Did you know that Gran Canaria’s first capital wasn’t what most people imagine today? Centuries before any European explorer set foot on these shores, the island’s social and political heart beat up north in Agaldar, now known as Gáldar.
Here, life was vibrant and full of meaning. The Guanarteme, the aboriginal king, led his people, protected their traditions, and shaped a legacy that waited quietly beneath the surface. Generation after generation, these stories slipped into silence until one extraordinary discovery brought them all back to life.
The Painted Cave in Gáldar is more than just an archaeological wonder. It’s a doorway to the very roots of Canarian culture, inviting curious travellers and families alike to step into history and truly feel the essence of the island. And after a day of exploration, there’s something special about returning to the comfort of your hotel, knowing that your adventure can continue. With the selection of Dunas Hotels & Resorts from lively family resorts to peaceful adults-only retreats, you’ll always find the right place to unwind and recharge for every new experience ahead.
A treasure that rewrote history
Nestled in the heart of Gáldar, a twist of fate in 1862 brought to light one of the Canary Islands’ most extraordinary pre-Hispanic secrets: the Painted Cave.
For centuries it had slept under layers of earth and time. When revealed, it stunned the world with its vivid geometric murals, artworks created by the island’s first inhabitants long before the arrival of Europeans.
The Painted Cave is not simply a cavern. It is an entire ancient settlement complete with houses, storage silos and interconnected chambers, making it the largest indigenous village discovered in the Canaries to date.
Thanks to relentless archaeological work led by experts and backed by institutions like the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the site is now home to the island’s most important archaeological museum.
Murals as messages: A glimpse into an ancient mindset
The wall paintings here truly are one of a kind. Their repeated diamonds and triangles still intrigue researchers today. Some believe they depict the rhythm of agricultural cycles, the fertility of the land or perhaps even celestial maps drawn by the island’s first astronomers.
Painted in natural pigments onto volcanic tuff, they reveal a society with both artistic skill and scientific curiosity, living in balance with its surroundings.
Thanks to painstaking preservation efforts by the Museum and Archaeological Park, these striking panels can be admired in nearly the same state they were left hundreds of years ago. They are a living window into the aboriginal history of Gran Canaria.
A visit you’ll never forget
Visiting the Painted Cave isn’t just a museum trip, it’s a step back in time. Here you can stroll through the remains of the original settlement, enter reconstructed houses, and explore multimedia exhibits that bring ancient daily life vividly to the surface.
- Getting there: Right in Gáldar’s centre, the site is easy to reach from anywhere on the island. If you are coming by car from Las Palmas, take the GC‑2 and you will be there in about 30 minutes. From family-friendly hotels in Gran Canaria, follow GC‑1 to GC‑3 and arrive in just over an hour. Prefer public transport? Bus line 100 stops a short 10‑minute walk from the site.
- Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00 (last guided tour at 16:30); Sundays and public holidays, 11:00–18:00. Summer times may vary.
- Tickets: Booking in advance online is advised, as visitor numbers are limited to protect the site.
- Family appeal: Expect hands-on workshops, educational games and child‑friendly activities throughout the year.
One of the highlights is a glass‑panelled tunnel that lets you see the original cave and paintings while maintaining perfect preservation conditions. Knowledgeable guides tailor their explanations for different ages, making the experience engaging for all.
A heritage that shapes Gran Canaria
Designated a Historic Heritage Site and Cultural Interest Asset since 1972, the Painted Cave is more than an archaeological wonder. It is a cornerstone of Canarian identity. By visiting, you not only experience its beauty but also contribute to its preservation, helping to protect this unique pre-Hispanic legacy for generations to come.
The museum works closely with universities and international experts, ensuring every detail we learn is accurate and every measure of conservation meets the highest standards.
Add it to your itinerary
If you are seeking an experience that offers more than beaches and sunshine, the Painted Cave should be at the top of your list. It will transform how you see Gran Canaria and after stepping back through centuries of history, nothing beats returning to a place where you feel at home.
With the wide choice of Dunas Hotels & Resort, from vibrant family-friendly hotels with activities for all ages to peaceful adults-only escapes where tranquility reigns, you’ll find the perfect base to explore the island’s treasures by day and unwind in comfort by night. It’s the kind of journey that stays with you long after the holiday ends.
