9 Amazing Things to do in Puerto de las Nieves
Swim in volcanic swimming pools, hike in vast barren land and lava rock, eat fresh delicious seafood, relax on the beach, go wine tasting, explore picturesque towns and so much more. Continue reading our guide for the best things to do in Puerto de las Nieves and everything you need to know for your visit.
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Lovely white-washed buildings, charming narrow streets, natural volcanic swimming pools, magical sunsets, dramatic mountains, huge cliffs plunging into the ocean, picturesque wineries and fresh seafood; Puerto de las Nieves is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gran Canaria.
Located in northwest Gran Canaria, Puerto de las Nieves is a cute fishing village where fishing boats and ferries come and go to Tenerife. It’s retained its authentic Canarian charm and is a popular place for locals to holiday, more than tourists.
Puerto de las Nieves is one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria for its magnificent natural scenery. The white-washed and blue town is nestled at the foot of the towering cliffs of the Tamadaba National Park and looks like you’re on another planet!
In this guide, we’ll share the top things to do in Puerto de las Nieves and then everything you need to know before your visit including how long we’d recommend to stay, how to get there, hotel and restaurant recommendations and the best time to visit Gran Canaria.
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Contents
Things to do in Puerto de las Nieves Gran Canaria
Swim in Las Salinas de Agaete
Starting our list of amazing things to do in Puerto de las Nieves Gran Canaria is swimming in Las Salinas de Agaete.
Located a 10-minute walk from the town are three natural volcanic swimming pools sheltered from the rough open ocean and linked by underwater tunnels.
These pools are idyllic to swim in and offer incredible views of the rugged northwest coast of Gran Canaria.
Swimming in the pools you can watch the huge waves from the ocean crashing into the rocks and overflowing into the pools; this is really one of the most unique things to do in Gran Canaria.
There is plenty of space around the pools for sunbathing, a small beach, toilets and a kiosk where you can buy drinks and snacks. (The kiosk was closed the day we were there despite Google saying it was open so don’t count on it.)
Hike in Tamadaba National Park
Due to its volcanic and mountainous landscapes, one of the best things to do in Puerto de las Nieves is hiking. And, one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria for hiking is the Tamadaba National Park.
Forests of indigenous Canary pine trees, lush verdant valleys, secluded beaches, rugged rocky outcrops, enormous cliffs plunging dramatically into the ocean, lava rock and vast barren land, the Tamadaba National Park has a diverse range of landscapes to discover.
The national park is a protected area of 7,500 hectares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many hiking trails ranging from short flat strolls high above valleys with wonderful views to more challenging trails leading you deeper into the park.
Our top tip: you can combine hiking in the Tamadaba National Park with wine tasting at Bodega los Berrazales (see below). Catch the 102 bus from Puerto de las Nieves to El Lomo for the winery, and the trail starts at the entrance. You can use this trail as a map and it’s just the section between San Pedro and Puerto de las Nieves.
Wine tasting at Bodega los Berrazales
The rich volcanic soils and variable weather of Gran Canaria give wines produced here a real depth of flavour. This makes wine tasting one of the top things to do in Puerto de las Nieves.
Wine cultivation in the Canary Islands began in the 15th century with the arrival of the first Spanish conquerors. In the 16th century, malvasian wines from the islands achieved international acclaim and became known in European courts and were even complimented by William Shakespeare!
What makes the Canarian Island wine unique is that the islands have remained free from phylloxera; an insect that affects vine cultivation. This means vine cultivation can take place on open ground without needing rootstocks, which allows the plants to maximise the consumption of soil minerals and develop unusual properties.
There are several wineries around Puerto de las Nieves, however, we’d recommend Bodega los Berrazales which is also a coffee plantation. It’s over 200 years old and is situated in the foothills of the Tamadaba National Park underneath jagged mountain peaks and Canarian pine forest.
Bodega los Berrazales is open from 10am – 5pm. Guided tours cost €12 which also includes a wine tasting alongside local cheese, bread, chorizo, cake, jam and coffee.
You’ll learn about the entire process of coffee and wine from the plant to the cup and glass as well as enjoy wonderful views from terraces over the surrounding countryside and towns.
To reach the winery, catch the 102 bus to El Lomo and walk for about 15 minutes. There are only a couple of buses in each direction a day and the schedules change so check Google Maps before your visit. As you’ll most likely have to wait several hours for a bus back, you can hike back through the Tamadaba National Park; one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria.
Explore the Quaint Town of Agaete
Agaete is a quaint town with white-washed historic buildings sitting amongst the dramatic jagged mountains of the Tamadaba National Park. It’s a 15-minute walk from Puerto de las Nieves and one of the most charming places to visit in Gran Canaria.
Start your visit to Agaete strolling through the picturesque streets and narrow alleys. Walk along Calle Concepción; Agaete’s main street where local life is prominent and bustling.
There are a few cafes with outdoor seating in Agaete town where you can grab a coffee and pastry and watch daily life in the town unfold around you.
Peak into the Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción; Ageate’s main church, wander around the Centro Cultural de la Villa de Agaete; a typical Canarian house with beautiful architecture home to art exhibitions and amble through the shaded paths of the Botanical Gardens.
Relax on the Beach
There are two beaches in Puerto de las Nieves; Playa del Muelle and Playa de las Nieves. The pier sits in between them. From the beaches, you’ll have some of the best views to the south of the spectacular cliffs plunging dramatically into the ocean.
The beaches have black volcanic sand and pebbles and are perfect for swimming as the water is calm. The pier also acts as a shelter from the wind for Playa del Muelle making this a great spot to relax on a windy day.
Lining Playa del Muelle is a lovely promenade where you’ll find most of the restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves. In the afternoon, these are great for a drink overlooking the beach, port and cliffs to the south.
Eat Fresh Seafood
One of the best things to do in Puerto de las Nieves is to eat seafood. Here, you’ll find some of the best seafood in Gran Canaria!
Food in Gran Canaria is based on simple flavourful ingredients and fresh local produce grown on the island as much as possible or caught from the sea.
There are endless seafood dishes to try including:
- Sancocho: boiled salted fish typically sea bass or a local variant of grouper and garnished with potatoes, sweet potatoes and mojo served in a clay casserole
- Pulpo a la Canaria: this is a delicious and flavourful dish of octopus served with Canarian potatoes and peppers in a spicy sauce
- Cherne: a popular fish which is often grilled or baked and served with mojo sauce and Canarian potatoes
- Tapas de Mero: small portions of grouper fish, often served fried or grilled
- Prawns, mussels, grilled octopus and limpets are also incredibly popular
Most of the restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves are on the promenade lining Playa del Muelle. They have outdoor terraces with views of the beaches and spectacular cliffs. They have very similar menus, it’s just deciphering which serves the best seafood.
Some of our restaurant recommendations are:
- Restaurant El Dedo de Dios: popular with the locals, this cheap restaurant serves huge portions of high-quality food
- Marisqueria Ragu: this cosy restaurant combines Italian and Canarian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood
- Bar Restaurante Terraza Angor: one of our favourite restaurants in Puerto de las Nieves serving large portions for reasonable prices
Enjoy a Magical Sunset
One of the best things to do in Puerto de las Nieves as it’s on the west coast, is watch a sunset. It’s also one of the sunniest spots on the island so is treated to more clear sunsets than anywhere else!
There are a few places to watch the sunset including the promenade where you’ll see the sun lighting up the magnificent west coast cliffs as it sets, Las Salinas de Agaete and the rooftop bar at the Occidental Roca Negra Hotel.
There’s no better way to end the day on holiday than watching the sun go down over the ocean.
Visit Sardina del Norte
Visiting Sardina del Norte is one of the best things to do in Puerto de las Nieves. It’s a bit of an unknown gem among tourists in northern Gran Canaria and a popular place for locals to hang out.
Historically, Sardina del Norte was a small port that played an important role during the 15th and 16th centuries during the fighting of the conquest of the island. After the conquest, it became an important site for the sugar trade until the Port of Las Palmas developed into the island’s main port.
Today, Sardina del Norte is a charming fishing port with a black-sand beach with a contrasting backdrop of beautiful colourful buildings. The sea here is crystal clear and one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria for scuba diving.
There’s no public transport between Puerto de las Nieves and Sardina del Norte so you’ll need to drive or take a taxi.
Enjoy the View of Dedo de Dios
El Dedo de Dios is one of Gran Canaria’s iconic symbols located in the sea just south of the Beach of las Nieves.
This impressive rocky pinnacle is over 30 metres high, however, it used to be a lot higher. During Tropical Storm Delta in 2005, strong winds caused the most characteristic part of the rock formation to snap off; the bit that was commonly known as the index finger of God.
Many Canarians requested the remains be recovered and repaired, however, this was ruled unadvisable so now only the knuckles stand. It’s still an important natural monument of Gran Canaria and remains very impressive. The best place to see it is from the pier.
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Everything You Need to Know to Visit Puerto de las Nieves
Where to stay in Puerto de las Nieves
Most of the top things to do in Puerto de las Nieves are within walking distance so anywhere in town is great to stay. It’s only Sardina del Norte, Bodega los Berrazales and Tamadaba National Park which aren’t.
You can also stay in Agaete; a 20-minute walk away, however, we’d recommend staying in Puerto de las Nieves as it’s by the sea and closer to the places you’ll want to visit.
Our top hotel recommendations in Puerto de las Nieves 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.
How long to spend in Puerto de las Nieves
For all of the top things to do in Puerto de las Nieves, we’d recommend three nights.
The best time to visit Gran Canaria
The best time to visit Gran Canaria is year-round. During the winter, temperatures hover around 23 degrees making it ideal for some winter sun without having to fly too far from the UK.
During the summer, temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 28 degrees, again making it a fantastic summer holiday.
How to get to Puerto de las Nieves from Las Palmas Airport
The easiest way to get to Puerto de las Nieves from Las Palmas Airport is with a car. It’s 55 kilometres and should take around 45 minutes. Driving in Gran Canaria is straightforward. The roads are in good condition and out of the cities, they’re fairly quiet.
By bus, you’ll need to catch the number 11 into Las Palmas City which takes half an hour and then the 130 to Puerto de las Nieves, which takes 50 minutes.
The bus company is Global and you’ll need to check the schedules and plan your route.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to amazing things to do in Puerto de las Nieves. If you have any questions or want to get in contact, please leave a comment below.
You can also read our other Gran Canaria guides below.
