Walking in Gran Canaria in 8 days
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Luggage transfer
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Hotel accommodations
In the centre of the Canary Islands archipelago, less than 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the north-eastern African coast, is Gran Canaria, a volcanic island that enchants us with its extraordinary and varied landscapes. In this "miniature continent", as is commonly known, you can have one of the best walks in Europe, as it is possible to move from the valleys and lush forests of the north, to the majestic mountainous interior, and then tour the desert dunes and the charming beaches of the southern coasts.
- In 2005, the island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
- You will get to know the representative natural monument Roque Nublo, the Chira Dam and the volcanic cauldron in Bandama, whose eruption, more than 2,000 years ago, influenced the geography of the island.
- You will tour primitive villages built by the Guanche, ancient Aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands.
- You will go back in time when visiting the old town of Las Palmas, the capital of the island.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in San Bartolome de Tirajana
You will need to collect your hire car from Las Palmas Airport, from where you will drive to your accommodation in San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Overnight in San Bartolome de Tirajana
Hotel Rural Las Tirajanas
Located near the mountains, it offers an excellent view of the valley.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in the valleys and villages of Tirajana 10,2 miles | 16,5 km
Today you will have a nice walk in the surroundings of San Bartolome de Tirajana. You will start the walk with a steep descent to the village of Fataga, where you can stop for lunch.
Afterwards, you will head towards the beautiful village of Santa Lucia de Tirajana, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Zafra Museum, which has a wide variety of archaeological finds, tools and artefacts from pre-Hispanic times.
On your way back to San Bartolome de Tirajana, you will cross the fertile Tirajana Valley as you ascend. This last stretch is characterised by impressive volcanic scenery, agricultural fields, rich vegetation and the varied historical architecture of the villages around San Bartolome.
Afterwards, you will head towards the beautiful village of Santa Lucia de Tirajana, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Zafra Museum, which has a wide variety of archaeological finds, tools and artefacts from pre-Hispanic times.
On your way back to San Bartolome de Tirajana, you will cross the fertile Tirajana Valley as you ascend. This last stretch is characterised by impressive volcanic scenery, agricultural fields, rich vegetation and the varied historical architecture of the villages around San Bartolome.
Overnight in San Bartolome de Tirajana
Hotel Rural Las Tirajanas
Located near the mountains, it offers an excellent view of the valley.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day in Cruz Grande 9,5 miles | 15,4 km
You will start the day's journey from San Bartolome de Tirajana to Cruz Grande.
Upon arrival, you'll head south through a pine forest, and later walk along a mountain ridge, where wide valleys cut through the wooded slopes to reveal the enchanting Chira Dam, a large deep blue water reservoir that is home to a variety of wildlife, fish and birds.
After enjoying lunch, in the middle of this fascinating landscape, it will be time to find fields full of figs, almonds, aloe and cacti, as you climb a ravine to one of the ancient Caminos Reales.
At the end of the day, you will be transferred from Cruz Grande to your accommodation in San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Upon arrival, you'll head south through a pine forest, and later walk along a mountain ridge, where wide valleys cut through the wooded slopes to reveal the enchanting Chira Dam, a large deep blue water reservoir that is home to a variety of wildlife, fish and birds.
After enjoying lunch, in the middle of this fascinating landscape, it will be time to find fields full of figs, almonds, aloe and cacti, as you climb a ravine to one of the ancient Caminos Reales.
At the end of the day, you will be transferred from Cruz Grande to your accommodation in San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Overnight in San Bartolome de Tirajana
Hotel Rural Las Tirajanas
Located near the mountains, it offers an excellent view of the valley.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day in Roque Nublo 10,5 miles | 17 km
Today you will have a demanding but rewarding walk, which is why you will have to get up early to start first thing in the morning.
You will start the day by transferring from San Bartolome de Tirajana to the Degollada de La Goleta car park, located just a few metres from the Roque Nublo car park.
Once at the car park, you will head towards Roque Nublo, the large volcanic monolith, dating from the Pleistocene era, rises 80 metres above its base and more than 1,800 metres above sea level. From the top, you can delight in the view and contemplate the snow-capped Mount Teide volcano, located in Tenerife.
Afterwards, you will start a descent accompanied by the pleasant smell of pine trees as you make your way towards the small farming village of La Culata. This is the faithful representation of "real" Spain, as you can see the herds of goats and donkeys wandering through the fields and the Roque Nublo Bar functions as the shop, the cafe and the local bar.
After a light lunch, on an almond-scented tour, you will arrive at the viewpoint of the Degollada de Becerra, to have one of the best known views of the island. You will finish the day by transferring from the car park at Degollada de La Goleta to San Bartolome de Tirajana.
You will start the day by transferring from San Bartolome de Tirajana to the Degollada de La Goleta car park, located just a few metres from the Roque Nublo car park.
Once at the car park, you will head towards Roque Nublo, the large volcanic monolith, dating from the Pleistocene era, rises 80 metres above its base and more than 1,800 metres above sea level. From the top, you can delight in the view and contemplate the snow-capped Mount Teide volcano, located in Tenerife.
Afterwards, you will start a descent accompanied by the pleasant smell of pine trees as you make your way towards the small farming village of La Culata. This is the faithful representation of "real" Spain, as you can see the herds of goats and donkeys wandering through the fields and the Roque Nublo Bar functions as the shop, the cafe and the local bar.
After a light lunch, on an almond-scented tour, you will arrive at the viewpoint of the Degollada de Becerra, to have one of the best known views of the island. You will finish the day by transferring from the car park at Degollada de La Goleta to San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Overnight in San Bartolome de Tirajana
Hotel Rural Las Tirajanas
Located near the mountains, it offers an excellent view of the valley.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, bar, warm and cosy rooms, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking.
Its restaurant, which has a spectacular panoramic view, offers buffets and every night the meat and fish are cooked on a traditional grill. In addition, it offers different workshops such as wine tasting or the production process of aloe vera.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - San Bartolome de Tirajana to Caldera de Bandama
This will be a day to enjoy a drive. When driving northeast you will find the capital of the island, Las Palmas. In the historic district of Vegueta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can see beautiful buildings, quiet squares and narrow cobblestone streets, on which Columbus mobilized more than 500 years ago.
After a lunch in one of the most beautiful twin bays, a short trip will come to the charming Caldera de Bandama. If you feel fit, you can take a walk to the bottom, which lasts about 30 minutes, and in which you can contemplate flocks of different species of birds such as trumpeter finches or Berthelot's pipit. On the final stretch of the route, you will come across vineyards as well as banana and sugar cane plantations.
After a lunch in one of the most beautiful twin bays, a short trip will come to the charming Caldera de Bandama. If you feel fit, you can take a walk to the bottom, which lasts about 30 minutes, and in which you can contemplate flocks of different species of birds such as trumpeter finches or Berthelot's pipit. On the final stretch of the route, you will come across vineyards as well as banana and sugar cane plantations.
Overnight in Caldera de Bandama
Bandama Golf Hotel
This small hotel has large grounds that allow you to view the mountains. Its rooms are confortable and have private bathroom.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Enjoy your day in the Azuaje Nature Reserve 3,7 miles | 6,1 km
You will start the day by travelling from Caldera de Bandama to Firgas, a municipality where more than 200,000 bottles of sparkling mineral water are produced per day. We recommend you take a tour of the historic centre, where you will find a church from the 16th century, stepped fountains and waterfalls, you can also enjoy the spectacular view of the north of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura.
Then, a circular route will transport you to the Azuaje Nature Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the lush vegetation and discover endemic and medicinal plants, highly prized by the locals. You will climb a narrow ravine and then descend through a forest of eucalyptus trees, until you reach Firgas again.
From Firgas you will have to take a return transfer to Caldera de Bandama.
Then, a circular route will transport you to the Azuaje Nature Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the lush vegetation and discover endemic and medicinal plants, highly prized by the locals. You will climb a narrow ravine and then descend through a forest of eucalyptus trees, until you reach Firgas again.
From Firgas you will have to take a return transfer to Caldera de Bandama.
Overnight in Caldera de Bandama
Bandama Golf Hotel
This small hotel has large grounds that allow you to view the mountains. Its rooms are confortable and have private bathroom.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in caves and villages 8,8 miles | 14,3 km
You will start the day by travelling from Caldera de Bandama to Artenara, the starting point of this circular walk.
Artenara, the highest village on the island, as it is located at 1,270 metres above sea level. There you can discover about 400 cave houses, most dating back to the 15th century, and in the charming neighbouring villages of the Tamadaba Nature Park.
The journey to Lugarejos, an ancient troglodyte village, will be accompanied by a suggestive landscape: the distinctive black outline of the north face of Roque Nublo.
Bordered by steep slopes of terraces, you will gently climb through a beautiful pine forest to a shaded ridge covered with poppies, where you will have a great reward: the view of the Lugarejos Reservoir, the other side of the northwest coast and the immense Atlantic Ocean.
You will finish the day with a transfer from Artenara to your accommodation in Caldera de Bandama.
Artenara, the highest village on the island, as it is located at 1,270 metres above sea level. There you can discover about 400 cave houses, most dating back to the 15th century, and in the charming neighbouring villages of the Tamadaba Nature Park.
The journey to Lugarejos, an ancient troglodyte village, will be accompanied by a suggestive landscape: the distinctive black outline of the north face of Roque Nublo.
Bordered by steep slopes of terraces, you will gently climb through a beautiful pine forest to a shaded ridge covered with poppies, where you will have a great reward: the view of the Lugarejos Reservoir, the other side of the northwest coast and the immense Atlantic Ocean.
You will finish the day with a transfer from Artenara to your accommodation in Caldera de Bandama.
Overnight in Caldera de Bandama
Bandama Golf Hotel
This small hotel has large grounds that allow you to view the mountains. Its rooms are confortable and have private bathroom.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Caldera de Bandama
You will have to return in the rented car to Las Palmas Airport to take your flight to your home city.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurace
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To get to the starting point of this walking trail in Gran Canaria, the best option is to take a flight to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport.
This air terminal is the main entrance for international flights to the island of Gran Canaria. You can also get there by stopping over in Madrid or Barcelona.
From there, you will have to rent a car to head to your first accommodation in Gran Canaria, located 50 minutes away.
When you finish your trip, you will have to return in the rented car to Las Palmas Airport to take your flight back to your home city.
This air terminal is the main entrance for international flights to the island of Gran Canaria. You can also get there by stopping over in Madrid or Barcelona.
From there, you will have to rent a car to head to your first accommodation in Gran Canaria, located 50 minutes away.
When you finish your trip, you will have to return in the rented car to Las Palmas Airport to take your flight back to your home city.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
This route has a medium-low level of difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for between 4 and 6 hours of walking a day and with ascents/descents of up to 700 m. You do not need to have experience in walking, however, it is advisable that you are in good physical condition and that you are in good health.
Some sections of the hike have uneven terrain, so it will be necessary to climb.
How are my routes planned in Gran Canaria?
All independent walks have been planned by our Orbis Ways team, in collaboration with local authorities. Our routes have been carefully selected to provide you with a real view of your chosen destination, weather, small picturesque villages, landscapes, etc. You will receive this information in the pre-holiday package.
Will I be free to choose my walks in Gran Canaria?
We'll give you walking route instructions and provide detailed maps so you can explore at your own pace, safely, with the certainty you won't get lost with Orbis Ways.
What walking equipment should I bring?
It is essential that you wear walking boots, since the walks will be on village streets, country roads and agricultural fields. We recommend using walking sticks.
Remember that with Orbis Ways, you have the baggage transfer service included between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 pack of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you carry a second, much smaller backpack that you can take daily, for water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
Do I need to rent a car?
Yes. As the tours do not start directly from the hotels, it is necessary to have a rented car.
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