🍽️ Local Restaurants (Restaurantes Locales)
Since Aguas Verdes is beautifully remote, your options within walking distance are limited, but the quality is high.
El Pirata Verde (Right in the complex!): This is a hidden gem literally steps from your door. It’s famous for its "arroces" (rice dishes/paella) and fresh seafood. The atmosphere is very relaxed and quirky—perfect for a sunset dinner.
La Sombra (Betancuria - 15 min drive): A very "cool" spot in the historic capital. It’s tucked away in a lush garden with a bohemian vibe. Great for burgers and fresh salads.
Casa Santa Maria (Betancuria): If you want a more "high-end" traditional experience, this is Michelin-recommended. It’s located in a stunningly restored 16th-century house.
Casa de la Naturaleza (Vega de Rio Palmas): A beautiful "oasis" restaurant surrounded by palm trees. It’s a great stop after a morning hike.
🌅 Sunset Corners (Rincones para ver el atardecer)
The west coast is the best place on the island for sunsets!
Your "Front Yard": You don't actually have to go anywhere. The cliffs and beach at Aguas Verdes offer some of the most dramatic sunsets on the island.
Mirador Morro Velosa: Drive up towards Betancuria to this viewpoint designed by CĂ©sar Manrique. Watching the sun dip below the mountains and the ocean from that height is breathtaking.
Los Molinos: A small, rugged fishing village nearby with a tiny beach. It feels like time has stood still there.
✨ Beautiful & Unmissable Spots (Lugares Imprescindibles)
Piscinas Naturales (The Natural Pools): These are right in front of the urbanization. At low tide, the rocks create crystal-clear swimming pools protected from the waves.
Cuevas de Ajuy (Ajuy Caves): About 25 minutes south. You can walk along the cliffs to massive sea caves and see the oldest rocks in the Canary Islands. The black sand beach there is stunning.
Arco de las Peñitas: For the more adventurous, there is a hike to a massive natural stone arch that looks like something out of a movie (The Eternals was filmed nearby!).
🌧️ What to do if it rains (Qué hacer si llueve)
Rain is rare, but if it happens:
Museum of Majorero Cheese (Antigua): A surprisingly fun and modern museum where you can learn about the island’s famous goats and taste the cheese. It's mostly indoors.
Betancuria Museums: Spend a few hours in the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum or the Museum of Sacred Art.
Las Rotondas (Puerto del Rosario): If you just want to kill time, this is the main shopping mall on the island with a cinema and many indoor shops.
🌊 Ocean Safety & Currents
This is the most important advice for the West Coast:
The Warning: The open ocean on the west coast (including Playa del Valle) is dangerous. The currents are extremely strong and the waves are unpredictable. Swimming in the open sea here is generally not recommended.
The Solution: Stick to the Natural Pools. They are safe and calm, but you must check the tide times. Only swim there during low or mid-tide. When the tide is high, waves can crash over the rocks into the pools, which can be dangerous.
Pro Tip: Wear water shoes (escarpines). The rocks are sharp and can be slippery with algae.
🏄 Best Surf Rental & Schools
Aguas Verdes is too rocky for beginner surfing. For the best "girl-friendly" and beginner experience:
Head to El Cotillo (35-40 min drive): This is the surf capital of the north. The beaches are sandy and much safer for learning.
Recommended Schools: FreshSurf and Planet Surfcamps in El Cotillo are very professional, have great equipment for all sizes, and offer a very friendly, supportive atmosphere for female travelers and beginners. They usually include all the gear (wetsuits/boards) in their rentals.