Artenara is renowned for its picturesque coastal towns and exciting resorts. Every year, more and more people visit the place. Looking to find adventure and to satisfy their curiosity about the Canary Islands, travelers go to Artenara in Gran Canaria hoping to find paradise. And indeed, upon arriving, they weren’t disappointed by what they found.
With a height of over a thousand meters, Artenara is Gran Canaria’s highest village. It is one of its oldest, too. The road going there may be a bit challenging but don’t be deterred. The ride going up will give you an amazing panorama. You’ll also find that the destination itself will be spectacular. Artenara is full of archeological and natural wonders. It is a great place for your vacation in the Canary Islands.
A Historical Journey
Artenara’s original inhabitants came from the northern part of Africa. They were known to be the Canari. The Canari people made excavations on the mountain rocks so as to make cave shelters and dwellings. They used the other areas of land for agriculture. The indigenous peoples have been known, through archaeological evidence, to have stayed and lived in this area a thousand years even before the arrival of the Spanish. Their ingenuity is an important part of Artenara’s development.
Discovering Artenara
While in Artenara, there are many things that you can do. You can check out the cave dwellings as well as the churches. Be amazed by how, with just their hands and only a few basic tools, they were able to create such wonders. You can also take a hike along the mountains with its lush pine trees. Stand on a mirador and take a look for as far away as you can see. Artenara and its surroundings are astoundingly beautiful.
Visiting the Caves
In Artenara, there is a need for caves even up to now. There are many purposes for the caves apart from being shelters. In the Cuevas de Caballero, there are twelve caves that were used as the shelters of the local shepherds. In the cave, you can see symbols that were used by Gran Canaria’s early inhabitants. In La Cueva de Los Candiles, you’ll get to see wall drawings and decors. There are also caves that are important for astronomy and agriculture such as the Cuevas de Risco Caido. There, the caves have ceiling windows, allowing the sunlight to come in, signifying that the summer solstice is coming. Moonlight also shines through it in the winter solstice.
For Gran Canaria’s people, religion plays a significant part. For Artenara where there are caves for every purpose, there is also an ecclesiastical cave. In the cave you will find the church of La Ermita de la Cuevita, you will see the Virgen de la Cuevita statue. It has been carved into a side of the cliff way back in the over two centuries ago. Apart from that, the choir seats, confessional, lectern, and the altar have all been made from the rocks of the cave.
Among the most famous of the caves is La Casa Cueva Museo Santiago Aranda or the Museum of Cave Houses. As what the name of the cave suggests, the museum has seven cave houses that have different functions. Each of the cave dwellings features 20th Century conveniences. Travelers who visit this museum love it not just for the cave dwellings but for the spectacular mountain view as well as the valleys found in Gran Canaria.
Marvel at the Miradors
Miradors are lookout stations. They are perfect for visitors who want to take a look at the beautiful sceneries. In Artenara, you get to have three miradors to go to. There is a statue of Christ on the awe-inspiring Mirador del Cristo. The Christ statue is seen standing on top of a globe where two angels who are kneeling are holding it. This will be the first sight that you will see as you approach Artenara.
The next mirador was built in 1999. It is the Unamuno’s Balcony. It made as a remembrance of the renowned author, philosopher, and educator Miguel de Unamuno who stayed there in 1910. From there, you get to see the many wonders of Artenara. It is an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss. You’ll see the landscapes of Roque Nublo, Roque Bentaiga, as well as those of Caldera de Tejeda.
The last and most difficult mirador to go to is the Mirador, del Molino. You will be offered a spectacular view from the deck so the challenging drive up will certainly be worth your while. It was built right at a high cliff’s peak. You will feel as if you are above everything else, seeing all of the natural wonders below. You get to have an unobstructed sight of the areas as far away as Roque Nublo. Dare to take on the menacing road, and you’ll be rewarded by an experience of a lifetime.
Hiking Your Way Around Artenara
Artenara is filled with scenic landscapes as well as rich botanical wonders. If you are a person who loves to hike, this will probably be one of your favorite experiences. Try visiting the Natural Reserve of Pinar de Tamadaba. It is the biggest pine forest found in Gran Canaria. There, you’ll get to see the Caldera de Tejeda and also the Mount Teide of Tenerife. Another trek to try is the one that goes through Roque Nublo Rural Park. It is the biggest nature park on the island of Gran Canaria. You can easily be in awe of the seemingly endless mountain ranges. You’ll have an unforgettable time in nature in Artenara.
If you like to go off the beaten track, explore the parts of the Artenara that is not on the usual tourist route. Go to Punta de Las Arenas or Punta Gongora for. These are coastal areas that are secluded. You can go swimming to go surfing. The beaches with their black sand are also great for people who just want a calming walk by the seashore.
Takeaway
Artenara is a wonderful place to go to for any kind of traveler. From beaches to mountains, to caves and miradors, these places will truly satisfy your need for a good adventure. To know more about Artenara, Gran Canaria, or the Canary Islands, visit CanaryIslandsInfo.co.uk. You’ll find all the information that you need in getting around the islands and having the best time while you’re there.
