These 9 beautiful towns prove that Gran Canaria is more than its coastline

While most visitors to Gran Canaria head straight to the island’s exuberant coastal resorts and swathes of sandy shoreline – and with good reason as the island’s year-round balmy climate is a paradise for sun-seekers – those in-the-know also journey inland to experience the laid-back life and legendary tales of the island’s historic towns.

From the striking remains of Gran Canaria’s cave-dwelling, pre-Hispanic inhabitants and the impressive centuries-old colonial architecture, to banana farms, rum distilleries and artisanal markets, the Island’s towns are well worth a visit. Here are nine of the most interesting to sate your Canarian cultural cravings.

Dominated by the large neoclassical basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino – Gran Canaria’s patron saint – the town of Teror is somewhat of a pilgrimage point. Historically, people came here following the appearance of the face of the Virgin Mary on one of the large Canarian pine trees in a nearby forest.

These days, as well as seeing the church, most flock here for the pretty Canarian architecture and weekly market each Sunday where the cobblestone streets and main square are taken over by stalls selling everything from food to flowers. Don’t leave without trying some of the local speciality, chorizo de Teror, a soft, spiced chorizo often spread liberally on bocadillos (bread rolls) along with local fresh cheese.

It’s easy to see why Tejeda has been voted one of the prettiest villages in Spain. The houses are whitewashed with terracotta roofs and make an arresting sight as you approach from the surrounding high mountain roads. Tejeda sits within a giant volcanic crater (Caldera de Tejeda) and many of the island’s famous sights are best seen from the town, including two impressive monoliths.

The Roque Nublo is an 80-metre-tall piece of basalt that points towards the sky and was revered by the island’s original inhabitants. Its sibling, the Roque Bentayga was the last stronghold for the native population, acting as a natural fortress sitting on its high rocky plinth. Both are worth hiking to if you get the chance.

If you’ve ever drunk bottled water on the island, the likelihood is that it has come from Firgas; it is one of the only places on the island where you’ll find natural spring water. You’ll see clues of this around town, but nowhere more so than the Paseo de Gran Canaria. This stepped street has beautiful mosaics and flowing water that hints at the town’s history and showcases Gran Canaria. At the base of the street, you’ll find the Casa de la Cultura. Built in 1872 as a guesthouse for tourists coming to ‘take the waters’, the property is a great example of Canarian architecture and is now home to the public library and an exhibition space.

Arucas’s Iglesia de San Juan Bautista (although more often incorrectly referred to as Arucas Cathedral) is a handsome example of neo-gothic architecture with its lofty spires and intricate details. The town got rich firstly from cochineal and then sugar cane. It’s why one of its star attractions is the Arehucas rum distillery, which has been making rum since 1884. It’s even said that Columbus took sugar cane from here to the Caribbean. Just outside town is the La ReKompensa – a banana plantation and museum where you can learn about the importance of the fruit to the island’s economy and taste products made from bananas, including wine and jam.

Sitting at 1,270m above sea level, Artenara is the highest village in Gran Canaria. To reach it, you have to traverse the twisting mountain road, but you’ll be rewarded by superb views of the volcanic landscape. Walk through La Cilla cave restaurant to the viewpoint and notice how the red volcanic rock holds the heat of the sun. Just 400m above the village is a Hermitage of the Virgin de La Cuevita – a cave chapel in honour of the Virgin Mary. In town, the Casa Cueva Museo de Santiago Aranda is worth a visit. Originally thought to have been excavated by the pre-Hispanic inhabitants, the cave houses were bought and restored by lauded Canarian writer, Santiago Aranda.

One of the two original capitals of the island, Gáldar has the best examples of the life of the native inhabitants. The Cueva Pintada Museum is built around a now-protected painted cave used – and decorated – by the island’s original population. On a tour, you’ll learn about their lives and beliefs, as well as their brutal demise. Iglesia Matriz de Santiago de Los Caballeros creates an imposing impression on the main town square. The church’s green font is of particular interest, not just because of its impressive design but also as it was used to baptise and convert the native residents to Catholicism. Next door, the Hotel Emblemático Agaldar has a great rooftop bar for drinking in views of the church and square.

As one of the most characterful Canarian towns on the island, Agüimes is a small labyrinth of cobbled streets, handsome buildings and pretty squares. Look out for lots of bronze statues such as a camel and donkey, as well as notable people from Agüimes’s history including an Indigenous princess. The picturesque church of San Sebastián de Agüimes whose spires are visible from all around the town is one of the best examples of neoclassical Canarian architecture; it took more than two centuries to be completed. Just a 15-minute drive away, you’ll find the incredible cave houses of the Guayadeque ravine.