Planning a trip to Gran Canaria and want to go beyond beaches and swimming pools? That’s a great idea! The island’s rich religious heritage is often overlooked by visitors in a hurry. From the colonial cathedrals of Las Palmas to the small white churches clinging to mountain villages, each building tells a slice of Canary Island history.
Discover Gran Canaria’s 12 most beautiful churches and cathedrals in this article, along with our photos and advice on how to visit them in the best conditions.
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
Religious architecture: cathedrals and churches in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is more than just golden beaches and spectacular dunes. The island has a rich religious heritage, shaped over the centuries by colonial, Baroque and neo-Gothic influences. Here, religious buildings are living witnesses to the history of the Canaries, each with its own personality.
From the imposing cathedrals of Las Palmas to the little chapels nestling in the heart of mountain villages, and parishes carved from the local volcanic stone, Gran Canaria has plenty to surprise you if you take the time to look up. You’ll notice that the island’s religious architecture often blends several styles (Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical), reflecting the long decades, even centuries, it sometimes took to complete these buildings.
Always check the timetable whenever possible on official websites or at the Tourist Office.
Map
Here is a map of the most beautiful towns and villages in Gran Canaria where these churches and cathedrals can be found:
1. Santa Ana Cathedral (Las Palmas)
Why visit? Our review
We arrived at Plaza Santa Ana in the old Vegueta district. In front of us stood the majestic neoclassical Santa Ana Cathedral, with its twin towers and geometric facade. Did you know that it was built in the early Renaissance? This place of worship fascinated us above all for its grandiose, heterogeneous architecture, a symbol of several eras. You’ll notice that the building has 3 naves and 11 chapels. Carved wooden stalls, baroque organ, numerous side chapels with remarkable works of art… What treasures inside, we didn’t know where to look! On closer inspection, you’ll see that the columns are palm-shaped. We appreciated the exotic touch that honors this botanical species with its graphic silhouette. Palm trees adorn the Canaries’ verdant landscapes. Seat of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, the cathedral also houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art. The icing on the cake is the sublime view of the city from the top of the tower!
Practical advice
- Duration: 1h to 1h30 if you take the time to observe the exterior on the square, then the interior with its 3 naves, transept and 11 chapels.
- No particular difficulties, as the site is accessible to wheelchair users with elevators and stairs.
- Access: on Plaza Santa Ana in Las Palmas, 1min walk from Casa de Colón
- Eating out: from our selection of nearby restaurants in the old town, enjoy gourmet fusion cuisine at Restaurant Que Leche (our favorite) or traditional tapas at Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón.
- Take a 1-day tour of Las Palmas, including the historic quarter and the cathedral – see the program and book now
- Price: free admission to the cathedral during Masses from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and on Sundays, but tour and museum at an additional cost. Outside these hours, admission to the cathedral, the tower and the Diocesan Museum is subject to a fee (full price: €6; reduced price: €4, free for children under 12).
- Opening hours: open daily for Mass from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and on Sundays; Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. San Juan Bautista parish (Arucas)
Why visit? Our review
On our visit to Arucas, we were immediately impressed by the imposing parish church of San Juan Bautista. Often mistakenly referred to by locals as the “Cathedral of Arucas”, this neo-Gothic church dominates the town with its majestic silhouette. Construction of this building began in 1909 and was officially completed in 1977, after almost 70 years of work. Did you know that this church was built entirely by hand by local workers? We learned that no mechanical assistance was used, and that it is carved entirely from Arucas blue-gray volcanic stone.
Practical advice
- Duration: 30-45 min to see the façade and explore the interior
- Access: right in the center of Arucas, on the main square
- Dining: we haven’t yet tried out the restaurants in Arucas, but on our list are Restaurant Casa Brito, considered to be one of the best meat restaurants in Gran Canaria, Restaurant Emblemática Rooftop, which offers a breathtaking view of the town, and Catedral Bistró for local charm.
- Opening hours: approx. 9.30am-12.30pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm – check the latest information on the official city website here
- Price: free admission
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
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
3. Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino (Teror)
Why visit? Our review
As soon as we arrived, we were impressed by the majesty of the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino in Teror’s main square. This imposing church, dedicated to the patron saint of Gran Canaria, blends Baroque and Neoclassical styles. The volcanic stone façade and pink tower are a real eye-catcher.
Inside, we contemplated the venerated statue of the Virgin of Pine. Don’t miss the gilded altarpieces and murals telling the story of the saints. The building’s serene atmosphere was particularly touching.
Practical advice
- Duration: 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy the square and visit the interior
- Access: Teror’s main square, within walking distance of the town center
- Catering : Restaurant l’Araucaria
- Opening hours: Monday 3.30pm-8pm, Tuesday-Friday 9am-1pm and 3.30pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 8am-8pm
- Price: free admission
4. Santiago Church (Gáldar)
Why visit? Our review
As we explored the village, we stopped in front of the village’s beautiful church, the Iglesia Santiago de Gáldar. Pay close attention to the main façade. Its curved forms, a blend of Baroque and neoclassicism, its 2 bell towers and its ochre color are all in keeping with the spirit of local architecture.
We also enjoyed lingering in the pretty, shady square opposite the church. Plaza de Santiago is lush and green, with a pretty fountain in the center. The narrow streets around the square and church are well worth a visit. We found the perfect place to sip a cool drink and enjoy the view.
Practical advice
- Duration: 30 min for the church and square
- Access: right in the center of Gáldar, on Plaza de Santiago – La Quinta public parking lot is the closest.
- Restaurants: Restaurante Agáldar, part of the charming Hotel Emblemático Agáldar, Restaurant La Trastienda de Chago, Restaurant La Madera Nos Gusta
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.
5. San Sebastián Church (Aguïmes)
Why visit? Our review
In the heart of the town, you won’t want to miss the San Sebastian church. Considered one of the most representative and pure examples of neoclassical style in the Canaries. It was built in several phases between the 18th and 20th centuries.
At first, you’ll notice its rather austere facade, 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.
Practical advice
- Duration: 20 to 30 min
- Access: in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the center
- Catering: Café El Patio de Carmencita, which we’d like to try out.
- Times: Masses at 7 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. on Sundays – check the latest information on the official website here
- Price: free access
6. Church of San Matías (Artenara)
Why visit? Our review
The little church charmed us with its architecture and surprising interior. This 19th-century religious building is a fine example of traditional Canarian construction. We appreciated the sobriety of its white façade, the volcanic stones and its characteristic bell tower.
The interior houses several works of religious art, including a statue of San Matías, the village’s patron saint. We were impressed by the nave’s particularly elaborate wooden ceiling. If you’re ever in the area on the last Sunday in February, drop by the church, which hosts festivities in honor of San Matías.
Useful tips
- Duration: 20 to 30 min
- Access: right in the center of Artenara
- Catering: We didn’t try any, but you can bring a picnic and enjoy it near one of the viewpoints. Or try one of the village’s smaller eateries, such as Restaurant Arte-Gaia Bio Tasca.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 7pm (mass times vary)
- Price: free admission
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
7. Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita chapel (Artenara)
This little troglodyte chapel impressed us with its unique character and surprising location. Carved out of volcanic rock, the cave is a place of pilgrimage for the inhabitants of Gran Canaria. A religious festival, the Fiesta de la Cuevita, is held here every August. The interior houses a statue of the Virgin, known as the Virgen de la Cuevita. We also enjoyed the beauty of the landscape from this height. A hiking trail, the Montaña de Artenara route, also starts from the Ermita.
- Duration: 15 to 20 minutes for the chapel, more if you wish to enjoy the panorama or take the hiking trail from l’Ermita.
- Access: on foot from Plaza de San Matías – about a 15-minute walk
- Catering: We didn’t try any, but you can bring a picnic and enjoy it near one of the viewpoints. Or try one of the village’s smaller eateries, such as Restaurant Arte-Gaia Bio Tasca.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 7pm
- Price: free admission
8. Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción (Agaete)
Why visit? Our review
The old town center is also well worth a visit.
It’s not the most iconic village on Gran Canaria, but it has its charm(see our favorites).
Note the typical Canarian balconies.
And don’t miss the two-tone Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The batîment is well-balanced and very photogenic.
Practical advice
- Duration: 15 min for the church, more if you’re exploring the town center
- Access: Agaete town center, very compact – park in the parking lot next to the botanical garden or in the streets above the center, closer to the archaeological site.
- Restaurant: Restaurant Ragu with views of the sea, harbour and cliffs
9. Church of Our Lady of Socorro (Tejeda)
Why visit? Our review
Notre-Dame de Socorro church stands in the heart of the village. We liked its sober facade and its bell tower overlooking the rooftops of Tejeda. The building is dedicated to the Virgen del Socorro, patron saint of the town. You can observe the Canary Islands’ religious architecture and the setting of the square that surrounds the church. We found the place ideal for a break, both to admire the building and to enjoy the tranquility of the square.
Practical advice
- Time: 20 to 30 minutes for the church and square
- Access: in the heart of the village of Tejeda
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
10. San José Church (Fataga)
Why visit? Our review
The San José church, built in 1880, stands in the heart of the village as a witness to local history. We appreciated the simplicity of this small church, which blends harmoniously into the village’s architectural landscape. Its square is also a central meeting point where you can observe local life and admire the traditional houses that surround it. The religious building, though modest, reflects the profound identity of this rural community that has preserved its authenticity over the centuries.
Practical advice
- Duration: 15-20 min for the church and central square
- Access: in the heart of the village of Fataga
- Food & beverage: Restaurant El Labrador for its speciality goat’s meat and octopus croquettes. The village boasts a total of three restaurants, as well as one of the island’s oldest bakeries, perfect for discovering traditional Canarian pastries.
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
11. Ermita de San Fernando church (Puerto de Mogan)
Why visit? Our review
The Ermita de San Fernando church is the spiritual heart of Puerto de Mogán. Built by a Loale family in 1935, this charming little chapel is where fishermen’s families prayed for their safe return from the sea.
Practical advice
- Duration: 15 to 20 min
- Access: in the heart of Puerto de Mogán
- Food & beverage: We really enjoyed Puerto de Mogan’sculinary offerings.
We found that, for southern cities, this is where some of the best restaurants are.
12. San Juan Bautista church (Telde)
Why visit? Our review
The Church of San Juan Bautista is Telde’s most emblematic monument. We were struck by its magnificent dark volcanic stone façade, which contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and white buildings of the neighborhood. Founded in the 15th century, this religious edifice elegantly blends Gothic and Mudejar styles.
Although the doors were closed during our visit (so we weren’t able to explore the interior), the building houses treasures that are well worth a look if you’re lucky enough to find it open. Here you’ll find a 16th-century Flemish triptych in polychrome wood, and above all the famous Cristo de Telde. This Christ has an unusual history: it was made in Mexico by indigenous craftsmen from… corn dough (more precisely, corncob pith)! This unique traditional method gives it a surprising lightness.
Practical advice
- Time: allow 15-20 minutes to admire the exterior architecture and historic square. If the church is open, allow a little more time to explore the interior.
- Access: on Plaza de San Juan, in the heart of Telde’s historic center.
- Price: free admission.
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
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
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
