Cuatro Puertas

Cuatro Puertas is one of the most significant archaeological complexes on Gran Canaria — a set of artificial caves carved by the island's indigenous inhabitants into the slope of Montaña Bermeja, within the municipality of Telde, just a few kilometers from Gando Airport. The site takes its name from the four entrances leading into the largest cave of the complex.

Where does the name come from?

The site's most distinctive feature is a cave with four north-facing openings leading into one large, shared chamber. The arrangement of the entrances was not accidental — it is linked to astronomical observation. Around the days of the summer solstice, sunlight enters through the second opening and illuminates the back wall of the chamber, suggesting the space held a ritual or magical-religious function for the island's early inhabitants.

What can visitors see on site?

The complex extends across the entire mountain, though only its upper section is open to visitors. Notable areas within the site include:

• Almogarén — a circular space with channels, holes, and "U"-shaped symbols carved into the floor. Their meaning is still debated among researchers, with interpretations ranging from alphabetic signs to divine names or representations of astral phenomena. "Almogarén" is a term specific to Gran Canaria, referring to places where the ancient islanders carried out ritual practices.
• Cueva de los Papeles — a cave with a circular floor plan, its walls bearing carved pubic-triangle motifs traditionally associated with fertility rituals.
• Los Pilares — the remains of a troglodyte settlement: a cluster of dwelling caves connected by corridors and tunnels, complemented by granaries and other enclosures whose exact function is difficult to determine today.
• Other named areas of the complex include La Audiencia and La Cañ.

How old is the site?

The caves were hand-carved with stone tools by the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Gran Canaria. Cuatro Puertas is one of the most recognizable and best-preserved sets of artificial caves left behind by this culture on the island, valued both for its uniqueness and its location.

What protection status does the site hold?

Cuatro Puertas was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest) in 1972. This designation underscores the site's importance to the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands and protects it from deterioration.

Is admission free?

Yes — access to the site is free of charge. Explanatory panels are placed along the visiting route, helping visitors understand the significance of each part of the complex without needing a guide.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Cuatro Puertas located? The site lies within the municipality of Telde, on the eastern coast of Gran Canaria, near the town of Gando, a few kilometers from the airport.

How long does a visit take? The route covers the upper part of the mountain and is relatively short — usually between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on pace and how much time visitors spend at the information panels.

Is it worth visiting Cuatro Puertas around the summer solstice? Yes — that is when the characteristic light phenomenon can be observed, with sunlight entering through one of the openings and illuminating the interior of the main cave, drawing particular attention from visitors and archaeoastronomy researchers alike.

Is the site suitable for visiting with children? The terrain is natural and partly rocky, so comfortable footwear is recommended; the route itself, however, is not demanding and makes for a family-friendly walk combined with a history lesson.