Canarias.app travel guide · Gran Canaria
Agüimes: historic old town, sculptures and gateway to Guayadeque
Agüimes is a historic town in the south-east of Gran Canaria and one of the island’s most attractive old quarters. A visit centres on Plaza del Rosario, the church-temple of San Sebastián, its urban sculptures and the natural connection with Barranco de Guayadeque.
An old town with character
Agüimes offers one of the most enjoyable urban visits in south-east Gran Canaria. Its historic centre has a carefully preserved scale, quiet streets, traditional façades and squares that are best explored without hurry. This is a place for noticing details, not for ticking off a long list of monuments.
Plaza del Rosario and San Sebastián
Plaza del Rosario is the natural centre of the visit. Beside it stands the church-temple of San Sebastián, one of the municipality’s key heritage landmarks. Together, they help explain Agüimes’ historical weight and its role as a main town of the south-east before the route continues towards the ravine landscape.
Urban sculptures and camels
One of Agüimes’ most recognisable features is its collection of sculptures dotted through the old town, including the camel figures many visitors immediately associate with the place. Far from being mere decoration, these pieces give rhythm to the walk and make the visit especially photogenic.
Gateway to Guayadeque and Arinaga
Agüimes is also a natural gateway to Barranco de Guayadeque, one of Gran Canaria’s great archaeological and natural landscapes. If the day calls for contrast, you can combine the old town with Guayadeque and finish near the coast at Arinaga, where the south-east reveals another side of the island.
FAQ
Questions about Agüimes
What should you see in Agüimes on a first visit?
The essentials are to walk through the historic centre, visit Plaza del Rosario, see the church of San Sebastián, look for the urban sculptures and, if time allows, continue towards Guayadeque.
Is Agüimes one of the prettiest towns in Gran Canaria?
Yes. Thanks to its preserved old town, human scale and strong heritage character, Agüimes is usually among the most recommended village and town visits in Gran Canaria.
What is the link between Agüimes and Guayadeque?
Agüimes is one of the natural gateways to Barranco de Guayadeque, a key landscape for understanding the history, geology and traditional life of the island’s south-east.
Can Agüimes be combined with Arinaga beach?
Yes. It is a logical combination: historic centre in the morning or afternoon, Guayadeque for the inland landscape and Arinaga to end the route by the sea.
Make the most of your visit
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