Barranco de Guayadeque — Cave Villages

The Barranco de Guayadeque is the most spectacular gorge in Gran Canaria and a place where time has forgotten. The 15 km deep gorge in the east of the island was an important settlement site for the indigenous people — over 800 residential caves have been archaeologically documented here, and some are still inhabited today. In the villages of Montaña de las Tierras and Cueva Bermeja, complete houses, a chapel, restaurants, and even a bar are carved into the rock.

The Ermita de la Virgen de Guayadeque — a cave church from the 18th century — is the spiritual center of the gorge. The simple chapel was carved directly into the rock face and is still used for services by the residents of the surrounding cave dwellings.

Cave Restaurants: The culinary highlight of the Barranco are the restaurants carved into the rock — dining in a cave that stays naturally cool and offers a unique atmosphere:

• Restaurante Tagoror — The most famous cave restaurant, rustically furnished with raw rock walls, candlelight, and traditional Canarian cuisine. Grilled goat meat (Carne de cabra), Papas arrugadas, homemade goat cheese. Main courses: 10–16 €.
• Restaurante Vega — Slightly smaller, family-run, excellent rabbit in Salmorejo sauce. Menú del día: 12 €.

Hiking: The Barranco offers several hiking routes, from easy walks along the valley floor to challenging ascents to the ridge. The most popular route leads from the road's end turnaround (parking lot) through the upper Barranco and then up to Montaña de las Tierras — about 6 km, 2.5 hours, moderate difficulty.

Archaeological Center: The Centro de Interpretación del Barranco de Guayadeque at the entrance of the gorge explains the history of cave settlement, the flora and fauna, and the geology. Admission: 3 €. A marked circular trail (1 km) through the vegetation of the gorge also starts here.