What To Do in Agaete – Puerto De Las Nieves

What to do in Agaete Complete Guide

The Canary Islands province of Las Palmas is where the Agaete region is found. It is located northwest of Gran Canaria’s island, with the Atlantic Ocean, Galdar, and Artenara to their west and south. Agaete was the most popular place to see the natural monument of “El Dedo de Dios” before a storm destroyed it in 2005. La Playa de Las Nieves, located between the marina and the old dock, is the most well-known beach in the region. There are a few small shops and restaurants along the beach’s calm waters.

Puerto de las Nieves is also known as Puerto Agate. It is located 2.5km inland. This village was once a fishing port. The breakwater has been extended to provide a large R0-Ro ramp that allows for high-speed ferries to Tenerife.

Things to Do in Agaete

Next, I will highlight Agaete’s main attractions, such as its old town, Puerto de Las Nieves, and Valle de Agaete. So you don’t miss one.

Visit Puerto de Las Nieves (Las Nieves port)

Puerto de Las Nieves in Agaete is the fishermen’s district. Here you will find beautiful beaches, the Ermita de Las Nieves, and a variety of souvenir shops. It also has one of the ports connecting Tenerife to Gran Canaria.

The Puerto de Las Nieves is located in Gran Canaria’s northwest, near Agaete. There is a ‘travelift and fuel station, a harbormaster, 24-hour security, and nearby cafes, shops, and restaurants. Depending on the tide, one hundred sixty berths can accommodate 14-meter-long vessels and a depth of two to fourteen meters.

Gran Canaria’s mild climate makes sailing along the coast of Agaete a wonderful experience. You can watch the sunset illuminate the sea cliffs and sail along the coast. Fresh seafood and local wrinkly potatoes are the best accompaniments. Las Nieves harbor offers an internet connection to its visitors.

Stroll Around Agaete’s Old Town

The center of Agaete is located approximately 15 minutes waking from Puerto de Las Nieves. I will be highlighting the “Church of La Concepcion“. This monumental church dates back to 1874, date in which it was built in order to replace the primitive building destroyed by a devastating fire.

The Church of the Concepción in Agaete stands out by its wide dimensions as well as for its eclectic character, with facade reporting to three different streets. Also noteworthy its surprising interior divided in three naves, being the central the widest. All church’s elements are red and stone worked which contrasts with its white facade.

The town is also beautiful, with its white houses and Canarian balconies. The popular party La Rama takes place here, which we will briefly summarize in the next lines. One of the most beautiful towns in northwest Gran Canaria

The Agaete Valley in northwest Gran Canaria, covered by some of the island’s most beautiful pine forests, has a stunning, fertile valley with a pretty old city. With its whitewashed houses that cling to the valley side, this town contains treasures like the Concepcion Church, and the amazing walled Huerto de las Flores Garden.

Fresh fish and archaeological sites. It’s worth taking a trip to Gran Canaria’s most fascinating archaeological site, the Maipes Necropolis. The beachside town Puerto de las Nieves, with its blue-colored houses and whitewashed houses, is another must-see when you leave Agaete. This is Gran Canaria’s most famous spot for fresh fish, right next to the sea.

Puerto de Las Nieves beaches

There are two main beaches in Puerto de Las Nieves village. One is located opposite the new Pier, and there is also the Muelle beach next to the old Pier. Both beaches are tranquil, clear, and filled with stones. They are also very close together. Locals love to sunbathe on the old dock or in the wooden beds at Las Nieves beach.

The Emblematic Rock Called “Dedo de Dios” (finger of God)

One of the most important emblems in Gran Canaria’s was the “Dedo de Dios” or Finger of God. It is one of the most significant natural monuments on the island. I say “was” as it was swept away by the tropical storm Delta in 2005. The hand-shaped rock was formed from which a thin, finger-shaped rock protruded. The finger appeared to point towards the sky. It is possible to still see the finger, or the stump of God, from the dock. The villagers wanted to pay tribute at the end of 2020 by displaying its silhouette at night.

El “Dedo de Dios” Translated: God’s finger is a 30m (98ft) tall rock sea stack In the Atlantic Ocean, near the northwest portion of Gran Canaria. One of the most important natural formations in the Canary Islands.

It is one of the many natural monuments outside the coastal town of Agaete on Gran Canaria. The peculiarly shaped rock has been an inspiration to many artists, and it is believed that the author Domingo Doreste was the first to name it God’s finger.

The area is one of the oldest areas on Gran Canaria geologically. It was formed around 14 million years ago. Over a period of 200-300,000 years, the oddly shaped monument was created from the basaltic materials in the area.

Las Salinas Natural Pools

A walk connects Puerto de Las Nieves and the well-known natural pools in Agaete, Las Salinas. It was once a salt mine. This is why it’s called “Las Salinas”. It is now a great place to take a bath in the three pools of volcanic rocks with seawater. I want to warn you that it can be windier here than on Agaete’s beaches.

Natural swimming pools with volcanic tunnels to enjoy with the entire family. Las Salinas de Agaete looks like a medieval castle but is full of beautiful seawater. These natural swimming pools, offer protection from the open sea. They look like a castle because of their protective battlements. These pools, which are connected by volcanic tubes, have a spectacular view of the rugged northwest coast of Gran Canaria, are ideal for swimming. A harbor is close by, as well as an iconic town. Below is a video of the Agaete pools in 360 view. Enjoy the views.

These pools have sunbathing and diving areas as well. They are easily accessible from Agaete or Puerto de las Nieves harbor, a ferry connection to Tenerife. The harbor is also easily accessible by foot, or you can drive to the pool and nearby farm and palm grove.

Valle de Agaete (Agaete Valley)

Gran Canaria’s Agaete valley is one of its most hidden corners. Its beauty is what draws everyone to it. The main attraction of the Valley is its coffee plantations. A farm or wine cellar can be visited, like Los Berrazales.

Tamadaba Natural Park

The Tamadaba Natural Park is located within the Agaete municipality. This protected area can be accessed via the coastal road connecting Agaete and La Aldea de San Nicolas. You can hike to Tamadaba’s famous Charco Azul, beaches of Guayedra, and Faneque El Risco and the town of “El Risco”. You can also take a circular route from the Tamadaba pine forest down to the Agaete valley if you want more adventure. It is called the Camino de San Pedro. It isn’t easy and takes about five hours to complete. There are more than 1,000m of uneven terrain.

Canary pine forest is a Biosphere Reserve. It covers 7,500 hectares and runs from the highlands to the coast, part of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve. There are forests of Canary pine trees and steep, almost inaccessible cliffs on the west coast. The rich biodiversity of its valleys is also available.

What can you do in Tamadaba Natural Park? The park’s highlands are only thirty minutes away from Artenara by following the GC-216. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the pine canopy at the Llanos De La Mimbre picnic site before taking in the views of the forest from La Bandera’s peak. Lower down, the GC-200 links La Aldea de San Nicolas to El Balcon viewpoint. Here you can see the sea cliff formation called the ‘dragon’s tail‘ and the palm-dotted Guayedra Valley and its secluded beaches.

Agaete to Santa Cruz de Tenerife Ferry

The ferry route Agaete Santa Cruz de Tenerife connects Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Fred Olsen Express is the only ferry company that operates this ferry service. This crossing is available up to 56 times per week, with sailing times starting at 1 hour 20 minutes.

The Agaete Santa Cruz de Tenerife sailing frequency and duration may change from season to season. I recommend doing a live check for the most current information.

Let me know if you need any other information, I will be glad to add it here. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

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