Inland Gran Canaria

Inland Gran Canaria is perfect for anyone looking to spend some holiday time surrounded by nature getting to know more about how native Canarians once lived. In other words, if you’re interested in the essence of the island, this is the ideal trip for you. Enjoy this astonishing natural, volcanic environment by stopping off at some of the viewpoints over the Canarian pine tree ravines and majestic crags.

Tejeda and Artenara are two fine examples of excellent places to visit. The former is a quiet village that is very well known for its almond desserts. You will find the latter on the highest point on Gran Canaria. Miguel de Unamuno, a Spanish writer and philosopher, once described the landscape surrounding this small rural town as a ‘petrified storm’.

It is well worth going to Teror to see Nuestra Señora del Pino Basilica. It houses an image of the patron saint of the island. You can also take a walk down Calle Real with its colourful façades and typical wooden balconies or taste the spreadable chorizo sold in Císter convent. As you can see, there is more than one reason to go to Teror.

However, the best bit about inland Gran Canaria is undoubtedly the landscape. You will come across spectacular places such as Caldera de Bandama, a kilometre-wide crater that you can look down into from the viewpoint. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, however, you can descend 170 metres down to the base and walk past pre-Hispanic pantries carved out of the rock and wine presses. The cave dwellings on Barranco de Guayadeque ravine also date back to the when the native settlers lived here. You can choose to walk or drive around this impressive geographical feature.

Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island, is not far away. It is a truly unique place to sit and enjoy sundown. The views are always amazing, even when the weather is not at its best and there is a blanket of clouds right over Gran Canaria and Tenerife. You can see Roque Nublo crag from Pico de las Nieves (at an altitude of ninety metres, it is one of the tallest in the world). It is one of the most symbolic spots on Gran Canaria since it was an important place of worship for the early inhabitants of the island.

As you head south-west, you will find yourself in the midst of wonderful countryside where you can simply sit back and disconnect. The area is called Presa de las Niñas and it is an impressive lake surrounded by Canarian pine trees. It has been very well set up for visitors so it’s a perfect place to stop off for a snack or even do a spot of camping.

Last of all, there are splendid Canarian pine tree forests and imposing cliffs that are relentlessly battered by the Atlantic Ocean in Tamadaba natural park to the very west of Gran Canaria. In order to get a really good view, head to Balcón viewpoint that literally hangs right over the sea.