Spain :

Walking Across the Island of Gran Canaria

Trip code: W07CC

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

SUMMARY

  • Walk a unique route from north to south across this spectacularly diverse island
  • Enjoy a ridge walk to the islands most famous landmark of Roque Nublo overseeing a volcanic crater
  • Visit the ancient troglodyte cave settlements and cross dramatic barrancos

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 6 evening meals
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

An island of only 600 square miles but a continent in miniature; Gran Canaria offers lush forests, exotic fauna, and flora Sahara-like dunes, mountains, volcanic craters and sometimes snow on the highest peaks. Two things make Gran Canaria distinct from the other Canarian Islands. Firstly, the reservoirs that are abundant in the mountainous region nestling in the valleys giving important water supply to the inhabitants and a refreshing vista for the walker. Secondly, there are the ancient settlements and fascinating troglodyte villages built by the deeply religious Guanche about 4000 years ago, and many are still occupied!

This 7-night self-guided walking holiday is one of magnificent ever-changing vistas with far-reaching views to the sea as you walk across the central mountains of Gran Canaria. A north to south route across the island linking family run hotels and taking in a wide variety of spectacular scenery which will have you wondering why you have not walked here before.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Arucas

You stay at La Hacienda Del Buen Suceso.

hotel details

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La Hacienda Del Buen Suceso, Arucas

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Surrounded by fields of banana trees, the lovely rural 4* Hacienda del Buen Suceso is a converted farmhouse from which it has retained its charm. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool or Turkish baths before setting off on your walk. Traditional Canarian dishes are served in their rustic restaurant.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Fontanales 13 KM/ 8 MI/ 4 HRS

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.

You stay at Cabanas Valle Verde.

hotel details

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Cabanas Valle Verde, Fontanales

TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


The delightful family run Cabanas Valle Verde is made up of their locally famous restaurant and 6 custom-made cabins created in Brazil with wood from the Amazon; all beautifully surrounded by flowers and vines. This accommodation has always rated very highly for the warm welcome you will receive.

Each cabin features a small kitchen and lounge area, free Wi-Fi, television, heater and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Tejeda 15 KM /9.5 MI /5.5 HRS OR Cruz de Tejeda 14 KM /9 MI /5 HRS

You will be collected from your accommodation 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.If you have opted for the upgrade hotel, your walk is slightly shorter.

You stay at Hotel Fonda De La Tea.

hotel details

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Hotel Fonda De La Tea, Tejeda

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This old inn house boasts fantastic views over Tejeda and is a lovely place for walkers to relax. Enjoy their cosy restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 4: Circular Walk around Tejeda 16 KM /10 MI / 5.5 HRS OR Circular Walk around Cruz de Tejeda 11 KM /7 MI / 3.5 HRS

If staying in Hotel Rural Fonda De La Tea, today’s walk is a circular walk around the beautiful agricultural town of Tejeda. If staying in Parador Cruz de Tejeda, your walk starts 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 whitewashed villages.

You stay at Parador Cruz de Tejeda.

hotel details

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(Upgrade Option) Parador Cruz de Tejeda, Cruz de Tejeda

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Hairdryer
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TV
Aircon
Safe


The beautiful 4* Parador Cruz de Tejeda sits high on the island at 1560m and commands excellent views of ravines and cliffs, all to be enjoyed from the vast terrace. For a small additional fee, you can enjoy the lovely spa area with its small plunge / jet pool offering incredible views.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 5: San Bartholome Cruz de Tejeda to San Bartholome 14 KM /9 MI /5.5 HRS

If staying at Hotel Rural Fonda De La Tea, 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. If staying at Parador Cruz de Tejeda, this classic route passes through spectacular scenery along a ‘Camino Real’, an old donkey trail, into San Bartolome, before a short transfer to your hotel.

You stay at Finca Tomas y Puri.

hotel details

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Finca Tomas y Puri, Fataga

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


This mountain side Finca has fantastic views over the surrounding landscapes and is run by a lovely couple. Your hosts will take great care of you, if there’s anything you need, just ask; meals in particular are very generous portions! There is a seasonal outdoor swimming pool surrounded by refreshing lemon and lime trees. You will stay in one of their large apartments which each has a kitchen and lounge area.

Each apartment features free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: San Bartholome to Fataga 13 KM /8 MI /4.5 HRS

Take the bus back to San Bartholome. 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.

You stay at Hotel Los Camellos.

hotel details

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Hotel Los Camellos, Aguimes

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


This historic 2* Hotel Los Camellos dates back over 100 years and has been conserved with its original granary and camel stables intact. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in their light and bright restaurant with the big bronze camel outside!

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 7: Santa Lucia to Aguimes 16 KM /10 MI /5.5 HRS

This final walk 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 100s of 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 your Gran Canaria walking holiday.

Day 8: Depart Aguimes

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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 our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

REVIEWS

Excellent service: we have made several trips with Headwater over the years and have always been very pleased with their friendliness, expertise, efficiency and reliability. On this occasion, we asked for some add-on arrangements at the end of the trip, which were very quickly understood and responded to. Altogether, an enjoyable and confidence-inspiring booking experience!

Richard C, 10 May 2024

Good overall. Very prompt service and comprehensively covered everything, except that I had requested a quote for travel insurance, and the contact details weren't provided until I chased for them.

2 Dec 2023

We’ve been going on Headwater walking holidays for about 15 years.

The holidays have always been excellent. Their customer service has been even better.

In particular, our last holiday was rearranged five times because of the pandemic. On each occasion, Headwater looked after the change without fuss.

2 Nov 2023



1 Jan 1970


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

 

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