Climbing on Gran Canaria was higher than I anticipated. Nonetheless, what I didn’t notice earlier than we visited was what a well-liked and busy island it’s. Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, has a inhabitants of virtually 400,000 and it’s a favoured cruise ship vacation spot. Happily, on arrival we headed instantly to Cruz de Tejeda within the north – the place there are many small cities and villages however no massive centres. Agaete, a port and the largest city we visited is residence to solely 5,500 folks.
Though the climbing is assorted and infrequently very stunning, I don’t assume it’s fairly pretty much as good as climbing on La Gomera. If I solely had every week, I’d advocate La Gomera, however with two weeks, Gran Canaria is a wonderful alternative.
Once more, there’s plenty of elevation achieve and descent in quite a lot of landscapes. We walked by extra stunning pine forest on this island than we did on La Gomera however save for the final day’s hike, we by no means had ocean views.
On the upside we loved an outstanding ridge stroll, an outstanding descent previous homes constructed into the mountain and an attractive eucalyptus forest. And each night time we had been rewarded with a surprising sundown from our perch on the Parador Cruz de Tejeda. Gran Canaria is most positively a worthy climbing vacation spot.
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The place is Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is the third largest of the seven Canary Islands, situated off the southern coast of Morocco. The island lies east and somewhat south of Tenerife. The port of Agaete is 69 km from Tenerife, and the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is 94 km.
The island is 210 km off the coast of West Africa and 1,250 km from the Spanish mainland. It’s nearly a 4.5-hour flight from London and a 2 – 2.5 hour flight from Lisbon.
Attending to Gran Canaria
You’ll be able to take a ferry or a airplane to Gran Canaria.
Ferries
There are two ports on Gran Canaria for ferries – Las Palmas (or Puerto de la Luz) and Agaete (or Puerto de las Nieves) within the northwest. The port of La Palmas serves mainland Spain from Huelva and Cádiz.
The Port of Las Palmas, about 5 kilometres from the town centre, additionally serves the next Canary Islands – Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Graciosa, Lanzarote, and La Palma.
The ferry operators embrace Fred Olsen and Naviara Armas.
Flights to Gran Canaria
Between islands e-book a flight of Binter to reach at Las Palmas Gran Canaria Airport. Canaryfly is an alternative choice.
There are a great deal of airways flying on to Gran Canaria from Europe together with TAP (Air Portugal), Ryanair, Iberia, easyJet, Norwegian and extra.
Finest time to hike in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a year-round vacation spot for hikers. Seasonal common temperatures are 18 – 24°C, although within the north it’s barely cooler and damper.
We did all our Gran Canaria climbing on the northern a part of the island, typically above 1,000 metres. You do have to go ready with some heat garments and layers as climate can change quickly and visibility could be poor, although we had none of that in late January.
Helpful information for a Gran Canaria climbing journey
Timing: Depend on 3 – 4 kph if the path is flat and in fine condition. If there’s elevation concerned funds for 10 minutes extra for each 100 m of climbing (referred to as Naismith’s Rule).
Let somebody know the place you’re climbing: Inform the individual on the entrance desk of your lodge the place you propose to hike and once you assume you’ll be again. You might additionally electronic mail or let a member of the family know what your itinerary appears to be like like each day, ought to one thing untoward occur.
Maps: Gran Canaria Climbing and Biking Map
Guidebook: Strolling on Gran Canaria by Cicerone
Climate forecast: Spanish Meteorological Workplace
Carry plenty of water: Carry plenty of water, particularly on days once you’re not climbing by any cities. It’s dry on Gran Canaria and with all of the exertion of climbing, you’ll be thirsty.
Canines: Give canines a large berth. By no means run from them or flip your again on them. We noticed plenty of canines chained up or in yards and happily none gave us any bother.
Bees: We didn’t see as many bees climbing on Gran Canaria as we did climbing La Gomera for every week, however in case you’re allergic to them, you’ll want to carry your EpiPen and a few Benadryl.
Native emergency: In Spain dial 112.
ATM’s: You’ll discover them in Agaete and Tejeda.
Taxi on Gran Canaria: Taxi Oscar (0034 639375 329) and Socom Taxi are good decisions.
One week climbing on Gran Canaria itinerary
Described beneath is our one-week climbing itinerary on Gran Canaria. There are many permutations to what we did – so in case you plan to go self-guided, decide up a guidebook. Each one of many hikes described beneath was good to wonderful, with my favorite being the hike from Fontanales to Agaete and the final day’s hike. All concerned some highway strolling, normally minor, on largely quiet roads.
Most days we might be climbing by 9 AM so we had plenty of time to benefit from the panorama at an unhurried tempo. We bought within the behavior after the primary day of a day by day midafternoon ice cream break.
In case you are critically fascinated by following our Gran Canaria climbing itinerary, electronic mail me by way of the contact type on my web site and I can provide you detailed directions on among the hikes. We did discover the paths on Natural Maps, so it wouldn’t be exhausting to determine the routes.
We booked our journey with Inn Journey out of the UK. There are quite a few hiking-themed firms providing self-guided excursions on Gran Canaria. The next is a Calgary primarily based firm I like as nicely that gives climbing excursions.
Take a look at this 8-day, self-guided Gran Canaria climbing tour supplied by 10 Adventures.
Day one climbing Gran Canaria: Cruz de Tejeda to Artenera
The place to remain: Parador Cruz de Tejeda
Distance: 14 km return
Time wanted: Roughly 5.5 hours plus time within the cave village
Elevation achieve/loss: +250m/-515m (a technique)
Stage of issue: Average
Climbing description
Exterior the Parador Cruz de Tejeda there are numerous climbing choices. We did three day hikes leaving from the Parador.
On the primary day we took off behind the Parador and adopted a formidable ridge winding out and in of pine forest to the cave village of Artenera. The ridge stroll above the Caldera de Tejeda was described by the author Miguel de Unamuno as a “petrified tempest” and a “super commotion of the bowels of the earth.” It presents spectacular views over the Tejeda de Barranco.
The pine forest is full of large pinecones and pine needles which are so thick at occasions that the strolling is slippery. It’s additionally tinder dry!
One of many highlights of this hike are the Cuevas de Caballero – a gaggle of seven ceremonial caves utilized by the traditional Canarii greater than 500 years in the past. One is pure and 6 had been excavated. Wall etchings recommend that the caves had been possible used to invoke rain and fertility rites. Right this moment a lot of the caves are blocked off by bars, however you possibly can look.
Signage is nice on the hike to Artenera and at one level you’ll see that you’ve an choice to descent steeply alongside the ridge or take a winding and fewer steep forest observe. We opted to descend on the forest path and return by way of the steep path.
There’s some highway and asphalt strolling to get right down to the gorgeous village of Artenera. From above we watched as a goat farmer moved his heard onto the highway – although the vehicles we might see, couldn’t see the goats until the previous few seconds. Happily, they stopped in time, and we didn’t witness any carnage.
In Artenera there are various eating places across the fairly plaza, a grocery retailer and many benches for sitting and having fun with your lunch. There’s a cave home museum in case you’re and the Mirador del Corazon de Jesús.
To return, retrace your steps. The one factor we did otherwise was to hike up steeply alongside the ridge path ranging from the low level. I extremely advocate it for the views.
Day two climbing: Cruz de Tejeda to Roque Nublo
Distance: 12.8 km with a 10-minute taxi journey to the begin to beat the crowds.
Time wanted: Roughly 5 hours.
Elevation achieve/loss: +660m/-835m
Stage of issue: Average
Climbing description
After getting dropped of on the Llanos de la Pez picnic space we hiked for about an hour by pine forests (nice signage in all places), dropping right down to cross a dam – Embalse de Los Hornos. From there we made our solution to La Goleta – a parking lot and snack shack earlier than climbing as much as Roque Nublo. On the automotive park we began operating into folks – although in nowhere close to the numbers we noticed on the descent.
Roque Nublo, a 67-metre-high basalt needle is a well-liked place for rock climbers and the enduring summit you see from afar. It’s equally spectacular up shut. To the left of it’s the frog, a small squat rock and additional once more to the left is the monk – El Fraile in Spanish.
After about 75 minutes of climbing, you attain the broad summit plateau. The distinction between 9:45 AM and 10:45 AM was hanging with the variety of folks round. Plan to get right here early!!
Roque Nublo could be very photogenic. It’s potential to stroll across the rock although I wouldn’t advocate it. We noticed a pair who climbed over boulders to get the shot. I went a brief distance and determined to show again because the rock was filled with slippery pebbles and one fall and also you’d be off a cliff. No thanks.
We spent a great 45 minutes poking about, and taking within the view earlier than retracing our steps to a signpost displaying La Culata, Tejeda.
The return to Cruz de Tejeda concerned a steep descent at occasions, on a mixture of pine needles, grime path, and pebbles. One part was filled with monster-sized boulders interspersed with stunning pine bushes.
Whenever you attain the outskirts of La Culeta, there’s some quiet highway strolling first steeply down, after which steeply up. It was very fairly in late January because the almond bushes had been flowering.
On the high of the steep asphalt highway the gradient eases as you contour across the valley, passing pure springs. After roughly 4 hours of climbing attain the Degollada de Bercerra – providing very good views of Roque Nublo Rural Park. Then it’s a straightforward hike on a busier path to succeed in the Cruz de Tejeda.
Day three climbing on Gran Canaria: Cruz de Tejeda to the Village of Tejeda
Distance: 8.4 km as a loop
Time wanted: 3.5 – 4 hours
Elevation achieve/loss: +/- 640 m
Stage of issue: Average
Climbing description
The hike to the picturesque village of Tejeda follows a delicate path by the panoramic Tejeda Valley. It’s the very best hike of any we did for meals, particularly baked items. Dulceria Nublo, identified for its almond pastries, is probably the most well-known bakery on the island although we discovered Dulces de Tejeda to be equally good – and we tried pastries from each. We might scent the bakeries on the descent into the village!
The hike leaves the Parador crossing the GC15 highway a number of occasions on the descent to Tejeda. You find yourself on trails traversing orchards of largely lifeless almond bushes and cacti. The excellent news is the views throughout the Tejeda Valley are fairly splendid. On clear days you possibly can simply see Mount Teide on Tenerife.
After solely 75 minutes attain Tejeda. Reportedly this village is evident and sunny as a result of it avoids commerce winds that have an effect on the northern aspect of Gran Canaria. From the city centre you possibly can look out over orange and almond bushes – that are at their peak for blooms in late January and early February.
Tejeda is a superb spot for lunch although we simply loved pastries and occasional. Reportedly Asador Grill Hemingway, with wonderful views from its terrace, is the place to go for meat. Texada serves typical Canarian meals in an revolutionary and fashionable method and Cueva de la Tea is ideal for scrumptious native meals like fried aubergines.
The return to the Parador was fairly an fascinating stroll with nice views as we adopted signposts with the next names – La Degollada Cruz de Tejeda, La Crucitas, Cruz de Tejeda and El Roncon de Abajo, Cruz de Tejeda.
A few of the climbing on Gran Canaria felt like we had been going into somebody’s yard however then out of nowhere a method ahead would seem. We caught to paths with inexperienced railings indicating public use for a while. The ultimate a part of the path climbs steeply for over a kilometre to emerge proper beneath the Parador. We made a beeline on the finish for a chilly drink and ice cream.
Day 4 climbing Gran Canaria: Cruz de Tejeda to Fontanales
The place to remain: One night time at Cabañas Valle Verde.
Distance: 15.1 km
Time wanted: 5.5 – 6 hours
Elevation achieve/loss: +675m/-1190 m
Stage of issue: Average
Climbing description
After a straightforward climb out of Cruz de Tejeda descend by an attractive open pine forest the place you possibly can’t miss the sound of woodpeckers. After about 90 minutes cross Tierras Blancas lavaderos – one of many many washing areas you cross whereas climbing on Gran Canaria.
Water is a scarce useful resource on the island. These washing areas had been constructed by water-rich communities, as a part of the circumstances in offering water to communities with out. The thought was that native folks had the fitting to make use of the water for laundry, home and husbandry wants.
Go to the Mirador de Unamuno earlier than persevering with by the hamlet of Lanzarote. Attain the pink earth observe of Calle El Lomo – one in every of my favorite sections of any climbing on Gran Canaria. The observe cross by reams of wildflowers and a small eucalyptus forest. It’s gorgeous for about 1.5 km. At 7.7 km arrive at Mirador de Zamora.
The following cease by way of nation roads and trails is the city of Valleseco. Then there’s a steep climb that ends at Barranco de la Virgen. After you cross the barranco – a sweat-inducing train within the warmth, you descend step by step to Fontanales. On the way in which there you’ll cross vibrant homes and yards filled with wildflowers.
There isn’t a lot to Fontanales, a city identified for its pine, chestnut, and walnut bushes along with queso de flor – a wealthy creamy cheese made domestically. There aren’t plenty of decisions on the place to remain. Cabañas Valle Verde could be very primary however the household operating it’s beautiful. We confirmed up and had been instantly handed a glass of recent squeezed orange juice – and once more at breakfast. What a deal with!
Day 5 climbing: Fontanales to Agaete
The place to remain: Resort Rural Finca Las Longueras for 2 nights
Distance: 14.5 km + 2 km in case you don’t descend the steep barranco
Time wanted: 6 hours
Elevation achieve/loss: +675m/-1520 m
Stage of issue: Exhausting due to the steep descent.
Climbing description
The hike from Fontanales to Agaete is on a mixture of largely quiet although often busy roads for lengthy stretches, but it surely’s nonetheless a beautiful hike.
After leaving the highway close to Fontanales, hike on an attractive path by a forest of pine bushes adopted by a beautiful part by rounded hills full of sheep. Subsequent up is 2.5 km of climbing on a quiet nation lane the place you’ll see signage for native cheese makers. They’re a bit out of the way in which to go to on foot contemplating the gap you stroll at the moment.
After passing a bar the place you may get lunch (Bar Antonio Pinocha) proceed strolling downhill heading for Presa Los Pérez and El Hornillo. Whenever you see a steep path signposted El Sao and Agaete you possibly can start a really steep descent, although it’s doubtlessly harmful if moist, or proceed on the highway for one more 2 km which is what we did. The views from the highway out to Agaete and the ocean are spectacular.
On the yellow and orange home pictured a number of images beneath start a steep however fabulous descent, generally on stone steps previous homes constructed into the mountain. A lot of this a part of the hike is within the shade.
Half method down cross Refugio El Hornillo, a spot you possibly can merely get a chilly beverage or meal but additionally one the place you possibly can spend the night time. What a spot to try this!!!
Very quickly you meet up with the steep path that descends by the barranco after which the highway that can take you to Agaete. You’re on an off the highway from right here to the lodge.
We stopped at Bar La Palma for a much-needed sugar enhance by way of an ice cream bar. (You’ll hike again right here tomorrow to start out the hike up Montana Bibique.) From the bar we adopted chequered pavement to a highway. After an additional 700 m of strolling on a sometimes-busy highway we dropped down on a cobbled path to succeed in an alleyway resulting in the hard-to-miss pink Las Longueras visitor home. You’ll be able to see it from a distance.
This can be a beautiful place however don’t count on fancy rooms. It’s bought an enormous pool surrounded by orange bushes and a very good breakfast out on a patio. I used to be very comfortable to have a number of nights right here.
Day 6 climbing Agaete to Montana Bibique and Puert0 de Las Nieves to Agaete
Distance: 14.1 km
Time wanted: 5.25 – 6 hours
Elevation achieve/loss: +/- 690 m
Stage of issue: Average however some airier sections.
Climbing description
Right this moment is a grand day of climbing on Gran Canaria even when it begins off with a highway stroll. You could retrace your steps from the lodge to San Pedro. From there it’s a great climb and a scenic one up Montaña Bibique, on the fringe of Tamabada Nationwide Park. You cross beneath the Caves of the Ancients the place troglodytes lived, Gran Canaria’s first identified inhabitants.
The path ranges out when you attain the highest and follows a vertiginous ridge to the cliff high above Puerto de Nieves that some folks won’t really feel snug on – although belief me, the path is lots extensive. Take a look at my Instagram reel so you possibly can see what it’s prefer to hike. I completely liked this part, particularly all of the grand views alongside the northwest coast of the island.
Puerto de Las Nieves, know for its white cottages, can also be a great lunch vacation spot in case you’re after seafood. You’ll really feel such as you’re in Greece with all of the blue and white buildings.
After a glance across the city together with the seashore, you have got the choice of hailing a taxi for a 10-minute journey again to the lodge or climbing about 3.5 km again to the lodge by way of a path that kind of parallels the freeway. The Barranco de Agaete riverbed will probably be in your left on the ultimate method to the lodge.
It was a scorching day of climbing for us, so what a deal with to chill off within the lodge’s stunning pool. For dinner I extremely advocate Ragu Agaete, a restaurant with scrumptious meals on the waterfront. Taxi Oscar can get you there.
Climbing map displaying approximate Gran Canaria climbing places
Extra hikes in Europe to attempt
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