San Nicolás, Canary Islands: Holiday Guide for UK Travellers
Provincia de Las Palmas · Canary Islands · Spain · 7,950 residents
San Nicolás is a small town of around 7,950 people in the Provincia de Las Palmas, set just 57 metres above sea level and a short way inland. Its appeal is the landscape around it: Tamadaba Natural Park begins under five miles away, and the beaches of Güigüi and Playa del Asno sit within roughly four and six and a half miles. The climate is remarkably even, with daytime highs between 22°C in winter and 27°C in August and barely any rain for most of the year. Gran Canaria airport, which has direct flights from the United Kingdom, is about 35 minutes away by car.
Why go
- Tamadaba Natural Park, a protected area under five miles away, suits walkers and nature lovers.
- Güigüi, a protected beach area about four miles off, offers sand with a wild setting.
- Highs of 22 to 27°C and almost no rain make every month a reasonable choice.
Top sights in San Nicolás
Parks and Beaches Around Town
The most notable sight near San Nicolás is Tamadaba Natural Park, a protected area roughly 4.7 miles from town. It is the obvious draw for anyone who comes for the nature rather than the nightlife, and it sets the tone for a stay here.
For the sea, Güigüi lies about four miles away. It is a beach within a protected area, which gives it a more untouched feel than a resort strand, and it works for families as well as walkers. Playa del Asno, around 6.5 miles off, is a second beach option that also suits families.
Tours and tickets for the area can be booked directly on this page, where you will find a selection of around 28 activities shown as booking cards.
Tours & tickets in San Nicolás
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around San Nicolás can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in San Nicolás
Choosing a Base Near San Nicolás
San Nicolás itself is not on the coast, so staying in town means a short drive to the beaches at Güigüi and Playa del Asno. With fewer than 8,000 residents, it is a quiet base, better suited to travellers who want early starts in Tamadaba Natural Park than to those after a lively evening scene.
If you prefer more going on, larger municipalities on the nearby list, such as San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán, offer a busier alternative within roughly 8 to 14 miles. The page shows live hotel prices so you can compare options in and around town.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach San Nicolás and the villages around it is a hire car from Gran Canaria (LPA), about 35 min away.
Best time to visit San Nicolás
Warm Weather Every Month
- 22°CJan1 mm
- 22°CFeb5 mm
- 23°CMar6 mm
- 24°CApr3 mm
- 24°CMay1 mm
- 25°CJun9 mm
- 26°CJul0 mm
- 27°CAug1 mm
- 25°CSept0 mm
- 26°COct7 mm
- 24°CNov23 mm
- 22°CDec14 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
All twelve months count as pleasant here, which is unusual even by Canary Islands standards. January and February are the coolest, with highs of 22°C and lows of 16 to 17°C, still comfortably mild for a winter escape from the UK.
The warmest spell runs from July to October, peaking in August at around 27°C by day and 24°C at night. November is the wettest month, though that means only about 23mm of rain over three days; December follows with around 14mm. From spring through to September, rain is close to non-existent, with July and September recording none at all.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22°C | 17°C | 1 mm | 10 h |
| Feb | 22°C | 16°C | 5 mm | 11 h |
| Mar | 23°C | 17°C | 6 mm | 11 h |
| Apr | 24°C | 18°C | 3 mm | 12 h |
| May | 24°C | 19°C | 1 mm | 13 h |
| Jun | 25°C | 20°C | 9 mm | 13 h |
| Jul | 26°C | 23°C | 0 mm | 13 h |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | 1 mm | 12 h |
| Sept | 25°C | 22°C | 0 mm | 12 h |
| Oct | 26°C | 23°C | 7 mm | 11 h |
| Nov | 24°C | 21°C | 23 mm | 10 h |
| Dec | 22°C | 19°C | 14 mm | 10 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flights, Drive Times and Ferries
The nearest airport is Gran Canaria (LPA), about 24 miles from San Nicolás, and it has direct flights from the United Kingdom. The drive from the airport takes around 35 minutes, so car hire is a sensible choice, especially if you plan to reach the park and beaches.
Ferries are also an option. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, roughly 25 miles away, has sailings to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Morro Jable and Arrecife, plus routes to Huelva and Cádiz on the Spanish mainland. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, about 43 miles away across the water, connects with La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, as does Los Cristianos, around 57 miles away.
By air
- Gran Canaria (LPA)24 miles, about 35 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Nearest ferry ports: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (25 miles), Santa Cruz de Tenerife (43 miles), Los Cristianos (57 miles).
San Nicolás is good for
Around San Nicolás
Day Trips Within 15 Miles
Mogán is the closest neighbour at about 8 miles, followed by Artenara and Agaete at roughly 9 miles each, and Tejeda at around 10 miles. These small towns make easy half-day or full-day outings.
Slightly further afield, Valleseco is about 13 miles away, while San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Gáldar both sit around 14 miles off. Moya, at roughly 15 miles, rounds out the list. Distances are measured as the crow flies, so allow extra time on the road.
Tips from Robin
Practical Points Before You Go
San Nicolás is inland rather than on the coast, so a hire car makes life far simpler for beach days at Güigüi or Playa del Asno and for exploring Tamadaba Natural Park.
This is a small town of about 7,950 people, so expect a quiet pace; larger places such as San Bartolomé de Tirajana are within reach if you want more choice. If you are travelling in November or December, pack a light layer for the occasional shower, as these are the only months with noticeable rain.
Questions people ask
How far is San Nicolás from Gran Canaria airport?
Gran Canaria airport (LPA) is about 24 miles from San Nicolás, and the drive takes roughly 35 minutes. The airport has direct flights from the United Kingdom, making it the most convenient way to arrive.
Is San Nicolás good for a winter holiday?
Yes. January and February bring daytime highs of around 22°C and lows of 16 to 17°C, with very little rain. Every month of the year is considered pleasant, so it works well as a winter sun break from the UK.
Are there beaches near San Nicolás?
The town is not on the coast, but Güigüi, a beach within a protected area, is about four miles away, and Playa del Asno is roughly 6.5 miles away. Both are suitable for families.
When is the hottest time to visit San Nicolás?
August is the hottest month, with highs of about 27°C and night-time lows around 24°C. July to October are all warm, with highs of 25 to 26°C and very little rain.
Do I need a car in San Nicolás?
A hire car is strongly recommended. The town is inland, the beaches and Tamadaba Natural Park are several miles away, and nearby towns such as Mogán, Agaete and Tejeda are best reached by road.
Can I take a ferry to other islands from near San Nicolás?
Yes. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, about 25 miles away, has ferries to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Morro Jable and Arrecife, as well as to Huelva and Cádiz on the mainland.