Contrasts of Gran Canaria

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8 Days from

CAD 2,345

incl. Taxes

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

W07RI

Discover Gran Canaria's varied landscapes from forests and valleys to mountains and desert dunes. This twin-centre holiday offers varied and interest packed walking routes, with easier and more difficult choices of walk daily.

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 Hotel Rural El Mondalon on the outskirts of Las Palmas, nestled in tranquil vineyards but just a short drive from the city centre. For your next four nights, you'll head to the very heart of the island and the Parador de Tejeda, sitting at 1560m above sea level and boasting one of the best panoramas on the island.

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

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Gran Canaria after breakfast

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

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

Vaccination

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.

Eating and Drinking

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

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.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

Contrasts of Gran Canaria

6 Days of Walking & Trekking

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

Spain

Vaccination

Spain

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Hotels