The short version: If you want to escape the cloudy, crowded resorts of Maspalomas, Agüimes is absolutely worth the 30-minute drive. It is a sunny, historic inland town with a massive neoclassical church, quirky metal street art, and quiet plazas. It feels like a real Canarian town where people actually live, rather than a purpose-built tourist bubble.
On this page9 sections
- How do you get to Agüimes from Maspalomas?
- What makes the Agüimes old town feel so different?
- Why is the Parroquia de San Sebastián so massive?
- Where can you find the best street art in Agüimes?
- Where can you get a coffee in Agüimes?
- How much time do you need to spend in Agüimes?
- Is Agüimes a better day trip than Maspalomas?
- Where to stay in Agüimes and Ingenio
- Frequently asked questions
Forget the usual tourist hustle of Gran Canaria. Agüimes sits in the southeast of the island, half an hour inland from Maspalomas, and it’s a working town rather than a resort. It has a compact old centre, a church far too big for it, and metal sculptures that’ll have you convinced there’s a real donkey up ahead.
How do you get to Agüimes from Maspalomas?
Getting to Agüimes is an easy 30-minute drive from the southern resorts like Maspalomas. You simply head up the GC-1 motorway past the airport, where the coastal clouds usually break into clear blue skies, and follow the well-marked road uphill to the town’s free parking areas.
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Reaching Agüimes is a breeze. If you’re coming from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, hop on the GC-1 and exit towards Carrizal to join the GC-191. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes. You can also take bus line 11 from the San Telmo bus station, which takes about an hour.
Just a heads up: parking was the easy part. I followed Google to a spot by the old town and there was actually a space. When does that ever happen? There’s plenty of free parking around town. I went mid-morning, when delivery vans were already buzzing about, and I’d guess the afternoons get busier.
What makes the Agüimes old town feel so different?
Unlike the purpose-built holiday zones in the south, the Agüimes old town (Casco Histórico) is a real residential town, and a well-kept one. The streets are clean and the old buildings have been properly looked after. It’s quiet, colourful and full of little courtyards, right down to the locals’ cars parked in the historic squares.
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Start your journey at the Historic Centre Interpretation Centre. Housed in a former hermitage, this museum tells the story of Agüimes from its earliest days. You’ll see how the town grew and changed over time, and even get a glimpse of pre-Hispanic ruins beneath the building. Outside, check out the sculpture of Princess Catalina Hernández de Guanarteme, a nod to the island’s indigenous roots.
Wander down Calle Sol, where you’ll find the Casa de Don Higinio Melian, an 18th-century mansion that’s now the Equality Centre. A bit further on is the Hotel Villa de Agüimes, a building with a colorful past – it’s been a doctor’s house, a prison, and even the Town Hall!
Why is the Parroquia de San Sebastián so massive?
The Parroquia de San Sebastián is far bigger than a town this size needs, because in old Spanish towns the church was the centre of everything. This neoclassical one is a national monument and dominates the Agüimes skyline. It’s named after Saint Sebastian, the one the Romans shot full of arrows. He survived that, then got clubbed to death. I’d take the arrows.
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You can’t miss the impressive Temple of San Sebastián. This neoclassical church is a national monument, and inside you’ll find works by famous Canarian sculptor Luján Pérez.
Just opposite the church, find respite in the charming Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Lined with swaying trees and elegant colonial-style buildings, this square offers a tranquil space to relax, people-watch, and soak up the local life.
In the square dedicated to local writer Orlando Hernández Martín, you’ll find the “Tribute to Music” sculpture. It plays classical tunes throughout the day, adding to the chilled-out atmosphere.
Where can you find the best street art in Agüimes?
As you wander the narrow, colorful alleys around Plaza de Santo Domingo, you will spot peculiar metal sculptures scattered throughout the town. These quirky artworks include life-sized donkeys, dogs, and even outdoor furniture, giving Agüimes a unique artistic character.
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Head into the Santo Domingo neighborhood, where you can soak up the local vibe. Sadly, the original hermitage and convent were destroyed by fire in 1887, but the area still has a historic feel.
From Plaza Santo Domingo, follow Antonio Vicente González Street (there’s a sculpture of him, too!). Then, take a stroll down Guayadeque Alley for awesome views of the Guayadeque Ravine.
As you walk back to Plaza del Rosario, you’ll see the Roque Aguayro Natural Monument in the distance – a volcanic rock formation that’s pretty impressive.
On Calle Progreso, you’ll come across the Hotel Casa de los Camellos, a former farmhouse that gives you a glimpse into the island’s agricultural past.
Keep an eye out for quirky sculptures in the alleys of La Vegueta, like “El Camello.” Finally, head to Parque de los Moros, where you’ll find the Episcopal Palace and the Agüimes History Museum.
And if you’re craving a truly unique experience, venture into the Guayadeque Ravine. This spectacular natural wonder, recognized for its immense natural and cultural significance, is famous for its cave houses, many of which are still inhabited, offering a glimpse into a traditional way of life that has endured for centuries. Explore the Barranco de Guayadeque Interpretation Centre to delve into the area’s rich history and archaeology, or indulge in a meal at one of the cave restaurants serving up mouthwatering authentic Canarian cuisine.
Not far from Guayadeque, you’ll find the Barranco de Barafonso, also known as the Las Vacas ravine. Prepare to be amazed by its vibrant and colorful tuffs, adding a splash of artistry to the already stunning landscape.
Where can you get a coffee in Agüimes?
Agüimes is mostly residential, so there aren’t loads of bars and restaurants, but there are some. You’ll spot them by their signage: many use the same illustrated style, which is brilliant and makes them easy to pick out.
I stopped for a coffee in the sun, then wandered into Plaza de Santo Domingo. There’s a little fountain there where the water smells fresh. It might be spring-fed, though nothing tells you either way.
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How much time do you need to spend in Agüimes?
You only need about one to two hours to fully explore the historic centre. Agüimes is quite compact, and as I found on my walk, you can easily cover the main squares, the church, and the surrounding alleys in under 4,000 steps. It makes for a perfect morning trip. You can drive up, grab a coffee in the sun, wander the quiet streets, and still have the whole afternoon free for the coast or further mountain drives.
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Is Agüimes a better day trip than Maspalomas?
Yes, if you want an authentic Canarian experience. While Maspalomas is famous for its dunes, it is often overcrowded and surprisingly cloudy. Agüimes offers a sunny, peaceful escape where you can grab a local coffee in a quiet courtyard without the tourist-trap atmosphere.
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Agüimes is small, clean and lived-in. The church is too big for it, the sculptures fool you, and the cars park exactly where you’d rather they didn’t. It was a last-minute call, since I’d planned a beach day and the weather changed that, and I’m glad it did. If Maspalomas is grey, drive inland.
P.S. There’s actually a replica of Agüimes, complete with a mini Church of San Sebastián, at the Lopesan Costa Meloneras Hotel in Maspalomas!
Where to stay in Agüimes and Ingenio
If you actually want to understand Gran Canaria beyond the neon-lit buffets and concrete towers of the southern coast, staying inland here is the ultimate antidote. You are swapping artificial resort blocks for traditional architecture that has survived centuries. The accommodation options here do not cater to mass tourism, and that is exactly why they are worth it.
Your main choice is between embedding yourself directly in the historic core or retreating slightly into the raw landscape. In the center of town, you will find beautifully restored manor houses and heritage buildings where original stone walls and open-air courtyards have been preserved. It is a slow-paced, atmospheric base where you wake up to the sound of real life, not a tour bus backing up.
For those who want complete isolation, the surrounding ravines and valleys offer converted farmhouses and rural eco-lodges. They are rustic, fiercely independent, and offer front-row seats to the island’s dramatic volcanic topography. It is not about luxury thread counts or swim-up bars; it is about character, stillness, and a genuine sense of place.
Frequently asked questions
How do you escape the Maspalomas tourist trap?
The best way to escape the busy resorts and cloudy coastal weather of Maspalomas is to drive inland. Towns like Agüimes are only a 30-minute drive away, offering clear blue skies, authentic local coffee culture, and quiet historic streets.
Where is the best place to park in Agüimes?
Finding parking is very straightforward. There is a short, well-marked road leading uphill into the town where you can typically find plenty of free parking spaces just outside the main Casco Histórico.
What is the weather like in Agüimes compared to the coast?
While the southern coast around Maspalomas can often get trapped under a thick layer of grey cloud, driving just slightly inland past the airport to Agüimes usually rewards you with bright, clear blue skies and warm sunshine.
Are the historic squares in Agüimes pedestrianised?
Unfortunately, no. Because Agüimes is a real, working town and not just a tourist museum, you will see local cars driving through and parked directly in some of the most picturesque historic courtyards.
What are the metal sculptures in Agüimes?
They’re scattered all over the old town, and they catch you out. I genuinely thought one was a real donkey. There are life-sized dogs, a full metal table-and-chair set near Plaza de Santo Domingo, and statues of local figures, at least one pair with nothing telling you who they are.