Gáldar: The Gran Canaria Town They Built On A Volcano

Town on a volcano: Galdar in Gran Canaria Town on a volcano: Galdar in Gran Canaria

History hasn't recorded which maniac decided to build Galdar town on one of Gran Canaria's most recent volcanoes, but the result is there for everyone to see. As a long-term real-estate bet, it's not the greatest, but the houses clinging to the steep sides of the cone certainly liven up the view.

Modern Gáldar is a pretty provincial town of about 25,000 inhabitants and its pretty square, neoclassical buildings and cobbled old streets are worth a wander. The surrounding Gáldar municipality is largely rural and Gáldar town is surrounded by banana plantations.

The Painted Cave


The town's main attraction is the Cueva Pintada or Painted Cave archaeological centre; The island's largest archaeological site. Gáldar was one of Gran Canaria's two pre-Hispanic capitals and you can now visit the excavated parts as well as the famous Cueva Pintada or Painted Cave. Known as the Sistine Chapel of the Canarii, it's decorated with red, white and black dyes in a geometrical pattern of triangles, squares and circles. The entire Cueva Pintada complex is a fascinating trip back in time. 

Other highlights

Gáldar boasts one of the oldest examples of the Drago (dragon tree) in Gran Canaria, documented as early as 1718. You'll find it right in the tourist office at the main square. It's worth pòpping in even if you don't need any information just to see the spiral ceiling in the theatre next door.

Gáldar's proud history gives the locals a strong sense of identity and they are a friendly bunch. It's a stronghold of the traditional sport of Canary wrestling; a spectacle well worth seeking out if you are in town for a few days.

The local market, indoors on the main street of the historical town, has an excellent selection of local cheeses and the huge range of exotic fruit grown on the surrounding farms. Look out for local pineapples as well as mangos, papayas and oranges. Ask for Flor de Guia cheese in the market or local bars and restaurants. It's made with thistle juice rather than rennet so veggies can gorge.

The beast

The rocky Galdar coastline has a dozen classy waves, but El Frontón, known as The Beast, is Europe's most powerful bodyboard wave; it breaks boards and arms just for fun and makes Hawaiian surfers think twice. The wave is strictly for locals and expert bodyboarders, but it's a fantastic spectacle for everyone. Drive from Galdar down to the coast and head east along the track to here.

Diving

Tiny Sardina de Gáldar is the centre of the world for local Gran Canaria divers; Its clear, calm waters are one of the best places in Europe to spot angel sharks along with the Gran Canaria regulars like bream, parrotfish and porgies.

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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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