Tourist Guide
Photos & Videos
Agora / Directory
Overview
Most visitors to the island would consider this off the beaten path but the town of Agaete, its enchanting valley and its accompanying port of Puerto de las Nieves in the north west of the island are well worth a visit.
Location
Well away from both the main tourist resorts of the South and the city of Las Palmas, Agaete can be reached by taking the GC-2 motorway which snakes around the north of the island from Las Palmas. From the island's airport, the GC-1 motorway will take you north into Las Palmas in order to connect with the GC-2.
In Detail
Historic buildings in Agaete include the architecturally interesting red domed Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion dating from 1874. A short distance from the church there's a delightful botanical garden. The gardens are crammed with some interesting rare plants, and plenty of Canarian species. They are open from 8am to 12 noon daily.
As with much of the rest of western Gran Canaria, the terrain is marked by numerous barranco (ravines), 
with their fertile valleys containing mangoes, oranges, bananas and avocados - Canary Palms also feature heavily in this area. Visit nearby small settlement - Los Berrazales to sample mineral waters collected here - situated just to the southeast of Agaete via the El Valle road. See our "Valley of Agaete" article.
Strolling on to neighbouring Puerto de las Nieves, watch out for views of the famous volcanic rock cliff formation here called Dedo de Dios (God's Finger). 
Also in Puerto de las Nieves is the Ermita de Nuestra Senora de las Nieves dating from the 16th century. Interesting features in this church include Mudejar carvings and Flemish carving of the Virgin of the Snows.
Agaete and this part of Gran Canaria's west coast is pretty untouched by tourism although this has changed somewhat since the port became the departure/arrival point for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife ferry. A small black shingle beach here is more than adequate. If you prefer to explore the history and culture of Gran Canaria, with some nice restaurants close to hand, an opportunity to island hop and easy access to the cultural capital Las Palmas - then Agaete commands your attention as a base.
Accommodation
The range of accommodation is more limited but you will find a few hotels.
Links
External Links
Read: 2267 times.
