Mirador del Corazón de Jesús

Why go to Rio de Janeiro when you can have Jesus with outstretched arms on Gran Canaria too? The Mirador del Corazón de Jesús is located in Artenara in the island's interior, on Mount La Cilla and thus on one of the highest points of the village. The centerpiece is a monumental sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus made from marble dust and stone. It stands 8.5 meters tall, was erected in 1996, and is the work of sculptor José Luis Marrero. Admittedly, it's somewhat smaller than the famous original. But you don't need a long-haul flight, no queue for the cog railway, and no crowds—instead you get mountain air, silence, and a view that doesn't need to hide from the original.

From here you look out over Artenara and the rugged mountains all around. The viewpoint is part of the route through the village, which is easy to explore on foot. It runs along Calle Párroco José Castor Quintana Sánchez, named after the former parish priest.

Artenara is known for cave houses, viewpoints, and hiking trails. Nearby are other miradores, such as the Mirador de Unamuno with panoramic views, the Mirador de las Poetas, and the Mirador de la Atalaya. There's also the church of San Matías and the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cuevita, which is built into the rock. The Mirador del Corazón de Jesús can easily be combined with these stops for a short walk through the village.

Practical information

• Location: Artenara, island interior, around 1,200 meters above sea level. It's usually cooler and windier here than on the coast, bring a jacket.
• Getting there: By car via winding mountain roads, allow a bit more time. By bus is possible but inconvenient, check current connections.
• On foot: The mirador is reachable from the village center in a few minutes. The path goes uphill, sturdy footwear makes sense.
• Best time: Clear days, ideally in the morning, so you can enjoy the distant views. Visibility can be limited when cloudy.