What to see in Firgas, Gran Canaria

Firgas Gran Canaria, the balcony of the Atlantic and the water town

Firgas is one of the smallest and most charming municipalities in the north of Gran Canaria. It is situated about 500 meters above sea level, between green ravines and banana valleys, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean that have earned it the nickname of balcony of the Atlantic. Its history is linked to water from its origins: the municipality founded in 1488 constructed ditches, mills, and spas making use of the aquatic wealth of its ravines. Therefore, today water remains the most recognizable element of the town, literally sculpted in its streets in the form of waterfalls and mosaics. Also see the map of the municipalities of Gran Canaria to help you navigate the island.

The Gran Canaria Walkway and the Canarias Walkway

The Gran Canaria Walkway is the main attraction of the municipality and one of the most photographed images of the interior of the north of Gran Canaria. It occupies what was the old Real street of the Center and makes use of the natural slope of the terrain to create a 30-meter waterfall in stone through which water flows constantly. On the sides of the staircase, Sevillian tiles represent the 22 heraldic coats of arms of all the municipalities of Gran Canaria, along with the insular coat of arms. Walking through it is, in a way, touring the entire island in just a few minutes.

Just above, the Canarias Walkway follows the same spirit but with a different theme: the ground has the map of each of the seven main islands of the archipelago sculpted in relief, with their coats of arms and a representative landscape of each. Both walkways are freely accessible and are right in the town center, so there is no need to divert to see them.

The Conde Mill

The Water Mill of Firgas — also called Conde Mill — is the oldest working water mill in Canary Islands. It was built in 1512, more than five centuries ago, on the waterway of the Heritage of Waters of Arucas and Firgas. Due to its historical value, it was declared Cultural Heritage of Interest and restored in 1998. Today it continues to operate and can be visited along with the old grain store, the roaster, and the miller's house. Visiting hours are until 14:30 in winter and until 13:30 in summer.

The mill complex is a very complete example of the traditional agricultural infrastructure of Gran Canaria and allows understanding how the production of gofio worked on the island for centuries.

The Azuaje Ravine

The Azuaje Ravine is the most important natural space in the municipality and one of the best-preserved ravines in the north of Gran CanariaDeclared a Natural Monument, housing one of the best examples of gallery forest on the island, with Canarian willows, dragos, and palm trees growing along the creek. Additionally, thermal springs flow from its waters that in the 19th century gave rise to a popular spa. The spa no longer exists, but the water continues to flow and the ravine's environment has great natural beauty.

The path that runs through the ravine is of low difficulty and allows you to walk among the riverside vegetation for about 40 minutes. It is therefore one of the calmest and most pleasant hiking routes in the north of Gran Canaria, especially in the hotter months.

The historic center

The center of Firgas is small and can be traversed on foot in no time. The Plaza de San Roque is the heart of the village, with the Church of San Roque founded in 1845, the City Council in neo-Canarian style from the 1940s and a viewpoint with direct views of the ocean and the northern coast of Gran Canaria. Next to the square stands the House of Culture, the most emblematic building of the municipality: built in 1870 as a hotel and inn for the clients of the Azuaje spa, it now houses the municipal library, an exhibition hall, and an auditorium.

Additionally, in the town center, you can see the Commemorative Fountain of the 500 years of the Foundation of Firgas, a stone monument that recalls the origins of the municipality in 1488.

Watercress and gastronomy

Firgas is known in Gran Canaria for the quality of its watercress. The gardens of the municipality — called Las Berreras — produce high-quality watercress that supplies markets and restaurants throughout the island. Therefore, the watercress stew is the most representative dish of local cuisine and appears in almost every restaurant in the municipality.

In addition to the stews, the restaurants and grills of Firgas are well known in the north of the island for their grilled meats. The Los Chorros Restaurant, the Marcos’ Corner — specialized in watercress — and Las Brasas are the most valued references by locals.

How to get to Firgas

Firgas is about 28 kilometers from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria via the GC-3 and GC-30 roads (approximately 35-40 minutes by car). The municipality does not have a direct access highway, so the road is winding. By public transport, the line 204 of Global connects Las Palmas with Firgas, although the journey takes more than an hour. It is recommended to have your own car to visit the ravine and the surroundings. Also see the map of the municipalities of Gran Canaria to help you navigate the island.