In this article we are going to tell you what to see in Gáldar and its historic center. Gáldar It is located in the north of the island and, as you may know, it was the first capital of the island of Gran Canaria. This is so because the first guanartemes or kings of the island decided to settle in Gáldar or Agáldar back in 1483. The town maintains much of its ancient architecture, being one of the few Canarian cities that preserve part of the pre-Hispanic heritage. Below we will mention the essentials of Gáldar within its urban area and surrounding areas.
What to see in Gáldar
As we see it, Gáldar It is one of the most beautiful and authentic places on the island. So it can't be missing from your list of sites. What to visit in Gran Canaria.
1. Plaza and Parish of Santiago
What has been the town square and… how beautiful it is! Next to it is the Parish of Santiago, the first Jacobean parish outside the Peninsula. It was erected on the lands of the Guanartemes or kings of Gran Canaria back in 1486.. In the center of the square we have a nice fountain and benches to sit on. In the surroundings we have several restaurants and terraces where you can spend a pleasant moment in a 100% local environment.
2. La Cueva Pintada Archaeological Park. A must see in Gáldar
In The Painted Cave Gáldar you will be able to appreciate the greatest vestiges of rock art in the Canary Islands, as well as Canarian aboriginal constructions and archaeological remains of vessels, Canarian pintaderas, European coins, etc. Admission is free on Sundays. During the week the entrance costs €6. Also, keep in mind that the visits are guided and last about 50 minutes.
3. Stroll through its pedestrian streets: visit the Town Hall Theater and Casino Gáldar
As we said at the beginning, Gáldar It preserves a large part of the old buildings of what was the first capital of the island of Gran Canaria. We suggest visiting the Casino and passing at least in front of the Town Hall Theater (next to La Cueva Pintada).
4. La Recova Market Gáldar
On Calle Larga (as it is known in the town) or Calle Capitán Quesada, we find La Recova de Gáldar. A market of local product where you will have an offer of meats, fish, cheeses, eggs, as well as fruit and vegetables from all over the island. It opens every day from 7:30 a.m. to 13:30 p.m., except on Fridays when it opens only in the afternoon from 16:00 p.m. to 19:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.
At market Gáldar It is one of the few places where you will be able to buy the famous Cortijo de Caideros flower cheese. A delicacy that you should not overlook.
5. Antonio Padrón House-Museum
Antonio Padrón was a painter, writer and sculptor from Galden. His style is classified as indigenous. The painter died in Gáldar at 48 years old and you can visit his House-Museum from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. The months of July, August and September until 19:00 p.m. Here you will find some of his works of art and the house itself is very beautiful with a well-kept interior patio.
6. The “Calle Larga” or Calle Capitán Quesada
It is the main street of the town and is full of shops, restaurants and where the Recova and Antonio Padrón House-Museum are located. At the same time, the street takes you to the Plaza and Parish of Santiago.
7. Beaches and natural pools El Agujero and Bocabarranco, two corners to see in Gáldar
Just 5-10 minutes by car we have the Playa del Agujero and Bocabarranco. A recommended visit if you like the sea and local life. Although the area has strong waves, the natural pools have a breakwater that allows safe bathing. Besides, The surroundings of the pools are 100% local and highly recommended. These two pools are within a 5 minute walk of each other.
There are other natural pools in Gáldar like that of the Two Rocks and those of tip of Gáldar that you could visit just a few minutes by car. Likewise, we love the small coastal town of Caleta de Arriba. If you have time, take a leap.
8. Sardina del Norte Beach
Although it may not seem like it, the beach of Sardinia del Norte It is one of the most beautiful on the island. Is found in a non-touristy environment and, in addition, it has the distinguished Blue Flag. From here you can see magical sunsets and enjoy good canarian food.
A few minutes by car from Sardina beach is the Sardine Lighthouse, a mandatory stop in the area to take a walk and watch the sunset. Look how cool.
9. Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria
El Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria part from the Maspalomas Lighthouse and ends in the Church of Santiago, in the center of Gáldar. A pilgrimage route of about 66 kilometers Recommended to do in three stages.
Where to eat in Gáldar
Finally, you should know that Gáldar It has a wide range of quality gastronomic offerings and enjoys a very good atmosphere in its pedestrian streets full of terraces. You can see all the recommendations of restaurants in Gáldar from its urban center to its coast in our report.
Hotels and holiday homes in Gáldar
En Gáldar It is not that there is a super extensive offer of hotels, however, the hotel recently opened its doors. Emblematic Hotel Agáldar in the historic center. It is located right next to the Parish of Santiago, so the environment is unbeatable. Besides, You can have a drink and even eat on the terrace with views of the Parish and Mountain of Gáldar. In any case, in the municipality of Gáldar You can also find spectacular holiday homes on its coast and rural houses in its small inland towns.
Video about what to see in Gáldar
Then we leave you with a video about this day plan in the center of Gáldar and its nearest coast. If you have not yet subscribed to our channel, what are you waiting for?
Well, this has been our post about what to see in Gáldar. If you want to continue discovering authentic places in Gran Canaria with us and support us in continuing to create content, We encourage you to take a look at our Gran Canaria Guides section. We are sure that it will help you make the most of your visit to the island as possible. Plus, this way you won't have to plan your trip, we've already done it for you in our guides for days!
Hello! I am Ruth, Canarian with a traveling soul. With training and experience in the tourism and digital marketing sector. In this blog I tell you all the tips you need to get to know the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own. I also share my travel guides to all the places in the world that I am visiting so that you can discover the destinations like a local and save time planning. In addition to traveling, I love gastronomy and sports. I run and hike in the mountains with my “dog-children” (Silver and Plata). In all these adventures my partner accompanies me, Jorge, which you will also see a lot on this blog.
What apt comments about Gáldar. I am very interested in discovering the cultural and historical treasures of the island and I think I am going to find them, starting with Cuevas Pintadas. Thank you!
Hello! We are glad that the information is useful and we hope you enjoy the city and its painted cave.
A greeting!
Gáldar It is a wonderful place, full of charm.
Thank you localguides for the reviews that we have followed to the letter and we have spent an unforgettable day thanks to your advice.
Hi Isa!!! Gáldar It is a luxury yes, a hidden treasure! We are glad that our tips have been helpful to you :):)