This self guided walking holiday takes you to the very heart of Tenerife to discover its traditional towns, wild hidden valleys, spectacular coastline and impressive volcanic landscapes. The walking is both spectacular and rewarding and with a car it is easy to discover what the island has to offer.
You begin in 'Isla Baja', where terraced fields and abundant wildflowers form a colourful blanket over deep valleys and plunging ravines, and traditional farms still produce goat's cheese for which the area is renowned. The region's authenticity is fiercely protected and the town of Garachico has won awards for its preservation. From here, head to the UNESCO recognised Teide National Park, with its lava fields, beautiful volcanic chaos and iconic Mount Teide scratching the sky at over 3700m above sea level.
We provide fully detailed route notes with a choice of easier or more challenging circular walks daily, so you can tailor your day's walk to your current energy levels - but with all the walks highlighting the stunning landscapes of this remarkably diverse island.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
13-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Canary Islands, Garachico, Parqu
Canary Islands, Garachico, Parque Rural Del Teno, Arenas Negras, Monte Del Agua, Vilaflor
Less than 100 miles off the north west coast of Africa, in the centre of the Canary Islands archipelago, sits the volcanic island of Gran Canaria - often referred to as 'a miniature continent' with its extraordinarily varied landscapes ranging from the north's lush green forests and valleys, to the towering mountainous interior, to the desert-like dunes and beautiful white beaches of its southern shores. For millennia, the elements have sculpted the most outstanding natural beauty: steep volcanic mountains punctuated by deep palm ravines; imposing rocks towering above high plateaux; vast fertile valleys of prickly pear, aloes, almonds and figs - it's little wonder that nearly half of the island is protected by UNESCO Nature Reserves and offers some of the finest hiking in Europe.
This twin-centre holiday offers varied and interest packed walking routes, with easier and more difficult choices of walk daily. We take you from the cauldron of Bandama whose eruption, over 2,000 years ago, influenced the entire geography of the island, to the emblematic Roque Nublo, an imposing natural crag made of volcanic rock from which there are 360 degree views of the whole island. Then there is Gran Canaria's vibrant and colourful capital, Las Palmas, where you can step back in time in the city's charming historic old quarter.
You spend your first three nights at the La Hacienda del Buen Suceso, located in a quiet and tranquil setting above the village of Arucas, the Hacienda was once a country estate and has perfectly retained all its colonial charm. Nestled in the surrounding banana plantations, the Hacienda is just 15 minutes from Las Palmas and makes a perfect base for the first half of your trip. For your next four nights, you'll head to the very heart of the island and the Hotel Fonda De La Tea . There is the option to upgrade in Tejeda to the Parador de Tejeda, subject to availability and at a supplement.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Gran Canaria, Los Hoyos , Calder
Gran Canaria, Los Hoyos , Caldera De Bandama, Barranco De Azuaje, Artenara, La Fortaleza, Roque Nublo
El Hierro is the least known, and most westerly, of the Canary Islands. In fact, it was the most westerly point of the 'old world'. El Hierro has escaped mass tourism and with a population of just over 6,500 it has a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. The Herrenos are fiercely proud of their island and are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers.
Like its neighbours, El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity along an offshoot of the mid-Atlantic ridge. There has not been an eruption on the island since the 18th century, but the cones of ash and old lava flows are a prominent feature of the island. The small central plateau, at 1000m or more, offers a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures (cattle, sheep and goats provide fine cheeses), and the beautiful Canarian pine woodlands. To the north the lowland of El Golfo resembles a huge bite taken out of the island, and the impressive bordering escarpment, reaching 1500m in altitude, features in our walks. On the lower land of El Golfo vines, bananas and pineapples are grown. The islanders have preserved a number of local traditions and some of their sites are included in our routes. Overall, there is a surprisingly rich variety for such a small area!
The walking is designed to pass through the variety of landscapes on the island and to seek out the most spectacular views and a number of locations of cultural and historical significance to the islanders. No two days are the same. Your El Hierro experience begins in the small town of Valverde up on the plateau- the official capital of El Hierro. For early arrivals there are short walks locally to help you to get the feel of the island. From Valverde the route winds across the plateau, down to El Golfo and up again, then across to the far west of the island before heading back again across the plateau to descend and finish by the east coast.
You accommodation is a mix of simple and charming apartments and hostels, to 3 star hotels. All have restaurants either on site or very close by and so we have included half board for you on this holiday.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
El Hierro, Mocanal , La Frontera
El Hierro, Mocanal , La Frontera , La Restinga, Las Playas, Tenerife
One of the first destinations in the world to be awarded the special certificate as a Biosphere Reserve, the landscape is unique and awe inspiring, with magnificent volcanic craters, stark lava fields displaying a myriad of different colours, and beaches, ranging from white sands to volcanic black dust.
The island is very easy to drive across, the journey from the northern tip of Orzola to the beaches of Papagayo in the south takes just over 1 hour drive, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore.
Some of the best food and wine in the Canaries can be found here, so make sure you try the local specialities, Canarian potatoes, mojo sauce, estofado stew and the delicious boquerones, (anchovy fillets), perhaps accompanied by a locally produced wine, the widely regarded Malvasi - again the result of the rich volcanic soil.
This self-guided, single centre holiday highlights the best of Lanzarote; from its pretty inland villages with verdant terraces and fields, to the varied coastline and beaches, the exquisite volcanic landscape, and the gently pervading influence of Cesar Manrique. Whatever you decide to do either taking a slow and relaxed tour of some of the best locations, or a varied itinerary of walking, swimming and cycling on La Graciosa, there is something for everyone here.
Your week is based at the Rural Finca La Florida in San Bartolome. Originally a family home, the 15 spacious rooms of this delightful hotel with its superb on site restaurant, provide the perfect base for your holiday. The hotel has everything you will need including a fabulous restaurant, swimming pool , sun terrace and even spa treatments for a bit of downtime!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lanzarote, Playa Quemada, Calder
Lanzarote, Playa Quemada, Caldera Blanca, Soo , La Graciosa
Adrift from mainland Spain, the Canary Islands form a dramatic archipelago, each offering a unique landscape to explore on foot. On this adventure, we hike two of the most scenic, led by a guide who knows all the best trails. Starting in Tenerife, you’ll marvel at volcanic-sand beaches, mighty peaks and otherworldly rock formations. Then, catch the ferry – keeping your eyes peeled for playful dolphins – to tranquil La Gomera. Nicknamed the Walker’s Island, it’s laced with extensive trails through subtropical rainforest and scenes of raw, untamed beauty.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tenerife, Puerto De La Cruz, Tei
Tenerife, Puerto De La Cruz, Teide National Park, San Sebastián de La Gomera, Playa De Santiago, Garajonay National Park, Vallehermoso
Go deeper into the Picos de Europa than ever before, hiking rugged mountains watched over by golden eagles and griffon vultures and staying in the heart of an authentic mountain town. Guided by an expert tour leader, we trek through limestone peaks and lush valleys, summiting mountains to gaze over the oldest national park in Spain. Our hotel in Arenas de Cabrales is in the perfect spot to explore the town, while our friendly hosts and tour leader can show us the local people’s favourite restaurants and bars.
Most departures of this adventure are rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). However, if you want to test yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures. See the Itinerary and Dates & Prices tab for more details.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arenas De Cabrales, Demues, Cain
Arenas De Cabrales, Demues, Cain, Collado De Pandebano
This two week tour of Spain and Portugal sets off from Madrid, visiting Porto, Lisbon, Cordoba, the Costa del Sol and more. Cruise the Douro River and taste local Port wine in a Porto wine cellar. Visit the mosque-cathedral of La Mezquita in Cordoba and the second-largest cathedral in the Catholic world in Seville. Admire the mountains of Andalusia and the beaches of the Costa del Sol, sample organic local olive oil and explore the Alhambra palace in Granada. Watch a traditional Flamenco show, visit the ruins of Merida and end your journey back in the Spanish capital.