If you’re staying in Puerto de Mogán, be sure to visit the Cañada de Los Gatos Archaeological Site, also known as Lomo de Los Gatos. High above the village, overlooking theAtlantic Ocean, its remains bear witness to the life, beliefs and burial rites of Gran Canaria‘s ancient inhabitants before the Spanish Conquest.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
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
Why visit the Cañada de Los Gatos archaeological site?
Is the site worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the archaeological site is well worth a visit, for several reasons:
- The historical value of the site, which presents the remains left by Gran Canaria’s aboriginal population before the Spanish conquest.
- The panoramic views over Puerto de Mogán and the surrounding area are spectacular.
- A pleasant break at the very top of the site, where a café allows you to enjoy the view while sipping refreshments.
In our opinion, this is one of the best activities in Puerto de Mogán.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we liked it:
- Enjoy spectacular views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside as you climb the tour.
- Climb up to the watchtower to get a good view of the layout of the remains from above.
- Take the ridge path that connects the site with the smaller Las Crucecitas site next door.
History in brief
The Cañada de los Gatos Archaeological Site is an emblematic example ofpre-Hispanic archaeology on the Canary Islands. The village was built at the entrance to the Mogán Gorge, before developing into a major settlement. It features stone houses, cist burials, burial mounds and caves… Declared a Site of Cultural Interest and particularly well preserved, the site offers a valuable insight into indigenous life before the Spanish conquest.
WHERE TO STAY Puerto de Morgan
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In charming little Venice.
Hotel Livvo Puerto de Mogan, with view – see photos and availability
In the modern city, 5 to 15 minutes’ walk from the beach.
Radisson Blu Hotel, 5 stars – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Cordial Muelle Viejo, beachfront – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Puerto de Mogan
Access and map: Cañada de Los Gatos, Puerto de Mogán
Where is the site?
- Above the village of Puerto de Mogàn
- Driving time from Puerto RIco: 15min
- Driving time from Maspalomas: 20min
- Driving time from Las Palmas: 55min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there?
- The Puerto de Mogán bus station, Estacion Puerto De Mogan, is a 6-minute walk from the site entrance.
- During our visit, we rented a car, which enabled us to enjoy the surrounding area more freely.
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.
Parking
- Parking Mogán is a covered parking lot located above Playa Mogán, a 5-minute walk from the site entrance.
- There are also free parking spaces, notably next to the Radison Hotel, but these are overcrowded in season.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
The site is arid and crowded in summer, so we advise you to visit in the morning or at the end of the day. You’ll avoid the crowds and the heat.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30min to 1h to visit the entire site.
The site is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. There are stairs and uneven paths.
Advice on how to visit
The route is signposted.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Schedules and rates
The archaeological site is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
- Winter: October to March, 10am to 5pm
- Summer: April to September, 10 am to 6 pm
Price: €4
More info here
Guided tours
Guided tours are available for groups of 10. Reservations are required in advance. Find out more here.
Catering
High above the site, Café The Lookout offers refreshments to be enjoyed on the terrace, while admiring the view over the village rooftops.
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An archaeological exploration in Puerto de Mogan
Visiting the site really gave us the impression of exploring an untouched archaeological area, so much so that the layout blends into the topography of the site.
The presence of an ancient Canarian civilization
The indigenous peoples of the Canary Islands were ofBerber origin. They inhabited the Canary Islands until they were conquered by the Kingdom of Castile between 1402 and 1496. The location offered all the right conditions for settlement: a mild climate, running water, fertile land and a coastline rich in marine life.
We enjoyed discovering their way of life and traditions through the vestiges they left behind, particularly the architectural structures that speak for themselves.
Architectural remains of a pre-Hispanic village
We were impressed by the colors of the remains, which blend into the mountain. The village houses were built from local materials, often stone quarried from the rock. Some dwellings were semi-buried to protect their inhabitants from the vagaries of the climate.
The remains of the site’s numerous houses bear witness to a structured social organization , with clearly distinct zones for everyday life, food storage and mortuary rites. Indeed, the site contains burials that underline the importance of life after death for this vanished civilization.
A historic necropolis by the sea
In addition to the village dwellings, we were also able to explore the burial areas of the site.
Burials and buried graves
The Cañada de los Gatos site provides an insight into the burial rites of the time. We saw tombs containing human remains accompanied byofferings, indicating a belief in life after death.
The funerary practices described include the practice of mummifying the bodies of the dead. It’s a complex ritual that underlines the importance of death and the afterlife in local culture.
Burial caves and caverns
The Cañada de los Gatos archaeological site is linked to the Las Crucecitas site by a well-developed ledge trail. It allowed us to see how the rock is full of cavities that were of course used by the aboriginal inhabitants.
Contrary to our initial belief, the Las Crucecitas burial caves are not of natural origin. They appear to have been dug artificially into the volcanic rock. They, too, provide valuable information on the burial practices of the ancient Canaries.
Don’t miss our article on the Las Crucecitas Archaeological Site, which will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
What are the attractions around Cañada de Los Gatos?
The village of Puerto de Mogán, where the site is located, is a lively place offering a wide range of activities. Among them: dolphin watching, hiking in the valley, the Lago Taurito water park… Or simply explore the marina and old town and enjoy the best restaurants! You’ll find our top addresses in Puerto de Mogán in this article.
Is it possible to swim near the archaeological site?
At the foot of the archaeological site, Playa Mogán is a beautiful cove of fine golden sand, surrounded by cliffs. Close to the village, it’s an ideal spot for a swim. The access slope to the water is gentle and the beach is protected by dykes, making it ideal for families. Kayaks and pedalos are also available for hire. In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on Gran Canaria.
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
