Gran Canaria is a tourist attraction for its golden and black sand beaches, as well as for having a rural heart. Inland, just 27 kilometers from the island’s capital and on a slope 1,200 meters above sea level, stands the municipality of Ingenio. If you land on the island, you should include it in your route, because in Ingenio you must see the authentic roots of its culture, its historical heritage, and its picturesque artistic expression. A charming corner just over 14 kilometers from Telde, specifically in the Caldera de Los Marteles, bordered by the Barranco del Draguillo and the Barranco de Guayadeque, which will make you fall in love with the following wonders.
Visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
The best way to make the most of your visit to Ingenio is to start from Plaza de La Candelaria, where you will find the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Its construction dates back to 1901, but it was built on the site of an old hermitage from the early 16th century. This building has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site with Monument status. Its architecture attracts the curious, but devotees come to visit the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, which is more than 200 years old.
See the old town of Ingenio
From Plaza de La Candelaria you have free access to the old town. We recommend stopping at the Casa del Reloj, owned by the Heredad Acequia Real de Aguatona. You can also follow the Water Mills route to get an idea of how centuries ago engineering made life easier for the people of the Canary Islands. From there, a peaceful walk through Parque Néstor Álamo or visiting Casa de Postas can help you build up an appetite before trying the local cuisine in some of the restaurants you will find along the way.
Guayadeque Visitor Center
Traveling is not only about discovering the destination, but also its past and culture. The Guayadeque Visitor Center offers insight into the archaeological findings discovered in the area. This allows you to understand what life was like for the first inhabitants of Gran Canaria. It is a must-stop if you are heading to the Guayadeque Caves, a true feast for the senses.
Enjoy Canary Island cuisine in Barranco de Guayadeque
The natural caves found in Barranco de Guayadeque showed that ancient settlements of the island’s first inhabitants existed there. Today, however, they have a new life. This piece of Gran Canaria’s history now hosts a space designed exclusively for the enjoyment of tourists. The success of this transformation lies in adapting these caves into restaurants and artisan product shops. A complete gastronomic experience at your disposal, not only to satisfy your appetite but especially to delight your palate with the best of Canary Island cuisine.
Playa del Burrero and San Agustín viewpoint
Playa del Burrero is not as heavily developed for tourism, and most visitors are island residents. It is an area with strong fishing traditions and also attracts windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts due to its strong winds, especially in summer. One of its highlights is El Roque, a 51-meter volcanic rock that, in the past, became isolated from the mainland during high tide and turned into an island. However, a development project created a natural land connection between El Roque and the beach.
Recently, a path has been created connecting the beach with the Vista Alegre mountain, leading to the San Agustín viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy impressive views of El Roque crowning Playa del Burrero, as well as San Agustín, popularly known as “the one at the back.”
Visit the Municipal Craft Workshop
Once you have explored the town of Ingenio and its spectacular beaches, make time to visit the Municipal Craft Workshop. This municipality has deep fishing roots, but also strong artisan traditions. So much so that it is considered the epicenter of craftsmanship on the island, which has led to the creation of this cultural space.
Discover the typical Gran Canaria embroidery
Within the region’s craftsmanship, special mention must be made of Canary Island embroidery. This delicate work has traditionally been one of the island’s main economic activities carried out by women. In fact, the decisive boost for this technique came in 1950, when Canary Island craftswomen organized themselves into a Women’s Section to promote this industry. It was a success for these rural women, who demonstrated that united they were stronger. Today, Canary embroidery has lost its professional prominence but not its cultural value, so it continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
Visit El Carrizal
This town belongs to Ingenio and owes its name to the reed plantations along the Guayadeque ravine. It has become a tourist attraction thanks to the Church of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso, built in 1907, and the Casa Huerta del Carrizal, known by locals as “the Bishop’s House,” as it is one of the oldest traditional residences in Gran Canaria.
Visit La Tiendita Canaria
You cannot leave Ingenio without stopping at La Tiendita Canaria. A charming place where you can buy Gran Canaria’s star local products. You will find everything from cheeses and cakes to wines and rum. The best part is that they will explain the history of each product so you can truly appreciate what your palate will enjoy.
In conclusion, in Gran Canaria there is much more to see beyond its spectacular beaches. There is also an incredible rural heart that holds the secrets of the origins of the first Canary Islanders. Now that you know what to see in Ingenio, do not hesitate to include it in your travel itinerary.
