If you’re planning a trip to Puerto de Mogán, we recommend visiting the Las Crucecitas Archaeological Site. Exploring its ruins is a fascinating journey into the history of Gran Canaria. It’s also a chance to enjoy the magnificent scenery, nestled between the sea and the mountains.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Las Crucecitas in Puerto de Mogán.
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 a visit to Las Crucecitas worth it?
Yes, the archaeological site is well worth a visit for several reasons:
- It’s a journey into the pre-Hispanic history of the Canary Islands. The ruins bear witness to the lives of the island’s first inhabitants.
- This is an opportunity to discover tombs and funerary structures that bear witness to the practices of the ancient Canary populations.
- Las Crucecitas is linked to Cañada de los Gatos, where you can discover what remains of an ancient village.
- The site’s natural setting is magnificent. Located at the mouth of the Mogán River, it offers breathtaking views of the valley, the village, and the ocean.
In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Gran Canaria
What you can see
A pre-Hispanic cemetery
We visited Las Crucecitas at dusk, which added a special touch to our visit. In fact, Las Crucecitas is a necropolis that includes numerous tombs and other funerary structures, some in pits and others in caves. The atmosphere was truly amazing.
Rough stone staircases
The site is located on a mountainside, and visitors navigate it via numerous flightsof stairs carved into the rock. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes for this tour. In fact, this recommendation is posted right at the entrance to the site.
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.
Well-organized funeral structures
It became clear to us that the layout of the necropolis was not left to chance. Each level was laid out according to a predetermined plan, sometimes with shared walls, presumably to connect certain structures to one another.
Numerous graves
Among the many tombs on the site, we have identified two distinct shapes: some are circular, surrounded by stone rings, others quadrangular, half-buried.
Remains of commemorative monuments
Excavations at the site have uncovered the skeletal remains of about fifteen people. However, some structures, in the form of burial mounds, did not contain any. According to archaeologists, these may therefore be commemorative monuments intended for contemplation. We sometimes had trouble identifying its structures.
Caves and sepulchral cavities
From our vantage point high up on the hillside, we could see some caves. These cavities were used as burial chambers, as human skeletons were also found there. However, very little is known about why the ancient Canarians chose these places.
Panoramic views of Puerto de Mogán
From the trails at the archaeological site, the views of the village of Puerto de Mogán below, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean are breathtaking. When we visited, we were able to enjoy the sunset.
Information panels
Throughout the tour, informational signs explain what you can see. They allowed us to imagine what daily life was like for the first inhabitants of Gran Canaria and to better understand their way of life and beliefs.
The cornice path to the Cañada de los Gatos site
From the Las Crucecitas site, we were able to follow the coastal path that connects it to the Cañada de los Gatos site, passing by the lookout point where Café The Lookout is located. It was closed when we visited, late in the day, but its terrace offers other beautiful views of the valley and the village.
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
Las Crucecitas in Puerto de Mogán: how to find us
Where to find the archaeological site
- In the town of Puerto de Mogàn
- Las Palmas to Puerto de Mogán = 1h drive
Access by car and parking
We recommend that you leave your vehicle at Parking Mogán, an underground parking lot less than 10 minutes’ walk from the site entrance.
Public transport access
The Puerto de Mogán bus station, Estacion Puerto De Mogan, is also a ten-minute walk from the site. Find out more here.
Visiting difficulties
The site is not accessible to people with limited mobility. There are many stairs, the trails are steep, and the terrain is rugged.
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
Visiting Las Crucecitas: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Las Crucecitas is part of the Lomo de Los Gatos tour, which also includes the Cañada de Los Gatos site.
Open Tuesday to Sunday.
- Winter: October to March, 10am to 5pm
- Summer: April to September, 10 am to 6 pm
Price: 4€. More info here
We were lucky enough to stay at the Hotel Cordial Playa, which offers access to the Las Crucecitas site, even outside of regular hours. This allowed us to enjoy this exceptional visit at dusk. That might be a good reason to spend a night atthe Hotel Cordial Playa — See prices, photos and availability.
How long
Allow about 30min.
Best moment
We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the intense heat, especially in the summer. Being able to visit in the evening is obviously a great advantage.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction, so we followed the signs.
Eating out
The archaeological site is located very close to downtown, with many restaurants nearby. Check out our top restaurant picks in Puerto de Mogán.
Hotels
You are on the hills above Puerto de Mogán. In addition to the Hotel Cordial Playa, there are other excellent hotels in the village. See our selection.
DISCOVER Puerto de Mogan
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
