Top 20 Caves 산타 마리아 데 기아 데 그란 카나리아 주변

They are an archaeological complex made up of twelve natural caves, most of which were adapted to be habitable through their chiseling. These caves are distributed along a south-facing platform, which protects them from the northern trade winds and offers beautiful views over the Bentayga and the Cuenca del Nublo.

In front of the cave there is a small stone wall that prevents direct access from the path. We accepted this "sign" and did not enter the cave, even though it is possible to do so via a side crossing...

The archaeological hiking trail on the Roque Bentayga offers not only a museum and great views but also impressions of the historical religious place of worship.

There is a free visitor center at Roque Bentayga - with parking. From there you can walk up the Bentaga in a few minutes, which was used as a religious place of worship. Great views from this impressive and historic mountain in the middle of the crater. Hikers should note that the access road is only open during opening hours. There are two barriers that are otherwise closed. Below the first barrier there are some parking spaces at the road junction.

The museum is located in the historic center of the town of Gáldar. Its mission is to protect the historical sites there, to conduct scientific research and to communicate the findings to the general public. The institution is named after the Cueva Pintada (painted cave), which was probably created in the 7th century AD by the island's original inhabitants, the Canarios. This cave was forgotten and buried after the conquest of the Canary Islands in the 15th century. It was only rediscovered in the second half of the 19th century. Its cultural and historical significance was already recognized by foreign experts at that time. It was not until the 1970s that a detailed scientific study of the cave began. After the site was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1972, it was protected against environmental influences, which caused damage, among other things, from the irrigation of the surrounding fields. In 1982, access to the cave was closed to the public and in 1987 excavations began in the surrounding area. They revealed that the cave was not an isolated object, but part of a prehistoric settlement with more than 50 houses and other caves. To protect the site, construction began on a new type of museum. An area of 5700 m² was covered. Visitors now have the opportunity to walk through and view the archaeological site on footbridges. Reconstructed aboriginal dwellings were set up and exhibition, information and laboratory rooms were created. The new museum was opened in 2006. It displays objects found on site in separate exhibition rooms, such as pintaderas, statuettes, everyday objects and jewelry made of various materials.

The museum is more than just the painted cave. it is an archaeological park with real excavation sites where you can imagine what the oldest city in Gran Canaria looked like in indigenous times.

Super nice hike in nature

There are always caves that you come across on your hike. This is also exciting.