article, right in paragraph 2 🙂 Greetings
Precious…!???
Thank you very much for your comment José María! The truth is that yes, Artenara is a hidden treasure!