Off the beaten track in Gran Canaria: The cave of a thousand colours

Gran Canaria is a paradise island brimming with pristine beaches and awe-inspiring nature. Today we’re heading off the beaten track in Gran Canaria to a magical, insta-worthy enclave. One of the island’s best kept secrets is located in the municipality of Telde, far from the tourist hot spots: Cueva de los Mil Colores, also known as Reina Mora cave.

A stunning magical cave complete with its own natural swimming pool with crystalline turquoise waters. The rocks around the caves form an endless canvas of colours and shades – hence this hidden treasure’s name.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure when you visit Mil Colores cave – you’ll come up close and personal with nature at its most magical!

‘Hidden’ beneath the sea

The cave is hidden beneath a rocky ledge, so you won’t see it till you’re almost there. As you get closer to the cave, you’ll see a 260-metre stretch of fine dark sand, which gives way to the spectacular Reina Mora cave. It dips in and out of view with the tide, so you’ll only see it at low tide.

Shrouded in mystery and legend, this hidden gem was first mentioned in 1988 by anthropologist and writer José Luis González Ruano. His intriguing account entitled Ulises y la Garita Azul describes a unique cave in never-before-seen colours that leaves everyone spellbound. The author left few clues as to its location and access, but visitors who encountered it in later years have shared this secret location.

How to get to the cave

To get to Mil Colores cave from the capital on the GC-1, take exit 7B in the direction of La Estrella. When you get to the roundabout with the giant mushroom sculpture, continue in the direction of La Garita. Follow this route, and you’ll end up on a road parallel to the dual carriageway until you get to a right turn towards La Garita beach.

From there, follow the coastal walkway past the “Mirador de la Reina Mora” viewpoint and you’ll get to the cave in less than ten minutes. If you’re accessing the cave from the south, take the GC-1 until you reach exit 8. Follow the GC-10, passing through Calle Crisanemo to Calle Narciso, and you’ll get to La Garita Beach.

If you’re tempted by a trip to Mil Colores cave, you need to plan ahead. You can only get to it at low tide, so before going and entering the cave, make sure you check the tides to avoid any dangerous predicaments.

It’s only a short walk but it’s rocky, so take care not to slip. Wearing the right footwear is essential. Your best bet is to wear water shoes or jelly shoes. We’d also recommend not doing this route alone.

An unforgettable photo opportunity

When you arrive, get ready for an incredible symphony of nature, with the lapping waves accompanied by a chorus of birds.

And don’t miss your chance to sink into the spectacular natural jacuzzi inside! The crystal clear waters of this unique oasis are guaranteed to give you an energy boost. If you’re into photography, visiting the cave at dawn really is the stuff of dreams. But the most valuable image of all? Your memories, which you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Categories: Tips, Gran Canaria, Be inspired