Charming villages in Gran Canaria: route

Beyond bustling southern beach resorts and the lively capital, Gran Canaria’s midland valleys and mountain peaks shelter an exceptional collection of historic heritage villages. In these rural hamlets, traditional Canarian architecture shines at its finest: whitewashed basalt masonry walls, curved terracotta roof tiles and masterfully carved wooden balconies crafted from tea wood (the rot-resistant resinous heartwood of native Canary pine).

Linking these hamlets via scenic mountain roads reveals the island’s deep agricultural soul, centuries-old almond confectionery traditions, and mountain gastronomy rich with local flavor.

Teror: religious heart and tea-wood balconies

Nestled in a verdant mountain valley, Teror is Gran Canaria’s spiritual capital. In its main square stands the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino, patron saint of the Canary Islands diocese. The cobbled Calle Real leading to the church resembles an open-air architectural museum of 17th- and 18th-century noble mansions adorned with ornate overhanging balconies.

The essential culinary treat in Teror is tasting its renowned chorizo de Teror (a warm, spreadable spiced pork sausage made with sweet paprika and garlic) spread over freshly baked egg bread alongside mild artisanal cheese.

Tejeda: almonds and volcanic calderas

Officially voted among *The Prettiest Villages in Spain*, Tejeda perches at over a thousand metres above sea level overlooking the vast central erosion amphitheatre famously described by writer Miguel de Unamuno as a 'petrified tempest'. Its pristine alleys feature whitewashed cottages with dark wood shutters and terraced almond orchards that burst into pink and white blossom every February.

While in Tejeda, visiting the historic *Dulcería Nublo* bakery is mandatory to pick up handmade marzipan and bienmesabe, a decadent traditional Canarian sweet paste made from ground almonds, local honey, egg yolks and lemon zest.

Agüimes and the Valley of Thousand Palms

1. Agüimes Historic Quarter Eastern midlands · Episcopal town

   Founded in 1491, its pedestrian centre features stone alleys flanked by dressed-stone houses, peaceful plazas and life-size bronze statues depicting traditional trades.

2. Fataga (The Valley of the Thousand Palms) Fataga canyon · Rural architecture

   A cliffside village overlooking a dense forest of Canary palms. Its cobblestone lanes, terracotta roofs and flower-filled courtyards capture authentic southern rural charm.

3. Santa Lucía de Tirajana Heart of the southern volcanic caldera

   Encircled by century-old olive groves and date palms, famous for its white-domed hilltop church and local museums dedicated to aboriginal Canarian culture.

Guided mountain and village tours in Gran Canaria

Summits day with lunch and transport

A ~9-hour trip to Gran Canaria’s summits with GC Active Tour. Age 8+; lunch and transport included…

9 hours From €70

Private tours (cruise & groups)

Private tours from Maspalomas, great for cruise guests. From 4 hours. From €400.

from 4 hours From €400