No. 33 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

26
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 33
Uncovering the hidden treasures of
La Aldea de San Nicolás
Mirador El Balcón
In the southwest of Gran Canaria, nestling amid
mountains that rise up commandingly like centuries-old
guardians, and beaches that caress the
waves of the Atlantic, is La Aldea de San Nicolás.
This corner of the island, far from the conventional
tourist routes, reveals a mosaic of experiences
that go beyond the ordinary. From Degollada de
Tasarte, travellers are greeted by a landscape that
awakens the senses: a fertile valley surrounded by
majestic mountains and golden sandy beaches.
Discovering the Architectural Heritage
To take a walk along Calle Real in La Aldea is to immerse
ourselves in the living history of the town.
This picturesque pedestrian street, flanked by
buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries,
takes us on a journey through popular Canary
architecture. At every step, the contrast between
the parish church, erected in 1972, and the stonebuilt
Casas de Piedra and Balcón, tells us about
the evolution of a town that has managed to preserve
its essence over time. The Municipal Cultural
Centre and the Town Hall, oozing their own charm,
stand as guardians of the local identity.
Natural treasures on the shores of the Atlantic
The beaches in La Aldea are the crown jewels to be
discovered along its 33 kilometres of coastline. Las
Barquillas, with its pebbled surface polished by the
constant embrace of the ocean, stands as a place
of serenity and connection with nature. The gentle
sea breeze caresses our skin while the sound of the
waves creates a soothing symphony. At Caletilla,
the mixture of sand and stones provides a picturesque
contrast. The tunnel that separates these
two stunning beaches invites visitors on a unique
journey, and is like stepping through a threshold
into a world where time seems to stand still.
Adventure reaches its peak, however, on the beaches
of Güi Güi, a secluded paradise that only reveals
itself to bolder travellers willing to venture out on
foot or by boat. This stretch of unspoilt coastline is
a haven of black sands and majestic cliffs, a testament
to the magnificence of nature without any
human interference.
Traditional handmade fabrics
La Aldea not only awakens the senses with its natural
surroundings, but also with its rich artisan tradition.
In the Ethnographic Centre, local craftsmen
and women bring basketry and palm weaving to
life, creating hats, baskets and mats that reflect the
authenticity of a craft steeped in history. To contemplate
these skilled craftsmen is to immerse
ourselves in a world where each thread tells a story,
and where each creation is a living testimony to
the skill and passion that defines La Aldea.
A gastronomic feast featuring Canary flavours
The gastronomy of La Aldea is an experience in itself.
It is pure magic on your palate, with fresh fish,
fish broths and boiled moray eel mojo sauce, but
above all, don't miss the Ropa Vieja de Pulpo, an
octopus stew that encapsulates centuries of culinary
tradition. Tropical fruits, such as Canary Island
bananas, papaya, mangoes and avocados, are
made into homemade jams and confectionery delicacies,
while the local cheeses stand out for their
quality, and have won awards in various competitions.
Each bite provides a journey through the island’s
authentic flavours, where the cuisine becomes a
living expression of the local culture. Restaurants
on these Atlantic shores offer not only delicious
dishes, but also breathtaking views that complement
the dining experience.
An immersion into history and nature
Immerse yourself in the history of La Aldea by exploring
Parque Rubén Díaz, a small forest of maritime
pines and tamarisks. Discover the pre-Hispanic
remains at Los Caserones Archaeological
Complex, which unravels patterns of human settlement
in the island's pre-Hispanic period. Explore
the El Roque Micro Marine Area, a living testimony
to the wealth of underwater life of the Gran Canaria
Biosphere Reserve. The burial mounds, meanwhile,
tell the silent stories of those who populated
these lands in ancient times.
The El Roque Micro Marine Area adds a fascinating
chapter to the La Aldea narrative. Located on La Aldea
Beach, this protected marine reserve offers the
opportunity to dive into the crystal clear waters of
the Atlantic and explore the wealth of underwater
life. Fish abound here, such as grunts, barracudas
and bream, who glide between magnificent gorgonians,
while on the sandy bottoms divers will be
able to glimpse stingrays, angel sharks and manta
rays. It is an aquatic sanctuary that bears witness
to the exceptional biodiversity of the Gran Canaria
Biosphere Reserve.
A visit to La Aldea is to immerse ourselves in a fascinating
maritime history. Before 1939-1942, the
natural harbour was the gateway for the agricultural
and commercial products of the western side
of the island. The wharf, built by the German merchant
Ernest Karl Jack in 1897, marked a new era in
the agricultural development of the region. Today,
this old packing warehouse is the Visitor Centre of
the "Micro-Área Marina El Roque", where an underwater
exhibition showcases the flora and fauna
of the seabed, and offers tourist information that
complements our immersion in this island jewel.
La Aldea de San Nicolás is a destination that opens
up to visitors like a kaleidoscope of experiences,
where every corner tells a story and every story is
intertwined with the essence of this Canary paradise.
So, immerse yourself in its landscapes, discover
its traditions and let yourself be enveloped
by the authenticity of La Aldea, a hidden treasure
that awaits travellers willing to explore beyond the
conventional.