Las Salinas de Agaete; Guide to Beautiful Natural Volcanic Swimming Pools
Natural volcanic swimming pools, magnificent views of Gran Canaria’s northwest coast, charming white-washed fishing villages and huge cliffs plunging dramatically into the ocean; here’s our guide on visiting Las Salinas de Agaete; one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria.
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Las Salinas de Agaete (also known as Agaete Piscina Natural) are one of the most unique places to visit in Gran Canaria.
Three natural pools linked by volcanic tunnels, kind of resembling a medieval fortress.
The pools are ideal for swimming in as they’re protected from the rough open ocean by volcanic rock so the water is lovely and calm. You’ll often see large waves crashing into the rocks and overflowing into the pools; it’s really quite impressive and cool to see!
Visitors are also rewarded with magnificent views of Gran Canaria’s rugged northwest coast.
After reading this guide to Las Salinas de Agaete, you’ll know the location of the pools, how to get there, the best time to visit, where to eat and drink nearby, facilities, where to stay and much more.
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About Las Salinas de Agaete; one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria
Agaete Piscina Natural are in Puerto de las Nieves Gran Canaria; a charming white-washed fishing village with picturesque narrow streets, dramatic mountain and volcanic scenery, magical sunsets, pretty wineries and delicious seafood.
Puerto de las Nieves is on Gran Canaria’s northwest coast, 33 kilometres from Las Palmas and within walking distance of Agaete.
As well as the three natural volcanic pools, there’s a beach and space to sunbathe although rather rocky. We’d recommend bringing a beach chair if you have one. There’s a wooden deck between the pools and beach that’s slightly comfier to lie on if you can nab a spot.
Our Top Tip: make sure you bring flip-flops or shoes that are easy to slip on and off by the water’s edge. The rocks are jagged and painful to walk on so you’ll want to wear shoes when walking around.
The pools are very deep in places so there are stairs to help you get in and out.
You can also swim between the pools in the underwater tunnels although be careful as the tunnels are quite deep under the water and you have to hold your breath for a long time. Also, be careful not to bang your head or graze your skin on the rocks!
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Las Salinas de Agaete
How to get to Las Salinas de Agaete
Despite their name, Agaete Piscina Natural are actually located in Puerto de las Nieves, a 6-minute walk along the promenade or a 20-minute walk from Agaete. There’s also parking next to the pools.
The best time to visit Las Salinas de Agaete
Gran Canaria is a perfect year-round destination with average winter temperatures around 23 degrees and summer around 28 degrees. During the winter the pools are quite chilly but you quickly get used to it.
Other things to do in Puerto de las Nieves
Swimming in Las Salinas de Agaete is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria and although they can be visited on a day trip from Las Palmas, we’d recommend staying a couple of days and enjoying some of the other top things to do in Puerto de las Nieves.
- Hike in Tamadaba National Park: one of the most spectacular places to visit in Gran Canaria characterised by forests of indigenous Canary pine trees, lush verdant valleys, secluded beaches, rugged rocky outcrops, huge cliffs plunging dramatically into the ocean, lava rock and vast barren land.
- Wine tasting at Bodega los Berrazales: a gorgeous winery and coffee plantation nestled in the foothills of the Tamadaba National Park underneath jagged mountain peaks and Canarian pine forest.
- Relax on the beach: there are two beaches in Puerto de las Nieves with lovely calm waters perfect for swimming and amazing views to the south of the spectacular cliffs plunging into the ocean.
- Enjoy the view of Dedo de Dios: this is one of Gran Canaria’s iconic symbols located in the sea just south of Playa de Las Nieves.
For more top things to do in Puerto de las Nieves Gran Canaria and our complete guide, head to the link below.
Facilities
There are toilets and a kiosk bar offering snacks and soft drinks. Don’t rely on either of these being open as they weren’t when we were there despite Google saying they were.
The restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves are only a 10-minute walk from the pools on the promenade lining Playa del Muelle. They have outdoor terraces with views of the beaches and spectacular cliffs so we’d recommend heading there for food.
Where to stay
The best areas to stay when visiting Las Salinas de Agaete are either Puerto de las Nieves or Agaete. Both are gorgeous white-washed villages surrounded by the dramatic mountain scenery of the Tamadaba National Park.
We’d personally recommend Puerto de las Nieves as it’s on the sea, whereas Agaete is a 20-minute walk inland. There are also more cafes, restaurants and bars in Puerto de las Nieves so you’d end up walking here anyway for food.
Our top hotel recommendations in Puerto de las Nieves Gran Canaria are:
- Budget: Apartamento Juli4 – this basic but clean and spacious apartment is located 500 metres from Playa de las Nieves and comes fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a wonderful and relaxing stay.
- Mid-range: Occidental Roca Negra – built into the volcanic rock, this stunning adults-only property is located 200 metres from Las Salinas de Agaete and boasts magnificent views over the rugged coastline from the rooftop bar. Perfect for a luxury seaside stay and one of the best views of sunset in the area.
- Luxury: Paramount Views Agaete Apartment – this modern and spacious apartment is ideal for a relaxing stay but still want to cook for yourself at times. Located in the centre of town with an outdoor pool and a lovely terrace where you can soak up the surrounding views.
Alternatively, browse all hotel options at the link below.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to visiting Las Salinas de Agaete; one of the best things to do in Puerto de las Nieves and most unique places to visit in Gran Canaria.
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