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Gran Canaria Excursions

Things to Do in Agaete, Gran Canaria

A white town on Gran Canaria's north-west coast, with the fishing harbour of Puerto de las Nieves, the ferry to Tenerife and a green valley that grows coffee.

Activities

1 activity

  • Aerial view of the Las Salinas natural pools in Agaete, sea pools in dark volcanic rock beside clear turquoise water

    Agaete

    Swimming at Las Salinas natural pools, Agaete

    Three seawater pools at Puerto de las Nieves in Agaete, sheltered from the open ocean by rock columns and linked by volcanic tubes, with a sundeck and views along the north-west coast.

What to do here

Good to know

Agaete is on the other side of the island from the southern resorts, and it feels it: a white town in a steep green valley, with the harbour of Puerto de las Nieves below it and the Atlantic open in front.

Puerto de las Nieves

The harbour has fish restaurants along the seafront and the natural rock pools of Las Salinas. From the quay you can see the Dedo de Dios, "God's Finger", a rock whose thin tip broke off in Tropical Storm Delta in 2005. Fred. Olsen ferries leave from here for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a crossing of about 1 hour 20 minutes, so a day trip to Tenerife is possible.

The valley

Above the town, the Valle de Agaete grows coffee, which is rare anywhere in Europe, along with fruit trees. Some farms take visitors for tastings. Higher up is the Tamadaba pine forest, one of the island's large natural parks.

La Rama

Every 4 August Agaete holds the Fiesta de la Rama. People carry branches down from the Tamadaba pine forest and dance with them through the streets to the sea, a custom linked to old rain rites. It's one of the biggest festivals on the island.

Good to know

  • The north-west coast is open to the Atlantic swell. Swim in the natural pools only when the sea is calm.
  • Coming from the south, it's a long drive. Many visitors come on a day tour of the north.