Artenara — Living in Caves

Artenara is the highest municipality in Gran Canaria (1,270 m) and one of the most fascinating villages in the Canary Islands. Here, people still live in cave dwellings (Casas-Cueva), carved into the soft tuff stone — a tradition that dates back to the indigenous people (Ancient Canarians) and is over 2,000 years old.

The Cave Dwellings

What looks unremarkable from the outside — an entrance with a door and window carved into the rock — reveals itself inside as an astonishingly comfortable living space: consistent temperature (18–20°C year-round, without heating or air conditioning!), dry air, and absolute silence. Many cave dwellings are fully modernized — with kitchen, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and terrace with panoramic views. You can stay in such a Casa-Cueva (from about 50€/night on the usual booking platforms) — an unforgettable experience.

Cave Church Virgen de la Cuevita

The Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita is one of the most unusual churches in the world: entirely carved into the rock, with a small altar and the statue of the village's patron saint. The chapel is located on the hillside below the village and is accessible via a steep staircase. On August 15, the Fiesta de la Cuevita is celebrated here — a pilgrimage during which the residents carry the statue in a procession through the village.

Mirador de Unamuno

The Mirador de Unamuno (named after the Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno, who visited Gran Canaria in 1924 and was overwhelmed by the landscape) offers one of the most magnificent views in the entire Canary Islands: The Caldera de Tejeda stretches below you like a giant natural amphitheater, the Roque Nublo and the Roque Bentayga rise as monumental rock spires, and on clear days, the Teide on Tenerife appears as a silhouette on the horizon. This view inspired Unamuno to the famous phrase: "This is a petrifying storm."

Centro de Interpretación

The Centro de Interpretación de Artenara in a restored cave explains the history of cave settlement from the indigenous people to the present day. Here you learn how the Ancient Canarians created these spaces without metal tools, how they stored grain in rock chambers, and the role the caves played as cult sites. Entrance: approx. 3€.