Footsteps in Arquineguin (Gran Canaria)
13/08/10 18:19
Until a few years ago, this small town was little more than a pretty fishing village at the end of the motorway. It rapidly expanded to become a popular tourist resort, particularly with Germans and Scandinavians.
The name “Arguineguin” is the Guanche name for “quiet water”. Well, it certainly isn’t quiet nowadays, but is certainly much quieter than Puerto Rico and manages to retain some of its original fishing village charm. Arguineguin is still a working fishing port, and boasts several good fish restaurants as well as lively fishermen’s bars at the harbour. The harbour area, with its narrow streets, is usually a peaceful area to stroll, with easy access to the good beaches nearby.
Arguineguin has expanded rapidly from being a one-hotel village only a few years ago, to the popular tourist resort with modern hotel facilities that we see today. Market day on Tuesdays is particularly popular with visitors and residents alike, and is one of the largest in the area. If you are travelling from Puerto Rico, it is often better to take the regular boat service rather than to face the busy traffic.
There is a pleasant coastal promenade connecting Arguineguin with the beautiful beaches and coves at Patalavaca. More serious walkers can enjoy a scenic, yet non strenuous hike, over the mountain that separates Arguineguin from Puerto Rico. The town also benefits from a natural seawater swimming pool, which is ideal for the children.
Norwegians are particularly fond of Arguineguin and the Norwegian population grows quite large during the winter months. As a result there is a Norwegian school, a new Norwegian church and a Norwegian health centre. Anfi del Mar, located just outside of Arguineguin, is a timeshare holiday resort that comes complete with a sandy beach imported from the Caribbean.
