Far from the island’s mass tourism, La Aldea is a charming little town set between high cliffs.
Here’s our guide to the must-see sights in Gran Canaria’s La Aldea de San Nicolas, plus useful tips for planning your visit.
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
Is the town of La Aldea de San Nicolas worth a visit?
Yes, La Aldea de San Nicolás is well worth a visit for its blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Far from mass tourism, the town offers a beautiful beach, archaeological sites and a superb cactus garden. Its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal destination for those in search of tranquillity.
It’s not in the top 10 of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful towns because it’s more nature than architecture. But for us, it’s one of the best places off the beaten track.
1. La Aldea beach and tunnel
La Aldea beach is one of Gran Canaria’s hidden treasures. It’s a mix of coarse pebbles and black sand. Its main attraction is the view of the cliffs on the south-western tip of the island.
But you should know that it doesn’t have much sand, it’s mostly sections of pebbles.
The other attraction of the beach is that the sandy part can be reached via a tunnel dug into the volcanic rock, adding a touch of adventure to the visit. And we loved the view from inside the tunnel.
This makes it one of our favourite beaches in Gran Canaria.
- Free access
- Watch out for the tides
- Unsupervised beach
- Facilities: No utilities on site, bring your own water and provisions
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
2. The waterfront and its history
The La Aldea waterfront has been landscaped to provide a pleasant and instructive walk along the coast. You’ll find explanatory signs along the way, informing you about the region’s maritime history, local flora and fauna, and efforts to conserve the coastal environment.
Statues created by local artists also punctuate the walk. They are often inspired by marine life and Canarian legends. It’s the ideal place for a relaxing stroll.
- Free access
- Length of walk: approx. 500m
- Facilities: Benches, night lighting, cafés and picnic tables
3. El Charco and La Marciega lagoons
The seafront promenade takes you to El Charc. It’s a natural saltwater lagoon nestling on the coast of La Aldea. This natural basin, sculpted by wave erosion over the centuries, offers a pleasant panorama with the cliffs in the background.
You’ll find an explanatory panel here, as it’s also a very important place for local culture and tradition.
Every year, on September 11, a big festival is held around this lagoon. All locals meet there at 5pm.
There’s also a path to explore the surrounding Marciega wetland (its name means “blind sea”). There’s a hut not far from the lagoon for birdwatching. It’s a landlocked wetland that was, according to experts, 5 times larger.
- Free access
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.
4. Museum: Centro de Interpretación Los Caserones
The La Aldea interpretation center plunges you into the heart of the region’s history and culture. With numerous explanatory panels, local artifacts and multimedia presentations, the museum traces the town’s evolution from its earliest inhabitants to present-day traditions.
You’ll better understand the crucial importance of agriculture to the local economy. Learn more about fishing and tomato cultivation.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Price: free of charge
- See the latest news on the city’s website here
5. Archaeological site 1: Los Caserones
Gran Canaria is rich in archaeological sites from the Guanche civilization.
This archaeological site features the remains of an ancient dwelling, offering a glimpse into the daily life of La Aldea’s first inhabitants. The ruins bear witness to traditional construction techniques, using local materials such as volcanic stone.
Signs explain the structures and history.
- Free access
- 5-minute walk from the museum
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6. Archaeological site 2: burial site
The other main archaeological site in La Aldea is “Lomo de Caserones”. This is a pre-Hispanic burial site. This sacred site offers a fascinating insight into the funerary practices and spiritual beliefs of Gran Canaria’s ancient inhabitants.
The tombs were dug out of volcanic rock, and the artifacts discovered on site tell the story of a vanished civilization.
- Free access
- 5-minute walk from the museum
7. Mirador del Balcon
The west of Gran Canaria has very few buildings, as the cliffs drop sheer into the sea.
Mirador del Balcon is a viewpoint with a glass structure to better appreciate these cliffs and their geological features. The line of cliffs to the south is called the “Tail of the Dragon”, and it’s easy to see why!
- Free access
- A few parking spaces next door
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
8. Cactualdea
Cactualdea is a botanical park dedicated to cacti and other succulents. This extraordinary garden is home to an impressive collection of cacti from all over the world (around 1000 different species), all adapted to Gran Canaria’s arid climate.
We loved the panorama, with cactus in the foreground and mountains behind. The views are truly magnificent.
- Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Price for adults: €8
- Beware, it is sometimes very steep and the ground is not easy, so wear walking shoes.
- Protect yourself from the sun.
- See the latest news on the official website here.
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Attractions around La Aldea de San Nicolas
Valley of Tears
The Valley of Tears (Valle de las Lágrimas) is a challenging road and cycling route in Gran Canaria. The landscape is mountainous desert with some water retention. The average gradient is around 10%, with sections reaching 25%.
This climb is renowned for its steep and unforgiving terrain, and is therefore only suitable for experienced cyclists.
And by car, the road is narrow and winding, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of isolation are well worth it. You can drive it up to the Mirdaor del Molino with the view shown in the photo above, then turn back.
Preferably early in the morning, to avoid passing many other cars and stress.
Rainbow Rocks
“Rainbow Rocks” refers to a series of colorful rock formations that can be found along the road between Puerto de Mogan and La Aldea. These rocks, sculpted by erosion, feature vibrant hues that are sure to please.
It’s easy to stop and admire the different layers of minerals and their colors. We felt as if someone had painted the mountain!
Playa de Güi-Güi
One of Gran Canaria’s wildest beaches with the most spectacular scenery is Guï-Guï.
It is completely wild and accessible only by boat or hike.
Unfortunately, when we last visited, there were no boats going there.
- Start of the hike in Tasartico
- 3-hour average hike in each direction, with quite a bit of climbing
- No installation
- Beach or clothing optional
How to get to La Aldea + parking
Where to find La Aldea de San Nicolas
- In the south-west region of Gran Canaria
- From Maspalomas = 1h10 drive
- From Las Palmas = 1h10
- From Agaete = 35 minutes
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
We highly recommend renting a car to explore La Aldea.
You can get to the city center by bus, but you won’t be able to explore the surrounding attractions easily.
There are a few mountain roads to reach the town, either from the north or the south. But these are not difficult roads, there’s always a lane in each direction and good conditions.
Parking at La Aldea
There’s a convenient free parking lot close to the seafront.
It can fill up during the day, especially at weekends when the locals come to enjoy the beach.
In this case, you can easily park in the surrounding streets.
Useful tips for visiting
How long
We recommend a full half-day for the waterfront, museum, archaeological sites, viewpoint and Cactualdea.
Best moment
We recommend avoiding weekends, as the locals appreciate the beach away from tourists.
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 (coming soon)
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 (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
