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. Perched above the village, overlookingthe Atlantic Ocean, its ruins bear witness to the life, beliefs, and funeral rites of the ancient inhabitants of Gran Canaria, 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 iconic example ofpre-Hispanic archaeology on the Canary Islands. The village was built at the entrance to the Mogán Gorge and later grew into a major settlement. It includes stone houses, cist graves, burial mounds, and burial caves… Designated a Site of Cultural Interest and exceptionally well-preserved, the site offers a valuable glimpse 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 area is arid and gets quite crowded in the summer, so we recommend visiting in the morning or late in the day. You’ll avoid the crowds and the intense heat.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30min to 1h to visit the entire site.
The venue is not accessible to people with limited mobility. There are stairs and uneven paths.
Advice on how to visit
The route is signposted.
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!
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 organized for groups of 10 people. You must make a reservation 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 wereof Berber origin. They lived in the Canary Islands until they were conquered by the Kingdom of Castile between 1402 and 1496. The location offered all the conditions necessary for their 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 ruins, which blended into the mountain. In fact, the houses in the village were built using local materials, often stones quarried from the rock. Some dwellings were partially underground to protect their inhabitants from the vagaries of the weather.
The remains of the site’s many houses point to a structured social organization , with clearly distinct areas set aside for daily life, food storage, and funeral rites. The site does indeed contain burial sites that underscore the importance of the afterlife to 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 offers insight into the funeral rites of that time. There we saw tombs containing human remains along withgrave goods, which indicated a belief in an afterlife.
The funeral practices described reflect the custom of mummifying the bodies of the dead. It is a complex ritual that highlights the importance of death and the afterlife in the local culture.
Burial caves and caverns
The Cañada de los Gatos archaeological site is connected to the Las Crucecitas site by a paved cliff-top trail. It allowed us to see just how full of cavities the rock is—cavities that were, of course, used by the Aboriginal people.
Contrary to what we initially believed, the burial caves at Las Crucecitas are not of natural origin. They do indeed appear to have been artificially carved out of the volcanic rock. They, too, provide valuable information about the funeral customs of the ancient Canarians.
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 that offers many activities. Among these activities, you can: watch dolphins, hike in the valley, visit the Lago Taurito water park… Or simply explore the marina and the old town and enjoy the best restaurants! In this article, you’ll find our top picks in Puerto de Mogán.
Is it possible to swim near the archaeological site?
At the foot of the archaeological site, Playa Mogán is a beautiful cove with fine, golden sand, surrounded by cliffs. It’s very close to the village and is an ideal spot for swimming. The slope leading down to the water is gentle, and the beach is protected by breakwaters, making it ideal for families. You can also rent kayaks and pedal boats there. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
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Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
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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
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