If you’re planning a stay in Puerto de Mogán, we recommend a visit to the Las Crucecitas Archaeological Site. Exploring its remains is a fascinating plunge into the history of Gran Canaria. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent scenery between sea and 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 plunge into the pre-Hispanic history of the Canary Islands. The remains bear witness to the life 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 natural setting is splendid. Located at the mouth of the Mogán river, it offers breathtaking views over the valley, the village and the ocean.
In our opinion, this is one of Gran Canaria‘s most beautiful archaeological sites.
What you can see
A pre-Hispanic cemetery
We visited Las Crucecitas at dusk, which added a special dimension to our tour experience. Indeed, Las Crucecitas is a necropolis comprising numerous tombs and other funerary structures, some in pits, others in caves. The atmosphere was truly astonishing.
Rough stone staircases
The site is located on a mountainside, with numerous ramps andstaircases carved into the rock. We advise you to be well-shod for this visit. This recommendation is posted 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 organization of the necropolis was not left to chance. Each level was organized in a predetermined way, sometimes with common walls, presumably to link certain structures together.
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 some fifteen people. However, certain structures, in the form of tumuli, did not contain any. According to archaeologists, these may have been commemorative monuments designed for meditation. We sometimes had trouble identifying these structures.
Caves and sepulchral cavities
Located high up on the slope, we were able to catch a glimpse of caves. These caves were used as burial chambers, as human skeletons have also been found there. Little is known, however, about why these places were chosen by the ancient Canarians.
Panoramic views of Puerto de Mogán
From the paths of the archaeological site, the views of the village of Puerto de Mogán below, the surrounding mountains and the ocean are breathtaking. At the time we visited, we were able to enjoy the sunset.
Information panels
Throughout the visit, informative panels explain what you can see. They enabled us to project ourselves into the daily lives of Gran Canaria’s first inhabitants, to better understand their way of life and their beliefs.
The cornice path to the Cañada de los Gatos site
From the Las Crucecitas site, we were able to follow the corniche path linking the site to Cañada de los Gatos, passing the mirador where Café The Lookout is located. It was closed at the time of our visit, at the end of the day, but its terrace offers other beautiful views over 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 the disabled. There are many stairs, steep paths and uneven terrain.
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 be staying at the Hotel Cordial Playa, which has access to the Las Crucecitas site even outside opening hours. This enabled us to make this exceptional visit at dusk. It could be a good reason to spend a night atHotel Cordial Playa – See prices, photos and availability.
How long
Allow about 30min.
Best moment
We recommend visiting early in the morning or at the end of the day to avoid the heat, especially in summer. Of course, it’s a great advantage to be able to visit in the evening.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction, so we followed the signs.
Eating out
The archaeological site is very close to the town center, with many restaurants around. Discover our top addresses for restaurants in Puerto de Mogán.
Hotels
You’re in the hills above Puerto de Mogán. In addition to Hotel Cordial Playa, there are other excellent hotels in the village. See our selection.
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