Fortaleza de Ansite is a massif of huge rocks in the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, in the interior of Gran Canaria, and one of the island's most important pre-Hispanic sites. Its faces hold ancient caves and the remains of stone structures, and a tunnel runs 34 m through the mountain. The last resistance of the island's indigenous people ended here in 1483, when many threw themselves into the ravine to escape slavery. An interpretation centre explains the history.
Fortaleza de Ansite
Rock massif of ancient caves and a tunnel through the mountain, where the conquest of Gran Canaria ended in 1483.
- Accessibility
- The entrance is not wheelchair accessible; the caves, the tunnel and the paths round the massif are on uneven rock.
- Parking
- Free car park (La Fortaleza), concrete surface, about 87 m away; a second free car park at Mirador La Sorrueda, about 490 m away.
- Difficulty
- Walking on rough, uneven rock round the massif, into the caves and through a 34 m tunnel; hiking boots or sturdy trainers needed.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: El Observatorio, about 2.9 km away in a straight line.
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–17:00; closed Monday.
- Address
- GC-651, 35280 Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Las Palmas, Spain
What makes it special
A cave mouth in the rock face opens into a tunnel that runs 34 m straight through the mountain. Walk it, come out on the far side, and you can continue round the massif back to the ruins.
The other caves look out over the valley, and the view from their mouths is the best thing on the rock. Then there is the weight of the place. The last resistance of Gran Canaria's indigenous people ended on these rocks in 1483, and many chose the ravine over a life of slavery. The interpretation centre lays out that story, so see it before you climb.
Good to know
- Wear hiking boots or sturdy trainers: the ground is rough rock, and the caves and the tunnel are part of the visit.
- Bring sun protection. The rock is bare and gives little shade in the middle of the day.
- There is no drinking water nearby and no bins on site, so bring water and take your rubbish away with you.
- The entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
Getting there
The fortress stands beside a mountain road in the interior of Santa Lucía de Tirajana. The La Fortaleza car park is about 87 m away, and a second car park at Mirador La Sorrueda is about 490 m away. An information board and a guidepost stand along the approach.
The nearest bus stop, El Observatorio, is about 2.9 km away in a straight line, so a car or an organised trip is the practical way in. Day trips to Santa Lucía and Fataga call here, and the mountain roads make them take most of the day.
Best time to visit
Best: a morning between Tuesday and Sunday.
Avoid: Mondays, when the site is closed, and the middle of a summer day.
The rock is bare and holds the heat, so the walk round the caves is easier before the sun is high.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Fortaleza de Ansite on the map
The rock edges above the ravine are unfenced. Stay back from the rims and watch your footing on the uneven ground, in the caves and the tunnel as well.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you walk through the tunnel at Fortaleza de Ansite?
Yes. A cave entrance leads into a tunnel that cuts 34 m through the mountain, and from the far side you can continue round the massif back to the ruins. Wear sturdy shoes.What happened at Fortaleza de Ansite?
It was the last stronghold of Gran Canaria's indigenous people. Their resistance ended here in 1483, and many threw themselves into the ravine to escape slavery. The interpretation centre covers the history.Is there parking?
Yes. The La Fortaleza car park is about 87 m away, and there is a second car park at Mirador La Sorrueda, about 490 m away.Can you get there by bus?
The nearest stop, El Observatorio, is about 2.9 km away in a straight line. A car or an organised day trip to Santa Lucía and Fataga is the practical way to get there.Is it suitable for wheelchairs?
No. The entrance is not wheelchair accessible, and the caves and the tunnel are on uneven rock.