It’s an island that’s always sunny with kilometers of beaches. Gran Canaria is the perfect place for a relaxing, laid-back vacation. However, there are plenty of activities for those looking for something more active. We went hiking almost every day and saw a lot more than just bare bottoms and tanned chests. Just like us, venture into the Canarian nature and go hiking on Gran Canaria!
- In this article
- Pico de Bandama (3.7km)
- Playa de Guayedra (5.5km)
- Roque Nublo (3.3km)
- Ventana del Nublo (2.8km)
- The summit of the Altavista (10.3km)
Over the crater walls of Pico de Bandama – 3.7 km
Gran Canaria is a volcanic island, and although there haven’t been any recent eruptions, you can still walk over the crater walls of the Pico de Bandama. The caldera of this former volcano is 220 meters deep and has a diameter of about a kilometer.
You can descend into the crater via a zigzag path, but you’ll have to climb back up the same steep way. We opted for a route that offered more of a panoramic view from the upper edge. Here, there’s a path that runs over black lava gravel, which offers great views of the whole area and the vineyards that have been built against the slopes. You can also visit some local wineries around the volcano to taste the wine.
If you have time, it’s also worth driving to the top of Pico de Bandama (574m), which is right next to the crater. From here, you can enjoy a great view of the entire northern coast, including the capital, Las Palmas.
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Pico de Bandama
To the black Playa de Guayedra – 5.5 km
If you’re looking for a great place to go for a walk, the east coast of Gran Canaria is a great option. The natural environment here is quite different from the rest of the island. The cliffs here are pretty steep, and the waves are pretty wild. Just outside Agaete, you’ll find a parking spot for this hike to Playa Guayedra, a beautiful but secluded beach.
The first kilometer is a pretty steep climb, with a 130-meter elevation gain right away. Then there’s a short, flat stretch of about 500 meters along the road, after which you descend towards the beach via steps. You’ll also see lots of cacti along the way, and you’ll enjoy great views of the cliffs, the sea, and on clear days, the neighboring island of Tenerife.
The black beach of Playa Guayedra is perfect for a picnic, but just be careful that the hundreds of crabs don’t run off with your sandwiches! You can also go for a swim, but be careful of the strong currents! After that, head back to Agaete the same way. It’s the perfect place to relax on a terrace!
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Playa de Guayedra
Symbol of Gran Canaria: the Roque Nublo – 3.3 km
Out of all the hikes we did on our trip to Gran Canaria, this one was by far the most popular with tourists. It was the only hike where we saw a lot of other people. However, you really shouldn’t miss this route. The Roque Nublo is the island’s most famous geological feature, and you can walk right up to the base of this gigantic rock.
If you’re looking for a great view, the hike to Roque Nublo is an excellent choice, especially on sunny days. You get panoramic views from all sides. From the parking lot, you’ll walk along a ridge for about eight hundred meters, then take a left at the fork. This brings you to a stone-strewn plateau where you’ll find the monumental rock peak. The view here is incredible! Can you see the Teide volcano on Tenerife?
If you’re up for more, you can extend the hike and walk around the Nublo massif. At the fork we talked about, turn right. That’ll take you into a pine forest. As you look between the branches, you’ll see deep ravines and the Caldera de Tejeda. Just follow this circular path and you’ll end up back at the same fork.
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Roque Nublo
Hidden gem: the Ventana del Nublo – 2.8 km.
While it’s great to see the Roque Nublo up close, you’ll get an even better view from a distance. There are lots of great spots in the mountainous interior of Gran Canaria, but we found the ultimate one! Take this hike at sunset and enjoy the view from the Ventana del Nublo, a rock window that provides the perfect backdrop for your photo. The hike is mostly through a pine forest, but when you get to the farthest point, you’ll be amazed. This is an absolute must for anyone visiting Gran Canaria!
It’s a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find your way back to the car after sunset.
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Ventana del Nublo
To the top of the Altavista – 10.3 km.
We saved the longest and toughest hike for last, but as they say, “last but not least!” The hike to the top of Altavista (1,376 m) is gorgeous and worth your while.
You’ll be walking along a ridge for almost the entire route, with beautiful views on both sides. On the left, you’ll find all the island’s highlights, including the highest point, Pico de Las Nieves; the Roque Bentayga; and the Roque Nublo. If you look below, you’ll see a kind of “table mountain” or plateau near the village of Vega de Acusa. It’s a very beautiful sight! On the right, you get a great view of the Atlantic Ocean, and again, you can see Tenerife! You can even see the top of the El Teide volcano from here.
Just a heads-up: pace yourself, as the last bit to the top is really tough on your legs. Above all, enjoy it!
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Altavista
