Activities

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Club de Escalada Topatrás.

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 and La Federación Canaria de Ciclismo.

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.

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.