I really love walking and have found some nice routes around the island. I live in the South so most of my walking Gran Canaria tours take place there (either to and from work or to and from the shop!) With this climate, you can usually count on sun and almost always on warmth. When you are walking up and down the steep hills (another reason why walking is preferable to cycling here) you will appreciate a soft breeze on your face too! There is some information on other Spanish hiking routes on here: http://hikingblogs.thesocksite.com/location/international/spain/
Photo By FotosDeLasIslasCanarias
Beach Walks in Gran Canaria
The beaches in the south stretch for miles but there is a good path from San Agustín to Maspalomas. This walk takes about an hour and you can get really good views of the beaches and right out to sea. You will cross a large area of sand dunes (look out for the nudist beach too!!) There are also lots of handy cafes and restaurants on the way so you can have a Canarian cooking stop – or a beer stop!
Photo By Szeke
If you just want a gentle walk, you might want to walk around the Puerto de Mogan area or around the Amadores Beach area. There isn’t so much to see but not everyone wants an exhausting 10 mile hike – you are on holiday after all! And surely sunbathing is a sport. Isn’t it?
Mountain Walks in Gran Canaria
The weather is usually clear and dry in the mountains so you could rent a car and stop off to explore a bit but the weather can be changeable if you are high up and the odd shower is possible. Don’t forget a lightweight raincoat.
If you are enjoying some Canary Islands rural tourism you might want to stay out of the south altogether. There is a small “refugio” (inn) at Cruz de Tejeda which costs 55 euros a night for a room, situated well above sea level on one of Gran Canaria’s highest passes. From here you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenery. The mountain slopes are sheer in this area but you can walk along the donkey tracks. You can walk 12 miles down to Teror and get a taxi back (or walk back of you’re feeling energetic!) From there, you can see Tenerife, right across the Atlantic.
Photo By Pololia Canarias
If you are walking the beach route, don’t forget a high factor sun cream. I know I keep saying it but people keep burning and not just in June, July and August! If you are doing a mountain hike, take a rucksack with a map, raincoat, sun cream and plenty of water. You can buy water on the beach route.