Hikes in Gran Canaria
Canary Islands, Spain
The 10 Most Beautiful hikes in Gran Canaria
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Go to Route PlannerHiking in Gran Canaria: Small island, great variety
With its diverse landscape, Gran Canaria is considered a small continent in its own right, where all the zones that are usually found only on large continents in the opposite directions of the compass form a great interplay on a comparatively small area. For hikers looking for the all-round package, the Spanish island is an absolute dream destination. With mild temperatures, hiking is possible all year round: maximum temperatures rise to 30 degrees in the summer and drop to 18-24 degrees in the winter. Usually it is rather cloudy in the northern half of the island and sunnier in the south. Of course, as everywhere, a certain amount of luck is needed when it comes to the weather.
In addition to demanding hikes with fantastic views, you can just as well indulge in doing nothing on the beach. What could be better than cooling your legs in the turquoise sea in the evening after a strenuous tour of high peaks?
But the combination is not a must. The beaches around Las Palmas or Maspalomas are usually packed with beach vacationers. If you are looking for solitude and wild nature, want to escape the crowds, the inland is perfect for you. Be prepared, however, that the tours can also be a bit more adventurous and signage is not always available.
Photo: Wojciech Then, CC0, unsplash.com
San Bartolome de Tirajana:
This charming mountain village is located in the center of the island and is known for its fruit groves, especially the cherry trees, from whose fruit the world-famous cherry liqueur is made. Besides delicacies, San Bartolome also scores with its excellent location. From here start several hiking trails that lead into the old volcanic caldera. Mostly you will walk on historical paths, which were already used by the Canarian natives, the Guanches. Prepare for adventurous tours, where sure-footedness is required - steep slopes and rugged cliffs reward with a view of the green blooming nature of the caldera.
One of the most popular hiking destinations is the Roque Nublo. But also hiking tours to the neighboring villages Santa Lucía, Fataga and Tejeda are worthwhile.
Bandama Natural Park:
Located in the northeast of Gran Canaria, the nature park is defined by the Pico of Bandama and Caldera de Bandama. The impressive volcanic crater of the Caldera den Bandama is a highlight that you must not miss during your hiking vacation. 200 meters deep and with a diameter of over 1000 meters, the landmark of the island towers up here. The best view of the volcano is from Pico de Bandama. The Circuito de Cratera de Bandama takes you once around the volcano, accessible even for novice hikers.
Cruz de Tejeda, Artenara and Agaete:
Situated on the highest mountain pass of Gran Canaria (1580 m), the "roof of the island" is a beautiful mountain village well suited as a base camp for your hikes. On the historic hiking trails you will walk through the terraced almond tree plantations, which are in full bloom in February. Further up, the scent of eucalyptus will accompany you to the surrounding peaks, such as Pico de las Nieves.
Adjacent to Tejeda is Artenara. The municipality extends mainly over the mountainous inland and only a small part lies on the water. The small town itself is located at 1270 m above sea level and thus quite close to the surrounding peaks. Besides the beautiful village itself, the cultural heritage in the region is also worth seeing: take a look at the architectural complex of Acusa and the cave houses during a visit.
You will find a lot of peace and quiet in the cozy fishing village of Agaete. In the village in the north of Gran Canaria there are some of the most beautiful viewpoints of the island. From Puerto de las Nieves you can see Tenerife and Mount Teide on good days. Good hikes can be found in the valley of Agaete, which impresses with its enchanting nature. The valley can only be reached from the starting point in Agaete.
Altavista:
One of the top tours in Gran Canaria is certainly the one to the top of Altavista. On the ridge, the path leads high up to the most beautiful viewpoint of the island by name. The pine and pine forest path has few difficulties, thus suitable for a wide range of hikers. Look forward to views of the Caldera de Tejeda, Roque Benraiga, Roque Nublo and the plateau of Acusa. Start of the hike is in Mirador del Sargento, you have to overcome 450 hm on a distance of about 9 km.