Tip: sample the delicious tapas at the many bars in the old quarter.
Agaete Natural Pools
Puerto de Las Nieves, a cluster of attractive blue and white Canarian houses, is a tiny fishing village on the north west coast. From the harbour, the Paseo de los Poetas, lined with restaurants, craft shops and galleries, leads along the shore, to the natural pools of Las Salinas.For centuries, they were used to harvest salt, but now make the perfect bathing spot. Swimmers are protected from the crashing waves by rock barriers and it’s an exhilarating experience as the sea water rushes in. The three pools are connected by volcanic tubes and there are flat areas for sunbathing. The lush green pine forest mountainside makes for an attractive backdrop.
Tip: try the local speciality - caldo de pescado, a delicious fish soup.
Mirador del Balcón
To get here, it’s long drive up the west coast on the GC-200, passing the multi-coloured rocks at Los Azulejos on the way. This spectacular viewpoint juts out from the edge of sheer cliffs, at a height of over 400m, perched precipitously above the Atlantic Ocean. It’s often cloudy here so choose a sunny day for the best views.To the north, you can see all the way up the coast to the small seaside town of Puerto de las Nieves. To the south, there’s a zigzag wall of sea cliffs known as the Dragon’s Tail. Inland is the La Arena Valley and the wide green La Aldea de San Nicolás. And way out west, the peak of Teide volcano on Tenerife, sits on the horizon.