Hotel Puerto de las Nieves

Set in the unspoilt north-west of the island, framed by towering sea-cliffs and backed by the lush agricultural Agaete Valley, the sleepy fishing village of Puerto de las Nieves makes an ideal base for travellers who want to avoid the busy tourist areas, yet also wish to be close to the sea and have a reasonable selection of local eateries within walking distance. The village is known locally for its unpretentious fish restaurants, and on summer weekends in particular, this is a popular spot for islanders to come for a long and lazy lunch, the adults enjoying a carafe of wine on the terrace whilst their children play on the dark volcanic beach in front.

There is hardly any holiday accommodation in the village, with the notable exception of the Hotel Puerto de las Nieves, a modern building set about 150 metres from the beach. With just 30 very well-appointed rooms and suites, and surprisingly good leisure facilities for such a small establishment, it combines four-star comforts with a pleasantly intimate and informal ambience. All the guestrooms are attractively furnished and decorated in a nautically-inspired style, and benefit from air-conditioning, TV, mini-bar, safety deposit boxes (local charge applies) and telephones. Hairdryers and bathrobes are provided in the modern en-suite bathrooms. The top floor rooms are smaller inside but have good-size sun terraces, whilst the larger rooms on the lower floor do not have any outside space but boast a comfortable sitting area. There are also a number of very spacious Junior Suites.

The hotel's restaurant is currently only open for breakfast (which is served buffet-style), but there is an appealing selection of small fish restaurants on the seafront.

A rare feature in such a small hotel and a particular bonus for anyone travelling during the winter months is the hotel's spa, which guests can use free of charge throughout their stay (naturally, additional fees do apply for any optional beauty or massage treatments). In addition to a heated indoor pool with various hydro-massage jets, this incorporates a jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam room - all perfect for soothing tired muscles after a day spent hiking in the beautiful Agaete Valley or exploring further afield.

The island capital, Las Palmas, can be reached by car in around 40 minutes, and there are several historic towns to be discovered nearby, such as Arucas with its striking Church of St John the Baptist, and Teror where you can admire some particularly fine examples of traditional Canarian balconies. Furthermore, the high-speed hydrofoil linking Gran Canaria with Santa Cruz de Tenerife departs several times a day from Puerto de las Nieves and takes only an hour, so a day trip to Tenerife's sophisticated capital couldn't be easier. With the ferry to Tenerife and the local bus service to Las Palmas, a hire car isn't strictly necessary, but we offer reduced car hire rates for those keen to explore the island at their own pace, provided you collect your car on arrival at the airport.

Whether you are primarily seeking a base for exploring the north of the island, or a relaxing break in an quiet seaside village, the Hotel Puerto de las Nieves offers comfortable accommodation in authentic surroundings.