The 15 best hiking trails in Gran Canaria: discover the nature of the Canary Islands
Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for hiking lovers. The geographical and climatic diversity of the island allows you to enjoy a wide variety of routes adapted to different levels of difficulty. This article presents the 15 best hiking trails in Gran Canaria, covering options for families, adventurers and those seeking spectacular views. Each trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wealth of the island.
Hiking in Gran Canaria can be done all year round thanks to its privileged climate. The Department of Environment of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria has presented a website that contains more than 100 trails, classified by length and difficulty.
The website has a map on which linear, circular and long-distance trails are marked. Each route has a downloadable information sheet in pdf, kml and gpx, in order to integrate them into mobile hiking applications and ensure orientation.
1. Ideal trails for families
Gran Canaria is an exceptional destination to enjoy hiking, especially for families looking to connect with nature in an accessible and playful way. Here are routes that combine scenic beauty with ease of travel.
Tilos de Moya: educating in nature
The route in Los Tilos de Moya is a short hike of only two kilometers. This trail traverses one of the last areas of laurel forest on the island, providing an ideal environment for families to explore the endemic flora. Along the way, there are signposts identifying various plant species, adding an educational component to the experience. This trail is perfect for young children to become familiar with the local biodiversity and enjoy the fresh air in a natural space.
Los Cernícalos Ravine: nature and freshness
This trail is another excellent place for families. The Barranco de los Cernícalos is characterized by its breathtaking scenery and the presence of water flowing throughout the year. The route is simple, allowing hikers to stop at several waterfalls, making it an ideal environment to enjoy nature. This trail offers a fresh and lively experience, ideal for those who wish to approach the natural beauty of Gran Canaria without the wear and tear of difficult routes.
Azuaje ravine: accessible biodiversity
The Barranco de Azuaje is another of the recommended trails for families. This route is located between Firgas and Moya and can be adapted in length according to the needs of each group. Walking through the ravine, hikers will find several watercourses that offer a refreshing touch along the way. This trail is a great opportunity for children to explore the island’s biodiversity while having a pleasant and entertaining hike. The accessibility of this place makes it a perfect stop for a family day out.
2. Routes for adventure lovers
Gran Canaria is home to challenging and exciting routes, ideal for those looking to explore the island's natural landscapes while testing their endurance and skills. Below are some of the most outstanding routes for adventure lovers.
Ascent to Roque Nublo: a rewarding challenge
The ascent to Roque Nublo is one of the most emblematic and recognized routes of Gran Canaria. With an altitude of 1,813 meters, this monolith is an iconic point of the island that offers an impressive panorama from its summit. The route, although short in distance, presents a considerable slope that requires a good physical shape.
Access regulation from 2025
As of January 2025, an access regulation to the trail leading to Roque Nublo will be implemented. This measure seeks to preserve the natural environment and ensure a safer hiking experience. Hikers will be required to reserve sections of the trail in advance, which encourages a controlled flow of visitors and minimizes environmental impact.
Pico de las Nieves: an impressive circular route
The route to Pico de las Nieves is another exciting adventure not to be missed. With a length of approximately 9.4 kilometers, this circular route allows hikers to enjoy spectacular views over Gran Canaria and, on clear days, you can make out the majestic Teide on the neighboring island of Tenerife.
The route has an elevation gain of 470 meters, making it a suitable option for those who are used to hiking in mountainous terrain. The combination of nature and mountain scenery is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Climbing the Amagro Peak: challenge and panoramic views
The ascent to Pico de Amagro is ideal for those seeking panoramic views of the island. This trail, although not the longest in distance, requires a considerable effort due to its unevenness. It reaches an altitude that allows to contemplate a great part of the Canary territory, being a very appreciated destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Hikers should prepare adequately, as the trail can be rocky and requires caution. Each step will reward dedication with breathtaking views.
3. Hikes with spectacular views
The hikes in Gran Canaria offer magnificent panoramas that allow you to appreciate the beauty of the island. From volcanic craters to natural oases, each route guarantees a unique visual experience.
Bandama Caldera: exploring a volcanic crater
The Caldera de Bandama is a must-see destination for geology and nature lovers. This ancient volcanic crater rises more than 600 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the island and, at times, even the coast of Tenerife. The main trail is approximately 3 kilometers long, which includes a descent to the bottom of the caldera and a subsequent ascent.
During the hike, hikers can observe a great variety of endemic vegetation and, on its slopes, different rock formations that reveal the geological history of Gran Canaria. Local fauna, such as birds of prey and small species of lizards, can be spotted along the way. This tour is perfect for those looking for an exploratory and educational experience at the same time.
Agaete and the Charco Azul: natural oasis
Starting from the picturesque village of Agaete, the route to Charco Azul is ideal for those looking to enjoy a natural and refreshing environment. This easily accessible trail takes hikers to a beautiful pool surrounded by ravines and lush vegetation, especially splendid after the rains. Along the way, different waterfalls can be observed, as well as panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
El Charco Azul is a true oasis in nature. Many people choose to take a dip in its crystal clear waters after the hike, making this experience a perfect moment of relaxation. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections of the trail may be less accessible.
Valsequillo and the Tajinaste Route: a flower show
La Ruta del Tajinaste, located in Valsequillo, is a trail that is transformed into a visual spectacle during the spring, thanks to the flowering of the blue tajinaste. This trail, located in the Caldera de los Marteles Special Nature Reserve, leads hikers through landscapes full of vibrant colors.
The route starts at the caldera and descends towards Tenteniguada, offering magnificent views of the typical Canary flora. Although the route is not circular, it is possible to enjoy a short part, which allows to observe the most beautiful specimens during its maximum splendor. The diversity of the flora and fauna that inhabit this area turns each step into a delight for the senses.
4. Unique cultural and natural experiences
Gran Canaria is characterized by its rich fusion of culture and nature. Along its trails you can discover elements that connect the island's historical heritage with its amazing biodiversity. Unique cultural and natural experiences are an undeniable attraction for hikers.
Circular route of the mountain of Agüimes: nature and history
The circular route of the mountain of Agüimes combines history and hiking in a captivating route. This trail takes hikers through a landscape full of aboriginal culture and archaeological remains. As you go along, you can observe vestiges of ancient habitations, such as caves and engravings, offering a glimpse into the life of the island’s ancient inhabitants.
This route also allows you to enjoy the native flora and the breathtaking scenery of the Canarian landscape. The views from the mountain are spectacular, showing both the interior of the island and the Guaguan coast.
The Canary Garden: educational walk
The Canary Garden is a green lung that enhances the insular biodiversity and offers an educational space that highlights the typical flora of the archipelago. This garden is home to a wide variety of plant species that are native to the Canary Islands, allowing visitors to learn about their ecological and cultural importance.
Through its well-marked paths, hikers can delight in the beauty of plants such as dragon trees, tajinaste and various succulents. The visit to the Garden is a perfect opportunity to learn about the Canary flora, while enjoying a quiet and enriching walk.
Fuente Agria de Teror circular route: culture and landscapes
The circular route Fuente Agria de Teror is a route that combines natural beauty and cultural richness. This trail invites hikers to explore the surroundings of Teror, a municipality famous for its traditional architecture and its history linked to the festivity of the Virgen del Pino.
During the hike, you can visit the sour spring, an emblematic spring that has been used since ancient times. The diverse landscape includes pine forests and views over the plain, providing a perfect environment to coexist with nature while delving into the island’s culture.
5. Discovering protected natural areas
Gran Canaria is home to several protected natural areas that offer a unique opportunity to enjoy hiking, revealing the biodiversity and natural heritage of the island. These parks are not only refuges for native species, but also represent landscapes of great beauty.
Pilancones Natural Park: volcanic profile and local fauna
Located in the center of the island, the Pilancones Natural Park is characterized by its geological uniqueness and biodiversity. This protected area protects an impressive volcanic profile, being part of the geography that has shaped Gran Canaria over the centuries.
The park is home to a rich variety of endemic fauna and flora. Among the main inhabitants are birds such as the tagarote hawk and the raccoon pigeon. The vegetation, composed mainly of laurel forest species, provides an indispensable refuge for wildlife.
The hiking trails in Pilancones are accessible and offer panoramic views that allow you to appreciate the wonder of the volcanic formations. Hikers can enjoy trails surrounded by Canary Island pines, heathers and other endemic species that make up a unique natural environment.
Tamadaba Natural Park: an area to preserve
Tamadaba Natural Park, located in the northwest of Gran Canaria, is one of the most outstanding natural areas of the island. This park extends over a mountainous and coastal area, offering breathtaking landscapes ranging from cliffs and pine forests to views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tamadaba is not only known for its scenic beauty, but also for its ecological importance. Here you can find several endangered species and habitats that are vital for the conservation of the island’s biodiversity. Among them are several species of endemic flora such as the Canary Island pine, and fauna such as the giant lizard.
Hiking in this park allows you to discover different routes that vary in difficulty. Hikers can explore trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints, where panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains create an environment of peace and connection with nature. The routes are designed to integrate the hiking experience with respect for the environment.
6. Coastal routes and beaches
Gran Canaria has a rich diversity of coastal routes that offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the opportunity to enjoy unique beaches. These routes are perfect for those looking to connect with nature at the seashore.
Cabrón beach to Cuervo Grande trail: along the ocean shore
This trail is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the sea. The route stretches between Playa del Cabrón and Playa de Cuervo Grande, offering hikers the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk surrounded by nature. Along the way, the route presents a varied geography, with cliffs that plunge into the ocean and panoramic views that invite you to stop and appreciate the scenery.
The trail, which has an accessible length, is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a day outdoors, and the combination of beaches and trails allows you to experience the coastal diversity of Gran Canaria. Along the way, it is possible to observe various species of native flora and fauna that enrich the experience.