Santa María de Guía

Overview

Santa María de Guía is a traditional Canarian town nestling in a valley. Lying to the west of the capital, Las Palmas, the valley is dominated by green farmland and forests. The valley leads to the mountains in the south and down to the Atlantic Ocean in the north and west.

In the past, this pretty little town was part of the large town of Gáldar. However, both places have expanded and developed, and have become independent of each other. Now, the classic architecture and charming cobbled streets set a beautiful scene behind the dramatic mountainous backdrop.

Luján Pérez, the most famous sculptor and architect of the Canary Islands, was born here in 1756. In the historic town church you can find many of his sculptures, which take pride of place.

This lovely resort is not only famous for being the birthplace of one of the most famous Canarian artist but also for “Queso de Flor”. This cheese is made from cow and goat’s milk, as well as the juice from thistles, giving it a distinctive flavour. This cheese is celebrated in the area and is used in many traditional Canarian dishes.

History

Santa María de Guía is a historic town, so much so in fact, that in 1982 it was declared as a National Historic-Artistic Monument. The town church dates back to 1607, and dominates the old part of the town. The church was built by Don Sancho in honour of Santa María de Guía and was the focal point for the local community. The lay of the land in this area was perfect for ancient settlers and the Cenobio de Valerón historical site provides a unique insight into their lives. Here you can see over 300 hollowed caves in the rock face. It is thought that the aboriginal people of the island used these caverns to store grain.

Culture

Santa Maria de Guía is a historic, traditional town that is proud of its heritage and customs. This is evident in its tributes to Camarín de la Virgen, the patron saint of the town, the fiestas for its world famous cheese and the homage paid to the sculpture Luján Pérez, who was born in the town. The agricultural industry and the beautiful scenery make for a outdoor way of life in the village.

Economy

The main industries in the area are agriculture, commerce and tourism. The valley with its greenery and plentiful water supply is perfect for growing crops and rearing livestock. As the town developed, leading it to become independent from Gáldar, more business also moved to the town.

Sights

La Iglesia de la Santa María

This triple- nave church was built in, 1607 by Don Sancho. It laid the foundations for the beginning of the town. The church has a neoclassical façade and an exquisite interior. The church also houses many beautiful works from the local, famous artist Luján Pérez.

Calle Canónigo Gordillo 7, Gran Canaria Island 
Tel: 928881882

Cenobio de Valerón Archaeological site

This ancient historical site is three miles east of Santa María de Guía town centre and features a rock face with over 300 caverns. The caverns were used by ancient settlers to store grain and other such goods. This location was chosen due to its easily defensible position and the soft rock, which was easy to hollow out. At this amazing site you can really get a unique insight into the past. Entrance is €2.50 for adults and children go free.

Address: Antigua Carretera Las Palmas, Gáldar C-801, Km.32, Cuesta de Silva, 35450 Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria Island 
Tel. 928 33 68 00
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00  - 17.00
Admission: Adult €3; Children Free

Camarín de la Virgen

Here you will find a number of historical artefacts made from semi-precious metals along with a collection of priceless traditional textile pieces that were once used by clergymen. The pieces are gathered here as it is the resting place of the patron saint of the island.

Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00.

La Casa de Los Quintana

This building is a perfect example of the traditional architecture of the area. It was built in the 17th Century and features a traditional style balcony and a coat of arms, bearing the names of Guanarteme and Quintana. This building is situated in la Plaza Mayor de Guía.

Reptilandia Park

In the nearby town of Gáldar, Reptilandia is the closest leisure outing to Santa María de Guía. The park focuses on natural history and is home to Komodo Dragons, 12ft crocodiles and tarantulas. Here you can also find some of the smallest monkeys in the world, including Pigmy Marmosets and Golden Lion Tamarinds. There are over 1,000 animals in this park and is very popular amongst families. A highlight for visitors and animals alike, is feeding time. Check when you arrive what time feeding will be taking place as it should not be missed!

Address: Reptilandia Park, Parque Rural de Amagro, Autopista, GC2 35460 Gran Canaria Island  
Open daily from 11:00 to 17:30.

Musuems

La Casa de Néstor Álamo

This 17th Century building has recently been restored to its original beauty. The Cabildo Insular and the Guía. Town Hall restored the building in order for it to be used as a museum dedicated to the local write Néstor Álamo who was born in the area in 1906. The museum is located on the corner of Calle San José and Calle del Canónigo Gordillo.

Beaches

The rocky coastline of Santa María de Guía has three beaches that are just a short journey from the town.

La Playa de San Felipe

This beach is located to the west of the town where the coastline becomes part of Lairaga. There are tracks from El Cruce and El Pagador, which lead down to the beach. The beach is idyllic as it is free from hoards of tourists yet popular amongst surfers due to the Atlantic waves.

La Playa de Roque Prieto

La Playa de Roque Prieto is about 2km from the town centre. This beach features a natural pool, making it perfect for swimmers.

La Playa de Caleta de Arriaba

For a more secluded beach trip try La Playa de Caleta de Arriba, which is where Santa María Guía meets Gáldar. Few visitors disturb the tranquillity of this beach.

Festivals

Fiesta Del Queso

In May, the town celebrates the Fiesta del Queso, the cheese festival. It is held in honor of the Queso de Flor, or Flower Cheese that is made in the area. The distinct taste of the cheese is surprisingly good and has won the area many awards. The cheese is produced in a unique way involving cow and goat milk, the flower of the blue thistle and matured in the low humidity caves that can be found in the area.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Many restaurants serving local, traditional cuisine can be found on the cobbled streets of the town. Make sure you try the award winning local cheese, ‘Queso de Flor de Guía’, or flower cheese. The cheese is found in many traditional dishes to the area, such as fresh cheese fritters. The town also offers a number of sweet treats including lengüillas, or ‘little tongues’. These small, crumbling biscuits are named after their shape. With the sea on its doorstep, fresh seafood can also be found in many of the restaurants for a very good price.

Friendly alfresco restaurants are not hard to find in this town where families and couples sit until late soaking in the atmosphere. However, this is about as lively as the nightlife gets so if you are looking for a bit more action, head to Las Palmas, which is only half an hour away.

Shopping

A lot of craft produce can be purchased in the area at a number of venues. The regional market is held in La Plaza Grande and La Plaza de Luján Pérez. Here you can find all types of arts and crafts, and local produce. The market is open on Tuesdays and Sundays between 8:30 and 13:00.

One of the items that is crafted in the area is the Canary Island knife, which is deeply engrained into the historic life of this region as it was once carried by farmers. The knife has a handle fashioned from metal with pieces of horn inset to make a geometric pattern. The blade is unique in its size, measuring between 15 and 20 cm.

Other craft items popular in the area include woodcarvings and furniture. Many craft shops producing and selling these goods can be found in the town centre. One of the most popular pieces is the carved wooden chest.