Agaete, the Eden of Gran Canaria

When you arrive in Agaete, the first thing we recommend you to do is to head towards the old town. This part of the town is characterised by its typical white Canarian country houses, built in stone, the oldest of which still have doors made of Tea wood, a material extracted from old Canary Island pine trees. This interesting corner of the municipality of Agaete is home to several monuments and buildings, such as the Church of La Concepción or the Town Hall building. This first building occupies the place of a previous temple destroyed in the fire of 1874. Also called Templo Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, this church is distinguished from the other buildings by its red stonework, which contrasts with the white walls.

As for the Town Hall building, it used to be a bourgeois dwelling organised around a central courtyard. Just a few steps away, you will find the Casa Fuerte, a primitive fortress built in 1481 as a base of operations for the conquest. You will also find there the Dedo de Dios Cultural Complex, inspired by this same monument.

Also located in the historic centre of Agaete is the evocative Huerto de las Flores, a botanical garden in the heart of the municipality. This beautiful garden was created in the 19th century by the De Armas family who had just returned from their travels, bringing with them tree seeds from all over the world. Here you will have the opportunity to discover more than a hundred species of plants, all organised according to their origin, which offer a true spectacle of the botanical universe.

Heading towards the coastal area of the municipality, the setting changes completely, but not because it is any less charming, but because it is here that you will really immerse yourself in the seafaring atmosphere of the municipality. When you get to Puerto de las Nieves, one of the landmarks you can't miss is the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, which dates from the 16th century, but was extended with two towers three centuries later. Inside the chapel is the Flemish Triptych of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a magnificent piece by Joos Van Cleve, which depicts the theme of the Virgin and Child.

As we approach the sea, we find another iconic spot in Puerto de las Nieves: the natural pools of Agaete. Known as Las Salinas, this small bowling beach, isolated in a rustic area, is a place of pure tranquillity where you can enjoy not only the crystal clear waters, but also the breathtaking views of the Atlantic. But when talking about spectacular views, the most emblematic sight to see in Agaete is the "Dedo de Dios", a rock formation whose name is due to its singular shape, which according to the writer Domingo Doreste, "Fray Lesco", resembles an index finger pointing to the sky.

Since you are in Agaete, you have to enjoy the typical Canarian food, which has also a local uniqueness. Among the most popular typical dishes are fish broth, gofio or papas arrugadas, but you should also try the fresh fish and homemade bread at Ragú on the Paseo de las Poetas, or perhaps one of the delicious "bocadillos de algo con todo" at Meson del Bocadillo Agaete, accompanied by a good beer.

Another site not to be missed is the Tamadaba Natural Park. The park, which is divided between the municipalities of Agaete, Artenara and Aldea de San Nicolás, occupies just over 7,500 hectares in a place of special protection, making it ideal for outdoor activities within the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve. In 2019 Tamadaba was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco as part of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria.

Hiking is the most popular sport in this part of the island due to the numerous routes adapted to all levels. The most popular is the one that leads to the Roque Faneque viewpoint. Also known as the Tamadaba Massif, the combination of steep slopes, steep ravines and cliffs that make up this site make it a landscape of great beauty.

Located in La Finca de La Laja, at the foot of Tamadaba, you will find the Bodega Los Berrazales, an ancient winery where guided tours are offered from Monday to Saturday to learn about the winemaking process, as well as orange and coffee plantations in La Laja.

A hotel with a subtle nautical theme in a seaside town

In Gran Canaria there is a regular bus company, Global, which operates to all parts of the island from its two central stations: the Santa Catalina interchange and the San Telmo station.

To get to Agaete from the airport, take bus number 60 to San Telmo Station and from there take bus number 103 to Agaete.

In case you are already in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you just have to take the bus n°103 from San Telmo Station.