Planning your trip to Gran Canaria? Things to do in Agaete, you ask?
Here’s our complete guide to all the most beautiful places and must-do activities, to make the most of your stay:
- natural pools
- charming Puerto de las Nieves district
- archaeological site
- …
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
1. Swimming in the Las Salinas natural pools
Why visit?
The natural pools of Agaete are, without doubt, the most beautiful on Gran Canaria(see our list).
The pools are quite large, surrounded by lava and offer beautiful views of the west coast cliffs.
The place is truly magical and in a less touristy part of the island.
There are 3 pools connected by underwater mini-tunnels. Hold your breath and swim from one to the other!
Practical advice
- Large unsealed parking lot next door or 10-minute walk from town
- Snack bar next to the pools
- Toilets
- Monitoring from July to September
- Wear good shoes, as the rocks are not easy to climb.
- Watch out for high tides, when waves can crash into the pools.
Find out more in our article on swimming pools.
2. Enjoy the waterfront in Puerto de las Nieves
Why visit?
This is the port part of Agaete.
We really enjoyed the atmosphere, with views of the cliffs, seafront restaurants, ferry crossings…
Don’t miss the explanatory panels around the harbor, and take a 5-minute rest above the rocks to spot the big crabs that roam around!
There’s also a charming little church along the main street.
Practical advice
- Very easy to explore
- Quite small
- Pay parking lots near the port
WHERE TO STAY INAgaete
Option 1: Puerto de la Nieves by the sea
For example:
- Hotel Occidental Costa Negra, with view – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Puerto de la Nieves, near the beach – See prices, photos and availability
Option 2: in the old town and valley
Here you’ll find mainly apartments and small houses for rent, in a quiet location and at lower prices than in the major seaside resorts.
See all our reviews on where to stay in Agaete (coming soon)
3. Relax at Playa de las Nieves
Why we love it
We love beaches with spectacular scenery.
One of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beaches is Playa de Las Nieves, in Agaete.
It’s a gray pebble beach with a tiny bit of sand.
It offers magnificent views of the sheer cliffs of the island’s west coast.
Please note that part of the beach is inaccessible due to the risk of cliff falls.
Useful tips
- Paid parking in town or free (but not asphalted) at the natural pools, less than a 10-minute walk away.
- Pebbles and a little sand
- Showers
- Nearby restaurants
Find out more in our article on Playa de las Nieves.
4. Enjoy the seafront promenade, with views over Tenerife
Why visit?
Between the natural pools and the beach, you can enjoy a very pleasant and easy walk.
During this walk, notice:
- Decorations in floor tiles
- Explanatory panels on the ancient salt marshes
- The various sculptures with historical or artistic themes
Take the time to relax on a bench. Depending on cloud conditions, you may be able to see all or part of neighboring Tenerife.
In the photo below, you can see the top of Mount Teide volcano in the distance. Tenerife’s highest peak, 3715m above sea level!
Practical advice
- 10-minute walk from the pools to the port
- You can continue walking after the natural pools, the path is then sloping and less easy but the views are beautiful.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Visit the Maipes archaeological site
Why visit?
The Maipés Archaeological Park is an open-air sanctuary with superb views over the Agaete valley. Its 700 funerary structures bear witness to civilizations.
The partially reconstructed tumuli are imposing. They date back over 1300 years and were built from volcanic stone in a lava field.
There are also remains of dwellings and a village with ceramic workshops.
This site offers a fascinating mix of historic sites and magnificent landscapes. We imagined what life would be like in this beautiful valley.
Useful tips
- Closed on Mondays
- Normally open at least from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 3 euros
- Easy parking, well-marked site
- Well-laid path, partially wheelchair accessible
- Latest news on the official website here
More photos and info in our article dedicated to Maipes.
6. Up the Agaete valley
Why visit?
Don’t confine yourself to well-known places and the city. We recommend you follow the road into the Agete valley. This is one of the most beautiful roads on the island!
The road has a few narrow stretches, but it’s fairly easy and the scenery is magnificent, with mountains rising on either side, and a bit of greenery.
The photos speak for themselves…
Practical advice
- The road is not very long
- It’s the GC-31
- No major difficulties until the last bus stop at Casa Esperanza
- After that, the road becomes narrower and more winding
- Allow 15 to 20 min drive in each direction from the old town
Find out more about the Agaete Valley route.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
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7. Visit the old town and its church
Why visit?
The old town center is also well worth a visit.
It’s not the most iconic village on Gran Canaria, but it has its charm(see our favorites).
Note the typical Canarian balconies.
And don’t miss the two-tone Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The batîment is well-balanced and very photogenic.
Practical advice
- Park in the parking lot next to the botanical gardens or in the streets above the town center, closer to the archaeological site.
- Very small town center
- Allow 15 minutes without the garden
8. El Huerto de las Flores Botanical Garden
Why visit?
The town also boasts a tiny botanical garden: El Huerto de las Flores.
It’s not a large garden, but it has a certain charm.
In the 19th century, the de Armas family, who owned the garden, wanted to plant seeds from all over the world, particularly America, to create a tropical garden. We find macadamia (the Australian hazelnut to which Claire is allergic…), maracca, mammee… Canarian artists such as Saulo Torón have sought inspiration in this garden.
Practical advice
- Allow 30 minutes (if you’re interested in plants), but it can be done in 5 minutes.
- Low entrance fee
- Toilets
- Fairly flat tour with no difficulties
More photos in our article dedicated to the garden.
DISCOVER Agaete
Things to do near Agaete
Hiking
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the surrounding valley and mountains:
- Around the villages of San Petro and El Sao
- The Bajada El Fanaque
- Charco Azul (but be aware that water is very rarely available)
- The Tamadaba pine forest
Playa de Guayedra
South of Agaete, another ravine ends at a beautiful beach.
This unspoilt beach is accessible by foot and unpaved roads.
Large pebbles and a little black sand.
Read more about it.
Galdar
Galdar is another town with a historic center.
We liked its museums but were a little less charmed by its narrow streets.
Here you’ll find the Cueva Pintada archaeological site and the Antonio Padrón museum.
North-west Gran Canaria, 35 min from Las Palmas.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
Faro de Sardina
North of Agaete, you can visit Sardina: there’s a pretty beach in the village and a lighthouse with white and red stripes surrounded by red rocks.
Take time to relax in this corner of the island, admiring the sea over 180°.
This is also where you’ll find Charco de los Espejo, one of Gran Canaria’s most popular natural pools for photographers. However, we only admired it from above, as the access seemed too dangerous.
Road to Aldea and Mirador del Balcon
For a change from sandy beaches, the west coast of the island is more rugged.
From Agaete, you can follow this coastline and make a detour just before reaching La Aldea, which takes you to the Mirador del Balcon. A glass platform to admire the dragon-tail cliffs.
Ferry to Tenerife
You can also catch a ferry to Tenerife from here.
The crossing takes 1h30 and you arrive at the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
See available crossings.
Useful tips for visiting Agaete
Where is Agaete?
- On the north-western tip of Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 40 min
- From Maspalomas = 1h
- From Puerto de Mogan = 1h30
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Agaete?
We strongly recommend renting a car to get to Agaete.
Especially if you want to see all the places we’ve listed, as they’re not all grouped together.
Some organized tours pass through Agaete, but often only briefly to see the cliffs – see options.
Parking in Agaete
- On the harbor side, there are paid parking lots in town, or the large, unpaved parking lot at the natural swimming pools, which is free and a 10-minute walk from the harbor.
- For the old town, there’s the parking lot next to the botanical gardens, or the streets and parking lot around the archaeological site, a 5-minute walk above the church.
Where to eat in Agaete
There are plenty of fish restaurants on the waterfront and a few typical brasseries in the old town.
We opted for the Ragu restaurant, where we enjoyed our lunch overlooking the sea, the port and the cliffs.
Visit Agaete in winter
Gran Canaria is also an excellent winter destination. In Agaete, you’ll enjoy more peace and quiet away from the crowds of seaside resorts.
Natural pools are perfect for winter bathing.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
