The north-western coast of Gran Canaria has craggy mountain with deep ravines or barranco. The ravines hold very fertile valleys, sheltered by the hills, where sub-tropical fruit is grown. Agaete lies at the end of one such ravine, and is surrounded by verdant terraced hills. It is a picturesque town that remains largely unscathed by tourism and is true to its fishing roots. The main road gives easy access the island capital Los Palmas. Agaete has a small volcanic beach huddled beneath cliffs. Non-motorised water sports are available. A wide choice of accommodation caters for all budgets and the variety of restaurants satisfies even the most conservative palate. An Agaete holiday offers relaxation in stunning surroundings and a wide choice of recreational facilities.
Agaete is a picturesque town west of Los Palmos, a favourite haunt of artists drawn by the natural beauty of its surroundings. Holidays offers warm sunshine in both summer and winter. The north of the island, away from the bustling resorts in the south, offers a respite from the pressures of twenty-first century living. There are plenty of recreational pursuits both in and around the town. Los Palmos is only a half hour drive to the east.
An Agaete holiday has broad appeal attracting sun lovers, water sport enthusiasts and couples of all ages. Although there is a small beach, families with young children may prefer resorts in the south which are closer to the many child-centred attractions.
Agaete is a year round holiday destination having pleasantly hot summers and warm winters. February and March are very pretty months when the trees are in blossom.
The charming town of Agaete lies in the less populated north of the island and offers an atmosphere very different from the busy southern resorts. Built at the end of a ravine, in a fertile valley, its white houses and tiled roofs contrast starkly with the lush vegetation of the terraced hills. It offers a range of accommodation from hotels to self-catering apartments and villas with pools. Agaete restaurants serve a diverse cuisine from traditional fish dishes to international fare. There is even the occasional Irish pub serving cooked breakfasts. Agaete shopping is sufficient for all but the most avaricious shopper. There are a large number of galleries reflecting the numbers of artists who have made their home in this delightful spot.
Agaete has a small volcanic beach offering bathing facilities and there are more beaches in neighbouring Puerto de las Nieves. Various water sports are available as are whale and dolphin watching trips.
Agaete has a number of sightseeing opportunities including the old church of the Conception of Our Lady, the botanical gardens and the houses belonging to noblemen in the nineteenth century.
There are three golf courses in the north of the island with a further three in the south. Many of the attractions for children are also found in the south. These include water parks, a Wild West park and a crocodile park.
Agaete nightlife is fairly low-key reflecting the resort’s popularity with couples. Evenings are spent wandering the streets and the waterfront eating and drinking under the stars.
Agaete has a good number of shops supplying holiday essentials as well as gifts and souvenirs. Agaete has an unusually large number of galleries reflecting the town’s popularity with artists. There are street markets in neighbouring resorts. One of the attractions of shopping in Gran Canaria is that goods are virtually tax free and Los Palmas is probably the best city for shopping in the whole of the islands. Perfume, alcohol, cigarettes, cameras and electronic goods are all considerably cheaper. The Santa Catalina district has large department stores, specialist shops and many fine boutiques. There is also a large shopping centre in Las Arenas.
There are many good restaurants in Agaete serving a wide and varied cuisine. Fish features prominently on menus often accompanied by mojo, a spicy pepper salsa and salted potatoes. A good way to sample Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in the Canaries than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
