Today we want you to know two hidden beauties of Gran Canaria: La Sorrueda dam and La Fortaleza de Ansite (archeological site). Both natural resources are in the inner part of the island, at the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana. It is probably one of the most charming places in Gran Canaria due to its landscape set. A rural environment surrounded by mountains, ravines, dams, Canarian palm groves, cactus and local people. In addition, it is not a tourist site, even not very well known by the majority of Canarian residents.
How to get to La Sorrueda dam
It is 1 hour by car from Maspalomas and also from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Part of the road is highway until you reach Vecindario and have to take this exit. Then you will pass through several towns. Finally all the way is in a road of curves quite pleasant for its landscapes. On the way to La Sorrueda you will find El Guriete viewpoint. From here you will have views to Las Tirajanas ravine and La Fortaleza de Ansite.
Later, with about 10 more minutes of driving you will arrive at the viewpoint La Sorrueda. It is all marked, so it has no loss. When you get to El Guriete you will see a path that goes down a few meters. We recommend that you descend (just 2 minutes) to appreciate better views. From the parking area you can not see the spectacular Canarian palm grove that runs through Las Tirajanas ravine. In the same way, you can have a better view in general.
La Sorrueda dam viewpoint
As we said, 10 minutes from El Guriete we have La Sorrueda viewpoint. From here you can appreciate a view to the Dam of Tirajana or La Sorrueda dam. You’ve probably never seen a landscape like this before. The dam surrounded by Canarian palm tree and cactus, as well as a big rock in the middle of everything.
La Fortaleza de Ansite fortress
La Fortaleza is one of the most important archaeological sites in Gran Canaria. It is composed of three large rocks: Fortaleza Grande, Fortaleza Chica and Titana. You will find it just 5 minutes from the Mirador de La Sorrueda and you can easily park where the small path to the cavity begins (5 minutes on foot).
If you ascend the stairs that we previously showed, you will reach one of the caves that crosses the fortress La Fortaleza from side to side.
In the same way, a few meters from La Fortaleza by car you can enter its interpretation center La Fortaleza where they explain the importance of this site for the history of the Canary Islands. It is said that back in 1483 the Canarian aborigines here surrendered to the Castilian troops. Likewise, archaeologists think that there was an aboriginal temple here.
El Alpendre restaurant
We can not avoid the Canarian food restaurant El Alpendre. We love the service, as well as the quality of their dishes. It is next to the interpretation center La Fortaleza and La Sorrueda dam.
They have a salad with local fruits and vegetables that you can not find anywhere in Gran Canaria. It comes with figs, peaks, figs of milk, papaya, melon, avocado, carrot, zucchini, lettuce, tuna, onion, and tomato. In addition, many of their products are from their own garden and from the area. You will realize about it once you try their dishes.
Video of La Sorrueda and La Fortaleza
Finally, if you want to see a video of the complete route, we have prepared a nice summary for you with lots of love! If you like it, do not hesitate to subscribe to our channel to be informed about all the things to do in Gran Canaria. We have English subtitles in all our videos.
If you want to discover more places to visit and to eat like this, do not miss our local guides section!
We are Ruth & Jorge, Gran Canarians with a travelling soul. Experts in tourism and digital marketing. We share the most authentic side of Gran Canaria (where we live) and… our adventures around the world!
