Choosing a singular enigma for each of the eight Canary Islands is an undertaking that unavoidably risks partiality and may not cater to everyone’s tastes. Hence, to address this dilemma, I’ve decided to adopt a different approach. Instead of isolating a single mystery per island, I propose a distinctive location on each island where various mysteries and unusual occurrences intersect.
These locales collectively showcase the diverse and profound magical heritage of the archipelago, encompassing a range of mysteries, legends, esoteric customs, and unconventional narratives that I’ve documented extensively, particularly in my work, the “Magic Guide to the Canary Islands,” which is currently making its return to bookstores.
Yellow Mountain (The Island of La Graciosa)
We start our journey with La Graciosa’s Yellow Mountain. Legends narrate the existence of concealed treasure within this mountain, harking back to its history as a haven for pirates and privateers. This treasure, it’s rumored, was once indicated by a cryptic sign, with mysterious lights seen around the site, believed to represent the spirits connected to the hidden wealth.
Moreover, the mountain intertwines with a tale of enchantment mentioned by Italian poet Torcuato Tasso in “Jerusalem Liberated,” depicting the island as a spellbound refuge. In this narrative, Yellow Mountain, or Montaña Armida as it was possibly originally known, serves as the magical retreat for the love story between Reinaldo and Armida, guarded by mystical creatures and a laughter-inducing spring.
Vegueta (Gran Canaria)
The bustling streets of Vegueta in Gran Canaria’s capital are steeped in mystery. Beyond the purported ghosts haunting the Palace of Justice, lies the Casa de Colón, which houses a life-sized replica of the cryptic Piri Reis map, purported to predate Columbus’s discovery.
Near this historical complex is the Cathedral of Santa Ana, aligning with celestial events and housing the undecayed remains of Bishop Buenaventura Codina. Not far off, the Museo Canario guards ancient relics and the extensive records of the Holy Inquisition, deepening the historical enigma of the area.
These tales and locations are just the beginning of unraveling the complex tapestry of lore and mystery that the Canary Islands hold, each contributing to the islands’ rich cultural and mystical heritage.
The Fortress of Chipude (La Gomera)
The Fortress of Chipude, nestled in Vallehermoso on La Gomera, stands as a significant mystical and powerful site, often associated with the legendary Argodey. This location is not only a pivotal cultural landmark but also a sacred place validated by archaeological discoveries. These findings reveal ritual sites used for animal cremations and possible astronomical observations, echoing the traditions anchored in the nearby Cave of San Blas.
Historical records, including those by René Verneau and local priest José Fernández Prieto, underscore the long-standing spiritual practices at this site. Moreover, the nearby Vega Abajo hints at tales of a pained soul and hidden riches, adding layers to the island’s rich mystical tapestry.
Church of Pájara (Fuerteventura)
Fuerteventura’s Church of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Pájara is shrouded in mystery, presenting symbols and motifs that challenge typical Christian iconography. Dating back to the 17th century, its façade displays an array of enigmatic symbols, drawing from hermetic traditions and blending them within a Christian framework.
This ecclesiastical structure is adorned with pre-Columbian styled figures, representations echoing Persian Zoroastrianism, and symbols suggesting a deep connection with the cycles of nature and the cosmos, providing a unique glimpse into the island’s syncretic cultural history.
El Paso (La Palma)
La Palma’s El Paso houses the historical site of the Alma de Tacande and the legendary Pino de La Virgen. The former is the location of Spain’s first recorded paranormal event in 1628, while the latter is a venerable tree linked to religious devotion and island lore. These sites, alongside ancient petroglyphs, offer a profound insight into the island’s mystical heritage and the indigenous Benahorites’ spiritual practices.
The municipality’s dedication to preserving these enigmas is evident in the Benehauno Interpretation Centre, which serves as a gateway to exploring the myriad of cave stations and their cryptic carvings across the territory.
Teguise (Lanzarote)
The historic center of Teguise, a true gem, is the heart of numerous enigmatic tales and unusual phenomena. Among them, the debated presence of the ghost of its renowned mayor, Severino Bethencourt Ramírez, stands out. Reported sightings describe him roaming his old house, particularly near the former bodega, dressed in black and donning a hat. Interestingly, this house is near Calle El Duende, hinting at a connection to local folklore surrounding mischievous spirits, believed to be the unrestful souls of unbaptised children.
The area’s history is steeped in tales of hauntings and mysterious happenings, such as those documented by Juan Bethencourt Alfonso at the start of the 20th century. Teguise’s cultural traditions, like the “diabletes” festival during carnival – a blend of local beliefs and Franciscan syncretism – and its pirate-ridden past, particularly in the blood-stained Callejón de La Sangre, contribute to its mystique.
La Concepción in La Orotava (Tenerife)
In La Orotava, mysteries abound around the La Concepción church, particularly its unique gargoyles, evoking ancient fertility symbols found in other European religious sites. The interior of the church is no less intriguing, with reliefs that carry deep hermetic meanings alongside traditional Christian themes.
The mystery extends to whether this sacred site was originally a Guanche place of power. Surrounding areas like the Jardines Victoria and the church of San Francisco add layers to La Orotava’s rich historical and mystical landscape.
El Julan (El Hierro)
Our exploration concludes on El Hierro, an island rich with myth and history, notably at El Julan. Known for its mysterious rock inscriptions and archaeological significance, this site captures the imagination with its prehistoric engravings and the serene, powerful landscape.
El Julan, with its tagoror (meeting place), shell middens, and caves, stands as a testament to the island’s ancient culture and invites visitors into a profound communion with the past. The surrounding volcanic terrain and vast ocean amplify the sense of mystery and isolation, making it a poignant stop in our journey through the Canary Islands’ enigmatic heritage.
