The best walks and hikes in Gran Canaria

Hiking in Gran Canaria’s mountains

Part of Gran Canaria’s appeal for adventurers is its mountainous nature. The only flat parts of the island are its beaches and the capital, Las Palmas, which lies on a peninsula on the northeastern corner. Las Palmas is not just the capital of Gran Canaria, but the joint capital of the Canaries, holding the title with Santa Cruz on Tenerife. 

Hikes on Gran Canaria are mostly of the hilly variety and you’re almost guaranteed phenomenal views wherever you go. Pico de la Nieves (peak of the snow) is the most famous peak on the island and broadly referred to as Gran Canaria’s summit. Its neighbouring mountain, Morro de la Agujereada, is actually fractionally higher. There are stunning trails in the vicinity of both peaks and the nearby Nublo Park has some of the best hiking trails in Gran Canaria, complete with views across to Teide. 

Tamadaba Natural Park is a rugged, mountainous area on the northwestern coastline of the island with even more breathtaking views and trails to die for. Set in sprawling pine forests, the routes here will make the legs ache and the hands reach for the camera. 

Choosing the best time of year to hike in Gran Canaria

The beauty of planning walks in Gran Canaria, or any of the Canary Islands, is that you can go all year round and expect wonderful weather. If you have the flexibility to travel in the off-season (outside of school holidays), you’ll find trails quiet and beaches serene.

In the summer holidays, Gran Canaria is a tourist hotspot but with innumerable hiking trails up in the mountains, it’s easy to escape any semblance of a crowd. The sun can be fierce over the hottest months of July and August, making hiking at sea level a sweaty affair. The sea is always there for a refreshing dip though and the island is never short of ice cream shops. 

In the depths of winter, this subtropical island only dips down to around 16 ℃ (61 ℉) during the day making it long-sleeve weather at worst. Don’t be fooled by sea level temperature though and drive up to begin a trek at altitude wearing only shorts and a t-shirt, no matter the time of year. The temperature at altitude is significantly colder and snow sometimes falls on the highest peaks in winter. In summer, it’s still chilly at the top so always take layers you can add or shed as required.