Join us today as we take a trip back in time and explore the charming town of Teror and the vibrant scene of culture and nature that defines Gran Canaria.
With steadfast mountains looming close and sapphire skies stretching far and wide, Teror exudes a unique tranquil charm. A casual glance and you’ll catch nature’s beauty adorning every corner, setting the spirit free.
Wandering through its narrow streets, we saw brightly colored houses decorated with traditional Spanish balconies. These wide, square balconies, with their intricate designs and ornate railings, add a touch of old-world charm to the town’s traditional architectural landscape. Each building seems to bear the traces of the past, steeped in history and resilience.
At the heart of Teror stands the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine (Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino), a sacred pilgrimage site. Its towering spires and grand façade testify to the town’s deep-rooted religious traditions.
On September 8th, the feast day of Our Lady of the Pine, thousands of pilgrims gather here to honor the Virgin Mary in a celebration known as the Fiesta de la Virgen del Pino. It’s a spectacle of religious ceremonies, processions, and joyous festivities, marking one of the most important events on the island’s cultural calendar. Anyone intrigued can save this date!
Outside the buzz festivities, the town is relatively quiet. As we felt the distant ocean waves echoing through the town, our gaze lifted to its ancient peaks, tenderly caressing the azure sky, like an ever-present silent guardian. Outside the Basilica, a centuries-old pine tree spreads its branches, a symbol of hope and strength, casting a protective shade.
Venture beyond the church, and we found ourselves amidst a rustic countryside, where the distant crowing of roosters and the barking of dogs serenades our senses. Here, the landscape takes on a pastoral charm, with the tree’s branches reaching out over the gentle slopes of the nearby hills.
Just a little further from the streets of Teror lies the entrance to a hiking trail of a different kind—the Barranco del Álamo. Hidden amidst the verdant pathways of the countryside, this trail offers an opportunity to discover the primitive landscape of this island. It sees far fewer visitors than other trails, which makes it a bit wilder and more mysterious.
The trail winds its way through a canyon, with uneven paths flanked by lush vegetation and towering cliffs that evoke a sense of adventure and awe. Along the way, we often find ourselves navigating over fallen tree trunks, traversing rocky terrain, crossing wooden bridges and dense vegetation. As we forge ahead, the whole world shuts down. It’s just us and nature – vibrant greenery, boundless sky, and the path beneath our feet. The intermittent chirping of birds only heighten the sense of tranquility.
If you’re lucky, you may catch occasional glimpses of petite waterfalls and serene ponds nestled within the ravine. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna, including the Canary Island pine and the elusive Barbary ground squirrel.
Emerging from the Barranco del Álamo, we were rewarded by a panorama of rolling green hills dotted with quaint houses, with the lazy gaze of a small cat as our only companion. In the distance, the shimmering sea stretches out before us and a kaleidoscope of colors that mirrors the vibrant hues of the town’s colorful houses.
Tips for your visit:
- Explore Teror: Depending on individual pace, it usually takes a few hours to explore the main attractions in Teror. Don’t miss the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine and the unique balconies adorning the colorful houses. The town’s main market “Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal de Teror” typically takes place on Sundays, where you can explore stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional Canarian delicacies
- Hiking Preparation: Before hiking in Barranco del Álamo, ensure you have appropriate footwear, clothing, and plenty of water. The trail can be rugged, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Depending on your pace and the chosen routes, it typically takes 1.5 – 3 hours to complete the hike. Consider bringing a cell phone (use the route from hiking website) or a GPS device to navigate the trail.
This time, we’re back for another round of saffron paella, because let’s face it, a trip to Spain isn’t complete if indulging in this iconic dish only once. Last time, we tried paella with beef and chicken included. But from what we’ve heard, seafood and fish paella is considered more traditional and authentic in coastal areas. The best place we found for seafood paella is Restaurante El Gaitero. So, think rich, luscious saffron-infused rice, loaded with a generous bounty of seafood and fish. Let’s dive right in!
While the paella is still simmering in the kitchen, we tried out some classic Canary tapas.
First up: “Datiles con Tocino”, known for its tantalizing combination of savory and sweet. It features savory bacon, roasted to crispy perfection, wrapping around a tender, sweet Spanish date.
The Spanish date, also known as “dátil”, has a luscious sweetness with hints of caramel and honey, while the roasted bacon, with its intense flavor and rich fat, boasts a mouthwatering sensation. With each bite, the crispy bacon crackles, with a satisfying crunch in the mouth, and gives way to the decadent, sweet softness of the date – it’s exquisite and unbelievably indulgent!
Next up: Pulpo a la Gallega, a traditional Galician dish featuring tender, boiled octopus, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with dried, smoked paprika powder.
This dish truly showcases the bounty of the sea, with each plump, tender morsel delivering the fresh, briny essence of the ocean in full swing. The octopus itself is big and fat. Compared to the smaller, leaner ones, it tastes softer, juicier and evokes a feeling of luxury and decadence.
The vibrant spice adds a depth of flavor and a touch of heat, nicely complementing the richness of the fatty octopus. It’s a simple but very delicious dish.
It’s been pretty good so far, hasn’t it? But all that was just a prelude! Now the saffron rice, impeccably cooked and brimming with a bounty of fresh seafood.
Every shellfish and mussel is thoroughly washed to ensure maximum freshness. They come in an astonishing variety too – from tender calamari rings to plump king prawns, from succulent fish pieces to adorable baby calamari – you name it, it’s there. In fact, they’re so plentiful that we find it nearly impossible to take a spoonful of rice without uncovering a hidden treasure beneath.
Saffron has a distinctive floral, earthy and slightly sweet flavor. As each grain soaks up its unique aroma and the natural savoriness of the seafood, each mouthful bursts with juicy, luscious flavors. Squeeze some fresh lemon on top to brighten up the deliciousness!
As the sun sets on our leisurely hike today, we’re already dreaming of a laid-back day tomorrow in the vibrant capital, Las Palmas. With its historic landmarks, charming winding streets, and bustling markets, there’s no shortage of things to see there. So, stay tuned for more fascinating sights and delicious discoveries coming your way!
