The Canary Islands are a firm favourite for Brits who are desperate for winter sun and a relaxing break but there is one town that is a world away from the hustle and bustle
Teror, a charming little gem nestled in the heart of Gran Canaria, has been lauded as one of the most stunning spots across the Canary Islands and beyond.
Brits have long cherished the sun-kissed holiday haven that is the Canaries, flocking annually to its crowd-pleasing giants, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, in pursuit of sunbathing, swimming, and sipping cocktails. Yet, for those yearning to escape the bustling tourist trail, Teror is a picture-postcard village renowned for its beauty.
This historic heart of Gran Canaria remains tucked away amid rolling hills, exuding an old-world charm profoundly culminating at The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine (Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pino). This exquisite church honours Gran Canaria’s patron saint and stands testament to the island’s soulful allure.
Featuring typically Spanish architecture, including iconic wooden balconies, Teror offers a glimpse into an authentic slice of Canarian life. The official Gran Canaria Tourist Website encapsulates it perfectly, highlighting that: “The municipality of Teror is situated in the central eastern region of the island, at an altitude of 543 metres above sea-level.”
The tourism website highlights that: “What makes the municipal town of Terror attractive, is not only the great devotion that it professes to the ‘Virgen del Pino’, patron of the island, but it is also one of the municipalities with great historical and natural values”. In addition to its spiritual and architectural significance, the town’s natural surroundings are also notable, featuring several protected areas, including the Osorio Estate, which boasts mountains, gullies, cultivated land and woods.
Visitors to Teror have shared their experiences on travel review websites, particularly praising the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine. One reviewer commented: “Definitely want a quick step in in a nice little courtyard with some restaurants and shopping around it. It dazzles inside a little more than the outside shows.”
Another reviewer described the church as “Beautiful stunning and wonderful church”, reports the Express. However, experts warn that the Canary Islands are facing an unsustainable strain due to over-tourism, which could lead to a “systemic collapse” if the massive influx of tourists is not reduced.
The campaign group Ben Magec-Ecologists in Action has spoken out following the release of 2023 tourist figures, which revealed a record 16 million visitors, with approximately half of them being British.
