In the Canary Islands, there's a unique way to escape the heat, by staying in a cave house. These dwellings, such as Las Maguadas cave houses, are located in Acusa Seca, a village in the municipality of Artenara, within the stunning World Heritage Site of Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria.
Before air conditioning or fans existed, ancient architectural ingenuity was the solution to keeping interiors cool. Dating back to pre-Hispanic times, the early inhabitants of the Canary Islands used natural caves, volcanic tubes, and other cavities as homes, storage areas, and even religious temples. Volcanic tuff, a type of soft rock, could easily be carved with harder stones, making these cave homes both practical and durable.
The main advantage of cave houses is their ability to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature - cool in summer and warm in winter. Today, these homes are still in use, particularly on islands like Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and La Palma, and they are increasingly popular among visitors seeking both a traditional charm and a refuge from the heat.
Many of these cave houses are located in the most spectacular landscapes of the Canary Islands. One example is the Casa Cueva Tara, part of the Las Maguadas complex in Acusa Seca.
This area is part of the Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site in 2019. The site represents a unique legacy of the island’s early settlers, with remnants of both architectural and astronomical significance.
Risco Caído itself includes 21 caves, perched on the edge of a steep cliff known as Barranco Hondo. This settlement, also called Risco Maldito, was inhabited until the mid-20th century and offers a glimpse into life rooted in the pre-Hispanic heritage of the Canary Islands.
The Tara cave house, one of three in the Las Maguadas complex, accommodates up to three guests. It includes a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and two patios, one of which provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with the iconic Roque Nublo in the distance.
In addition to being a perfect base for hiking enthusiasts, Tara’s inspiring setting also attracts musicians and artists looking to unleash their creativity.
The house comes equipped with a library, percussion instruments, and an electric piano. Guests can even arrange private musical performances within the cave itself, making this a one-of-a-kind retreat for both relaxation and artistic inspiration.
