Sleep in a Canarian cave house with views of the Sao ravine

Visiting Gran Canaria? Swap the beach hotel for a Canarian cave house right in the countryside and discover the most authentic side of the island.

Why stay in a cave house in Gran Canaria

Front door to Casa Cueva Lola, Fagajesto.

There are 3 reasons why you should spend at least one night in a cave house if you're heading to Gran Canaria:

Cultural immersion: cave houses were the traditional dwellings used by the Canarian aborigines, and this tradition is still alive today, especially in rural areas. Many of them have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries, getting upgraded along the way.
Restful sleep: the temperature inside a cave house always stays pleasant—cool in summer and warm in winter. Plus, the extra peace and quiet of sleeping under rock will help you sleep like a baby. Take it from me! 😉
Connection with nature: the respectful integration of the house into its surroundings lets you truly appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape and feel part of it. There are vibes and settings that brick and mortar could never replicate.

Now the question is… are you really going to miss out on an experience like this?

Our stay at Casa Lola

Out of all the options, for our getaway to inland Gran Canaria we chose to stay at Casa Lola (Fagajesto) because we needed a place with 3 double bedrooms.

When you check out the photos of Casa Lola, the first thing you fall in love with is the ravine views from its terrace and pool.

And well… after that, it's pretty hard not to fall head over heels, to be honest. 😉

The layout features an open interior patio packed with plants that connects the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, the master bedroom, and the other two bedrooms (located inside the largest cave).

The beds are super comfy, and the house has everything you could need: board games in the living room, breakfast essentials (sugar, coffee, spices, oil…), kitchen utensils, and even a welcome basket with fruit, Tirma chocolates, and a bottle of wine.

Plus, you can use the pool all year round (though in winter you might not fancy a dip, just like what happened to us). That said, the panoramic view it offers over the Sao ravine is simply priceless.

Panorama of Barranco de Sao from Casa Cueva Lola

Aythami, the host, welcomes you to help with your luggage, explains everything you need to know about the place, and shows you where to park. Meanwhile, he shares the story of Casa Lola and how his grandfather and father expanded and improved it with their own hands over the years.

Any downsides?

There's no mobile signal in the area, so you'll need the Wi-Fi to stay connected with the outside world.
The Wi-Fi only reaches the living room, so that's the only spot where you can use it.
To get inside, you have to walk across the roofs of other cave houses—which can be a bit slippery if it rains—so I wouldn't recommend it for people with physical limitations or trouble walking.

Honestly?
Reasons 1 and 2 should really be seen as perks if you truly want to unplug on vacation.
Number 3 is up to you and your travel crew. For us, it wasn't an issue at all—quite the opposite: it made our stay even more special.

The final takeaway from our stay?

2 nights of accommodation for 5 people at Casa Lola in mid-February cost us €220—that's €22 per person per night; an absolute steal. 😉

Terrace next to the pool at Casa Cueva Lola, Gran Canaria.

I can't wait to go back to Gran Canaria in the summer to make the most of that pool.

Hiking in the Barranco del Sao

And once you're at Casa Lola, the call of the Sao ravine is simply irresistible. 😉

Views of the Agaete coast from Barranco del Sao, Gran Canaria.

It was already late when we hit the trail, which is why we turned back so soon. We didn't want to get caught in the dark at the bottom of the ravine.

Even so, the walk among lava walls, colorful taginastes (viper's bugloss), and views of the Agaete coast totally exceeded our expectations.

Technical details

Gran Canaria hiking route Barranco del Sao

Difficulty: Easy-moderate (as far as we went).
Distance: 4.6 km.
Duration: 2 hours (round trip).
Elevation gain: 321 m.
Start: Fagajesto.
End: Fagajesto.
Date taken (photos): February 2019.

Wikiloc Itinerary

Want to follow this route on Wikiloc?

You can view the trail on the map at this link.

Alternatives

If instead of heading back you'd rather go for a longer hike along the Sao ravine, you've got a few options:

Hiking panoramic view through the Sao ravine, Fagajesto

Do a circular route passing through Los Berrazales.
Go all the way to San Pedro or even Agaete (one-way route).
Head toward El Hornillo and walk back along the road to Fagajesto (circular).

What to bring

For the hike:

Food: if it's going to be a long day, remember to pack sandwiches, fruit, nuts...
Water: I recommend bringing at least one liter of water per person (one and a half is even better).
A bag: to pack out all the trash you generate. Please help keep this wonderful place clean!
Sun protection: sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses... the usual essentials.
Comfortable footwear: hiking boots with a sturdy sole that can handle the rough volcanic terrain.

In Fagajesto you'll find just one bar-restaurant that also doubles as a local corner shop, the Bar-Tienda Antonio Pinocha. You can grab a bite there or pick up some basics if you forgot anything essential (like bottled water, for example).

When to go

The months from October to March are the rainiest, especially in the north and west of the island.

Trekking route through Barranco del Sao, Gran Canaria

So if you want to be sure you'll get clear skies or take a dip in the pool at Casa Lola, spring and summer are your best bet.

During our stay in February 2019, for instance, we experienced just about every type of weather: cold, rain, fog, heat, sunshine, calima...

But that didn't stop us from enjoying the whole experience like little kids! Plus, cooler weather is always a plus when your plan is to hike day in and day out (despite my sore muscles, haha). 🙂

Keep in mind that even though temperatures in the Canary Islands stay pleasant all year round, up here in the highlands it's always cooler than on the coast—especially after sunset—so make sure to pack some warm layers.