Teror and its rural secrets

Teror – Fuente de Agua de Teror – Barranco del Álamo – Paisaje Protegido de Pino Santo – Lomo del Espartero – Charcas de San Lorenzo – San José del Álamo

Route Start.

The town of Teror is one of the most culturally distinctive in Gran Canaria. Its historic center, declared a site of cultural interest, is home to the renowned Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino,patron saint of the island. Her devotion deeply shapes the island’s religious and festive culture. The basilica is a notable example of Canarian religious architecture and houses a 15th-century statue of the Virgin. Every September 8th, thousands of pilgrims walk from all corners of the island to Teror, creating a unique spiritual atmosphere. The town is also known for its traditional wooden balconies, its lively Sunday market, and for being a symbolic starting point for hiking trails that follow ancient transhumance and pilgrimage paths. Starting the hike here means beginning at the cultural and spiritual heart of Gran Canaria.

Close to the Route.

The Fuente Agria of Teror is one of the island’s most famous natural springs, known not only for its historical importance but also for the bottled water brand “Aguas de Teror.” This spring, located near the Barranco del Álamo, has been used for centuries by local residents. Its mineral content and distinctive taste have made it widely known throughout Gran Canaria. Over time, this natural resource has shaped the surrounding agricultural and social landscape. For hikers, it serves as an interpretive point to learn about traditional water use, irrigation systems, and the relationship between people and the environment in the humid northern region of the island.

Passing through the route.
This lush ravine is part of an ecological corridor between Teror and the midlands of Las Palmas. The trail that passes through it has recently been restored and is considered part of the island’s historic footpath heritage. Its slopes are covered with cane, remnant laurel forest, and water-loving vegetation. Along the way, hikers will cross old bridges, dry stone walls, and narrow passes that reflect its past as a communication route between agricultural estates. It’s a prime example of a northern Gran Canaria ravine, with remarkable biodiversity and an environment that invites quiet observation. It's also an ideal location to discuss agricultural traditions, water management, and changes in land use over time.

70% of the Route Passes Through It.

The Pino Santo Protected Landscape is one of the natural treasures of northern Gran Canaria. This area has been designated protected due to its ecological, scenic, and cultural value. It encompasses a broad expanse of midland terrain where wild nature coexists with traditional agricultural practices. The area is characterized by a mosaic of ravines, hills, and slopes covered with native vegetation, fruit trees, palm groves, old terraces, and royal trails. From the path, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of this human-shaped landscape, which reflects centuries of interaction between people and nature. It is an ideal place to discuss landscape multifunctionality, sustainable land management, and the importance of preserving midland zones as green corridors connecting mountains and coast. Its inclusion in this hike adds both ecological and educational value, especially regarding birdwatching and native plant biodiversity.

Passing through the route.
Lomo del Espartero is one of the most prominent elevations along the middle section of the route between Teror and San José del Álamo. This location offers panoramic views of the Guiniguada and Pino Santo valleys and features a mid-mountain landscape dotted with rural homes, disused terraces, and stone walls—testaments to the area’s agricultural past. Its name refers to the historical presence of esparto grass, a plant traditionally used to make ropes, mats, and baskets—staples of local rural life.
Beyond its scenic value, Lomo del Espartero is a great spot to interpret the scattered settlement pattern characteristic of Gran Canaria’s midlands. Here, one can observe how the terrain has historically shaped settlement, roads, and farming practices. It’s also an ideal location for a break and to reflect on the transition from Teror’s rural setting to the more forested areas near the route’s end.

Near the Route.
Close to the San Lorenzo neighborhood are several ponds and traditional hydraulic structures associated with agriculture and urban water supply. These small dams and reservoirs are part of the island’s traditional water engineering, based on springs, water dividers (cantoneras), and stone channels. They illustrate Gran Canaria’s historic struggle to secure water and its strategic importance in the island’s humid midlands.

Passing through the route.
This natural setting, a transition zone between rural and forested environments, is home to the recreational area that marks the end of the hike. Surrounded by pine forests, farmland, and old livestock trails, San José del Álamo is an example of a well-integrated public space. It offers an opportunity to discuss the social use of landscapes, nature-related recreation, and the potential of the midlands as a connecting zone between urban life and the countryside.