Walking in Gran Canaria in 8 days
Walking in Gran Canaria in 8 days
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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.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in San Bartolomé de Tirajana
You will need to collect your hire car from Las Palmas Airport, from where you will travel to your accommodation in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Overnight in San Bartolomé 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, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*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 enjoy a beautiful tour around San Bartolomé 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 Lucía 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 Bartolomé de Tirajana, you will cross the fertile Tirajana Valley as you ascend. This last stretch is characterised by impressive volcanic landscapes, agricultural fields, rich vegetation and the varied historical architecture of the villages surrounding San Bartolomé.
Ascent: 733m (2,405ft) / Descent: 733m (2,405ft)
Afterwards, you will head towards the beautiful village of Santa Lucía 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 Bartolomé de Tirajana, you will cross the fertile Tirajana Valley as you ascend. This last stretch is characterised by impressive volcanic landscapes, agricultural fields, rich vegetation and the varied historical architecture of the villages surrounding San Bartolomé.
Ascent: 733m (2,405ft) / Descent: 733m (2,405ft)
Overnight in San Bartolomé 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, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day in Cruz Grande 9,6 miles | 15,4 km
You will start the day by travelling from San Bartolomé de Tirajana to Cruz Grande.
Upon arrival, you will head south through a pine forest and later walk along a mountain ridge, where extensive valleys cut through the wooded slopes to reveal the charming Chira Dam, a large reservoir of deep blue waters that is home to various species of wildlife, fish and birds.
After enjoying lunch in the midst of this fascinating landscape, it will be time to discover fields full of figs, almonds, aloe and cacti as you climb up a ravine to one of the old Caminos Reales (Royal Roads).
At the end of the day, you will travel from Cruz Grande to your accommodation in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Ascent: 528m (1,732ft) / Descent: 527m (1,729ft)
Upon arrival, you will head south through a pine forest and later walk along a mountain ridge, where extensive valleys cut through the wooded slopes to reveal the charming Chira Dam, a large reservoir of deep blue waters that is home to various species of wildlife, fish and birds.
After enjoying lunch in the midst of this fascinating landscape, it will be time to discover fields full of figs, almonds, aloe and cacti as you climb up a ravine to one of the old Caminos Reales (Royal Roads).
At the end of the day, you will travel from Cruz Grande to your accommodation in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Ascent: 528m (1,732ft) / Descent: 527m (1,729ft)
Overnight in San Bartolomé 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, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day at Roque Nublo 10,6 miles | 17 km
Today you will have a demanding but rewarding hike, which is why you will need to get up early to start the tour first thing in the morning.
You will start the day by travelling from San Bartolomé de Tirajana to the Degollada de La Goleta car park, located a few metres from the Roque Nublo car park.
Once at the car park, you will head towards Roque Nublo, a large volcanic monolith dating back to the Pleistocene era, which rises 80 metres above its base and more than 1,800 metres above sea level. From the top, you can enjoy the views and contemplate the snow-capped Teide volcano, located in Tenerife.
Afterwards, you will begin your descent accompanied by the pleasant smell of pine trees as you make your way towards the small farming village of La Culata. This is a faithful representation of ‘real’ Spain, as you can see herds of goats and donkeys roaming the fields. You can also visit the Roque Nublo Bar, which serves as the local shop, café and bar.
After a light lunch, on a route scented with almonds, you will arrive at the Degollada de Becerra viewpoint, where you can enjoy one of the most famous views of the island. You will end the day by travelling from the Degollada de La Goleta car park to San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Ascent: 731m (2,398ft) / Descent: 731m (2,398ft)
You will start the day by travelling from San Bartolomé de Tirajana to the Degollada de La Goleta car park, located a few metres from the Roque Nublo car park.
Once at the car park, you will head towards Roque Nublo, a large volcanic monolith dating back to the Pleistocene era, which rises 80 metres above its base and more than 1,800 metres above sea level. From the top, you can enjoy the views and contemplate the snow-capped Teide volcano, located in Tenerife.
Afterwards, you will begin your descent accompanied by the pleasant smell of pine trees as you make your way towards the small farming village of La Culata. This is a faithful representation of ‘real’ Spain, as you can see herds of goats and donkeys roaming the fields. You can also visit the Roque Nublo Bar, which serves as the local shop, café and bar.
After a light lunch, on a route scented with almonds, you will arrive at the Degollada de Becerra viewpoint, where you can enjoy one of the most famous views of the island. You will end the day by travelling from the Degollada de La Goleta car park to San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Ascent: 731m (2,398ft) / Descent: 731m (2,398ft)
Overnight in San Bartolomé 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, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The hotel has a swimming pool, terraces, a bar, and warm and cosy lounges, ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Its restaurant, which has spectacular panoramic views, offers buffets and traditional grilled meat and fish every evening. It also offers various workshops, such as wine tasting and the aloe vera production process.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - San Bartolomé de Tirajana to Caldera de Bandama
This will be a day to enjoy a drive. As you head northeast, you will come across the island's capital, Las Palmas. In the historic district of Vegueta, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you can admire beautiful buildings, quiet squares and narrow cobbled streets, through which Columbus walked more than 500 years ago.
After lunch in one of the most beautiful twin bays, there will be a short trip to the charming Caldera de Bandama. If you are feeling fit, you can take a walk to the bottom, which takes about 30 minutes, and where you can see flocks of different species of birds such as trumpeter finches and Berthelot's pipits. On the final stretch of the journey, you will come across vineyards and plantations of bananas and sugar cane.
After lunch in one of the most beautiful twin bays, there will be a short trip to the charming Caldera de Bandama. If you are feeling fit, you can take a walk to the bottom, which takes about 30 minutes, and where you can see flocks of different species of birds such as trumpeter finches and Berthelot's pipits. On the final stretch of the journey, you will come across vineyards and plantations of bananas and sugar cane.
Overnight in Caldera de Bandama
Bandama Golf Hotel
This small hotel has extensive grounds offering views of the mountains. Its rooms are comfortable and have private bathrooms.
*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 at the Azuaje Nature Reserve 3,8 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 every day. We recommend taking a tour of the historic centre, where you will find a 16th-century church, stepped fountains and waterfalls. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the north of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura.
Afterwards, a circular route will take you to the Azuaje Nature Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the lush vegetation and discover endemic and medicinal plants, which are highly prized by the locals. You will climb up a narrow ravine and then descend through a eucalyptus forest until you reach Firgas again.
From Firgas, you will need to make your way back to Caldera de Bandama.
Ascent: 311m (1,020ft) / Descent: 311m (1,020ft)
Afterwards, a circular route will take you to the Azuaje Nature Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the lush vegetation and discover endemic and medicinal plants, which are highly prized by the locals. You will climb up a narrow ravine and then descend through a eucalyptus forest until you reach Firgas again.
From Firgas, you will need to make your way back to Caldera de Bandama.
Ascent: 311m (1,020ft) / Descent: 311m (1,020ft)
Overnight in Caldera de Bandama
Bandama Golf Hotel
This small hotel has extensive grounds offering views of the mountains. Its rooms are comfortable and have private bathrooms.
*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 among caves and villages 8,9 miles | 14,3 km
You will start the day by travelling from Caldera de Bandama to Artenara, the starting point for this circular walk.
Artenara is the highest village on the island, located 1,270 metres above sea level. There you can discover around 400 cave houses, most of which date back to the 15th century, and the charming neighbouring villages of Tamadaba Natural Park.
The route to Lugarejos, an ancient troglodyte village, is accompanied by an evocative landscape: the distinctive black outline of the north face of Roque Nublo.
Bordered by steep terraced slopes, you will climb gently through a beautiful pine forest to a shady ridge covered with poppies where you will be greatly rewarded: the view of the Lugarejos reservoir, the other side of the north-west coast and the immense Atlantic Ocean.
You will end the day by travelling from Artenara to your accommodation in Caldera de Bandama.
Ascent: 444m (1,457ft) / Descent: 453m (1,486ft)
Artenara is the highest village on the island, located 1,270 metres above sea level. There you can discover around 400 cave houses, most of which date back to the 15th century, and the charming neighbouring villages of Tamadaba Natural Park.
The route to Lugarejos, an ancient troglodyte village, is accompanied by an evocative landscape: the distinctive black outline of the north face of Roque Nublo.
Bordered by steep terraced slopes, you will climb gently through a beautiful pine forest to a shady ridge covered with poppies where you will be greatly rewarded: the view of the Lugarejos reservoir, the other side of the north-west coast and the immense Atlantic Ocean.
You will end the day by travelling from Artenara to your accommodation in Caldera de Bandama.
Ascent: 444m (1,457ft) / Descent: 453m (1,486ft)
Overnight in Caldera de Bandama
Bandama Golf Hotel
This small hotel has extensive grounds offering views of the mountains. Its rooms are comfortable and have private bathrooms.
*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 need to return the hire car to Las Palmas Airport to catch your flight back to your home town.
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End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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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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