




Join Dean, a UIMLA mountain leader on this amazing trekking adventure in Gran Canaria in Spain.
Group
6 Days
Jan - Apr, Dec
Intermediate
All levels
Discover the incredible diversity of Gran Canaria on this six-day hiking adventure. Known for its volcanic peaks, deep ravines, lush Canary pine forests, and picturesque mountain villages, the island offers a remarkable variety of landscapes within a relatively small area.
Throughout the trip, we will explore the mountainous interior of Gran Canaria on five carefully selected circular hikes. From the iconic Roque Nublo and the panoramic viewpoints around Pico de las Nieves to the ancient pine forests of Tamadaba and the dramatic volcanic formations surrounding Roque Bentayga, each day offers a different perspective on the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
The program also includes a flexible day that can be used to adapt the itinerary to weather conditions or enjoy a more relaxed exploration of Gran Canaria. Depending on the conditions and the group’s preferences, this day may be an opportunity to visit traditional villages, discover coastal towns, relax on the beach, or explore Las Palmas.
Accommodation is based in the same area throughout the trip, in Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés, allowing you to enjoy the hikes without having to change accommodation every day.
This adventure is suitable for hikers with a good basic level of fitness who are comfortable walking for 4 to 6 hours per day, with elevation gains of up to approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet). The trails do not involve technical climbing, via ferratas, or secured sections. However, some sections may be rocky, uneven, or steep, so a steady footing and appropriate hiking footwear are essential.
Gran Canaria has several distinct microclimates. While the southern coast is generally warmer and drier, temperatures in the mountainous interior can be considerably cooler, with changing weather conditions. Wind, fog, brief showers, and sudden temperature changes are possible in the mountains. Calima, a dry, dusty wind carrying Saharan sand, may also occasionally affect the island.
For this reason, the order of the hikes may be adjusted according to the weather forecast, trail conditions, access restrictions, and the group’s needs, ensuring the best possible experience during your stay.
Meeting point
We begin our first day of hiking around the picturesque mountain village of Tejeda. This circular route takes us through volcanic landscapes and Canary Island pine forests towards Roque Nublo.
Roque Nublo is a volcanic monolith approximately 80 metres high and one of Gran Canaria’s most recognisable natural landmarks. Its summit stands at 1,813 metres above sea level.
In good weather, we will enjoy views of the island’s central mountains, deep valleys, and Mount Teide on the neighbouring island of Tenerife.
Access to the Roque Nublo area may require advance booking or compliance with the applicable access system. GOTREK will take care of arranging any necessary reservations.
Route: Tejeda–La Culata–Roque Nublo–Tejeda Hiking time: Approximately 4–5 hours Distance: Approximately 11–12 km Elevation gain: Approximately 630 m Accommodation: Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés
This circular route begins in the Los Marteles area. The trail gradually climbs through the island’s mountainous interior towards the Pico de las Nieves area.
At 1,949 metres above sea level, Pico de las Nieves is one of Gran Canaria’s highest and best-known viewpoints. On clear days, it offers views of Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga, the central mountain range, and neighbouring Tenerife.
The highest natural point on Gran Canaria is Morro de la Agujereada, at approximately 1,956 metres. Therefore, Pico de las Nieves is not actually the island’s highest peak, but it remains its most famous and accessible viewpoint.
Route: Los Marteles–Pico de las Nieves–Los Marteles Hiking time: Approximately 5–6 hours Distance: Approximately 14–15 km Elevation gain: Approximately 590–700 m Accommodation: Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés
This day is dedicated to exploring Tamadaba Natural Park, one of the best-preserved natural areas on Gran Canaria.
The circular route winds through extensive Canary Island pine forests and passes through scenic landscapes in the western part of the island. The scenery is very different from the drier south of Gran Canaria, offering some of the most beautiful hiking environments of the entire programme.
From the viewpoints, weather and visibility permitting, we will enjoy views of the west coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
Route: Tamadaba Pine Forest–Presa del Vaquero–Tamadaba Pine Forest Hiking time: Approximately 5–5.5 hours Distance: Approximately 13.4 km Elevation gain: Approximately 700–720 m Accommodation: Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés
This hike takes place in the wider Guayadeque ravine area, where volcanic landscapes, traditional agricultural land, cave dwellings, and historic settlements come together.
The circular route takes us through some of the island’s most authentic and less-visited rural landscapes. As this stage is slightly shorter, there will be plenty of time after the hike to relax, explore the coast, or swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Route: El Carrizo–Cueva Bermeja–La Pasadilla–El Carrizo Hiking time: Approximately 4–5 hours Distance: Approximately 11 km Elevation gain: Approximately 500 m Accommodation: Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés
We begin our final planned hike in Tejeda. The route takes us towards Cruz de Timagada and further into the area surrounding the impressive Roque Bentayga.
Roque Bentayga is one of the island’s most significant volcanic rock formations and is of great historical and archaeological importance. The route combines traditional villages, volcanic landscapes, pine forests, and views across central Gran Canaria.
After completing the hike, we will return to Tejeda, where, time permitting, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk around the village.
Route: Tejeda–Cruz de Timagada–Roque Bentayga–Tejeda Hiking time: Approximately 4.5–5.5 hours Distance: Approximately 13.6 km Elevation gain: Approximately 700 m Accommodation: Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés
The seventh day is reserved for flexibility, allowing us to adapt the programme to the weather conditions. If any of the planned hikes cannot take place due to the weather or trail conditions, it can be rescheduled for this day.
If the extra day is not needed for hiking, we will use it to relax, go swimming, or visit Las Palmas, Puerto de Mogán, Agaete, or another interesting destination on the island. The day’s activities will be decided according to the group’s preferences and the time available.
Accommodation: Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés
More info
Daily activity time: 4 – 6 hours daily
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
4.9
(23)
Mountain Leader
I am the founder of the Gotrek Hiking Company, an outdoor adventure company that offers qualified and professional mountain guiding to domestic and foreign guests and tourists in Slovenia, Italy, Croatia and all over Europe. All climbing, training, trekking, hiking and snowshoeing tours are guided by CMGA certified (Croatian Mountain Guide Association) and UIMLA guide.
I live in Slovenia, a country where mountaineering is a way of life. My team of UIMLA and CMGA guides and instructors works and lives in Slovenia or Croatia. If I am not available to guide you, one of the experienced guides in my team will be your guide.
We organize mountain experiences in all seasons in the European Alps, the Dolomites, Carnic Alps the Slovenian Julian Alps, Triglav National Park, Kamnik - Savinja Alps and the territory of Croatia, Velebit, NP Paklenica, and the islands in the Adriatic sea.
Languages
Italian | English | Croatian
Certificates
CMGA | UIMLA
Ernesto
Dean was amazing! Super patient and guided us all the way. We had the best hike ever! Thank you.
Patricio
Everything went perfect. Dean was a great guide, with great actitude and very professional. Without doubt I will recommend both the agency and Dean. Thanks
Russ
Dean was great. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating of both our interests and abilities. He gave lots of options and let us know what to expect. Explore-Share was impossible to reach when we had questions. Fortunately, Dean was accessible via email. Russ
Jodie
Great experience! Felt very comfortable with Dean’s background in mountaineering and felt safe and confident with him guiding us! Would highly recommend! Great communication prior to trip and was a highlight for us!!
Jamie
Dean was an excellent guide. All of the communication on the lead up to the trip was exact and to the point. For our whole hike we was so knowledgeable about the area and had great stories. By the end of the trip he was one of the boys
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.