I didn’t know what to expect from the quiet coastal town of Agaete, but what I discovered has left a lasting impression. Located in the north west of the island of Gran Canaria, Agaete has been one of my favourite digital nomad destinations so far.

There are more destinations competing for attention now, but I’d say this town will be a strong contender - especially with the help of the Repeople community. For full disclosure, I did collaborate with the team last year and they invited me to experience their coliving: El Cabo Coliving. However the way they actively bring you into their community before you have even arrived was one of my favourite things (and they’ve encouraged me to stay since)!

Why is Agaete a great choice of location

Before we get more into this though, I just want to share a little bit of an overview of the town first. If you’re looking for somewhere more under the radar as a location, compared to some other locations on the island, I would say that Agaete is for you.

It almost has two halves to it: the beaches and harbour ‘half’ and the town ‘half’, so you have different vibes to choose from. And generally speaking, it never felt too crowded (unless you went to the beaches on the weekend or the natural pools after work on a Thursday). If you’re like me and looking to immerse yourself in a more local vibe, I’d say this town could be what you are looking for.

Community is important

Whether we like it or not, having a community to lean on as a remote worker and/or digital nomad is important. And Gran Canaria has one of the more tapped in and active remote communities, thanks to Repeople. From language sessions to meet ups to hikes and events, you absolutely want to get connected when you get here.

(This being said, Agaete is also a wonderful place to disconnect and take some time for yourself, whether in town or ‘losing’ yourself in some of the nature).

It’s a well-connected town

Personally, if I was staying longer than I did (two weeks), I would’ve hired a car for a couple of days -which you could do in town - and taken a drive around the mountains and other beaches. But there are buses to Las Palmas and to the airport at certain times of the day as well.

The ferries to Tenerife also arrive into the Puerto de las Nieves right in front of you as well, if you’re looking for a change of island scenery (although tickets can be mega bucks for non-residents).

So now for the places to remote work from

El Cabo Coliving

As I mentioned in the intro, I did partner with El Cabo Coliving on a press stay and it was one of my favourite stays ever. Being able to wake up in a private room looking over the road and towards the sea, make a coffee in the kitchen and head to the rooftop and enjoy that view was special in itself. But to then go and cowork with the community in the space downstairs was then just as special.

I got to connect with some amazing people in the industry through staying here, but even if you’d rather stay elsewhere, I’d still look at a cowork option so you can connect with more of the community.

Hondo Café

A little bit closer to the town, this cute little cafe with amazing breakfast, coffee and an indoor-outdoor office vibe is a must at some point in your visit! It’s small, so I wouldn’t stay longer than an in-person meeting or for a couple of hours of deep work (we want to be respectful of the business), but I highly recommend putting this one on your list!

Repeople cowork space (temporarily closed)

Unfortunately at the time of putting together this blog post, the space is closed. But if and when it does open again, it’s a useful alternative space to have to work in, if you’re looking for more of an office vibe and to not be disturbed - it’s also just that liiiittle bit closer to the harbour and natural pools as well.

¿Habla inglés?(some useful phrases)

English seemed to be widely spoken in most of Agaete, but I will of course encourage you to learn at least a few phrases to help with your experience as a digital nomad in Spain:

• Hola - Hello

• Gracias - Thank you

• Por favor - Please

• ¿Dónde está...? - Where is...?

• La cuenta, por favor - The bill, please

• ¿Habla inglés? - Do you speak English?

• Me gustaría... - I would like...

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? - How much does it cost?

• Salud - Cheers (when toasting)

A word to the wise

Gran Canaria, along with Tenerife, is seeing an increase in visitor traffic, which is impacting local life. From housing prices to job opportunities, there is a lot of discourse about tourists at the moment on these two islands in particular.

Generally speaking, I am of the opinion that digital nomads as a collective are being scape-goated a bit, however that doesn’t mean we don’t have role to play in things. And learning some of the language is just the beginning. Be respectful as a visitor and mindful of being a guest in someone else’ home.

Agaete and the rest of the island of Gran Canaria has a lot to offer a visitor, and I hope you’ll be putting it on your list very soon!

What do you think?

Han x

Ps. (And Repeople, I hope you bring back the NomadCity conference again very soon! It’s an absolute must attend!)