Located in the heights of Gran Canaria, Artenara is at the top of the island at over 1,200m altitude. We discovered magnificent viewpoints, fascinating little museums and troglodyte buildings.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in the village of Artenara, Gran Canaria, and some 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 village of Artenara worth a visit?
Yes, Artenara is well worth a visit. Perched high in the hills of Gran Canaria, surrounded by mountains and pine forests, this steep village seduced us with its panoramic viewpoints, its interpretation center and its troglodyte sites. Landscape lovers will be delighted, as will history, archaeology and hiking enthusiasts.
This is one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful villages.
If you don’t have a car, you can discover it on an organized tour from the south of the island.
1. Discover the Risco Caído and Sacred Mountains Interpretation Centre
We really enjoyed visiting this interpretation center. The museum’s friendly staff offer a fascinating insight into the archaeology of Gran Canaria. Through an interactive exhibition and multimedia presentations, you can discover the importance of the Risco Caído site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our visit gave us a better understanding of the ritual practices and way of life of the Canarian aborigines. The center also provides information on the region’s unique geology.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Price: free admission
- See the latest news on the official website here
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2. Visit the Casas Cuevas Museum
The Casas Cuevas Museum gave us an authentic insight into traditional troglodyte life in Artenara. You can explore restored cave houses furnished as they once were. There we learned about construction techniques, interior design and the everyday objects used by residents in the past.
The museum also provides information on the evolution of this type of housing and its importance in Canarian culture. This site touched and surprised us!
- Opening hours: daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Guided tours available
- PMR access to 50% of the site
- See the latest news on the official website here
3. Getting to the Mirador de Unamuno
The Mirador de Unamuno offers breathtaking panoramic views of Gran Canaria’s mountains. Named in honor of the writer Miguel de Unamuno, who used to come here to admire the landscape, this viewpoint is a must on any visit to Artenara. We were captivated by the immensity of the peaks stretching as far as the eye could see. You can also see the statue of the writer gazing at the horizon, a bronze echo of his visit to the region in 1910.
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.
4. Admire the view from the Mirador de las Poetas
From the Mirador de las Poetas, we also enjoyed a superb panorama. This viewpoint, dedicated to the poets of the Canary Islands, harmoniously combines nature and culture. From the viewing platform, you can contemplate the mountains and ravines of the Parque Rural del Nublo valley, as well as linear metal sculptures. We soaked up the poetry as we read panels engraved with poems.
5. Go to Mirador de la Atalaya
The Mirador de la Atalaya also impressed us with its breathtaking views. Situated on a natural promontory, this observation point offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and the village of Artenara.
We enjoyed the scenery and the art installations. The esplanade is dominated by metal cubes, some of which reminded us of the cactus shapes found in the valley.
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. Climb to Mirador del Corazon de Jesus
Dominated by an imposing statue of Christ, this viewpoint is one of the highest in Artenara. The climb, although a little steep, is rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Gran Canaria’s northern coast. We loved the peacefulness of the place. The statue, with its arms open over the valley, adds a symbolic dimension to the site.
7. Visit the Church of San Matías
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.
- Opening hours: Open daily from 9am to 7pm (mass times vary)
- Right in the center of Artenara
8. Contemplating the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita
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.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 7pm
- Access on foot from Plaza de San Matías
- Allow 15min walk
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. Stroll through the village streets
We found the village of Artenara quite typical. Perched high up on the island, it offers a maze of small, steep streets. As you stroll along, you’ll discover traditional buildings, shady squares and, above all, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere when we were there.
10. Enjoy the panorama from the Mirador de la Esquina
Located at the far end of Artenara, the Mirador de la Esquina is one of the village’s many viewpoints. We were impressed by the view of the island’s peaks. Here you can see some of the region’s most famous landmarks, such as Roque Nublo.
A well-designed explanatory panel helped us identify the various peaks. It’s an ideal place to take memorable photos or simply sit back and contemplate Gran Canaria’s natural beauty.
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Other attractions near Artenara
Artenara is close to other beautiful places. If you’d like to explore the surrounding area, we’d be happy to advise you:
- Parque Rural del Nublo and Tamadaba
- The troglodyte houses of Cuevas de Acusa Seca
- Mirador Astronómico de las Cañaditas
- Mirador del Molino
How to get to Artenara + parking
Where is Artenara
- In the north of Gran Canaria, inland
- 45min from Teror
- 1h10 drive from Las Palmas
- 1h30 from Maspalomas
How to get there
Meet us in Artenara by car, the best way to get around the island in our opinion. Here are our tips for renting a car in Gran Canaria.
Buses are also available. Take the 215 or 216 to Teror, then the 220.
Or let us guide you on an organized tour. Here are our suggestions:
- Visit the island’s villages, including Artenara and its troglodyte houses, on this private bus tour.
- If you’re a photo enthusiast, try this private tour designed to take the island’s most beautiful photos.
Parking in Artenara
You can park in the village center on the streets where parking spaces are available. That’s what we did!
Useful tips for visiting Artenara
How long and when?
Allow 1h30 to 2h30 to visit the village. In summer, the coolness of the heights is pleasant, but it’s likely to be more crowded. In winter, your visit to the city will be more exclusive, and the weather will be good too! Gran Canaria in winter is a very pleasant destination indeed. Temperatures are mild and the days sunny. We were there over Christmas in December and really enjoyed the climate!
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We began with a stroll through the town center, taking in the calm of the narrow streets and the church. We then visited the Risco Caído Interpretation Center, which we really enjoyed, as well as the Museo Casas Cuevas. We then headed for the Miradors de la Esquina, de Unamuno and L’Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita. We then walked to the Mirador de las Poetas. And on the way back by car, we stopped at the Mirador de la Atalaya for one last panoramic view!
Le village est assez intense à explorer. Il y a beaucoup de montées. Attendez-vous à marcher et à gravir quelques belles pentes. Nous vous conseillons de prendre de bonnes chaussures de marche.
Visiting with children
In our opinion, the village can be visited by the whole family, but the steep streets and the sites accessible after steep climbs can be tiring for younger visitors. A visit to the village’s 2 museums is a must. The troglodyte houses of the Casas Cuevas Museum may be of interest.
Restaurants
There are few restaurants in Artenara. We haven’t tested any. You can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the viewpoints. Or try one of the village’s small eateries, such as the friendly-looking Restaurant Arte-Gaia Bio Tasca.
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
