Are you planning a visit to San Mateo in Gran Canaria and you wonder what you can discover in this charming town? From its picturesque old town with its famous market and other active tourism activities that take us to the island summit. First of all, you should know that it is a fairly cool area. Especially in winter when temperatures can around 10 degrees. This municipality offers a perfect mix of culture, history and nature that you don't want to miss. Below we tell you, what to see in San Mateo, Gran Canaria. Here we go!
What to see in San Mateo, Gran Canaria
Next, we share the list of essential things to do in Vega de San Mateo, official name of this town in Gran Canaria.
1) Old town of Vega de San Mateo and its famous market
The heart of the Vega de San Mateo is found in its historical Center. Here we recommend a walk through its Cobbled streets to appreciate the traditional canarian architecture, visiting the church of San Mateo Apóstol and the San Mateo market where you can try to buy and taste local products on site.
In its old town you can also visit a mill canary gofio. Additionally, you can purchase it in this same place. Also note the famous San Mateo pilgrimage celebrated every September 20, One pilgrimages in Gran Canaria more traditional
2) Mirador Del Pico of the wells of Las Nieves
For lovers of panoramic views, the Viewpoint of the Pico de los Pozos de las Nieves, popularly known as the Pico de Las Nieves viewpoint. It offers impressive views of the island and, above all, of the Roque Nublo. It is the ideal place to appreciate the contrasts in the landscapes that Gran Canaria offers. In addition to the Cloud, offers views of Tenerife, the Canarian pine forest of the Nublo Rural Park and from here too you can see some beautiful sunsets. Yes, as long as the fog allows it, as it is usually very common in this area of the summit of Gran Canaria.
Just a few steps from the previous viewpoint you can visit the Mirador and the Morro de la Agujereada, highest peak in Gran Canaria with 1.956 meters of altitude. From here you will also have beautiful views on clear days. Although this point belongs to the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, but you have it next door. The same thing happens with the Gañifa Window o Morro Window that you can visit just a few minutes walk away.
3) Llanos de Ana López, recreational area in San Mateo
The Llanos de Ana López is one of recreational areas in Gran Canaria which we recommend, perfect for a day of picnic, barbecue or simply to enjoy the outdoors. It has bathrooms, water, barbecue pits, picnic areas and parking.
There are other recreational areas in San Mateo such as La Lechucilla and El Calero, but the one in Llanos de Ana López is the largest and most complete.
4) Pozo de Nieve Grande, Vega de San Mateo what to see
El Big Snow Pit, located at 1.900 meters, is a must visit if you want to discover part of the history of Gran Canaria. This was the first snow well in the Canary Islands, built in 1694. Wells like this were used for store snow and ice for use during warmer months. We recommend you come and read the entire story about how the muleteers transported the snow to the Cathedral in a six-hour journey. It was then stored in the Cathedral ice cream parlor and it was distributed among the wealthiest and sickest until the ice factories arrived.
5) Pico de la Gorra Forest House, viewpoints to see in San Mateo
Just a few minutes from the Pozo de Nieve Grande, you can jump into the Alto de La Gorra Viewpoint and the famous Pico de la Gorra Forest Hut. From here you will have some brutal views of the island, including the east coast of Gran Canaria. The photo we show you below was a very foggy day, something very common in our mountains, but you may have better luck.
There are others places to see in Vega de San Mateo like the towns of Las Lagunetas and Utiaca. Also beautiful trails like the one that runs through the Mina ravine and that we hope to be able to share with you very soon here and in our Instagram @welovegrancanaria. As you can see, San Mateo is a destination that you cannot miss if you want to discover the most authentic side of Gran Canaria. Now we come with more recommendations on where to eat and rural houses in San Mateo for your next getaway.
Restaurants in San Mateo
After a day exploring, nothing better than enjoying one of the San Mateo restaurants that we recommend. To enjoy good Canarian gastronomy and homemade food in general, we recommend the bochinches La Montaña Winery (La Solana and only open seasonally), The Heir (near La Lechuza) and Guachinche The Manicomio (historical Center).
You can discover more gossip in Gran Canaria in our detailed blog article. As you can see, many are in the municipality of San Mateo.
Accommodation in Vega de San Mateo, Gran Canaria
As for accommodation, if you are looking for a rural house in San Mateo, Gran Canaria, there are numerous options. For example, Villa Mica with pool. If you prefer, another option is the Las Calas rural hotel, one of the most demanded in the Vega de San Mateo. Next, you can see all the houses and rural accommodations offered by Vega de San Mateo on the Booking page.
Gran Canaria Guides
To know for yourself what to see in Gran Canaria and explore the island to the fullest, don't forget to consult our digital guides. They are available in Spanish and English and will allow you to save a lot of time when planning your trip. Discover the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own, with our recommendations that will take you beyond conventional tourist routes.
Ruth González
Hello! I am Ruth, Canarian with a traveling soul. With training and experience in the tourism and digital marketing sector. In this blog I tell you all the tips you need to get to know the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own. I also share my travel guides to all the places in the world that I am visiting so that you can discover the destinations like a local and save time planning. In addition to traveling, I love gastronomy and sports. I run and hike in the mountains with my “dog-children” (Silver and Plata). In all these adventures my partner accompanies me, Jorge, which you will also see a lot on this blog.
