Agaete Holidays: Necropolis, Caves and Gran Canaria Sun
Provincia de Las Palmas · Canary Islands · Spain · 5,459 residents
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Agaete is a small Gran Canaria town of around 5,500 people, set just 55 metres above sea level and a little over half an hour by car from the island's main airport, which has direct flights from the UK. Its best-known sight sits almost on the doorstep: El Maipés Necropolis, an archaeological site under a mile from the centre. The Caves of the Crosses lie a couple of miles out, and Playa del Risco is about 4 miles away for a beach day. The climate is gentle all year, with daytime highs of 20°C to 25°C and warm nights. It makes a calm base for British travellers who want culture, nature and the sea without a big resort around them.
Why go
- El Maipés Necropolis, an archaeological site, is less than a mile from the town centre.
- Daytime highs stay between 20°C and 25°C in every month of the year.
- Gran Canaria airport, with direct UK flights, is roughly a 32-minute drive away.
Top sights in Agaete
Necropolis, Caves and a Quiet Beach
The headline sight is El Maipés Necropolis, an archaeological site listed as cultural property and only about 0.6 miles from the centre of Agaete. It is close enough to walk to, which makes it an easy first outing on arrival day.
For something outdoors, the Caves of the Crosses are about 1.8 miles away and suit families as well as nature lovers. Playa del Risco, a beach roughly 4 miles from town, is the nearest stretch of sand on our list and works well for a relaxed half day.
Tours and tickets for the area can be booked directly on this page, where you will find a selection of activities shown as booking cards.
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Tours & tickets in Agaete
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Agaete can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Agaete
Choosing a Base in Agaete
Agaete is a small town of about 5,500 residents, so expect a quiet stay rather than a lively resort scene. The town itself sits slightly inland at 55 metres, with El Maipés Necropolis on its edge, while the beach at Playa del Risco is around 4 miles away, so staying in town suits travellers who prefer peace and culture and are happy to drive to the sand.
If you would like a larger place nearby, Gáldar, with over 24,000 residents, is only about 4 miles away. This page shows live hotel prices so you can compare what is available for your dates.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Agaete and the villages around it is a hire car from Gran Canaria (LPA), about 32 min away.
Best time to visit Agaete
When to Visit Agaete
- 21°CJan29 mm
- 20°CFeb33 mm
- 21°CMar35 mm
- 21°CApr22 mm
- 21°CMay27 mm
- 23°CJun21 mm
- 23°CJul12 mm
- 24°CAug8 mm
- 23°CSept12 mm
- 25°COct24 mm
- 23°CNov17 mm
- 21°CDec48 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Agaete is mild year-round, and the most pleasant months are January, March, April, July, August, September, October, November and December. Even February, the coolest month, reaches around 20°C by day, with nights rarely below 17°C.
The warmest spell runs from July to November, peaking in October at about 25°C with nights near 23°C. August is the driest month, with roughly 8 mm of rain over three days. December is the wettest at around 48 mm, while May has the most rainy days, about nine, though totals stay low.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C | 18°C | 29 mm | 10 h |
| Feb | 20°C | 17°C | 33 mm | 10 h |
| Mar | 21°C | 17°C | 35 mm | 11 h |
| Apr | 21°C | 18°C | 22 mm | 12 h |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | 27 mm | 12 h |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | 21 mm | 12 h |
| Jul | 23°C | 21°C | 12 mm | 12 h |
| Aug | 24°C | 22°C | 8 mm | 12 h |
| Sept | 23°C | 22°C | 12 mm | 11 h |
| Oct | 25°C | 23°C | 24 mm | 10 h |
| Nov | 23°C | 21°C | 17 mm | 10 h |
| Dec | 21°C | 19°C | 48 mm | 9 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flying and Driving to Agaete
The nearest airport is Gran Canaria (LPA), about 22 miles away, and it has direct flights from the UK. With car hire, the drive to Agaete takes roughly 32 minutes.
Ferries are an option if you are combining islands or arriving from mainland Spain. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria port, about 18 miles away, has sailings to Huelva and Cádiz on the mainland and to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Morro Jable and Arrecife within the Canaries. Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos, on neighbouring Tenerife, connect onward to La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.
By air
- Gran Canaria (LPA)22 miles, about 32 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Nearest ferry ports: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (18 miles), Santa Cruz de Tenerife (42 miles), Los Cristianos (62 miles).
Agaete is good for
Around Agaete
Day Trips Around Agaete
Gáldar is the closest neighbour at about 4 miles, and the largest nearby town. Artenara lies around 6 miles away, with Moya at roughly 7.5 miles and Firgas at about 8 miles.
A little further out, Valleseco and Tejeda are both around 9 miles away, as are San Nicolás and Teror. Distances are short, so several of these can be combined in a single day with a hire car.
Tips from Robin
Practical Tips for Your Stay
A hire car makes life easier here: the airport is half an hour away, the beach at Playa del Risco is about 4 miles out, and most day trips sit within 10 miles.
With only around 5,500 residents, Agaete is a quiet place, so plan evenings accordingly or head to Gáldar nearby for a larger town. Pack a light layer and a rain jacket if travelling in December or spring, when showers are most frequent.
Questions people ask
How far is Agaete from Gran Canaria airport?
Gran Canaria airport (LPA) is about 22 miles from Agaete, roughly a 32-minute drive. The airport has direct flights from the UK, so a hire car gets you from the arrivals hall to town in little more than half an hour.
Is there a beach in Agaete?
The nearest beach on our list is Playa del Risco, about 4 miles from the town, which is suited to families. Agaete itself sits slightly inland at 55 metres, so most visitors drive out for a beach day.
What is the weather like in Agaete in winter?
Winter is mild. January highs reach about 21°C with nights around 18°C, and February is the coolest at around 20°C. December is the wettest month, with roughly 48 mm of rain over about seven days.
What is the main sight in Agaete?
El Maipés Necropolis, an archaeological site listed as cultural property, is the main sight and lies just 0.6 miles from the centre. The Caves of the Crosses, about 1.8 miles away, are also worth a visit.
Can I reach Agaete by ferry?
Yes. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria port is about 18 miles away, with ferries to Huelva and Cádiz on mainland Spain and to Tenerife, Fuerteventura's Morro Jable and Lanzarote's Arrecife within the Canaries.