The changing faces of
Arguineguin.
Situated between the South`s two main
tourist resorts of Playa del Ingles, and
Puerto Rico, Arguineguin, is frequently bypassed.
Before the extension to the GC1
motorway, Arguineguin was just a small
town to drive through, to get to your destination,
and most missed the charm that
Arguineguin has to offer.
Arguineguin is in the Province of Mogan,
and although on the coast, like Mogan
itself, it has beautiful valleys to meander
through, leading up to one of the most
beautiful lakes, in the mountains.
Arguineguin plays an important part in
the Islands agriculture, with vast banana
plantations, numerous orange and lemon
groves, lining both sides of the valleys, as
you drive through, tomatoes, olives, papaya,
melons, coffee trees, but to name
a few other produce, that is grown in the
region.
Arguineguin is twinned with Puerto de
Mogan, hence the famous festival of “Fiesta del Carmen”. This is a two week celebration,
each port has its own statue of “Carmen”, which is paraded through each
port, then loaded onto a small craft, for all
the small boats,(fishing, pleasure, yachts,
and passenger ferries), any one who cares
to join in, then take the Arguineguin “Carmen”
to Mogan, for a two week holiday, on
arrival, the locals collect the Mogan “Carmen”
and swap. During the journeys to and
from, much food and wine is consumed by
all, in true Canarian style. Then two weeks
later, the festival repeats in reverse, starting
at Mogan, back to Arguineguin.
Arguineguin, is an important economic
town on the South Coast of Gran Canaria.
Many major companies, are opening offices
in Arguineguin, due to its central
location, and easy access, to and from the
motor way. One such company is El Corte
Ingles, who are building a new shopping
mall, all major banks, have branches in Arguineguin,
as well as there being Notary
offices, Lawyers, Accountants and other
professional business’s alike.
Arguineguin, has several private medical
centers, that cater for all nationalities, as
well as all emergency services.
This small town, started, like many Spanish
ports as a small fishing village, with its local
population, living mainly on one of its
beaches, or very close by. The fishermen
arrive daily with their fresh catches, which
goes straight into the many restaurants,
ready to be served.
Set around a main bay, this picturesque
town, is well worth a visit, day or night.
Even just to take a leisurely stroll along the
promenade. In the older part of the town,
they have made the streets solely for pedestrian
use, many Mediterranean type
bars have opened up on the streets, giving
this small town character, like no other.
Recently, a major archeological site was
discovered, on the coast road near Arguineguin,
Work has continued over the
past 4 years, to preserve and discover
more about the find, which has become of
great importance to the islands history, as
well as a new tourist attraction.
The site, can be clearly seen from the road,
although railings have been erected, to
protect the site, it gives a great insight into
how the original inhabitants, the “Guanches”
lived. The site is only 20 metres away
from the sea as the Guanches staple diet
was fish.
Last but not least, the market on Tuesdays,
is well worth a mention and a visit. Catering
for tourists, and locals alike, with fresh
produce on sale, fruit, vegetables, local
cheeses, as well as gift ideas.
