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La Labranza y El Pajar country houses find themselves in Santa Lucia de Tirajana Municipality at 500 meters high, half way between the coast and the top mountains. It is an ideal place, not only to enjoy tranquility environment, but also to set as a starting point for excursions to different places of interest in the island.
In this area, there are sites with archaeological, geological and botanical values. Visits to these places can be complemented with sport activities. Cycling, hiking and climbing can be practised in the highest part of the borough and windsurfing by the coastline.
Low difficulty Excursion which starts by the coast and follows to the interior of the island.
Distance: 2,8 Km. Difficulty: low. Time: 45 mins.
It starts over a n asphalted road that turns at km 49 of the gc-500 road which leads from “Vecindario” to “Santa Lucia” , at this point, there is a bus stop. After walking 1,4 km , a turn on the left must be taken. 500 mts afterwards, it leads into a country house. After walking 300 mts, there is another turn which leads to the “Barranco de Tirajana”, do not take it, but carry on the left, going up, 600 mts afterwards, the asphalt ends, you will arrive on a flat area, “La Fortaleza de Ansite”.
Excursion around the mountains of the borough.
Distance: 3,3 km. Difficulty: Low. Time: 45 minutes.
The first stretch of the walk which runs on ground track starts at “Los Cascajales”, beside a plot of land with fruit trees and a well. “Cascajales” is located near “Calderilla”, and old volcano 200 mts diametre and 60 mts deep. The vegetation varies from fruit trees, particularly apple trees to pear trees and almond trees, though you can also find wheat. The track is in good state and climbs up slightly on the slope, between pine trees and high mountain vegetation, leaving on the right “El Lomo de En Medio” and “ La Mesa de Las Vacas”, where cows used to climb searching for food. Alter walking 1150 metres, there is a well and, at the end, traces of an old corral, vestiges of cattle activity in that area. In “la Mesa de las Vacas” is “La Cruz del Socorro o Cruz de la Raya”, municipal crossroad of “Valsequillo”, “San Bartolomé de Tirajana”, “Santa Lucía” and “Agüimes”. From “la Degollada del Viento” there is a magnificent panoramic view of “La Caldera de Tirajana”. From here, you can also appreciate the “Amurga” ramp, from where a large wall which dominates the ravine can be seen, as well as “Santa Lucia”, “San Bartolomé”, “Taidia”, “Rosiana”, “Agualatente”, etc. A complete view of the municipality .
Excursion around mountains of the borough.
Distance: 10,2 Km. Difficulty: Low. Time: 2 hours 45 minutes.
The walk starts at the base of the volcanic cone called “La Calderilla” by the “Caldera de los Marteles”. At about a 1000 mts, you will find traces of the last volcanic activity in the island. The initial part of the walk locates between two dry streams of water which leads into one single stream “Mesa de las Vacas-Sepultura del Gigante”, where small patches of vegetation can be seen. The effects of erosion are also noticeable. Nearby is the “Montaña del Cardón”, going round the ”Barranco de la Cagarruta o de la Sepultura” , the rocks are perfectly water washed. This walk, historically, is very important, through it, the center of the island villages, such us “San Mateo”, “Teror”, “Valsequillo” or “Telde”. They were used for commercial exchanges or religious reasons.
Low difficulty excursion once you have arrived by bycicle or car at La Fortaleza.
Distance: 500 mts. Fifficulty: low. Time 15 minutes.
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Initially, you have to arrive to the flan area at the bottom of “La Fortaleza”. This can be accessed after taking a left turn to “La Sorrueda” off the main road GC-500 which leads from “Vecindario” to “Santa Lucia”.
Once you are at the bottom of “La Fortaleza”, there is a walk that leads up to the large cave in the middle of the mountain. The walk is 100 mts long, therefore, the cave can be reached quickly, get through the cave to the opposite side of the mountain, turn left and follow the walk. You will see several other caves which used to be inhabited by the aboriginals. You should be able to go round the whole mountain until the start point.
This route was used in olden times to travel from the urban center of Santa Lucía and the higher part of the municipality, right to the coast.
Route 1 - Salt Trade Route
Length: 11,35 km Duration: 4’30 h Difficulty: moderate
We then follow this path until we encounter a ravine that we climb in part until we reach an iron pipe. From here we take the path that is found to the right, which is a cobble-stoned path. Just after starting it there is a slight descent that passes through several constructions and we follow the path along a dirt road. When we reach a crossing we take the path to the right, continuing along this wider path for about 1 kilometer until a series of farmyards are reached, which we pass from behind in the direction of a mountain that is found to the left, along the edge of a ravine. A small path is found at this point that surrounds the Majadal Peak. Once we walk around it we can observe the plains of Vecindario, and almost right at the end of the descent we follow a piping span covered in stone. We cross the general road twice, and once the same flattens out we continue along the paving until we reach a turn that has the entrance to an estate to the left and a wonderful majestic tree to the right. Thisis where a path that is accompanied by a stone wall starts, path that then turns into a road reaching its end at the Sardina Cemetery, rectangular construction that can be seen from quite a distance. Wild tabaibas blossom along the entire route. Last spam of the trail in El Cardon area For more information about this route, please download the Illustrative Booklet (PDF format) edited by Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall. Click here to downlad the explanatory map with the route 1 edited by Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall. La Labranza cottage congratulates Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall for editing this excellent guide.
It is known as the Salt Trade Route because after crossing through the urban areas and tomato crops of the coastal area, it continues until the Tenefé salt marshes are reached. Salt was precisely one of the most interesting products that the coast could offer the inhabitants of the mid-level lands and summits that used this path to descend.
The trail leaving roadCC 285.
This route starts at the Santa Lucía Park, taking the road to the left in the direction of Vecindario, reaching the Hao Museum and encountering calle Juan Del Río Ayala right in front of the same, where we continue to the left when this street finishes, finding a cement path with stones that we follow until we reach a crossing, where we turn left until we reach a cement road that we walk along for about 100 meters. Once we reach this point we can observe two iron covers to the left, which are the water distribution corner units. Two paths part from this point, and we take the one to the left, which branches off about 100 meters along the path where we turn right through the center of a small mountain. To the left we can observe the picturesque neighborhood of solitary house on a turn there is a crossing, where we take the one to the left, crossing the general road and then taking a path that has a slight ascent, leaving the house.
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Route of the Fortress from Santa Lucía to Ansite along La Sorrueda
Length: 8,93 km. Duration: 3 hours Difficulty: minimum This route starts at the Santa Lucía Park, taking the road on the left in the direction of Vecindario, reaching the Hao Museum where we find the street Juan del Río Ayala right in front, continuing along said street until it finishes, then taking an existing cement-cobbled path that we have to follow until we reach a crossing, where we turn left until we reach a cement road, folllowing it along a span of 100 meters. La Sorrueda neighborhood and reservoir. Once we reach this point two iron covers can be observed to the left, which are two water distribution corner units. Two paths part from this point, and we take the one to the left, which branches off about 100 meters along the path where we turn right through the center of a small mountain. To the left wecan observe the picturesque neighborhood of Las Lagunas and we descend towards the paved road to cross it, with the path continuing behind a large road sign. The path along this new span runs right through stone walls, and once we reach a crossing we take the path to the left in the direction of the road, passing right in front of the cemetery, continuing along a path to the extreme left that is not very visible and that runs under the electricity and telephony mains. To the right we again take the paved road in the direction of La Sorrueda. About 250 meters further along we can observe a small white roofless construction on the margin of the road, which is the point where a path starts that we are to take, leading to a small mountain and electrical tower on the right. Left: Bejeques are present in the higher part of the municipality, top the Aeonium percarneum variety. Right, the Ansite Fortress with the trail visible on the right.
When the turn in the road finishes, we find a fenced estate that we follow in parallel fashion, turning left at the end of the fence in the direction of a concrete electrical tower. At this point the path that comes from Ingenio leading to La Sorrueda joins the road we are walking on. Continuing along the path to the left of the mentioned construction, in the direction of another series of onstructions, which are crossed by a path, about 50 meters further along we find a crossing where we turn left, and another ten meters further along we take another left, passing through the middle of two constructions, then going towards a small abandoned house and taking the path found behind the same we continue in the direction of a paved road that can be seen. We follow this road in the direction of a huge solitary crag that is the Ansite Fortress. When we reach the grand esplanade of land we can see a path on the right margin that leads to a cave, which we cross, exiting through the back of the mountain where a deep ravine can be observed along with the Titaña Crag to the right. To the left there is a path that borders this crag and which once again directs us to the esplanade, where at the end of the path we find a small reddish colored crag right in front where the path we have to take to the cemetery that we passed beforehand once again starts. There is a cross towards the middle of this span, which links with the Salt Trade Route if we take it to the right. Las Lagunas and we descend towards the paved road to cross it, with the path continuing behind a large road sign. The path along this new span runs right through stone walls, and once we reach a crossing we take the path to the left in the direction of the road,passing right in front of the cemetery, continuing along a path to the extreme left that is not very visible and that runs under the electricity and telephony mains. To the right we again take the paved road in the direction which is the point where a path starts that we are to take, leading to a small mountain and electrical tower on the right.
Tthe return path borders along the so-called Fortaleza Chica (Small Fortress). For more information about this route, please download the Illustrative Booklet (PDF format) edited by Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall. Click here to downlad the explanatory map with the route 2 edited by Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall. La Labranza cottage congratulates Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall for editing this excellent guide. 
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Route of El Ingenio de Santa Lucia de Tirajana
Length: 3,66 Km.
Duration: 1,30 h. Dificulty: mínima Parting from the Santa Lucía Park we take the road to the right and at about 50 meters, alongside a restaurant, we take a cement road that we find to the left and continue along a dirt road in the direction of the bottom of the ravine. Along this span the Casa del Roquete can be observed at the top of the mountain. To the right, almost at the end of this span, we can observe a beautiful palm grove and an ancient well almost behind these trees. Pond close to the path exit and a view of thearea of La Rueda. We then reach a cement road and turning left the cement span finishes about 100 meters further along,then turning into a dirt track again, and once this path finishes a traditional house can be observed to the right, in front of the road, with another dirt path to the left of the construction, which has an important difference in level descending until another dirt road is reached, which we continue along towards the left until we find another cement path. This path leads us to an artificial water lagoon, which is the water treatment plant. At the extreme end of this facility a dirt path leads downwards, encountering a small access about 25 meters along the way and to the left with an iron pipe that accompanies us in parallel fashion until a small pond is reached, where we turn left at its extreme end. We then walk alongside an irrigation ditch until we reach a larger pond. We then encounter a new road that we take to the left until we reach the paved road that we have to follow downwards until we reach a sharp turn to the right, which is where a new cement path starts with houses on both sides. 25 meters before finding a solitary house known as the House with a View (the path that joins routes 2-3 starts just after the façade of this house is passed, that is to say, the Route of El Ingenio with the Route of the Fortress), we have to take the trail to the right that leads us to the bottom of the Tirajana Ravine where we can observe several water mills along the length of its bank. To return to the village along this route we simply take the path back until we reach the water treatment plant, where we ascend following the cement road along the right of the ravine for about 350 meters, where just before reaching the turn an iron cover can be observed on the ground just to the left, which is the point where a small cement wall is found right in front with another path that leads upwards starting right on the other side, and f, where we can observe the houses along a lovely cobble-stoned street that leads to the Calle Juan del Río Ayala, accessing the general street from here if we walk upwards to the right, where we finally turn left to once again reach the Park. Top: Rush Broom (Chamaecytisus proliferus) dots the island’s dividing walls. Bottom, the trail with a panoramic view ofEl Ingenio. Watermills in the Tirajana ravine.
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Route of the Cross of the Century
Length: 3,87 km Duration: 2’45 h Difficulty: moderada The path starts at the Santa Lucía Park, which we cross to then go behind the stage from where a paved road parts that we take, continuing along this road until we see branching where we turn to the right in the direction of the neighborhood of El Valle. Once in this neighborhood the second construction we observe to the left are the mills, one used to produce gofio (flour made of sweet corn and other grains) (in ruins) and the other for the production of oil, which has been recently rehabilitated, and we then continue along the cobble-stoned streets of this picturesque neighborhood, at the end of which we find a wide dirt path that we take until it starts to narrow alongside a two-story house. Aerial view of the neighborhood of El Valle.
Once we reach this point we take the path behind this house, which is an up-winding cement path. When we reach its highest point we can observe a construction to the right consisting in a two-story building covered in stone and another twelve cabins that are also covered in stone, which is the Nature Classroom. We then take a dirt road in the direction of a mountain, observing a cross on its summit, which is called the Cruz del Siglo (Cross of the Century). Continuing we leave a small construction right behind us to the left and than another to the right, which are water distribution corner units. We then follow this road until we reach a sharp turn where a path starts to the left that reaches the summit of this mountain.
The Tower of Jewels, which can be observed along our trails, is one of the Island’s emblematic plants. A White Tower of Jewels in the photograph, (Echium decasnei). View of the climb up to the Cruz del Siglo (Cross of the Century) seen from the Nature Classroom. About 110 meters after starting the path there is an exit to the right, along which we can access the Cueva de la Luna (Moon Cave), although keeping in mind that access is rather difficult, and if we continue along the left we reach the cross. Once on the summit of the mountain to the right we can observe the cross and the access path to the hill that is found right behind the same. Marvelous panoramic views can be enjoyed from this point where the cross is found, given that almost all of the neighborhoods of Santa Lucía de Tirajana can be seen from this point. We can take the same path to return, however, when we reach the first corner unit, which is now to our left, we take a small path that leads down to a cement trail that we have to take in a downward direction, passing through the Tederas Viewpoint. We then encounter a crossing, taking the right-hand path in the direction of a small neighborhood in which all the constructions are identical. When we reach this urban area, after a sharp drop we reach a crossing, with a stop sign, where we turn right and continue along a road that leads us to the higher part of the village. The cobble-stoned area starts right at the point where we find the first houses, area that then leads us to Calle Leopoldo Matos where we turn right until we reach the Municipal Park, which is the point where we have started our route. 
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The Cruz del Siglo with a view of the urban center of Santa Lucía.
Route over the heigths of the municipality
Length: 9,73 Duration: 4’30 h Difficulty: High Leaving the Santa Lucía Park, we cross through the same until we reach the back of the stage, where we turn left along the road until we find a yellow two-story house with a wooden balcony; the beginning of the Madrid path along which we have to climb is found alongside this house. Urban center of Santa Lucía with the first span of the route in the upper part to the hill. As we climb and before reaching the cross we encounter a first signpost that indicates a turn to the left in the direction of La Calderilla. Always following the signposts we continue the path in the direction of La Calderilla, finding a dirt path along one of the spans that climbs up from El Roquete. We again continue along the path about 100 meters until we reach an area known as El Fiallo, which is a pleasant plateau dotted with fruit trees, after which we see two constructions, to the left a yellow-colored house and to the right another construction of blocks. We again take the path right behind the yellow construction, then continuing alonga span of dirt path and once again taking the path we follow the signposts in the direction of La Calderilla. The path runs between stone walls and a metallic fence that belongs to an estate. We then reach a cement road that climbs up from Taidía, and continuing along the same we reach the last dwelling, a two-story construction, where the road ends and La Calderilla path starts, likewise indicated by a signpost. Along this path and always going upwards we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Taidía and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, finally reaching the Alto de Pajonales. This is where we start a winding climb through what is known as the Vueltas de Taidía to then reach a bare rock area in which an important colony of mountain grass (Senecio kleinia) is to be highlighted, known as the Cuevas de Rompecerones, after which we reach the Sepultura del Gigante on the Western slope. The impressive rock formation known as La Sepultura del Gigante (The Giant’s Tomb). The descent takes place along the same path until a new promontory is reached, Alto de Pajonales, where we cross two ravines to the left until we find a dirt road and a path along the ravine from where we can appreciate a black-colored pipe that leads to the Zarcilla Ravine. We cross this ravine, where we find part of the galleries corresponding to the Zarcillas Estate and we continue walking along its left bank, always following the path, along which we find five ancient Gofio mills until we reach the Neighborhood of El Mundillo. Once there we go down the road until we again reach the back part of the stage and the park from there. Yellow Rush Broom (Teline microphylla), dotting the slopes of the hills with yellow as we climb up to the summits. The return path borders the banks of the Zarcilla Ravine amongst date palms and ancient water mills. For more information about this route, please download the Illustrative Booklet (PDF format) edited by Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall. Click here to downlad the explanatory map with the route 5 edited by Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall. La Labranza cottage congratulates Santa Lucia de Tirajana Town Hall for editing this excellent guide. 
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Excursion around the mountains of the borough.
Distance: 4 km . Difficulty: Medium/high. Time: 30 minutes.
The track starts at “La Degollada del Viento”, near “La Sepultura del Gigante”. This walk has two different and well defined tracks by the scarpment. Starting on a little slope towards “La Montaña del Cardón”, the first track runs on a rocky surface very much washed by water, making it an unusual sight. Vegetation is quite remarkable here and the walk, following the right side of the ravine “Barranco de la Cagarruta”, surrounds the mountain of “El Cardón”. The slope climbs slightly down before starting the second track. The slope becomes steeper with a great view of “La Caldera de Tirajana”, at the bottom, “Risco Blanco”, named like this because of the light colour. This astounding white mountain wall is 400 mts high 600 mts at the base. Some canarian pine trees grow scattered on it. This rock is 3,7 million years old. This walk acts as limit of abandoned farmlands. The walk begings decending between walls called “Vueltas de Taidia”, to end up at the back of a house and an asphalted road.
Excursion through the ravine which goes from the top of the mountains to the coast.
Distance: 20 Km. by car o r bicycle . 1 day.
Tirajana ravine is located southeast of Gran Canaria , it goes from the centre top of the island to the coast. The highest part is called “La Caldera de Tirajana” which is surrounded by steep side mountains and the lower part, much more flatter, ends by the coast side at “Juan Grande”.
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Tirajana ravine can by approached by car or bicycle through the east side. It is suggested to take the GC-500 road which departs from “Vecindario”, commercial city near the coast, southeast of Gran Canaria.
You will have to look for the signs to “Santa Lucia de Tirajana” driving on the GC-500 local road, once you pass a village called “Sardina del Sur”, the road ascends upto a winding part of the road called “Los Cuchillos”, however, you will enjoy magnificent views on the left.
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Half way to “Santa Lucia” village, there is a viewing point called “El Guriete”, there you will be able to see the amazing deepness of the ravine. On the right, “La Fortaleza de Ansite”, archaeological site where the last island aboriginals lived until they were conquered in 1483. Should you wish the visit the site, following the road to “Santa Lucia”, you will be able to take a right turn o n the road signed “La Sorrueda” and “La Fortaleza”. It is recommended to stop at “La Sorrueda” dam viewpoint, where you will have the pleasure and enjoy palm oasis and the typical canarian stone houses.
Once you are back on the main road to “Santa Lucia”, just 1 km before arriving, there is a turn on the left which leads into “Ingenio de Santa Lucia”, well worth visiting. Driving down the road to this village, you will find the viewing point. From here, an unusual scenery will surprise you, a palm and olive tree oasis will emerge before your eyes. In this village, you will have the chance to walk on its paved main street and see the ancient stone houses, where every corner could be a source of inspiration for a painter. If you pay attention, at the end of the street, you will hear the sound of water running down the ravine. The adventurous ones will find a path behind the last house which leads down the ravine.
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Back on the main road to “Santa Lucia”, in few minutes, you will arrive in this town. Food lovers will find the ideal places for a lunch break. There are several restaurants where local food can be tasted; “Carne Guisada con Papas” (meat and potato stew), without forgetting another local delicacy, “Carne de Cabra guisada” (goat meat).
A walk in “Santa Lucia” is a must. Visiting the church and the nearby gardens will be most enjoyable. The church was built in 1905, its dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the caldera. It contains Lujan Pérez’s wood work.
In this town, you will also be able to visit the “Museo de la fortaleza de How”, this museum holds archaeological traces of the old island aboriginals found in “La Fortaleza the Ansite”, previously visited in this excursión. You will also find local ethnografhical and botanical elements.
Following the road to “San Bartolomé de Tirajana”, the excursión will end visiting the small villages of “Taidia”, “Rosiana” or “Agualatente”, from where you will be able to admire magnificent views of the caldera and the sea down the ravine.
Harvester day and Santa Lucia festivity.
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Between the 6th and the 13th of December the local festivity of “Santa Lucia” is celebrated. They have been declared of tourist interest because of so many tourists that visit the town during this period. This traditional festivity receives many foreign visitors, particularly, Swedish who find a good occasion to visit “Santa Lucia”, also a Saint in that country.
Another very popular festivity is the “Romeria de los Labradores”. The following Sunday after the 13th of December, this is the occasion when all the farmers gather to have a big celebration. This festivity is very traditional, all the people wear traditional costumes and eat local food.
Prehispanic lode located in Tirajana ravine.
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Fortaleza de Ansite is an archaeological site which used to be inhabited by the island aboriginals. It is located in Tirajana ravine. It can be accessed by GC-500 local road which leads from Vecindario to Santa Lucia. About 2 Km before arriving in Santa Lucia, there is a turn on the left which leads into La Sorrueda Village. From this point, you see the signs. La Fortaleza is a mountain with a suite of natural caves almost unreachable which used to be lived in by the original island inhabitants. They can be accessed by a road and are surrounded by footpaths. Once upon a time, Bentejuí and his servant, lived in theses caves. They preferred throwing themselves down the mountain rather than being caught by the Spanish conquerors. This was one of the last places to be conquered. This was achieved by Pedro de Vera in 1483.
Craft work centre where pottery, basketry and hand made candels are produced.
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There is a craft work centre in Vecindario. It is located in the La Era del Verdugo park. Pottery, basketry and hand made candels are produced. For pottery, the very same old techniques used by the aboriginals are used. These techniques consist of just using the hands to produce the pieces. In the case of basketry, it is exclusively produced by women, since men were in charge of the procurement of the raw materials, such as palm leaves which they had to cut once they had climbed to the top of the palm trees, although canes ware also used. For more information and programmed visits you can ring tel: (34) 928 125260.
This is the village where La Labranza and El Pajar are located.
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Inside the Caldera de Tirajana , surrounded by high mountains and Canarian pine trees , there is an oasis where the palm and olive trees have found the ideal habitat set up, this is Ingenio de Santa Lucia. This privileged location holds a harmonious scenery. Down the glen, a stream of water flows most part of the year. You will marvel at the views that can be seen from the viewing point beside the road just before you reach the village.
To get to Ingenio de Santa Lucia from the coast, you have to take the road GC-500 which starts at Vecindario town and leads to Santa Lucia town . 2 km before reaching Santa Lucia town, there is a turn on the left which leads to Ingenio de Santa Lucia.
It hosts archaelogical vestiges found in La Fortaleza de Ansite.
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The museum is located on the main road at 200 m from the church and houses archaeological vestiges found in the area, mainly, those found in La Fortaleza, where the aboriginals used to live. Besides the museum, there is a beautiful garden where a good example of local flora grow.
La Sorrueda dam collets Tirajana valley waters.
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Coming from Vecindario through GC-500 local road which leads to Santa Lucia, 3 km approximately before arriving in Santa Lucia, there is a turn on the left signed La Sorrueda, This is a little village which is famous for the dam. The surroundings are beautiful, you will be able to admire one of the best preserved palm tree forests of Gran Canaria. Beside the dam, there is a camping area, though permission by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria is required. Tel: (34) 928 219229 .
The most populated city in the canaries and administrative city of Las Palmas province.
The city was founded on the 24th of June, 1478 by Juan Rejón and the Castillian Crown troops, after fighting the local Guanches (aboriginal people of the Canary Islands). In 1492, Christopher Columbus stopped in the city prior to his first trip to the Americas. He also stopped on the way back to Spain. Today, a museum is named after him - Casa Colon in the Vegueta area of the city. The population of the city of Las Palmas was 377,600 as of the 2003 census, making it the largest city in the Canary Islands. The population of the whole urban area was estimated in 2003 to be 609,628, ranking as the 10th-largest urban area of Spain. (Gran Canaria island had 789,908 inhabitants in 2003).
Vegueta y Triana
Vegueta and Triana are historical quarters of Las Palmas de G.C. They have been proposed as Patrimony for all human beings by the UNESCO, not only because of its historical value but also for being the first city the Castillian kingdom raised in the Atlantic. We can find the Town Hall, the Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace , the Regenta House and the Columbus House within the Vegueta quarter.
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The Catedral begun building in 1497 and opened for praying in 1570. Several architects participated in the project, this is why different architectural styles can be found in it. It has a neoclassical front. It contains baroque style altarpieces. The Catedral has 13 chapels.
The Columbus house holds several buildings located in central Las Palmas de G.C. History indicates that Christopher Columbus passed through them during his first trip to America. It has to be remarked the large frontispiece in Plaza del Pilar which was created by Nestor Alamo, a well known local painter. The central patio shows renaissance and gothic motifs.
Crossing the Guiniguada ravine heading towards the port, you will find la Calle Mayor de Triana, this is a beautiful street with great commercial tradition, not far from it, you will see the Pérez Galdós theatre and the Gabinete Literario.
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The Port
This is the name commonly used, not only for the port (Puerto de la Luz) itself but also its surroundings. This is also where one of the most popular squares can be found , El Parque de Santa Catalina. This has traditionally been a city meeting point, even the well known carnival which the city celebrates in February is held here. The carnival is the most important festivity in town. Not far from Santa Catalina area, there is a very commercial area called Mesa y López where you can find some of the best shops. Last but not least, you can find one of the best city beaches of Spain, Las Canteras, where sunbathing and swimming can be enjoyed all year around.
According to the american magazine “Scientific World”, Las Canteras beach is one of the best urban beaches of the World. It is 4 km long and ends near the Alfredo Kraus auditorium, where Las Palmas International Movie Festival is celebrated. Opposite the shore of the beach at approximately 100 mts, there is a bar of rocks that prevents large waves from reaching the shore, making swimming safer and more enjoyable.
Museums
• Canarian Museum: Archaeological and library
• Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno: Contemporary art
• Casa Museo de Colón: Canarian history
• Casa Museo Perez Galdos: Prominent canarian writer
• Museo Nestor: Modernist painter
• Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología: Science museum
• Museo Marítimo: Maritime museum
Maspalomas is the main touristic town in Gran Canaria.
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Maspalomas is the main tourist area of Gran Canaria. It is located in the southern extreme of the island, beside GC-1 motorway, which connects with the airport in 15 minutes and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in about 30 minutes.
Maspalomas is a sun and beach destination. It offers several leisure options, such as theme parks, sport infrastructures, golf courses, sea diving, windsurf, parachuting, etc. Nightlife is concentrated in many shopping malls scattered around the city. However, its best assets are the golden sand beaches, the mild weather and the natural reservoir, Maspalomas dunes.
Apart from the sun and the beaches, Maspalomas is also remarkable for the International Contemporary Dance Festival, MASDANZA and for the International Summer University Courses.
Santa Lucia church and surrounding areas.
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Santa Lucia church was built in 1905 and is located in the high part of the borough. Its dome is a landmark that can be seen from almost any point in the Caldera de Tirajana. Inside, there is an important cultural legacy. “El Crucificado” is a creative work made of wood by Lujan Pérez. At the altar, you can also admire a canvas painted by the Canarian painter, José Arencibia.
Adjacent to the church are the gardens. This is an ideal place for a rest or a relaxing walk. There are some beautiful streets around the gardens, along them you will find a good example of canarian architecture. If you would like to walk a little longer, it is recomended to walk up the hill towards El Mundillo and El Valle neighbourhood. This beautiful walk takes about 30 minutes. You will be able to enjoy some of the best town views with the mountains in the background.
Just one kilometre away from La Labranza & El Pajar you can practise climbing.
Just few meters away from “La Labranza”, if you take the pathway signed “Camino Rural de los Marteles” starting in the village “Ingenio de Santa Lucia”, you will head towards “La Sorrueda” by walking. In a few minutes you will see the ravine. On the opposite side, if you look down, there are some steep walls where climbing can be practiced. Several climbing clubs frequently gather deep down the ravine where a stream of water runs. For more information, please check the following site www.climbincanarias.com
Santa Lucia, because of the steep roads, is the ideal place to practise cycling.
All the local roads around “Santa Lucia de Tirajana”, due to ups and downs, and the beautifull landscapes are very popular with Bykers. For more information, please check the following sites Los Amigos del Ciclismo de Gran Canaria .
Footpaths to peaks and ravines.
La Labranza and El Pajar are ideal starting points for hiking and excursions. Numerous routes start from here to the peaks and down to the ravines, some of them, have been explained in the excursion section. For more information, please check the following site Senderísmo en Gran Canaria.
This sport is widely practised by the coastal area of the borough.
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Pozo Izquierdo is a village by the coastline in “Santa Lucia” Borough. It is considered one of the best places to practice winsurfing worldwide.
Pozo Izquierdo beach is characterised for having strong winds blowing all year round. This is why the emplacement has been selected as one of the main locations to celebrate World championship of windsurfing.
Just off the beach is the International Windsuring Centre, well prepared with all the facilities required for the practice of this sport; swimming pools, specialized shops, etc.
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