Contrasts of Gran Canaria

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8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

12 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Gran Canaria, Spain

Ends

Gran Canaria, Spain

Highlights

Sunny fertile valleys, sweeping plateaux, plunging gorges, iconic rock formations and ancient calderas

Masses of archaeological, botanical and geological interest

Traditional white villages, forgotten farming hamlets, fascinating cave dwellings

Cosmopolitan capital Las Palmas: gorgeous beaches, fascinating museums, stunning historic centre

Itinerary

Gran Canaria, a land of dramatic contrasts and UNESCO-protected reserves, beckons experienced adventurers on the "Contrasts of Gran Canaria" walking tour. Over eight days, explore verdant forests, volcanic mountains, and pristine beaches, all within easy reach of the island’s vibrant capital, Las Palmas. Each day presents a choice of hiking routes, catering to those who seek either leisurely strolls or more challenging treks across varied terrain.

Discover the ancient caldera of Bandama, ascend the striking Roque Nublo for panoramic island views, and step back in time in Las Palmas’s atmospheric old quarter. Your accommodations blend rural charm—three nights among tranquil vineyards at Hotel Rural El Mondalon—and boutique comfort in the heart of the island at Rural el Refugio. There’s even an option to upgrade for added luxury.

The unique selling point of this tour is its flexibility, offering daily walk choices and exposure to Gran Canaria’s astonishing diversity. For travelers who crave variety and natural beauty, this self-guided walking holiday is a top pick among European hiking trips.

day 1 - Arrive in Los Hoyos

Collect your hire car at the airport and drive (30 mins) to the Hotel Rural El Mondalon, set in the most important vineyard area on Gran Canaria. It's convenient too for the island's vibrant capital, Las Palmas, with its seafront promenade and historic district of Vegueta.

day 2 - Caldera de Bandama Walk

It's a 10 minute drive to the fascinating Caldera de Bandama via the Jardin Canario - a stunning botanical garden set within a cliff - and Monte Lentiscal with its rich vineyards and wineries. Walk to the rim of the 1000m wide volcanic crater, created after Gran Canaria's last volcanic eruption, and savour the far reaching views over the mountains to Las Palmas - on a clear day, you might even see as far as Fuerteventura! Then descend to the bottom of the Caldera, passing ancient caves, deserted houses and abandoned fields, all that remains of previous habitation, before returning to the hotel.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Barranco de Azuaje Walk

Drive to Arucas (35 min), home of the Ron Arehucas Factory where you can learn about the history of the island's rum making and the almost disastrous effect it had on the local Doramas forest. Buy a sample of this local tipple (to enjoy later back at the hotel) then it's on to Firgas for the circular walk today.

Firgas is a well know pretty town where a fountain splashes in the plaza, and a waterfall rushes down the Paseo de Canarias, a stepped promenade waterfall framed by flower beds above an amazing mosaic lined street.

From this water-rich town you walk into an evergreen canyon, the Barranco de Azuaje. The gorge is surrounded by high steep walls with almost junglelike vegetation made of bamboo cane and bay tree, willow and fern. Widening as you reach the Barranco de la Virgen - Valley of the Virgin, where the heady scents of citrus are present as you walk through orange and lemon tree groves.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Artenara Ridge Walk

Begin the day with a drive (45 min) to Parador Cruz de Tejeda, your home for the next 4 nights, to drop off your luggage before setting off on today's stunning walk. After an initial ascent to the Caldera de Tejeda ridge, the descent offers outstanding views over the deep ravines, picturesque mountainside villages and iconic rock formations in the centre of the island. The snow-capped peak of Mount Teide on neighbouring Tenerife can be seen in the distance too! Explore the UNESCO recognised old troglodyte settlements of Cuevas Caballero and Cueva de Los Candiles before arriving in Artenara - at 1,270m it's the highest village on the island with nearly 400 cave houses, most dating back to the 15th century. From here, it's a short taxi ride back to the hotel with its superb spa facilities and panoramic swimming pool overlooking the surrounding cliffs and ravines.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Barranco de Guayadeque Walk

Starting from the extinct volcano of Caldera de Los Marteles (20 min drive), you ascend through pine forest to Cruz del Socorro with views onto the Barranco de Guayadeque, one of the most iconic ravines on Gran Canaria. Descend into the gorge past cacti, palm trees and poppies and take your pick from one of the many picture perfect picnic spots offering superb views of the dramatic landscape. The valley is full of stone walls, terraced fields, troglodyte dwellings and ancient caves, some of which are still in use today. Almond trees, agaves and prickly pears are in abundance and you're likely to spot the Gran Canaria Giant Lizard, kestrels, buzzards and ravens too. After your walk, perhaps head into the lower valley and Montana de Las Tierras or Cueva Bermeja. There are several labyrinthine bars inside the manmade caves here - perfect for a post walk drink or a snack! On the way back to the hotel why not finish your day with a stop at Pico de Las Nieves (1.949m), the island's highest viewpoint, with vistas that won't disappoint!

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - La Fortaleza de Ansite Walk

Today's route takes you to Santa Lucia de Tirajana (50 min drive) and a descent through Canary palm groves to the pretty little villages of El Ingenio and La Sorrueda. Explore their characterful streets before continuing to the archaeological site of La Fortaleza, a 2000 year old fortified settlement chiselled out of steep rock which more recently was used in the 15th century by the indigenous islanders in their futile attempt to resist conquest by the Spanish. From here, pass through the site's original carved tunnel to an uphill path through olive trees back to Santa Lucia. Complete your day with a visit to the sleepy, white village of Tejeda, where their speciality almond biscuits and cakes are highly recommended!

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Roque Nublo Walk

Balanced on an 1800m-high rock plateau, the volcanic monolith of Roque Nublo dates to the Pleistocene Era and is a must-visit. Starting from Llanos de La Pez (10 min drive), ascend through pine forest to the Riscos de Tirajana ridge. From here, wide landscape views open up to the south, revealing deep barrancos and vertical cliffs. As you reach La Foguera, there are spectacular views to Roque Nublo, the Caldera de Tejeda - with Roque Bentayga towering in its centre - and deep ravines cascading down to the ocean. Then, ascend to 'The Rock' with 360º views over the island and as far as Tenerife, La Gomera and even El Hierro on fine days. Return to your car via the Presa de Los Hornos reservoir, the highest dam on Gran Canaria and consequently also known as the Summit Reservoir. Perhaps enjoy a spa session at the hotel and a drink on the terrace to admire the last stunning sunset of the week before dinner.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Leave Tejeda

Leave Gran Canaria after breakfast

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights twin-centre accommodation in 3, hotels

Meals

All buffet breakfasts

Others

and 4Management by your local Headwater-appointed agentNavigation appCar Hire

What's Excluded

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