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Exploring La Aldea de San Nicolás: A Visitor's Guide

Welcome to La Aldea de San Nicolás, a magnificent natural area located on the western side of Gran Canaria. Being the third largest municipality on the island, it spans 139 square kilometers and stretches from the rugged coast to the highlands, culminating at 1,440 meters above sea level on Montaña de Los Hornos in Inagua. Characterized by dramatic cliffs, ravines, and a diverse coastal landscape, La Aldea offers an array of experiences for all kinds of visitors. 

Things to Do in La Aldea de San Nicolás

1. Hiking: La Aldea is a hiker's paradise with trails that traverse scenic pine forests, dizzying coastal cliffs, and stunning ravines. Its rich ecological landscapes host unique species found nowhere else in the world. You can hike all year round and enjoy spectacular natural viewpoints.

2. Astronomical Observing: Thanks to minimal light pollution, La Aldea provides excellent conditions for stargazing almost all year. The state-of-the-art observatory at the Guguy Interpretation Center allows you to marvel at the southern sky's celestial wonders.

3. Orientation: Explore La Aldea differently with permanent orientation circuits, perfect for sports enthusiasts or casual explorers. The Playa de La Aldea area offers a varied terrain, once the venue for the Gran Canaria O-Meeting in 2018.

4. Water Activities: With nearly 30 kilometers of virtually untouched coastline, La Aldea invites you to engage in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling, and surfing. Begin your aquatic adventure at the Marine Ecotourism Area Interpretation Center to learn about the marine treasures.

5. Birdwatching: La Aldea is a haven for birdwatchers. The wetlands of La Marciega and areas like Guguy and Andén Verde offer a rich variety of resident and migratory birds, making it an ideal spot for this activity, especially during sunset.

6. Mountain Adventures: Enjoy the trails and biosaludable circuits near the town center or plan routes to participate in events like Paralelo28 or TransGranCanaria. Mountain biking also offers a challenging way to explore spectacular corners of La Aldea.

7. Living Museums: Engage with La Aldea's rich history and culture through living museums. Experience displays of past lifestyles, including schoolrooms, barber shops, and rural medicine, available by appointment or during market days.

Contact for Living Museum Visits:  Phone: 928 892425 / 928 890378 / 928 890491

8. Photography: La Aldea's extraordinary landscapes, rugged coastline, and breathtaking sunsets offer countless opportunities for capturing stunning photographs.

9. Sports Facilities: The Los Cascajos Sports Complex features an indoor pool with a spa area, gym, football field, paddle tennis court, and more, offering comprehensive facilities for sports enthusiasts.

Natural Beauty and Geological Heritage

The varied topography of La Aldea results from millions of years of volcanic activity, creating a natural museum of geological formations. The area is known for its scenic beauty and scientific interest, as it lies in the oldest part of Gran Canaria.

1. Protected Areas:

  • The entire municipality is part of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve.
  • It falls under the Natura 2000 network with categories like Special Conservation Zones (ZEC) and Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA).

Major Protected Areas Include:

  • Tamadaba Natural Park
  • Nublo Rural Park
  • Inagua Integral Nature Reserve
  • Guguy Special Nature Reserve

Marine Areas of Special Importance for Seabirds:

  • Entire coastal fringe

Culinary Delights

La Aldea de San Nicolás boasts a rich and varied culinary scene thanks to its fresh local produce. Enjoy traditional dishes like goat meat, pork, fresh fish (samas, viejas, morena), and iconic Canarian foods like 'papas arrugadas' with mojo sauce or 'gofio escaldao.'

Events and Activities

1. Tomato Fair: Held in May, this fair celebrates La Aldea's primary economic product, the tomato. It's a vibrant event that highlights the municipality's gastronomic, natural, and recreational offerings.

2. Monthly Market and Craft Fair: Every first Saturday of the month, the agricultural and artisanal market takes place at La Aldea's church square, offering textiles, jewelry, wood, and stone carvings, and local food products.

Key Visitor Experiences

  1. Birdwatching: Best spots: Inagua pine forest, La Aldea ravine, Las Marciegas wetlands.
  1. Guguy Massif Visit: End with a swim and sunset at Guguy beach.
  1. Tabaibal Walk: From La Punta to El Perchel lookout for stunning views of Andén Verde cliffs.
  1. Beach Time: Swim in clear waters at Tasarte, Tasartico, or La Aldea beaches.
  1. Artejevez Almacigar Excursion: Discover unique flora and enjoy moments of tranquility.
  1. Tasarte Plateaus Hike: Enjoy unique flora and breathtaking views.
  1. Night Sky Observing: From the magical mountains of the municipality.
  1. Sunset Watching: Perfect beaches: Tasartico, Tasarte, or La Aldea.
  1. Interpretation Center Los Caserones Visit: Open daily except local holidays, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
  1. Apitourism: Explore the world of bees with a honey tasting tour.
  1. Mirador del Balcón: A spot to stay and savor the panorama.