Overlooking a rugged stretch of the Atlantic Coast, Agaete is a small town in the far north-west of Gran Canaria and a popular launching point for boat tours. It’s on the doorstep of El Maipes, one of the most important ancient burial sites in the Canary Islands, and offers easy access to the spectacular hiking trails in Tamadaba Natural Park.
Things to do in Agaete
Stroll through the heart of Agaete to admire the Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, a Mediterranean-style church that dates back to 1874. Also worth visiting are the Cultural Centre and the Town Hall, both of which occupy impressive 19th-century houses constructed in a typical Canarian style.
If your visit to Agaete doesn’t coincide with the Fiesta de la Rama (which sees locals dancing in the streets and praying for rainfall), you can learn all about this ancient celebration at the Museo de la Rama. Street decorations and photographs from past festivities decorate the museum while exhibits detail its significance to Grand Canarians.
Agaete serves as a gateway to Tamadaba Natural Park, which sprawls along the north-west coast of Gran Canaria. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it encompasses dramatic cliffs, spectacular valleys and an indigenous pine forest that supports the largest variety of endemic flora on the island. Follow one of the hiking trails that offer sweeping views across the coastline, with highlights including the Camino de Faneque and the Camino del Fin del Mundo.
Getting around Agaete
Agaete is a 30-minute drive from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and 45 minutes from Gran Canaria Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Buses connect Agaete to towns and villages across Gran Canaria while the town is compact enough to explore on foot.