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 Hotel Rural El Mondalon on the outskirts of Las Palmas, nestled in tranquil vineyards but just a short drive from the city centre. For your next four nights, you'll head to the very heart of the island and the Parador de Tejeda, sitting at 1560m above sea level and boasting one of the best panoramas on the island.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended. As the walks do not start directly from the hotels, a hire car is required.
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.
You stay at the Hotel Rural El Mondalon (breakfast)
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.
You stay at the Hotel Rural El Mondalon (breakfast)
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. Sample some of this local tipple perhaps, then it's on to Finca de Osorio and the colonial Hacienda de Osorio. Your walk here starts from the Hacienda's lovely gardens and takes you through evergreen laurisilva and chestnut trees to the tranquil Laguna de Valleseco, a haven for many native and migrant birds. Continue alongside the Acequia de Crespo canal to Finca de Osorio. On your drive back to the hotel, visit lovely Teror, arguably one of the most beautiful villages in Gran Canaria with its brightly coloured houses, traditional Canarian wooden balconies and 18th century Basilica dedicated to the island's patron saint, the Virgen del Pino. Then continue to the 'sparkling' white village of Firgas where more than 200,000 bottles of sparkling mineral water are produced every day! There's plenty to explore in this historic village, including its iconic stepped fountains.
You stay at the Hotel Rural El Mondalon (breakfast)
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.
You stay at the Parador Cruz de Tejeda (breakfast)
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!
You stay at the Parador Cruz de Tejeda (breakfast)
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!
You stay at the Parador Cruz de Tejeda (breakfast)
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.
You stay at the Parador Cruz de Tejeda (breakfast)
The above itinerary and walking information is based on the level 2 walks.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Room upgrades and extra nights: Contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Room upgrades: Superior room and Junior suite
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Room upgrades: Deluxe superior and Junior suite
Deluxe superior rooms are larger than deluxe rooms and come with balcony. The junior suites are bigger again and come with exclusive access to the roof top infinity pool and bar service.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Twin-centre accommodation in hotels
All buffet breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Car hire (included when booking a flight-inclusive package)
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All buffet breakfasts
Other details
Tour only: The above tour only prices exclude flights.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
