Coastal Route - Gáldar

Continuing our trip along the coast, we reach Gáldar – the name derives from Agaldar which translates as ‘Royal City’.  Once the centre of the Guanche civilization, it’s therefore rich in archaeological sites. The Spanish founded the post-conquest Gáldar in 1484. Previously the seat of Tenesor Semidán (latterly known as Fernando Guanarteme), one of the island’s two Guanche chiefs, Gáldar takes much pride in its heritage, witnessed in the Guanche names of many of its streets. This northern town was also the capital of the island before Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Today, Gáldar is a largish and busy town extending at the foot of the Pico de Gáldar volcano. It has an idyllic square, the Plaza de Santiago, featuring the neoclassical Iglesia de Santiago de los Caballeros in front of the site where once an ancient royal court and a small Spanish fort used to be. The construction of this vast church with three naves began in 1778 but was not completed before the middle of the 19^th century. Noteworthy features are a green font from the 16^th century and the statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, both works from José Luján Pérez.

In the same square stands the ayuntamiento (town hall), in whose courtyard you can see an enormous dragon tree, believed to be planted no later than 1718 and therefore thought to be one of the oldest on the archipelago.

The biggest attraction of Gáldar, however, is El Museo y Parque Arquelógico Cueva Pintada (Painted Cave Museum and Archaelogical Park). Featuring many colourful geometric Guanche paintings, it was only discovered in 1873. After conservation works carried out between 1970 and 1974, it was closed to the public in 1982 in order to prevent the paintings from being destroyed by the increasing humidity. It was subsequently reopened in July 2006.

Beach lovers are advised to make a slight detour to Sardina del Norte. The miniature jewel in the crown of the beaches on the north coast, it offers a front of tantalizing golden sand. Along with delicious freshly-prepared sardines at its ample selection of restaurants.

On the road to Artenara, you’ll find the Caldera de Los Pinos de Gáldar, a huge volcanic crater formed during the last volcanic eruptions on the island. From here you have wonderful views over the entire north coast.

Just 2 km (1.5 miles) north of Gáldar is another important Guanche legacy, an 11^th century cemetery – the Túmulo de la Guancha. Discovered in 1936, this last resting place of Guanche nobles consists of 42 round tombs, built from enormous lava blocks.