This dazzling little port village is all beauty and high contrast, its striking white and blue buildings shining against the coffee-colored volcanic cliffs and crystal-clear azure waters. Puerto de las Nieves (Port of the Snows) is located on the northwestern coast of Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands.
A former fishing village, this charming port now caters more to tourism. But colorfully painted vessels still dot the marina next to the imposing white and yellow car ferries that whisk visitors off to Tenerife. The village is known for a towering basalt pillar known as the Dedo de Dios (Finger of God) located near the cliffs south of the beach. The pinnacle was damaged during a storm in 2005 but is still visible from the end of the fishing pier.
While small, Puerto de las Nieves is a must on any Gran Canaria itinerary and is the perfect day trip from the main city of Las Palmas. Discover the natural and laid-back beauty of Puerto de Las Nieves.
Getting to Puerto de Las Nieves
If you’re based in Las Palmas, you can easily reach Puerto de Las Nieves by bus or car.
By car
If you’re driving, simply hop on GC-2, a scenic highway that hugs the rugged coastline. Enjoy a picturesque 30-minute drive, passing banana plantations and surf breaks until arriving at the port village. The port has paid parking (€2-3 for the day) near the center. There is also free parking near the natural pools, but the road is a bit rough to access the lot.
By bus
Coming by bus is just as easy, catch the L103 or L130. The L130 is a bit faster as it has fewer stops, but either will get you there in around 45 minutes to an hour. These buses are the blue Global buses (guaguas in the Canary Islands) and will cost about €3-4 to get to Puerto de las Nieves. You can pay by card or cash when boarding, just let the driver know your destination and they’ll print you a ticket.
Relax on the volcanic beach
Locals and visitors alike love the beach at Puerto de las Nieves, and regardless of the time of year, you’re likely to see families and couples sprawled out on its rocky volcanic shores. The beach is divided in two by a historic fishing pier. The left side offers unobstructed views of the rugged shoreline and the iconic Dedo de Dios, while the right side is protected by the marina and offers shallow waters for children to swim.
Spread a towel out across the lava rocks to sunbathe under the Canarian sun, or don a mask and snorkel or explore the treasures hidden under the crystalline surface. Check out the left side by the fishing pier for snorkeling, as the rocky bottom and clear waters reward with schools of silvery fish and even the odd parrotfish. For these volcanic beaches, I recommend bringing water shoes, as the lava stones can be sharp underfoot.
Take a dip in Las Salinas (Natural Saltwater Pools)
The Canary Islands are renowned for their natural pools, or piscinas naturales. One of my favorite things to do in Puerto de las Nieves is visit the Salinas, or saltwater pools. These natural pools are carved into the volcanic shoreline, making the perfect spot to enjoy a dip in the ocean without the turbulence from oncoming waves. The natural breakwater is fortified by a row of wooden pillars, meaning the pools are generally tranquil even while the swell beats against the shore.
The complex consists of three organically shaped saltwater pools, complete with steps carved into the rock and added steps/handrails for easy entrance/exit. The pools are gin-clear with rocky bottoms and are chock full of locals and tourists alike on the weekends, so either arrive early or come for late afternoon.
There are bathrooms near the pools (although often without soap or toilet paper) and a food truck selling snacks and drinks. There is also a parking lot nearby, but people say the road to get there is uneven and tough on tires.
Explore the center and eat on the waterfront
Wander the charming village center, a jumble of white-washed buildings and blue trim, housing restaurants, gift shops, and cafes. At the center of town is the Ermita Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a 16th-century catholic church. The interior is decorated to salute the port’s fishing heritage with suspended model boats and a triptych dedicated to Our Lady of las Nieves.
The tiny port at Puerto de las Nieves is bustling during the weekends, and there’s no better place to spend a Sunday afternoon than at one of the restaurants overlooking the marina. The most famous (often with a line out the door) is Restaurante el Dedo de Dios, located just off the fishing pier, overlooking the volcanic beach and sweeping Roque Faneque – one of the highest cliffs in the world. Be sure to try parrillada de pescado, a variety of grilled fish and seafood.
Hike to Guayedra Beach
Those looking to escape the weekend beach crowds in Puerto de las Nieves should hike the coastline over to Guayedra Beach. This remote beach is located at the end of the Guayedra Ravine and is populated by striking black sand and large volcanic stones. Although it’s known as a nudist beach, it’s not a requirement and almost everyone was wearing a swimsuit when I went.
Guayedra Beach is a 2-mile hike from Puerto de las Nieves, with over 1,000 feet in elevation change. There is a small section where you have to walk on the highway before descending into the ravine, just stick to the shoulder and you’ll be fine. When I visited in November 2024, the trail was only open on the weekend. During your descent into the ravine, you’ll walk through a construction site, which is active on the weekdays, and thus why the trail is closed Monday through Friday.
The trail offers spectacular views of the chocolate brown Roque Feneque and the pine forests Tamadaba, taking you down into the ravine past large tangles of prickly pear cactus and skittish lizards. After about an hour of hiking, you’ll arrive at the tranquil beach. While peaceful and away from the crowds of the port, Guayedra Beach is much less protected than Puerto de las Nieves and often has large swell, so take care when swimming.
Visit a Guanche burial site in Agaete
Puerto de las Nieves is nearby to the municipality of Agaete, located just over one mile inland from the port village. This sleepy town is quiet, even on weekends, but it’s home to a fascinating archeological site.
The Maipés de Agaete is a massive funerary complex home to hundreds of tombs belonging to the Guanche, the former Indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands. The complex is set within a desolate volcanic landscape, the name “Maipés” meaning badlands for its stark appearance and lack of vegetation. The archeological site features a set of walkways and trails that take visitors past the impressive mounded tombs built on top of the ancient lava flow with information panels along the way.
Entry only costs a few euros, paid by cash or card on entry (there’s no need to book ahead). Check online for their latest hours of operation. We spent around 30 minutes here and really enjoyed this incredible slice of the island’s history.