Skip to main content

Exploring Agüimes – Part 1: Statues, Stories, and Sunshine


Saturday | Sunny & Blue Skies | Filming Day with ExploGC

Today was one of those days that seemed to glow from the moment it began. The kind of Saturday where the sunlight feels like silk, gently warming the cobbled stones beneath your feet and making every corner of the old town look like a painting. It was the perfect day to film the first part of our Agüimes adventure for ExploGC.

We arrived in the Casco Histórico just before mid-morning, while the air was still fresh and the streets still carried the hush of early weekend stillness. The town was mostly quiet—Saturday morning in Agüimes means many of the shops and museums are still closed, giving the streets a calm, almost cinematic atmosphere. And that worked perfectly for us. It was as if the whole historical centre had opened itself just for us to explore with our camera.

Statues Frozen in Time

With our gear ready, we began filming along Calle Moral, weaving our way through the narrow alleys and past sun-washed façades, each one bursting with character. The architecture here tells stories—brightly painted doors, worn volcanic stone, iron balconies, and little details like hand-painted tiles and delicate wooden shutters.

But what always stands out in Agüimes are the sculptures. Dozens of them, scattered throughout the town like silent actors in a living storybook.

There was a bronze life-size camel and its handler stood motionless on a corner, perfectly still in the morning light, reminding us of the ancient trade routes and agricultural past that shaped this town. Every corner offered something unexpected. 

We filmed each one with care, capturing the interplay of light and shadow, the texture of bronze, and the way these sculptures seem to live and breathe within the urban space. It’s as if Agüimes itself is a museum without walls, and we were wandering through one long, open-air exhibition.

A Souvenir with a Splash of Pink

Though most shops were still closed, we stumbled upon a tiny souvenir shop tucked into a shaded corner, its door half-open and inviting. It was one of those places that looks small from the outside but opens into a treasure chest of trinkets and color inside. Shelves lined with hand-painted ceramics, locally made soaps, woven bags, and traditional Canarian keepsakes.

Miranda’s eyes instantly locked on a pink teamug—delicate, floral, with the word “Canarias” etched along the rim in soft script. It felt like the perfect little treasure to remember the day by. With a cheerful exchange and a few euros, it was hers. We filmed inside the shop, capturing the atmosphere—the creaking wood floor, the golden dust dancing in the sunlight.

Coffee and Views in the Plaza del Rosario

Next stop: coffee.

We made our way to the Plaza del Rosario, the social heart of Agüimes. It was coming alive now. A few locals were out chatting over their morning cortados, pigeons fluttered around the central fountain, and the majestic Iglesia de San Sebastián towered silently over the square.

We sat at a small café terrace facing the church, where the white volcanic stone of its Baroque façade shimmered slightly in the sunlight. We ordered a milkshake and a café, and we took a well-earned break. The breeze was just enough to rustle the leaves in the trees, and in the quiet hum of the plaza, you could hear the soft echo of church bells from a distance.

We filmed a few panoramic shots, the church in the background, locals walking slowly under the palm trees—the kind of everyday magic that makes Agüimes feel so alive yet timeless.

Museo de Historia de Agüimes – A Time Capsule

After our coffee, we headed to one of the only tourist spots open today: the Museo de Historia de Agüimes. Set inside a beautifully restored 18th-century manor house, the museum is easy to miss if you're not looking for it, but inside, it holds centuries of stories.

As we entered, the temperature dropped slightly, the thick stone walls keeping the rooms cool and shaded. The central patio was a quiet sanctuary of potted plants and carved wood. We took our time filming each room—starting with the Guanche origins of Agüimes, moving through the Episcopal era, and into the days of agriculture and trade.

Miranda especially loved the section on traditional Canarian homes, with their clay pots, hand-woven baskets, and old radios. There was even a scale model of the town in one room.

The museum is peaceful, immersive, and honest—a small but deeply authentic place. And even though it was quiet, you could feel the echo of voices from the past, a whisper of centuries hidden in every stone and display.

As we stepped out into the warm afternoon light, we both agreed—it was only the beginning. Agüimes had opened its arms to us today with gentle beauty, a slow rhythm, and a sense of pride in its story. And we had so much more to uncover.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

On the road looking for Almond Blossoms

A Day in the Mountains: Exploring the Almond Blossoms of Gran Canaria Today was one of those days that felt like an adventure right from the start. The sun was shining brightly, and the skies were an endless blue, promising a perfect day for a little exploration. We, Auke, Miranda, Ralf, Susanne set off at 10 AM, eager to embark on our mountain excursion in search of the much-anticipated almond blossoms. The journey ahead would take us deep into the heart of Gran Canaria’s stunning natural landscape. Our route took us up the winding roads toward San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where we were greeted by a surprising number of cyclists. The trail seemed to be a popular choice for bike enthusiasts, their wheels spinning tirelessly as they made their way uphill, each person determined to conquer the mountainous terrain. It was a lovely sight, adding a little touch of life and activity to the already picturesque landscape. As we drove past San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the scenery star...

Exploring the Past: A Journey to Mundo Aborigen

Exploring the Past: A Journey to Mundo Aborigen The sun rose over Gran Canaria, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink as the ExploGC team—Auke and Miranda—set off on their latest adventure. Today, they were joined by their friends, Ralf and Susanne, for a journey back in time at Mundo Aborigen, a unique open-air museum nestled in the heart of the island. As they drove through the winding mountain roads, the landscape shifted from coastal views to rugged terrain. Mundo Aborigen stood proudly on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Barranco de Fataga, a deep ravine with towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The group stepped out of the car, immediately feeling the warm breeze mixed with the scent of pine and dry earth. At the entrance, an old wooden sign welcomed them to this remarkable recreation of the ancient Canarian way of life. The village was designed to resemble how the indigenous Guanche people had lived centuries ago before the Spanish conquest....

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Agricultural Past – Museo de la Zafra

Today, we’re in Santa Lucía de Tirajana, at the Museo de la Zafra, where we’re diving into the agricultural history of Gran Canaria!" This museum tells the story of the island’s farming traditions, especially the tomato industry, which was a massive part of Gran Canaria’s economy for decades. The first thing you notice when you step inside is how well-preserved everything is. These old farming tools and black-and-white photos really take you back in time!.  It’s fascinating how agriculture shaped life here. Tomatoes, especially, played a huge role in the local economy, and this museum does an amazing job showing how farmers cultivated them. The museum explains how tomatoes became a major export in the early 20th century. Farmers had to adapt to the island’s volcanic soil and unique climate to grow them successfully. This museum isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about the hardworking people who built the island’s economy with their dedication to the land. Walking throug...

Hotel Los Frailes Tafira Alta a hotel that could never return to its original purpose.

  Exploring the Forgotten: A Day of Filming at Hotel Los Frailes Today was another exciting adventure as we set out to film for ExploGC, our ongoing project showcasing the hidden gems of Gran Canaria. Our destination? Tafira Alta, a picturesque area in the northeast of the island. More specifically, we had our sights set on Los Frailes, a once-grand hotel now lost in time. Arriving at Los Frailes The journey to Tafira Alta was as scenic as ever, with winding roads leading us through lush greenery and stunning landscapes. Upon arriving at Los Frailes, we were met with an unexpected obstacle—a massive "For Sale" banner stretched across the front, and the entire area was fenced off. Disappointed but not discouraged, we decided to scout the perimeter, hoping to find a way in. Eventually, we spotted a small opening in the fence that allowed us to squeeze through. With cameras in hand, we stepped inside, eager to rediscover this forgotten relic. A Walk Through Memory Lane This...

Christmas Lights and Shopping Dreams in Las Palmas

Las Palmas in December always feels like stepping into a living Christmas card, but this year… this year it was pure magic. Millions of lights draped the streets, shimmering across shop windows, palm trees, and balconies as if the entire city had decided to sparkle for us. The evening air was soft, a gentle hint of the ocean in every breath, and from the moment we arrived, the festive atmosphere wrapped around us like a warm hug. 🌆 Walking Through a City of Lights We started our walk in the early evening, just when the sky was turning that deep, velvety blue that makes every light shine even brighter. The streets of Las Palmas were alive. People drifted from one shop to another, families were laughing, and Christmas music floated through open doors. Every corner revealed something new: glowing stars above us, illuminated arches, and trees covered with twinkling fairy lights. As we strolled, we passed display after display—colourful toys, holiday decorations, shining jewell...

Centro de Interpretación del Barranco de Guayadeque A Journey Through Time

A Sunny Morning in Barranco de Guayadeque We arrived on a sunny morning, when the Barranco de Guayadeque was glowing in shades of green and deep volcanic brown. The road into the ravine always feels like a quiet transition — leaving the busy island behind and entering a place where time moves differently. Steep rock walls rose on both sides, protecting a valley shaped by fire, water, and centuries of human life. The air was warm but fresh, and the vegetation felt unexpectedly lush for such a rugged landscape. Guayadeque never feels empty. Even in silence, it feels alive. Parking near the Museo de Guayadeque, we took a moment to look around. Cave homes were scattered along the slopes, some ancient, some still lived in today. It’s one of those rare places where history isn’t locked behind glass — it’s part of the landscape itself. Inside the Rock: The Museo de Guayadeque The museum is built into the rock, blending naturally into the ravine wall. From the outside it feels mode...

Christmas Lights & Island Magic – Gran Canaria in Full Festive Glow

There’s a moment every year when Gran Canaria begins to change. When the warm ocean breeze mixes with the scent of roasted chestnuts, when the evenings suddenly sparkle a little brighter, and when the island—already full of colour—adds an entirely new palette of Christmas lights and festive decorations. And every year, that moment seems to come earlier. Christmas on Gran Canaria is getting more visible, more vibrant, and more full of life. This year, it’s everywhere. Truly everywhere. Parque Sur: From Quiet Park to Christmas Wonderland We started the week in Parque Sur in Maspalomas, usually a peaceful place for morning walks, relaxed picnics, or just sitting under the palm trees watching the koi ponds shimmer beneath the sun. But not now. Not in December. The moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into a glowing storybook. Lights wrapped themselves around every tree and lamppost. Gigantic Christmas figures stood proudly on the paths—snowmen, reindeer, angels, and huge ...

An Evening Walk Through the Beginning of the South

The evening light in San Agustín always feels different. Softer. Slower. As if the sun itself knows that this place was never meant for rushing. Our walk began at a building that quietly carries more history than most people realise: Hotel Las Folias, today known as Hotel New Folias. Standing there at the start, it was impossible not to think about what this place represents. This was not just another hotel. This was the beginning. When Hotel Folias opened in 1965, the south of Gran Canaria as we know it today did not yet exist. No Playa del Inglés full of lights, no Maspalomas boulevard, no endless resorts. Just land, wind, and an idea that this quiet coastline could become something more. Starting our walk here felt like stepping into the first page of a long story. From the hotel, we headed gently uphill toward Shopping Center San Agustín. The evening had settled in comfortably by now. The heat of the day was fading, replaced by a warm breeze coming from the ocean. The s...

A Day with the Ancients – Exploring Cenobio de Valerón and Cueva de Pintada

A Day with the Ancients – Exploring Cenobio de Valerón and Cueva de Pintada Today was one of those days that leaves you both awestruck and deeply connected to the roots of Gran Canaria. Alongside Auke and Miranda, we had the pleasure of venturing out with our dear friend Yvette to uncover more of the island’s fascinating aboriginal history. Our first destination: the legendary Cenobio de Valerón. Located in the northern municipality of Santa María de Guía, Cenobio de Valerón is not just a site—it’s a journey back in time. As we approached the entrance, the rugged terrain and cliffs of the north surrounded us in a dramatic embrace. This monumental collective granary, carved directly into the volcanic rock, is estimated to have been built more than 800 years ago by the ancient Canarios—long before the Spanish conquest. Despite its name, “Cenobio” (which implies a monastic origin), this place wasn’t a monastery. It was a communal granary, used to store grains, seeds, and other...

Filming for ExploGC: Exploring Playa del Inglés and Meloneras

A Day Filming for ExploGC: Exploring Playa del Inglés and Meloneras The day started with excitement as we prepared for another adventure with ExploGC Explore Gran Canaria. Our plan was simple but filled with opportunities to capture the essence of Playa del Inglés and Meloneras. The highlight? A ride on the iconic Mini Train, a visit to the vibrant market, and an evening stroll near the famous Faro Maspalomas. A Nostalgic Ride on the Mini Train With cameras ready, we hopped aboard the Mini Train in Playa del Inglés. Built in 1973 and running since 1975, this charming little train has become part of the town’s soul. As we rolled through the streets, the gentle breeze carried the scent of the ocean, and tourists waved as we passed. Filming from the train offered a unique perspective—colorful hotels, lively streets, and the golden dunes peeking in the distance. We captured families enjoying their vacations, street performers entertaining the crowds, and the relaxed atmosphere ...