Gran Canaria - scenic coastal road and rural mountain adventures.

Welcome to our latest exploration at Seenbyveen.com! Today, we're taking you on a road trip along the breathtaking coastline of Gran Canaria, from the charming town of Agaete to the shores of La Aldea. Before we were ready for another road trip with our motorcycle, we headed back to the place we visited the day before, Agaete, for some breakfast by the sea. We sat down under a clear blue sky and enjoyed a Spanish omelette, fresh orange juice and a nice cup of coffee at one of the restaurants by the beach. As we mentioned in a previous post, Agaete is a charming little village with white washed stone houses and has several good restaurants by the sea that offer fresh seafood. (We would love to come back here in the future!)

We had not made any detailed plans of where to go, but knew that the coastal road heading south from Agaete (GC 200) was supposed to be beautiful. For some directions we put in La Aldea Beach which is about a 40 minutes drive (by car) from Agaete. Gran Canaria is a nature lover's paradise, and this route is no exception. As you drive, be amazed by the rugged cliffs, swaying palm trees, and the deep blue Atlantic ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. We truly enjoyed the diverse flora and fauna – from cacti clinging to the cliffs to seabirds dancing in the sky. One of the perks of Gran Canaria is its all-year-round sunshine. The climate here is like that perfect day at the beach – warm, inviting, and perfect for a road trip - especially on a motorbike! The sea breeze accompanies you, making the journey not just a drive but a sensory experience. We felt the wind, the sun and felt closer to nature than ever. A real WOW moment in every curve. (of course you might have rain and unpredictable weather on Gran Canaria too, but chances are you will soon see the sun again).

This coastal route is a bit off the beaten path, which means fewer crowds and more authenticity.

As you journey along the coastline, you'll be traversing an area with ancient roots. The Agaete Valley, in particular, has been inhabited since pre-Hispanic times. Did you know that the Agaete Valley is known for its coffee plantations? Yes, you read it right – coffee in the Canary Islands! The microclimate here creates the perfect conditions for coffee cultivation. We wanted to visit the coffee plantations, but this time we didn’t have enough time to fit everything into our schedule. This area also has several unique natural pools carved into the volcanic rock, these pools offer a unique and safe swimming experience. It's like having your own private oasis with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. We will write more about the natural pools in the north of Gran Canaria in a later post. Please don’t forget to subscribe if you want updates about new blog posts!

As we drove we approached El Risco, a small village nestled between cliffs. The village is surrounded by lush greenery and is a gateway to one of the most scenic hikes on the island – the Charco Azul trail. The hike rewards adventurers with stunning views and a pristine blue lagoon. Gran Canaria is also a paradise for those that like hiking, and there are different trails depending on your experience and preference. The Agaete to La Aldea region, is also designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This recognition highlights the commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of the unique ecosystems found here.

Whether you're captivated by the geological formations, enchanted by the lush valleys, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Agaete to La Aldea promises an unforgettable experience.

Nestled at the western end of Gran Canaria, La Aldea de San Nicolás beckons with its tranquil coastal ambiance. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs, La Aldea offers a more laid-back escape, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a quieter slice of paradise. We found a quiet place where we stopped to have some lunch and enjoy the scenery by the water. La Aldea boasts stunning black sand beaches, a testament to the island's volcanic origins. Playa de La Aldea is a local favorite, where the contrast of the dark sands against the turquoise waters creates a mesmerizing scene. It's an ideal spot to relax, soak up the sun, and take in the ocean breeze.

Known for its fertile soil, La Aldea is an agricultural hub producing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Here you can explore the local markets to savor fresh, farm-to-table produce. From bananas to tomatoes, the flavors here are a true reflection of the island's rich agricultural heritage.

There were a lot of things we would have loved to explore in the area around Aldea, but we were eager to continue our journey deeper into the mountains, on much more challenging roads. In our next post we will share this incredible adventure with you and look deeper into what Gran Canaria’s more unknown places has to offer.

Thanks for visiting! ☀️
/Seen by Veen