You will not have enough fingers on your hands to count the number of corners that will make you fall in love with this place. We find ourselves on the outskirts of the town of Teror, in the midlands of the north. Surrounding Pico de Osorio lies a vast estate of more than two hundred hectares, which remained private property until 1981. It was later acquired by the Gran Canaria Council to ensure its proper maintenance, as well as the public use of this place that we can now all enjoy.
The estate stands out for bringing together several remnants of laurel forest and numerous native and foreign species that create scenes of striking beauty. A typical Canarian manor house awaits us in its central courtyard, and around it we find areas for livestock and cultivation, reflecting the perfect symbiosis between nature and human activity. The classical garden beside the house is also remarkable. A space that offers us countless natural and cultural treasures which we must preserve.
Today this emblematic enclave serves as a space for recreation, outdoor sports and as a nature classroom. It also includes a forest nursery specialising in the reproduction of laurel forest species, a sawmill for the use of timber resources generated by forestry management, and it houses the Project for the Reintroduction of the Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae). Within the estate is its visitors’ centre and breeding facility.
If we listen closely to the sounds around us, we may hear and even glimpse a buzzard, a chaffinch, blue tits, a long-eared owl or a stone-curlew; these are some of the wild species inhabiting the area.
For all these reasons, Osorio Estate is one of the greatest prides of the people of Gran Canaria. A must-visit for anyone travelling through the north of the island.
Its paths spread and cross, guiding the traveller through every corner of the property. Several routes can be taken to explore the entire area, but the ascent to Pico de Osorio (967 m) stands out above the rest, crowning the landscape.
The estate is crossed by numerous streams and springs that flow with greater or lesser strength depending on the season. Its plains are devoted to extensive farming and contain several pens and meadows where livestock graze freely.
Perhaps the most iconic sight of all is the central walkway, a path sheltered beneath the shade of enormous strawberry trees that paint a fairytale image. Visits are limited so as not to disturb the flora, fauna and tranquillity that emanate from the place. To visit the estate, one must apply for permission on the Cabildo’s website.
From the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, take the main northern road GC-2 until you find the turn-off to Arucas on the GC-20. Follow this road in the direction of Teror.
Before arriving, you will see a sign indicating La Guanchía, and along this stretch you will find on your left the main gate of Osorio Estate, a tall wrought-iron gate with two leaves.
In the very heart of the historic centre of Teror stands this beautiful and emblematic religious building.
It is the most important building in the Marian Town of Teror, and one of the most significant places on the island, as it houses the image of Our Lady the Virgin of the Pine, Patron Saint of the Marian Town of Teror and of the Diocese of the Canaries. Next to the building rise several pine trees that guard the temple.
Every year, at the beginning of September, thousands of devotees begin their pilgrimage to the Marian town of Teror from all parts of the island to pay homage to the image of the Virgin.
This picturesque village stands out for being one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historic quarters in the archipelago. Its main street is dotted with Canarian balconies carved from wood and façades of great aesthetic value, ending its route in the broad square where, every Sunday, one of the most important traditional markets of Gran Canaria is held.
Close to the basilica stands a historic home whose origins date back to the seventeenth century and which belongs to the mayorazgo of the Manrique de Lara family.
This former convent of nuns has been transformed into a sustainable guesthouse. This building, with sixty beds, aims to be a sustainable project, a place to enjoy wellbeing activities such as silent retreats or yoga. A perfect haven in nature to reconnect with oneself.
This is the main source of income for the local council. It is located in the ravine of Teror and consists of three large springs. Nearby stands one of the most important bottling plants in the archipelago, a major economic driver of the municipality.
It is worth noting that, as in certain other springs on the island, the water flows slightly carbonated directly from the earth due to the presence of natural gases and sulphates in the volcanic soil.
