Other highland rock needles that can be climbed are El Palmés, in El Toscón de Tejeda, Betancuria in Ayacata or Narices, at the foot of the north face of Roque Bentayga. Climbing is restricted on this last rock, because of its archaeological importance.

The rock circus of Ayacata is close to El Nublo, a haven of traditional climbing with the largest number of orthodox routes of various lengths and degrees of difficulty, dotted over the areas known as La Librería, El Frontón del GEC, La Candelilla, and El Montañón. A little further away, El Pino and El Aserrador, offer the highest routes on basalt walls on the Island. 

Arucas

Arucas is the main Town located in the north of Gran Canaria, which is separated from the Capital by the ravine Barranco de Tenoya. It lies in the heart of an exceptionally fertile plain, where the largest and most important banana growing area is found. It has beautiful gardens, such as the Municipal Park with its magnificent collection of colourful flowers and plants.

Arucas is also known as the ‘City of Rum’ because of the Fábrica y Museo del Ron, the biggest sugar cane rum factory in the Canary Islands is located here. The factory was established in 1884 and over 3.5 million litres of rum are produced annually. There is a museum that depicts the history, production process and there are also barrels that have been signed by the eminent tenors Alfredo Kraus and Plácido Domingo as well as the Spanish royal family.

The massive neo-Gothic Parish Church of San Juan Bautista dominates the Town. There are some very interesting historic buildings, mainly indicative of the architectural style of the 19^th Century. This lava-stone Church is also known as the ‘Cathedral of Arucas’, it has a 60m tall tower and is the highest Church tower on the archipelago. The building started in 1909 and was at long last finished in 1977. The more traditionally neo-Gothic interior features superb stained glass windows and retable and a sculpture of Cristo Yacente (the wrestling Christ), the work of a local artist.

The Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square) houses two buildings of immense architectural significance, one of which is the old Town Hall - built in 1875 and totally restored in 1932, and the Municipal Market, which is also worth mentioning due to its size. The striking Municipal Garden, named Jardin de Hespérides is located on the opposite side of this square, a convivial shady area with many species of tropical trees and plants. The Heredad de Aguas de Arucas y Firgas is located on the Calle de la Heredad - a street that surrounds the park. It was constructed in 1908 and currently houses the Water Board.

The volcanic cone - La Montaña de Arucas is located around 1.5km north of Arucas and is the highest peak at 412m. There is an extensive panoramic view of El Puerto de la Luz and the mountains of La Isleta from the top and there is also a restaurant.

The most eye-catching ‘fiesta’ celebrated in this region is the 24^th June, day of the patron Saint San Juan Bautista.

Teror

Teror is a charismatic little Town with some of the finest examples of colonial-style mansions that is located around 11km from Arucas. The Town is most renowned for the Sanctuary of La Virgen del Pino, the patron Saint of the Island and attracts many worshippers. The 18th Century Basilica de la Virgen del Pino (Madonna of the Pine Tree) is the third Church on this particular site – and was devoted to the Virgin Mary in 1515.

The large triple-nave interior of the Basilica features a huge Baroque altar with the ornately clad, wooden carved figure of the Virgin, surrounded by votive gifts and symbols, several religious statues created by Luján Pérez and five of the most important Rococo paintings on the Island.

There is a legend that says in 1481, some shepherds saw a vision of the Virgin Mary on top of a pine tree, and ever since then Nuestra Señora del Pino (Our Lady of the Pines) has played an significant role in the history and the daily life of the citizens of Gran Canaria. The Pope Pius XII proclaimed her patron Saint of the Island in 1914 and the small Town of Teror, with its sanctuary, became the Religious capital of the Island.

The Fiesta de la Virgen del Pino (Feast of Our Lady of the Pines) is celebrated on the 8^th September each year – normally for a week. It is the largest event and the most important Religious festival on the Island; many pilgrims from all over the island go to Teror to worship the Saint.

The square - Plaza Doña Maria Teresa de Bolivar is located close to the Basilica. It was named after the wife of Simon Bolivar – South America’s hero in the fight for independence – whose great-grandfather was born in Teror. The Casa Museo de los Patrones de la Virgen is located at the right of the Church. It is a charismatic building that is set around a courtyard and furnished in a splendid 17^th Century style, exhibiting paintings, weapons, old photographs and antique furniture demonstrating the lifestyle of the aristocracy of that period.

The main square Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pino and the Calle Real de la Plaza Street are lined with impressive historic houses, some date back to the 16th Century and have sumptuously carved wooden and stone balconies. The whole centre of Teror was declared a national monument in 1979, due to its architectural affluence.

A busy lively market takes place every Sunday morning in Teror, where local specialities and sweets made by the nuns of the Cistercian Order can be bought.

Santa Maria de Guía

Santa Maria de Guía is a delightful small Town which was once part of Gáldar. It was here that the well-known and most creative Canary architect and sculptor Luján Pérez grew up. The cobbled streets and traditional houses of the town is dominated by the triple nave parochial Church Iglesia de la Santa María de Guía dating back from 1607, it has a neoclassical façade and houses several significant works from the popular sculptor in its interior.