Gran Canaria > Venturing into the northern side > Santa María de Guía
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Santa María de Guía


Daintily situated just on the northern coastline of Gran Canaria , about 23 miles or 37 kilometers from the capital city of Las Palmas , you will come across what we would suggest as the first stopover in the long line of destinations making up the coastal routes. This, of course, would be none other than the Santa María de Guía. It used to be part of the town called Gáldar ; later on, it developed into a quaint and modest town on its own. If you are familiar with the notable Canary architect and sculptor Luján Pérez, then it would delight you to know that the town of Santa María de Guía is where the most popular architect and sculptor grew up.

The old fashioned and refined town of Santa María de Guía is characterized by cobbled streets and complimented by traditional houses. And may we also suggest that you pay a visit to the Iglesia de la Santa María de Guía. This parochial church, which features three naves and was constructed in 1607, also highlights a neoclassical fa Inside the Iglesia de la Santa María de Guía you can find many of the most famous works of Luján Pérez, making some people think that it is more of a museum built in tribute to the well-renowned sculptor rather than the parochial church of the town of Santa María de Guía. It is, nevertheless, definitely worth your time to visit!
If you are curious to try what this town has to offer in terms of gastronomy, then get ready to tickle your taste buds and sample their Queso de flor, or what is otherwise referred to as the Flower Cheese. It is made of sheep and cow s milk and is gently combined with the juice extracted from the thistle-like flowers called the artichoke. Although not flowers are not very conventional ingredients in making cheese, the Queso de flor is actually quite flavorful and not bad tasting either. In fact, it has already gathered many awards. So if you are already in Santa María de Guía , we encourage you not to miss your chance of trying the cheese that the town is most famous for! And if you want to get a second -- or even third -- helping of this distinctive cheese, why don t you do it during May when the town celebrates the lively and animated Fiesta del Queso. The feast highlights the art of making this unique dish. So the next time you re in Santa María de Guía , don t forget to say cheese!

Next, we suggest you check out the pre-Hispanic Cenobio de Valerón . It is about 3 miles, or an approximate of 5 kilometers, located in the eastern side of Santa María de Guía . The Cenobio de Valerón is actually a group of what is estimated to be around 300 graves, carved on the sides of the soft rocks and placed in different levels or heights. The caves main purpose was to primarily store grains. Their location was also very favorable because they were relatively easy to protect -- not to mention part of religious ceremonies.


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