Are you planning a trip to Gran Canaria? Would you like to explore the island in a special way? You arrived at the right place, we will tell you everything you need to know about the best family-friendly walks you can find in Gran Canaria, a great way to make the most of your vacation. Let’s go!
- 1 Are you planning a family friendly hike in Gran Canaria
- 1.1 Roque Nublo Hike
- 1.2 Barranco de los Cernícalos
- 1.3 Caldera de Bandama Walk
- 1.4 Los Tilos de Moya Hiking Route
- 1.5 Charco de La Paloma
- 1.6 Tamadaba Circular Route
- 1.7 The Tajinaste in Blossom Route
- 1.8 Jardín Canario
- 1.9 Presa de las Niñas Route
- 1.10 Roque Bentayga Hike
- 1.11 Barranco de Azuaje
- 1.12 Pico de Osorio Circular Route
Are you planning a family friendly hike in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a whole miniature continent, and there’s more to the island than stunning beaches. Its particular orography presents mountain ranges with woods, ravines, pine forests and spectacular panoramic vistas.
It’s not easy to summarise every hiking opportunity Gran Canaria has to offer, however, for the comfort of your visit, we have prepared a selection of the best routes you can do with your family.
Roque Nublo Hike
Of all the kid-friendly routes in Gran Canaria, Roque Nublo is the one you shouldn’t miss; it is one of the iconic symbols of the island.
This route brings together mountain hiking and panoramic vistas in just one trail. Located in the municipality of Tejeda, the Roque Nublo monolith rises 80 metres above its rock bed and 1813 metres above sea level. This rock formation of volcanic origin has been awarded Natural Monument status and is also a place of pilgrimage.
The route itself is of moderate difficulty and rewards hikers with the possibility of exploring the great monolith in its entirety, and also the stunning views of the island stretching out to sea.
Foto del Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria.
Barranco de los Cernícalos
Los Cernícalos Ravine is one of the most popular and beautiful gullies in Gran Canaria, it’s located inside the Los Marteles Special Natural Reserve, and it’s part of the Protected Landscape of Lomo Magullo. A small stream runs all year round and the calm beauty of the landscape paired with the fresh air and water from the stream make this route an easy walk for the whole family.
Caldera de Bandama Walk
A circular route, starting and ending at the same location, around a small valley between the Bandama mountains. It traverses Santa Brígida, Telde and the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The Caldera is a volcanic hollow 200 metres in depth and 1000 metres in diameter offering its visitors an unforgettable experience in one of the most striking locations in Gran Canaria.
Los Tilos de Moya Hiking Route
If an easy, uncomplicated and child-friendly walk is what you’re after, the circular trail of Los Tilos de Moya is the perfect choice for you. Starting at the Los Tilos Restaurant (its parking lot is the perfect place to leave your car), ending at the Los Tilos Interpretation Centre, it consists of 1.8 kilometres on mostly flat terrain except for a small initial slope.
The Los Tilos de Moya Natural Reserve is one of the prettiest walking routes to do with children. Ideal to enjoy the steep nature of the island without effort while discovering small treasures like a laurisilva wood. It is quite the perfect trail to start your hiking adventures!
Foto del Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria
Charco de La Paloma
Located in the municipality of Tejeda, Charco de La Paloma features a hiking trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. It’s a nice walk that includes several viewpoints along the way and comes with a bonus: due to the disposition of the terrain a permanent breeze cools down the heat of the day so your walk is made even more comfortable. We have a complete article detailing this route if you are interested.
Tamadaba Circular Route
Lovely circular route through pine woods in Tamadaba. The trail starts at a road intersection and takes you by Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga where you can bask in the stunning views. This circular route is a little bit more complex than others but still feasible for the whole family.
The Tajinaste in Blossom Route
The Blue Tajinaste is a species of plant endemic to Gran Canaria, and this route is one of the many hiking trails for kids available in Gran Canaria. It runs around Tenteniguada in the Valsequillo municipality. The best time to hike the area is during the February to April window, when the Tajinaste (which is commonly known as Tower of Jewels) is in full bloom. The route is a bit lengthy and somewhat steep, of moderate difficulty, but if you’re up for it you will see in person many species endemic to the isles.
Foto del Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria
Jardín Canario
A highlight among the routes for the whole family in Gran Canaria, the Jardín Botánico Canario (Botanic Garden) needs to be mentioned for it is home to every kind of vegetation (plants, trees, flowers, cacti…) found in the Canary Islands and the Macaronesian Region. You can spend a relaxing couple hours wandering through the impressive garden but bear in mind some parts of it require climbing a rather steep slope. Just splendid!
Presa de las Niñas Route
The natural surroundings of Las Niñas Dam have been called the Canarian Switzerland for a reason: The dam can store a moderately large amount of water, resembling a lake with a small cascade. The beautiful landscape makes it very popular, so bring the whole family with you to enjoy the beautiful environment of Las Niñas.
Roque Bentayga Hike
Hiking up to Roque Bentayga can be fairly easily done through a route that takes you to one of the historical and natural monuments of great heritage value of Gran Canaria. Roque Bentayga sits at 1414 metres above sea level, the trail is approximately 3.5 kilometres in length, and from the top you will be rewarded with the most stunning views on the Montañas Sagradas World Heritage Site. Don’t forget to visit the Interpretation Centre which is located at the feet of Roque Bentayga.
Foto del Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria
Barranco de Azuaje
The Azuaje Natural Reserve is a protected area located down the Azuaje ravine, at the far north of the island. The trail across the ravine crosses the agricultural region of Gran Canaria and makes for an easy, even hike, that is just perfect in order to fill your senses and your lungs with Canarian nature.
Pico de Osorio Circular Route
Pico de Osorio has several paths and trails leading to its top. The circular route includes the way up and down from the mountain, and it’s an ideal trail to hike along beautiful landscapes. You just need to be cautious if the terrain is still wet from recent rain.
In short, there are many routes available for a family friendly walk in Gran Canaria. It’s so easy to enjoy nature and outdoors activities on the island. You just need to plan your stay in Gran Canaria, and we are ready to help you by providing you with all the comfort you might require at our Lopesan Hotels. Enjoy!
