La Aldea, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Situated in a valley on the west coast of the island, La Aldea, or La Aldea de San Nicolas by its full name is a small and friendly town ideal for those seeking a relaxing holiday.
La Aldea
The town has a few small restaurants, bars and supermarket.
The Fiesta del Charco (festival of the lagoon) takes place every year on the 11th September. Traditional activities include fully dressed locals wading in the water, splashing each other and trying to catch fish with their bare hands.
Beaches
Running to the south of the harbour you will find the dark sands of the town beach or, just around the headland to the north, you will find the small secluded cove and clear calm waters of El Puerto Beach.
Surrounded by natural scenery and perfect for swimming and diving, are the remote west coast beaches and clear waters of Gui-Gui, Tasartico and Tasarte.
Things to Do
Strolling through the village you can see the reconstructed shops and school house of days gone by and demonstrations of traditional farming techniques at the living museums (Museo Vivo). You can also visit the working La Ladera water mill and museum to learn the aged systems and milling process of the flour and water mills.
Approx 5km south of the town is the Cactualdea Park, a large botanical garden with cacti from all around the world, an interesting Guanche Cave and a Canarian restaurant.
A number of festivities take place during the first two weeks of September, not least the lively Fiesta del Charco where people come from all over the island to (attempt) to re-enact the aboriginal fishing technique of catching fish with their bare hands.
Out and About
The charming, rural town of La Aldea is surrounded by national parks with spectacular vistas. The peaks and ravines of the Roque Nublo natural park and the pine forests of the Tamabada Natural Park and the Inagua Integrated Nature Reserve provide plentiful opportunities for hiking, walking, climbing, cycling and bird watching.
Nearby Attractions
The south coast is just 30 minutes drive away where you could take boat trips from the marina at Puerto Mogan (32km), have fun at the Lago Taurito water park (34km), relax on the gorgeous white sands in the sheltered by of Amadores (41km) or visit the lively and popular beach resort of Puerto Rico (42km).
Gran Canaria Resorts
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