Walking Holiday Spain -  Canary Islands - Gran Canaria

This trek is one of magnificent ever-changing vistas with far-reaching views to the sea as you walk across the central mountains of Gran Canaria. We have researched a north to south route across the island linking family run hotels taking in a wide variety of spectacular scenery which will have you wondering why you have not walked here before. We are particularly proud of this holiday as we are the only walking company to offer such a trek on this island. It was only possible to put it together using extensive local knowledge.

Most of the paths are of good quality although some sections need a steady foot. There is one ‘challenge’ day, but you may choose shorter options. One day includes one of the island’s greatest fascinations – the troglodyte town.

Day 1: Arrive in Gran Canaria and transfer (1 hour) to you first hotel in Arucas. Take time to acclimatise to the height and weather by walking around the surrounding area. Overnight Arucas.

Day 2: Today after a short transfer your walk passes interesting areas of fruit and vegetable cultivation, as you climb higher towards the mountainous centre of the island. The route will give you a good indication of the rural atmosphere of this northern part of the island as you pass through a very varied landscape. Overnight Fontanales.

Ascent: 800m. Descent: 500m. Distance: 8 miles. Time: 3 ¾ hours.

Day 3: You will be collected from the hotel, and given a commentary to explain what is so special about this part of Gran Canaria. Your walk starts in the Tamadaba Forest on good forestry paths then descends into the cave dwelling town of Artenara which is the highest town on the island. You then proceed up a ridge with magnificent views into the Tejeda valley. Overnight Tejeda (standard grade).

Ascent: 700m. Descent: 800m. Distance: 9 ½ miles. Time: 5 ½ hours.

If you have opted for the higher grade hotel, your walk is slightly shorter. Overnight Cruz de Tejeda (higher grade).

Ascent: 600m. Descent: 350m. Distance: 8 ¾ miles. Time: 4 ½ hours.

Day 4: If on our standard grade trek, today’s walk is a circular walk around the beautiful agricultural town of Tejeda. Overnight Tejeda (standard grade). 

Ascent: 850m. Descent: 850m.  Distance: 10 miles. Time: 5 ¼ hours.

If you have taken the higher grade hotel the circular walk is different. You start by moving south along a high ridge with dramatic views, especially towards the rocky outcrop of Roque Nublo which oversees an extinct volcanic crater now full of almond trees and attractive white washed villages. Overnight Cruz de Tejeda (higher grade).

Ascent: 500m. Descent: 500m. Distance: 6 ¾ miles. Time: 3 ¼ hours.

Day 5: If standard grade, you will be driven to the starting point. Set out along a ridge towards Roque Nublo, the island’s most famous natural landmark. Then proceed through the central mountains to join Gran Canaria’s ‘Camino de Santiago’, the route of an annual pilgrimage. This route has breath-taking scenery into the Las Tirajanas valley as you descend to San Bartolome before a short transfer to your hotel. Overnight Fataga.

Ascent: 450m. Descent: 1050m. Distance: 9 ¼ miles. Time: 5 ½ hours.

Those who stayed at the Parador begin the walk at the hotel. This classic route passes through spectacular scenery along a ‘Camino Real’, an old donkey trail, into San Bartolome. Overnight Fataga.

Ascent: 350m. Descent: 970m. Distance: 9 ¼ miles. Time: 5 ½ hours.

You may also like to walk to the highest peak, Pico de las Nieves. (If so, add 4 miles, 2 hours, 250m ascent and descent for both routes.) Please note that this day has numerous shorter options.

Day 6: Either take the bus back to San Bartolome, or arrange a taxi locally. Today’s walk is easier and offers pleasing paths through countryside and villages. You will cross a ridge that separates two dramatic barrancos. You can also spend time in Santa Lucia, the gem of the south of the island. Overnight Fataga.

Ascent: 450m. Descent: 800m. Distance: 8 ¼  miles. Time: 4 ½ hours.

Day 7: This final walk of the trek is very different from all the other walks. A short transfer will take you to Santa Lucia where you will not see another inhabited house for about 5 hours. Much of this area was extensively farmed 100 years ago, but has been abandoned for a long time. With good visibility there are some great views throughout the walk, and the final descent into the cave settlement of Guayadeque will be one of the highlights of this Gran Canaria Trek. Overnight Aguimes.

Ascent: 750m. Descent: 850m. Distance: 10 miles. Time: 5 ¼ hours.

Day 8: If not on an early flight enjoy the facilities of your hotel before being transferred to the airport (1 hour).

Self Guided

Whilst the best time to walk is from October to mid-June, walking at any time of the year is worthwhile. There is little rain in the winter and average maximum temperatures in Las Palmas range from 18C in January to 24C in August (though the mountains are cooler).

We provide detailed walking notes and a contoured map of the island showing paths and tracks. Walk at your own pace and linger at whichever of the many viewpoints you wish.

Baggage Transfer

Your baggage is transported for you from hotel to hotel so you can walk with day rucksacks only.  On some of the days, you are taken to the start of a walk and/or collected at the end.  These transfers are included in the price.

Walk Grading

Self-Guided Standard Grade -  Moderate, with one long descent. Total for standard week ignoring variations:- Ascent 4050m, Descent 4850m, 55 miles. 

Self-Guided Higher Grade -  Moderate with Challenging options. Total for standard week ignoring variations:- Ascent 3450m, Descent 3970m, 50 miles.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Gran Canaria Hotel to Hotel Trek

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on 5 nights half board 2 nights B&B, in a shared twin/double standard room. 

Supplements apply for Easter, Christmas and New Year POA

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Gran Canaria Trek

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We have a choice in hotels on 2 of the 7 nights, you can choose between a standard trek hotel or upgrade to a 4* category hotel on these nights. The standard hotels are all comfortable, family run establishments. They vary in grading and have been chosen for their friendliness as much as their comfort and location. All rooms will be with private bathroom and WC. Dinner and breakfast often include local dishes which are provided every day. We will advise on the best place to obtain a picnic.

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Availability Information

The best time to walk in Gran Canaria is from October to mid June but walking is practical year around. There is little rain in the winter and average maximum temperatures in Las Palmas on the coast (with the mountains always much cooler) ranging from 18°C in January to 24°C in August.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.