Temisas

Gran Canaria


The impressive setting for Temisas, with its backdrop of impenetrable cliffs, provides views across a ravine that falls away down to the sea, while the village itself is sleepy and atmospheric, with original stone houses and cottages. To get here by car, take the GC-550 weaving around the mountains from Agüimes to Santa Lucía de Tirajana. As the road approaches Temisas, set on a natural balcony, note the terracing up each side of the centre and incised into the valleys below.

The terraces were worked until relatively recently, however, mass tourism on the coast came along with less gruelling, better-paid work, which resulted in a mass exodus from the village.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gran Canaria attractions

1. Observatorio Astronómico de Temisas

0.58 MILES

Located 850m about sea level on the edge of the Caldera de Tirajana, this observatory has guided stargazing visits from Monday to Thursday from 8.30pm to…

2. Fortaleza de Ansite

2.13 MILES

These huge rocks form a natural fortress and constitute one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic sites. It was here that the Guanches' last stand…

3. Cuevas Bermejas

2.35 MILES

Take time to go exploring the cave village along a path here, as well as taking in the stunning views of the valley, made all the more beautiful by the…

4. Ermita de Guayadeque

2.36 MILES

This small and very sweet chapel is contained behind a gate within a cave, with mass held at 12.30pm on the first Sunday of the month.

5. Cocodrilo Park

2.84 MILES

Located near Agüimes, Cocodrilo Park is part zoo and part sanctuary, with the majority of animals being abandoned exotic pets.

6. Centro de Interpretación

3.12 MILES

Occupying a cave at the entrance of the barranco, this large and excellent museum has very informative exhibits explaining the ravine's geology, fauna and…

7. Iglesia de San Sebastián

3.81 MILES

This vast church, with its dome of 12 large windows (symbolising the 12 apostles) and rounded arches, is considered one of the best examples of Canarian…