Top 16 Caves around Agaete
Best caves around Agaete, a municipality on the northwest coast of Gran Canaria, offers a unique opportunity to explore the island's rich history and geological formations. The area features significant archaeological sites, providing insights into the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Gran Canaria. Visitors can discover ancient cave dwellings, storage silos, and rare rock paintings. This region serves as a gateway to understanding the island's past through its distinctive cave systems.
Best caves around Agaete
- The most popular caves is Caballero Caves, a cave that consists of seven cavities, with six being artificial. These caves were likely used as cave houses or places of worship in ancient times. They offer magnificent views over the Bentayga and the Nublo basin.
- Another must-see spot is Roque Bentayga, a natural monument and historical site with cave elements. This distinctive stone monolith was used by the old Canarians as a religious center. Remains of ancient plant structures and stone walls are preserved, offering insights into its historical significance.
- Visitors also love Cave of Las Moriscas, an ancient Canarian site where a rectangular room with silos was dug out of a natural tufa cave. It provides a tangible link to the daily lives and storage practices of the island's early inhabitants.
- Agaete is known for archaeological cave sites, ancient cave houses, and historical granaries. These sites offer a variety of historical and geological formations to see and explore.
- The caves around Agaete are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 217 upvotes and 104 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Caballero Caves
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Roque Bentayga
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The Bentayga is on the road between Ayacata and Tejeda and is easy to reach by car.
The rocks of the Bentayga group include other monoliths, the Roque Camello (also called Andes del Tabacalete), the Cuevas del Rey and el Roquete, which are distributed on an east-west axis of 2 kilometers.
The Bentayga is 1404 meters high and rises about 600 meters from the surrounding valleys of the Barranco of Tejeda and Espinillo. Seen from the west side in the image below.
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Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park
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Cave of Las Moriscas
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"CAVE OF THE MORISCAS
The cave is located in Los Llanos de Las Moriscas, Agaete.
The ancient Canarians dug a rectangular one out of a natural tufa cave
Room dug with silos.
It was later used for cattle breeding.
Note: Silos (or granaries) are cavities where excess grain was stored.
WE RESPECT AND CARE FOR OURSELVES
HERITAGE!" (Source: note in cave, see photo 🤓)
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Berbique Caves Archaeological Site
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You can still explore some of them today
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Tips from the Community
People actually used to live in these caves: https://toponimograncanaria.blogspot.com/2012/04/berbique-cuevas-de-agaete.html You can still explore some of them today
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They are an archaeological complex made up of twelve natural caves, most of which were adapted to be habitable through their chiseling. These caves are distributed along a south-facing platform, which protects them from the northern trade winds and offers beautiful views over the Bentayga and the Cuenca del Nublo.
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In front of the cave there is a small stone wall that prevents direct access from the path. We accepted this "sign" and did not enter the cave, even though it is possible to do so via a side crossing...
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The archaeological hiking trail on the Roque Bentayga offers not only a museum and great views but also impressions of the historical religious place of worship.
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There is a free visitor center at Roque Bentayga - with parking. From there you can walk up the Bentaga in a few minutes, which was used as a religious place of worship. Great views from this impressive and historic mountain in the middle of the crater. Hikers should note that the access road is only open during opening hours. There are two barriers that are otherwise closed. Below the first barrier there are some parking spaces at the road junction.
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Several caves can be visited here. However, the path there is arduous and slippery. However, it is clearly visible on the hiking map.
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The museum is located in the historic center of the town of Gáldar. Its mission is to protect the historical sites there, to conduct scientific research and to communicate the findings to the general public. The institution is named after the Cueva Pintada (painted cave), which was probably created in the 7th century AD by the island's original inhabitants, the Canarios. This cave was forgotten and buried after the conquest of the Canary Islands in the 15th century. It was only rediscovered in the second half of the 19th century. Its cultural and historical significance was already recognized by foreign experts at that time. It was not until the 1970s that a detailed scientific study of the cave began. After the site was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1972, it was protected against environmental influences, which caused damage, among other things, from the irrigation of the surrounding fields. In 1982, access to the cave was closed to the public and in 1987 excavations began in the surrounding area. They revealed that the cave was not an isolated object, but part of a prehistoric settlement with more than 50 houses and other caves. To protect the site, construction began on a new type of museum. An area of 5700 m² was covered. Visitors now have the opportunity to walk through and view the archaeological site on footbridges. Reconstructed aboriginal dwellings were set up and exhibition, information and laboratory rooms were created. The new museum was opened in 2006. It displays objects found on site in separate exhibition rooms, such as pintaderas, statuettes, everyday objects and jewelry made of various materials.
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The museum is more than just the painted cave. it is an archaeological park with real excavation sites where you can imagine what the oldest city in Gran Canaria looked like in indigenous times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of caves can I explore around Agaete?
The caves around Agaete are primarily significant for their archaeological and historical value, offering a glimpse into the lives of Gran Canaria's pre-Hispanic aboriginal inhabitants. You'll find ancient cave dwellings, granaries, and sites with rock art. Notable examples include the Caballero Caves, which were likely used as cave houses or places of worship, and the Cave of Las Moriscas, an ancient Canarian site with silos dug out of natural tufa.
Are there any family-friendly cave experiences in the area?
Yes, the Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park in Gáldar, not far from Agaete, is an excellent family-friendly option. It offers an immersive experience into the island's indigenous history with archaeological excavations, reconstructed aboriginal dwellings, and the famous painted cave itself. It's a great way to learn about the past in an engaging environment.
What is the historical significance of the caves near Agaete?
The caves hold immense historical significance as they were inhabited by the aboriginal people of Gran Canaria. Sites like the Caseríos del Sao y El Hornillo and the Cave Dwellings of El Juncal and del Moro served as ancient dwellings. The Berbique Caves Archaeological Site and the Cave Dwellings of Visvique or Berbique are distinguished by silos carved into the rock, highlighting their use for storage and agricultural purposes. These sites provide a direct link to the island's pre-Hispanic past.
Can I go hiking near the caves around Agaete?
Absolutely! The region around Agaete offers numerous opportunities for hiking. You can explore trails that lead to or pass by some of these historical cave sites. For more detailed routes, check out the Mountain Hikes around Agaete guide, which includes routes like the moderate 'Degollada Abejera – Era del Cardon loop from Agaete'.
Are there any challenging cave explorations for experienced adventurers?
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Berbique Caves Archaeological Site is noted as challenging to access, with arduous and slippery paths. Similarly, the Roque Bentayga, a natural monument with cave elements, involves a short but challenging ascent that requires a head for heights. These sites offer a rugged exploration opportunity.
What other outdoor activities are available near the Agaete caves?
Beyond hiking, the area around Agaete is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes for mountain biking and gravel biking. Explore options in the MTB Trails around Agaete guide or the Gravel biking around Agaete guide for routes that combine scenic views with physical activity.
What should I bring when exploring the caves?
When exploring the caves, especially those that are more archaeological or less developed, it's advisable to wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain. A headlamp or flashlight can be useful for darker sections. Always carry water, sun protection, and a map or GPS device, especially if venturing into less-marked areas. Respect the historical sites by not disturbing any artifacts or structures.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves in Agaete?
Gran Canaria generally enjoys a mild climate year-round, making the caves accessible in most seasons. However, visiting during the cooler months from October to May might be more comfortable for outdoor exploration and hiking, as summer temperatures can be quite warm. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Are there any caves with notable viewpoints?
Yes, the Caballero Caves offer magnificent views over the Bentayga and the Nublo basin. Additionally, the area around the Roque Bentayga, a significant natural monument with cave elements, provides stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Where can I find more information about the Caseríos del Sao y El Hornillo cave dwellings?
The Caseríos del Sao y El Hornillo are groups of cave houses drilled into the cliffs, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. While they are currently in a state of semi-abandonment, their historical context as ancient dwellings makes them noteworthy. You can find more information about these specific cave dwellings on the Visit Agaete website.
Are there any caves that are difficult to access but historically significant?
Yes, the Berbique Caves, located along a path from San Pedro to Tamadaba, are described as pre-Hispanic caves that are difficult to access and in a state of abandonment. Despite the challenging terrain, their historical significance as ancient sites remains, and the area also offers panoramic views. You can find more details about the Era de Berbique on the Visit Agaete website.
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