Fataga: South Gran Canaria's Prettiest Hill Village

Fataga Village in south Gran Canaria Fataga Village in south Gran Canaria

Fataga has one prettiest village in Spain awards and when you first see its white houses clustered together on a bluff in the middle of the deep barranco, you'll understand why.

Of all the villages in south Gran Canaria, Fataga caters to tourists best. Its restaurants are large enough to handle the coach tour crowds and its shops are well stocked with souvenirs and local produce. However, step away from the short section of the road that is obviously touristy and Fataga remains a traditional Canarian village that lives by farming fruit and making cheese and wine.

A trip to Fataga almost always starts in Playa el Inglés, although you can visit it on the way down the Fataga valley after visiting the highlands. The valley itself is as interesting as the village. 

Driving up the GC 60 road from Playa del Inglés (via San Fernando) you soon leave the resorts behind as the road winds up through the dry but attractive foothills. Stop at the Mundo Aborigen theme park fo a surreal glimpse of how the island's original inhabitants used to live, or at the viewpoint overlooking the Degollada de la Yegua; This view of the Fataga valley, known as the valley of 1000 palms, is one of Gran Canaria's best. 

Then you drive down a spectacular group of hairpin bends winding their way along steep rock cliffs before seeing the Arteara palm grove. There's a Canarii cemetery hidden amongst the rock scree on the far side of the barranco and its open to visits. 

After Arteara, the road continues through a flat section of the valley floor with a couple of camel tour fincas, before climbing up towards the village.

It's well worth parking by the church square in Fataga village and walking into the maze of tiled houses in the oldest part of the village (remember to say buenos dias to the locals).  

Just past Fataga, there's an ancient water mill that's been restored and is worth a stop for the photo with the highlands in the background.

 

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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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