Gran Canaria panorama

Walking on Gran Canaria

8 days
from
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Walking & Trekking
Activity level:
Moderate
Activity Rating - Moderate
Trip code: 
W07GN
Ways to Travel:
Self-Guided Holidays, Private Group Adventures
Activity:
New Walking Holidays
Ages:
13+

Discover Gran Canaria's varied landscapes from forests and valleys to mountains and desert dunes. This twin-centre holiday offers varied and interest packed walking routes, with easier and more difficult choices of walk daily. 

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.

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
  • Extensive walking options available - choice of 1 and 2 level walks daily

Key information

  • 7 nights twin-centre accommodation in 4 star hotels
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Route directions and maps 
  • Car Hire essential (included when booking a flight-inclusive package)
  • Countries visited: Spain

What's included

  • 7 nights twin-centre accommodation in 4 star hotels
  • All buffet breakfasts
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Route directions and maps 
  • Car Hire (included when booking a flight-inclusive package)

What's not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Visas & vaccinations
  • Car Hire (when booking land only - available at a supplement)
  • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Call for general departures:
020 8772 3943
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Enquire Today
Live Chat
Request a Brochure
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

6

Days of Walking & Trekking
Terrain:

This self-guided walking holiday follows mainly well marked paths and trails. You should be a sure footed walker.

Day by day breakdown
Day 27.0km/4.5miles
Day 310.0km/6.0miles
Day 47.0km/4.5miles
Day 512.0km/7.5miles
Day 610.5km/6.5miles
Day 712.0km/7.5miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Expand all
Los Hoyos
to
Tejeda

  • 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 included: Breakfast

  • Day 3

    Finca de Osorio 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. 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.

    Meals included: 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 included: 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 included: 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 included: 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 included: Breakfast

  • Day 8

    Leave Tejeda

    Leave Gran Canaria after breakfast

    Meals included: Breakfast
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Combine this trip with

Self-Guided Walking on Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has extraordinarily varied landscapes ranging from lush forests, mountains to desert-like dunes and beautiful beaches.

Walking & Trekking
Activity level:
Leisurely / Moderate
Ages: 12+
Self-Guided (Excl. Flights)
View More Details

Essential Info

Visas

Vaccinations

Spain

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

Canarian dishes tend to be simple and elegant, owing much to sun-ripened tropical fruits such as paw-paw, prickly pear and bananas, local vegetables such as sweetcorn and potatoes and fresh fish such as moray and snapper.

Specialities include conejo al salmorejo (slow cooked rabbit with garlic, paprika and chili); rancho canario (a chickpea meaty soup), ropa vieja (chicken, pork and or beef stew); chocos (cuttlefish); and crema de puerros y bubangos (cream of leek and prawn stew). The most popular fish are members of the sea bass family - cherne, cabrilla or merluza are common, and you may find grilled swordfish (espada a la plancha), as well as calamares (squid), gambas (prawns) and pulpo (octopus).

Weather

In Gran Canaria the weather is superb year-round. The sun shines here for more days of the year than most other places in the world. The weather does depend on the time of year and also the parts of the island that you visit.

Tenerife climate

Is this trip for you?

Walking Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 10km (6miles).
No. of days walking: 6
Terrain and route:  This self-guided walking holiday follows mainly well marked paths and trails. You should be a sure footed walker. 

There is an option on this walking tour to choose a level 1 route on each day.
The above average daily distance, terrain and route and the walk descriptions in the itinerary are based off the level 2 walks. 

Car Hire is essential on this trip (included when booking a flight-inclusive package) so all walking transfers are also self-guided with directions provided to the beginning of each walk and return to the hotels at the end of the walks. Some of the roads on Gran Canaria are windy with lots of hairpin bends.

Call for general departures:
020 8772 3943
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Enquire Today
Live Chat
Request a Brochure
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Hotels

HOTEL RURAL EL MONDALON, LOS HOYOS
Located on the edge of the Caldera de Bandama nature reserve and overlooking fertile vineyards is the Hotel Rural El Mondalon. Whist having a wonderfully tranquil location, it is only a 20 minute drive from the centre of Las Palmas! The hotel benefits from a heated outdoor pool with vistas onto the surrounding volcanic landscape and vineyards, whilst the bedrooms come with all the comforts you'd expect from a 4* hotel as well as a small terrace. There is a restaurant on site (closed Mondays) which serves traditional Canarian dishes with a modern twist.
Room upgrades: Superior room
Superior rooms are larger with a sitting area
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

PARADOR CRUZ DE TEJEDA, TEJEDA
The fantastic Parador Cruz de Tejeda occupies an enviable and elevated position 1500m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and is adjacent to the El Nublo Nature Reserve. The bedrooms are decorated in cool contemporary colours with wooden furniture and tiled floors; all have panoramic views and balcony. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine, spa facilities and a pool overlooking the ravine and valley.
Room upgrades: Superior room and Junior suite
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Call for general departures:
020 8772 3943
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Enquire Today
Live Chat
Request a Brochure
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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Dates & Prices

Please provide as much information as possible below so we can best help with your holiday requirements.

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Please call one of our experts to discuss your private group requirements on 0203 993 4668, or fill out the form below and we will give you a call back.

Please provide as much information as possible below so we can best help with your holiday requirements.

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

 

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London  

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros Cons
  • May be the most direct route
  • Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.
  • As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.
  • You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

 

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.
 
a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination. 

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros Cons
  • Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.
  • Through fare tickets can be expensive.
  • On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.
  • Published fares are non-refundable.

 

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros Cons
  • You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.
  • You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

 

 Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

  • On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.
  • On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client. 

 

Next steps? 

Call our Sales team on: 0203 733 0698

Email your query: [email protected]

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