Gáldar was the first capital of the island and the seat of its native kings. The Cueva Pintada archaeological site with its preserved paintings, the oldest dragon tree on the island and the famous flower cheese.
Gáldar is one of the most interesting places in the north of Gran Canaria. It was the island’s first capital and the seat of the native kings of the original inhabitants, the Guanches (the Guanartemes).
If you want to understand what Gran Canaria looked like before the Spanish arrived, this is where you have to come. No tourist kitsch, just real history and a Canarian atmosphere.
The Cueva Pintada museum and archaeological park
Adults about €6, under-18s free
Queso de Flor cheese
This site is truly unique. The whole complex is built directly over the excavations of the original village. You walk along raised walkways from which you can see the foundations of more than 50 buildings. They are built of dry-laid stones (local tuff and basalt) and had a circular or cross-shaped floor plan.
The museum’s main star is the Cueva Pintada itself, decorated with geometric paintings hundreds of years old. You see it through a glass wall that protects the colours from moisture and air. Entry is in guided groups. About 15 minutes’ drive from Gáldar lies another Guanche site, the Cenobio de Valerón cliff granary.
Photography and filming are not allowed inside.
Adults pay about €6, under-18s get in free. On the first Sunday of every month entry is free for everyone – but it tends to be crowded, with a long wait.
Many people search for it in the streets in vain, but the famous dragon tree from 1718 is a little hidden. You will find it in the inner courtyard (patio) of the town hall (Casas Consistoriales), right on the main square.
On the square, do not miss the monumental church of Santiago either. It is an important place for pilgrims walking the Canarian Way of St James.
Just walk through the entrance to the information centre in the town hall – the tree is right there, and it is a truly majestic specimen.
Gáldar is a place where the island’s history literally comes to life before your eyes. Good to know:
Parking – hopeless in the lanes by the museum; leave your car in a paid car park and walk about 5 minutes.
Queso de Flor – a cheese made with rennet from artichoke flowers; try it in one of the local “tascas” on the square.
Santiago church – a monumental church on the main square.
Guided tour – entry to the Cueva Pintada is in groups.
Sardina lighthouse – ideal to combine with a visit to Gáldar.
Agaete – just a short distance away is a coffee plantation in the Agaete valley.
Gáldar is a great destination for a full-day trip by car around the north of the island, ideally combined with Agaete or Las Palmas.
A painted cave with geometric paintings by the island’s original inhabitants. It is part of a museum and archaeological park built over the excavations of the original village.
Adults about €6, under-18s free. On the first Sunday of the month entry is free for everyone.
No, photography and filming are not allowed inside.
In the inner courtyard of the town hall on the main square – walk through the entrance to the information centre.
In a paid car park a short distance from the centre, about a 5-minute walk away. Parking in the historic lanes is almost impossible.
Gáldar is ideal to combine with a visit to the Sardina lighthouse or a trip to Agaete. It is a place where the island’s history literally comes to life before your eyes.
