Guide: Cenobio, Culture and Coast

Guide brings together a range of themes for your stay: archaeological visits, architecture in the historic centre, a walk through wooded areas and experiences on the coast. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether culture, hiking or coastal nature will shape your stay.

Visit the Cenobio de Valerón

The Cenobio de Valerón is a communal granary comprising around 350 caves carved into volcanic rock. Signs and information panels support a self-guided visit. Guided visits for groups are available on request; as booking arrangements may change, it is advisable to check in advance. You can reach the Cenobio via exit 20 of the GC-2 from either direction or via the CG-291 road. Check road conditions before setting out and take these two access routes into account when planning your trip.

Architecture in the historic centre

The Church of Santa María de Guía in the historic centre has a Baroque façade and slender Neoclassical towers. The historic centre was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1982. Another architectural highlight is a Canarian-Mudéjar wooden balcony bearing the coats of arms of the Guanarteme and Quintana families. These examples offer different details to look out for as you explore the architecture: the church’s façade and towers, and the balcony’s woodwork and inherited family coats of arms.

Hiking in Parque Rural de El Brezal

The Sendero El Brezal – R1 trail runs through Parque Rural de El Brezal and passes through some wooded sections with plenty of shade. A route description dated January 24, 2025, characterises it as a short circular walk with a low difficulty level and little elevation gain. It also notes that the trail is not signposted and recommends using a GPS device or having good navigation skills. As signage and trail conditions may change, check conditions before setting out and plan accordingly for navigation. This lets you take the route details—circular layout, difficulty and navigation—into account together when preparing.

Discover cheese and crafts

La Casa del Queso shares the history and tradition of a distinctive cheese with protected designation of origin status. Visitors can take part in cheese-making workshops there; availability may vary, so it is worth enquiring before your visit. In the historic centre, you can also visit some craft workshops and learn about the work of knife-makers and woodworkers. This offers different insights into traditional activities: La Casa del Queso focuses on the history of cheese and the opportunity to take part in a cheese-making workshop, while the workshops showcase knife-making and woodcraft.

Coastal walks and nature

The coast of Santa María de Guía has a wide avenue for long, peaceful walks by the sea. One of the northern beaches offers good conditions for surfing and bodyboarding; these conditions depend on the weather and time of year. You can also spend a relaxing family day on the coast and experience its diverse natural environment. Walks along the avenue and weather-dependent water sports offer different ways to enjoy the area. If you plan to surf or bodyboard, take local conditions and the time of year into account.

Plan your stay around your interests

When choosing a hotel in Guide, you can use your interests as a guide: the Cenobio and historic architecture offer a cultural focus, the Sendero El Brezal – R1 requires preparation for navigation, and the coast offers both walks and seasonal water sports. This helps you connect your accommodation search with the themes you want to explore in Guide.

Discover more destinations: La Aldea De San Nicolás, Arinaga, Roque, Telde, La Caldera, Tenteniguada, Lomitos De Correa, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria.

To the main travel overview: Gran Canaria.