Teror is considered Gran Canaria’s green heartland and is famous for its patron saint the Virgen del Pino or Virgin of the Pine (a representation of the Virgin Mary). Thousands of people from all across the island come here to pray to her. The town is also renowned for its peaceful streets lined with beautiful coloured houses boasting incredible 15th-century wooden balconies. Teror has several monuments and historical and natural sites of interest, in addition to many well-preserved examples of traditional Canarian architecture.
Teror, the greenest town on Gran Canaria
Despite being just 20 km from the capital Las Palmas, the town of Teror in the heart of Gran Canaria is exceptionally green and tranquil, hence its nickname as the island’s ‘green town’. It’s also a pilgrimage site for devotees who come to pray in the church of the Virgen del Pino – every year the whole month of September is one big fiesta in honour of the Virgin.
Aguas de Teror and nearby excursions
The history of Teror is inextricably linked to its farmland and to its determination to source water for irrigation. Today, the company Aguas de Teror (Teror Water) is reaping the benefits of the first facilities installed for packaging mineral water from the Agria de Teror spring. The installations date back to 1916 and have a hundred-year-old stone portico. Water from the spring is distributed all across the Canary Islands.
Teror is a great base for day trips to the surrounding area, particularly the Doramas Nature Park , the Caldera de Pino Santo, the Finca de Osorio with its remnants of laurel forests, and the peak known as la Agujereada complete with several ravines.
What to see in Teror
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino
This church is a National Monument and one of Teror’s most unique sights. Construction of the basilica got underway in 1767 in the Plaza del Pino and several restoration projects were carried out in the 1960s. The current church has a gable roof, three naves with 14 rounded arches, three outer doors in the facade and additional side entrances. The alcove housing the statue of Nuestra Señora del Pino (Our Lady of the Pine, highly revered by the parishioners) is nestled in an alcove at the back of the main altar. Other prized features of the basilica are the altarpieces and clock. You may also wish to visit the Museo de los Patronos de la Virgen, a museum and former house used by many of the Virgin’s devotees.
Plaza de Teror
This is the town’s hub and a perfect place from which to admire the typical Canarian wooden balconies which are a regular feature all throughout Teror.
Palacio Episcopal
Another proud local museum. Until relatively recently, the building was home to high-ranking members of the local clergy.
Alameda
Part of Teror’s old town and one of the most popular leisure spots among visitors and locals alike. The Alameda sits within an old esplanade next to the Palacio Episcopal, now a cultural centre. The Town Hall building is also worth a visit.
Plaza Teresa de Bolívar
The plaza was remodelled in the 1950s and is watched over by the bust of Simón Bolívar.
Monasterio del Císter
The monastery dates back to 1882, when parish priest Judas Antonio Dávila ordered its construction. It still has the original images of San Benito and San Ildefonso of Las Palmas. A community of cloistered Cistercian nuns lives in the monastery and in 1980 celebrated the centenary of their establishment on the island. The ‘sisters’ still make exquisite traditional sweets to this day.
La Fuente Agria
This fountain is supplied by three natural springs and is one of the most emblematic places in Teror.
Pino Santo
A protected area with spectacular landscapes and huge ecological value. The Caldera de Pino Santo has a diameter of half a kilometre.
Parque Natural de Doramas
This natural park boasts the Azuaje and Moya ravines.
Mercadillo de Teror
The popular local market is the ideal place for a morning shopping trip. The Mercadillo de Teror is held every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. next to the basilica. You’ll find fruit and veg, sweets, clothes and crafts. Don’t forget to try the traditional sweets made by the nuns, and the famous Teror chorizo. Other typical local items are baskets, brass objects, wood carvings, lace, macramé, embroidery, ceramics, woven items, fabrics and crochet.
Where to eat in Teror
Not only is Teror one of the most beautiful towns on Gran Canaria, it also has plenty of typical Canarian food on offer in its wealth of restaurants. Make sure to try the most popular local dishes, such as ropa vieja stew, carne en adobo (marinated meat) and the small open meat sandwiches called montaditos. The most unique delicacies are the spicy chorizo spreads and sweet black puddings.
