Walking on Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is far more than a beach destination. Away from the coastal resorts lies a remarkably varied interior of deep volcanic barrancos, ancient laurisilva forests, pine-covered ridges and the dramatic rock formations of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, rising from the island's rugged highland core. Known as a continent in miniature, Gran Canaria packs an extraordinary range of landscapes into a single island. With walks varying from short and easy to long and demanding, this comprehensive guidebook by expert Paddy Dillon covers 40 day walks and a five-stage GR131 coast-to-coast route across Gran Canaria. Day walks range from 5 to 22km (3 to 14 miles) and take between 2 and 7 hours, while the GR131 covers 77km (48 miles) in five stages from Puerto de las Nieves to Maspalomas. 40 day walks across Gran Canaria's most varied terrain, from the central highlands around Cruz de Tejeda and Tejeda to the Tamadaba pine forest, La Aldea, Mogán and the sand dunes of Maspalomas, with shorter walks combinable into longer itineraries The GR131 coast-to-coast route, described in five stages, crosses Gran Canaria from north to south as part of the long-distance trail that traverses all seven Canary Islands, offering a memorable multi-day walking experience Iconic highlights include Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria's most recognisable landmarks, Roque Bentayga, the Caldera de Bandama and the high point of Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest summit 1:50,000 mapping for every walk alongside practical information on public transport, facilities and access, making it straightforward to reach trailheads without a car from Las Palmas or the southern resorts A year-round walking destination, with spring the ideal season, winter offering reliable good weather on lower routes Gran Canaria's walking landscape is one of the best-kept secrets in the Canary Islands, where deep barrancos, ancient forests and volcanic ridges sit just a bus ride from the beach resorts.