Contrasts of Gran Canaria

Highlights

Truly undiscovered, quite challenging, twin-centre walking week exploring the island's dramatic mountainous interior. Unique, outstanding flora and fauna, and excusive, high quality hotels. Complimentary car hire included so you can really explore at leisure.

Hotel Rural Las Calas, La Lechuza

La Lechuza is a rural hamlet on the east of the island, just a short drive from San Mateo. Tucked away in the centre of the village you will find Las Calas.

Owned and run by Magui Carratala, this beautifully renovated Canarian farmhouse is enclosed by tall walls, and seems a world away from the more modern developments found on the coast.

There are three buildings that surround a central garden courtyard, each with a small selection of rooms. Adjacent to these buildings is the pool and veranda, surrounded by orange trees.

Three course dinners of locally sourced, simple Canarian cuisine are served around a communal table for all guests each evening, lending mealtimes a sociable atmosphere. The rooms are all individually furnished with old world beds and wardrobes and each has masses of character. Each room has a TV (with CNN), hairdryer and private bathrooms with copper sinks and pretty tiles. Outside the rooms baskets of oranges and perfume the air and give the place a charming rural atmosphere.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.

La Hacienda del Buen Suceso, Arucas

We stay at the splendidly restored hacienda estate, with 50 hectares of banana trees; the estate is the oldest in the Canary Islands (it was established in 1572). The hotel is in a lovely rural setting, but it is only 15 minutes to the seaside promenades of Las Palmas.

The 18 rooms are pretty, and full of original features, wood-beam attics, sloping wooden roofs and wrought-iron beds with canopies.

The extensive grounds offer views for miles around, with a swimming pool ( no shortage of sun-loungers), Jacuzzi, and fitness centre

The restaurant offers a selection of European and local Spanish dishes, presented either in the dining room or the outdoor terrace.

Further details on the hotel website.

Independent hotel reviews on Trip Advisor.