The rough volcanic topography of Gran Canaria's interior is an ideal location for combining rural tourism in Santa Luca de Tirajana.
This huge municipality, whose capital is the same-named town, is located in the southeast of the island.
The International Windsurfing Centre is located on the coast at Pozo Izquierdo Beach, an international reference in windsurfing. When we get to the municipality's capital, the terrain changes dramatically, becoming a beautiful mountainous setting, such as the Caldera de Tirajana, with protected sites like the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve and the Roque Aguayro Natural Monument.
If we look at its history, we can see that this area has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the archaeological site of the Pozo Izquierdo burial mounds in the coastal area in the Llanos de Tenefé, but Santa Luca de Tirajana, as we know it today, was not founded until the beginning of the 19th century.
Intrigued about the places you can see? Its history can be found in all of the communities that make up the municipality.
Beginning the journey at Santa Lucía, the most iconic structure is the Church, also named after Santa Lucía. This was completed in 1905 and stands out against the landscape with its white façade and dark stone.
The Ermita de San Nicolás de Bari dates back to the 18th century and now serves as the headquarters of Casa de Cultura de Sardina, is arguably one of the oldest buildings in the city. The Molino de Aceite de El Valle features a well-restored historic oil mill and is a good example of typical Canarian architecture.
The heritage of Santa Lucía de Tirajana is not solely historical since the area's wild nature provides us with authentic natural marvels.
The Fortaleza de Ansite is a fantastic example of this, as we can visit the three rocks that make up the site in its interpretive centre: Fortaleza Grande, Fortaleza Chica, and Titana.
On the shore, we have places like the Salinas de Tenefé, which has been designated as a Site of Cultural Interest and an Ethnological Site.
Let us now turn our attention to its food; would you like to learn more about its traditional cuisine? It is, for the most part, very similar to the rest of the island's specialities, including meals like arrugás, various cheeses, and puchero canario (Canary Island stew).
Olives, olive oil, and honey, as well as Ansite wine and Mejunje de Ventura, are among the most popular local goods.
As for the way of life, it is closely related to trade, especially the sale of typical products of the area and handicrafts, especially pottery and traditional basketry. Tourism is also a fundamental part of the island, as every year many travellers visit this Canary Island destination, especially rural tourism in the inland area of the island.
