Contrasts of Gran Canaria

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1249

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

W07RI

Discover Gran Canaria’s varied landscapes from forests and valleys to mountains and desert dunes

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 La Hacienda del Buen Suceso, located in a quiet and tranquil setting above the village of Arucas, the Hacienda was once a country estate and has perfectly retained all its colonial charm. Nestled in the surrounding banana plantations, the Hacienda is just 15 minutes from Las Palmas and makes a perfect base for the first half of your trip. For your next four nights, you’ll head to the very heart of the island and the Hotel Fonda De La Tea . There is the option to upgrade in Tejeda to the Parador de Tejeda, subject to availability and at a supplement.

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

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

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)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

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 2

7 km / 4.3 miles

Day 3

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 4

7 km / 4.3 miles

Day 5

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 6

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 7

12 km / 7.5 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

W07RI - Contrasts of Gran Canaria

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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

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Los Hoyos Tejeda Gran Canaria Gran Canaria

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.

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.

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Activity hours: 3

Meals included: 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. 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.

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Activity hours: 4

Meals included: 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.

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Activity hours: 3.5

Meals included: 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!

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Activity hours: 5

Meals included: 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!

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Activity hours: 5

Meals included: 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.

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

Leave Gran Canaria after breakfast

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

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.

Joining Instructions

Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many ‘low cost’ airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.

If you wish to upgrade the standard car hire please enquire at time of booking.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Los Hoyos
Location end: Tejeda

Transfer Details

Air prices include our standard flights:
TUI Airways Gatwick to Las Palmas 10:00/14:20 and car hire (air-conditioned hire car included). Drive to hotel, 30 mins. Return: Drive to airport, 1 hr then TUI Airways Las Palmas to Gatwick 15:30/19:45

Car hire is included in the price of this holiday when a flight-inclusive package is booked so will be self-drive. Directions to each hotel and to/from the walks will be provided.

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food & Drink

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.

Weather Charts

TRIP

W07RI - Contrasts of Gran Canaria

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

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

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.