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Gran Canaria is a tourist attraction for its golden and black sand beaches, as well as for its rural heart. Inland, just 27 kilometres from the island’s capital and at an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level, lies the municipality of Ingenio. If you land on the island you should reserve a space on your route, because in Ingenio you have to see the authentic roots of its culture, its historical heritage and its picturesque artistic expression. A corner with special charm just over 14 kilometres from Telde, specifically in the Caldera de Los Marteles, bordered by the Barranco del Draguillo and the Barranco de Guayadeque ravines, which will make you fall in love with its following wonders.
The best way to make the most of your visit to Ingenio is to start from the Plaza de La Candelaria, where you will come across the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Its construction dates back to 1901, but it is built on top of the old chapel from the beginning of the 16th century. This building has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of Monument. Its architecture attracts the curious, but devotees go to visit the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, which is more than 200 years old.
From the Plaza de La Candelaria you have free access to the old town. We recommend a stop at the Casa del Reloj, owned by the Heredad Acequia Real de Aguatona. You can also follow the route of the Water Mills, to get an idea of how centuries ago engineering made life more comfortable for the Canary Islanders. From there, a leisurely stroll through the Néstor Álamo Park or a visit to the Casa de Postas can help you work up an appetite before sampling the local gastronomy in some of the restaurants you’ll find along the way.
Travelling is not only about getting to know the destination, but also about its past and its culture. The Guayadeque Visitor Centre offers a window onto the archaeological sites found in the area. This gives you an idea of what life was like for the first settlers on the island of Gran Canaria. It is an obligatory stop if you are on your way to the Cuevas de Guayadeque, a spectacle for all five senses.
The natural caves that were found in the Barranco de Guayadeque ravine show that there were ancient settlements of the first inhabitants of the island. But nowadays they have a new life. This little piece of Gran Canaria’s history now houses a space designed exclusively for the delight of tourists. The success of this conversion is that these caves have been adapted to house restaurants and craft shops. A whole gastronomic experience at your disposal, not only to satisfy your appetite, but especially to stimulate your palate with the best of Canarian cuisine.
El Burrero beach is not so heavily exploited by tourists and most of those who come here are residents of the island. An area with deep-rooted fishing traditions, it is also an attraction for windsurfers and kitesurfers due to its strong winds, especially in summer. One of its attractions is El Roque, a 51-metre rock of volcanic origin, which used to be isolated from the mainland when the tide came in and became an island. However, a refurbishment project created a natural land link between El Roque and the beach.
Recently, a path has been created that connects the beach with the Vista Alegre mountain, all the way to the San Agustín viewpoint. From here there are impressive views of El Roque crowning El Burrero beach, as well as San Agustín beach, popularly known as “la de atrás (the one in the back)”.
Once you have seen the town of Ingenio and its spectacular beaches, make time to visit the Municipal Crafts Workshop. This municipality has deep roots in fishing, but also in crafts. So much so that it is considered the craftsmanship epicentre of the island, which has led to the creation of this cultural centre.
Within the region’s handicrafts, special mention must be made of Canary Island fretwork. This delicate work has traditionally been one of the island’s main economic activities carried out by women. In fact, the decisive impetus for this technique came in 1950, when Canarian craftswomen organised themselves into a Women’s Section to promote this industry. It was a success for these rural women who proved that together they were stronger. Now the Canarian fretwork has lost its professional power, but not its cultural value, which is why it continues to be treasured from generation to generation.
This locality belongs to Ingenio and owes its name to the reed plantations on the banks of the Guayadeque ravine. It has become a tourist attraction due to the Church of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso, built in 1907, and the Casa Huerta del Carrizal, known by the locals as “the Bishop’s House”, as it is one of the oldest traditional residences in Gran Canaria.
You can’t leave Ingenio without stopping off at the Tiendita Canaria. A charming corner where you can buy the star local products of Gran Canaria. You can find everything from cheeses and biscuits to wines and rums. The best thing is that they will inform you about the history of each product so that you can appreciate what your palate will appreciate.
In conclusion, there is much to see in Gran Canaria beyond its spectacular beaches. There is also a spectacular rural heartland that holds the secrets of the origins of the first Canarians. Now that you know what to see in Ingenio, don’t hesitate to make room for it on your travel route.
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