A well-preserved historic center, houses with colourful walls and statues in every nook and cranny: Agüimes is one of our favourites!
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Agüimes, Gran Canaria, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is the historic center of Aguïmes worth a visit?
Yes, Agüimes is well worth a visit for its charming historic quarter, one of the most beautiful on Gran Canaria. At every turn along the picturesque, colourful streets, you’ll discover statues or poems!
What’s more, it’s the gateway to two superb valleys and ravines.
It’s one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful towns.
1. Caleton de la Vegueta and his dromedary
The most iconic street in the old town of Agüimes is Caleton de la Vegueta. Don’t miss it, with its colorful walls revealing lava stones. These buildings are typical of the Canary Islands: lava stone walls, covered with lime and then colored, making the alleyways more pleasant.
This alley is also famous for its statue of a dromedary lying along one of its colorful walls. It has become an emblematic symbol of the city. It’s called“El Camello“.
This bronze statue pays tribute to the historic importance of camels in the Canary Islands, particularly for transport and agriculture.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
2. Other colorful streets
But it’s not the only street to see. Take time to wander through the narrow streets of the old town.
You’ll continue to see traditional houses with lava stones, but also more recent houses with typical wrought-iron balconies. The look of these streets will put a smile on your face.
In some streets, you’ll be even more charmed by the artisans’ workshops.
3. San Sebastián Church
In the heart of the town, you won’t want to miss the San Sebastian church. It features a blend of Gothic, Neoclassical and Baroque styles, reflecting its construction in several phases between the 18th and 20th centuries.
Its facade is rather austere, but the whitewashed walls on the sides make it less massive.
The church has three naves with barrel vaults separated by Tuscan columns and round arches. The dome, adorned with twelve large windows, symbolizes the twelve apostles.
- Free access
- Mass is at 7 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. on Sundays.
- See the latest news on the official website here
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4. Agüimes Tourist Office and Interpretation Centre
Even if you don’t need to go into the tourist office, we recommend it, as there’s also a small interpretation center on the town’s historic center.
With texts in Spanish, English and German, you’ll discover the different evolutions of the city, the architecture of the houses and the activities of the inhabitants.
The museum is a mixture of information boards and displays of items such as rocks and tools.
We found this little museum very well done and easy to visit. We recommend it.
- Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. but closed at weekends
- Price: free of charge
- See the latest news on the official website here
5. Agüimes History Museum.
Agüimes is also known for its History Museum, a cultural institution that offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the region’s rich history. It is housed in a historic building that once belonged to the Verdugo family, known as the Episcopal Palace (because one of the family members was a bishop).
The museum’s exhibits cover five centuries of local history:
- The establishment of the bishop’s see after the Castilian conquest of the island.
- Conflicts over the centuries
- Home economics in the region
- Agriculture and livestock
- Craftsmanship
- And a superb patio with native plants.
Opening hours: in theory from 9am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm – closed on Sundays and Mondays. But it changes all the time, so you never know when it’s going to open.
Price: 3 euros, cash only
Explanations in Spanish, English and German.
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
6. Romance and lovers’ corner
As you tour this charming historic town, be sure to notice all the romance-related features. First of all, you’ll see several red panels on white walls. They have poems written on them (in Spanish).
Its starting point is the poem El Romance de Agüimes by Joaquín Artiles, which celebrates the beauty and essence of the city. It is displayed in the main square.
And in one of the alleyways, you’ll find the lovers’ corner with a statue of an embracing couple called “Los Enamorados”. This bronze statue was created by artist Ana Luisa Beitez Suarez in 1998.
7. Other statues
And as you wander through the narrow streets of the old town, you’ll discover many other bronze statues (in addition to the camel and the lovers) celebrating the region and its people. For example:
- Princess Catalina of Guanarteme, daughter of the last aboriginal king
- Mariquita Sánchez, a lady known for giving sweets to the city’s children.
- Locals chatting
- The donkey for farming
- A couple having fun at the carnival
- …
But it’s impossible to find out how many there are!
8. Barranco de Guayadeque and its museum
Agüimes is the gateway to one of Gran Canaria’s best-known valleys: Barranco de Guayadeque. You can walk up the valley to admire the views. It’s also the starting point for several hikes.
At the beginning of the road is a large interpretation center that shows you how the aborigines lived in this valley. In our opinion, this is one of the best museums on the subject.
- Times: free access to the valley
- Interpretation center opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays
- Price: 5 euros
- See the latest news on the official website here
- 10 minutes by car from the center of Agüimes
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
9. Barranco de Las Vacas
If you’ve been dreaming of going to Utah to visit the canyons, but haven’t yet had the chance, check out the Barranco de Las Vacas, just outside Agüimes. The curves created by the water give you a tiny glimpse of the beauty of such landscapes.
If, on the other hand, you’ve already visited the canyons of Utah, you should know that it’s very small.
- Opening hours: Free access
- Price: free of charge
- Only a few parking spaces (and not indicated)
- 8 minutes by car from the center of Agüimes
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Other attractions around Aguïmes
We’ve listed our must-haves, but you can also take advantage of..:
- Several hikes pass through Agüimes, which is on the route of the GR131.
- A 10-minute drive away, you’ll also find Crocodilo Park – book your ticket now!
- The neighboring town of Ingenio is much less charming, but has a beautiful church.
- The nearest beach to Agüimes is Playa del Burrero.
How to get to Agüimes + parking
Where is Agüimes
- In south-east Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 40 min drive
- From Maspalomas = 25 min drive
- From Puerto Rico = 40 min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
The easiest way is to varnish in the car.
See all our tips for renting a car in Gran Canaria.
Bus line 11 also takes you to Agüimes from Las Palmas.
Bus route 41 also takes you to Agüimes from Maspalomas.
Parking in Agüimes
There are several parking lots all around the historic town. Don’t try to enter the center, it’s a lot of back alleys.
The main parking lots are:
- Aparcamiento Casco Historico
- Aparcamiento Auditorio Agüimes
- Aparcamiento PIscina Municipal
Useful tips
How long and when?
We advise you to allow between 1h and 2h for the old center, depending on your desire to search for the statues, and the opening hours of the museums.
It’s not a very touristy town, so there’s no special moment.
However, if you want to combine this with Barranco de las Vacas, you’ll need to get to the canyon early to find a parking space.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We don’t recommend any particular order of visit in the city. Go on an adventure and let yourself be surprised.
The floors are in good condition, and the old center is easy to explore, with just a slight incline.
Restaurants
We haven’t yet tested the restaurants in Agüimes.
There are several tapas restaurants, bars and pizzerias.
The El Patio de Carmencita café sounds quite charming.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
