Nowadays, there are many ways to explore a destination, including by car, bus or even bicycle. However, there are also fantastic routes for hiking in Gran Canaria and discovering this amazing island from a different perspective.
If you enjoy walking and exploring on foot, don’t miss the fantastic linear and circular routes for hiking in Gran Canaria that will completely change the way you think about walking trails.
Circular routes in Gran Canaria
One of the advantages of circular routes in Gran Canaria is that they allow you to return easily to your starting point, making them perfect for visitors travelling around the island by private vehicle. If that’s your case, here is a list of some of the best options for hiking in this area.
Salto del Perro Reservoir Circular Route
If you want to go hiking in Gran Canaria, head to Los Canales del Agua and discover two of the island’s most important reservoirs: Salto del Perro and Las Niñas Reservoir. The route begins with the first climb from Mogán to Las Niñas Reservoir.
Along the ravine, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Soria Reservoir and admire the impressive hydraulic infrastructure that takes advantage of the island’s scarce water resources. You’ll also see enormous volcanic stone hollows used for grazing.
Cogolla – Loseco Ravine Circular Route
Starting from the area of Veneguera in Mogán, you can follow this recommended trail for hiking in Gran Canaria. The route begins in the main square, where you should follow the sign for “Veneguera Local Circular Route via La Cogolla” and continue along a dirt track running parallel to it.
Around 2 kilometres further on, you’ll reach a junction where a steep incline begins, which should be approached carefully. During the walk, you’ll come across several farms and agricultural estates, as well as places to stop and rest. To finish the hike perfectly, nothing beats cooling off at Veneguera beach.
Roque Nublo Circular Route
This circular trail starts and ends in the barbecue area of Llanos de la Pez. The route involves climbing the Degollada de Piedras Blancas, located at the summit of Las Nieves. This is one of the most demanding hiking routes in Gran Canaria, but it rewards walkers with stunning views of Roque Nublo and Amurga from above.
Circular Route to the Caballero Caves
This route is considered one of the best hiking trails in Gran Canaria, especially to enjoy in springtime, as the flowers lining the path create a beautiful contrast with the peak of Montañón Negro. You will also have the chance to visit the Caballero Caves and enjoy views of the Tejeda Caldera along the way.
Cheese Circular Route
Finally, we recommend one of the best trails for enjoying a wide variety of landscapes during your hikes in Gran Canaria: the hiking route in Fontanales. Along the way, you can admire walnut trees, chestnut trees, eucalyptus trees and other plant species that appear throughout the route. You can also stop by the cheese dairies in Moya to take home some delicious artisan cheese from the area.
Hiking routes in Gran Canaria
While circular routes are among the most popular options for hiking in Gran Canaria, there are also trails with a distinct starting and finishing point. If you enjoy more challenging adventures, we recommend the following routes.
Cruz Grande to Chira Reservoir
This is one of the most difficult hiking routes in Gran Canaria, so it is important to be well prepared. The trail begins at Degollada de Cruz Grande, continues past the Soria Reservoir, and finishes at the Chira Reservoir, where you can admire the beautiful body of water created by this infrastructure.
Route from Fataga to the Ansite Fortress
This is one of the hiking routes in Gran Canaria where you can choose either end as your starting point. Whether you begin in Ansite Fortress, you will need to overcome a 300-metre elevation change and cross the La Sorrueda ravine before reaching the final destination.
Draguillo Ravine
This trail consists of an 11-kilometre route, with certain levels of difficulty that make it unsuitable for hiking with children. It begins from Cuatro Puertas in Telde and heads towards a palm grove filled with empty wells. Along the way, you’ll also find many caves with interesting geometric formations, which could rival modern works of art.
To complete one of the best hiking routes in Gran Canaria, you will need to climb a nearly vertical path to leave the Draguillo ravine and return to the meeting point with your travel group. Although the route is challenging, the reward is taking in unforgettable postcard-worthy landscapes.
Los Marteles to Valsequillo Trail
If you are looking for a linear trail with little difficulty, this route may interest you. It begins in the Los Marteles caldera, where you can walk through a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions. Along the route, you’ll admire endemic plant species such as the cardón cactus. To finish the walk in the town of Valsequillo, there’s nothing better than tasting the local traditional cheese.
Roque Nublo Crossroads
Finally, there is the Roque Nublo Crossroads, which includes a route towards the Risco Caído, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can visit one of the island’s most important archaeological sites. You will also discover several caves carved into the rock and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the island’s interior.
Gran Canaria is a perfect destination for hiking and nature lovers, thanks to its wide variety of routes that cross mountains, ravines, forests and volcanic landscapes. Exploring the island on foot is one of the best ways to discover its diversity of scenery and find less touristy places.
If you are planning your holiday, staying in the south of Gran Canaria will allow you to combine beach days with hiking routes through the island’s interior. From the Lopesan hotels in Gran Canaria, you can organise excursions, routes and activities to discover some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes during your trip.
