Gran Canaria travel guide
Walks
The walking is best in Spring (wild flowers) and Autumn. In 'winter' (not that Gran Canaria really has one) there can be rare snow on the tops. In summer the sun can be very strong. Start very early.
Most of the walks are ridge walks in the central mountains - there are also a few coast walks (in the west) and a few lowland 'canyon' walks.
Footpaths are currently being re-numbered to Sxx (you may still see the older ones). Older editions won't have the new path numbers
You can just get away with trainers / Tevos on many walks, but the best bet would be low-height walking boots (i.e. with stiff soles) as some paths are rocky.
You dont always feel the heat of the sun in the breeze, so: Hat, long sleeves, water, sunscreen!
Guidbooks
There are 4 English language guide books. Be aware that the current editions were probably re-researched in just 2 or 3 weeks, and its doubtfull if the revised walk directions have been walk-checked by anyone other than the author. While some walks are obvious and don't need detailed direction, in the past this has lead to real problems. For this reason, we only now recommend books with downloadable GPS data.
- Rambling Rogger ( ramblingroger.com ) Has GPS data. 2 self-published guides - short walks, and long walks. A local, so most up to date.
- Rother - Has GPS data. 70 odd walks, mostly circular, and a 'best walks' list (needed as some walks are so-so). The English is 1 edition behind the German original. Finding the start of the walks was sometimes problematic - the book's map excepts didn't always match the Gran Canaria tourist map. This was the guide we used, and overall we were happy with it.
- Sunflower - No GPS data. Walks and drives and a list of short walks to some fantastic picnic sites (excellent for car tourers). Best for explorers / less serious walkers.
- Cicerone - No GPS data. For serious walks. We met a "travel by bus" walker who was very happy with it.
There are 2 maps. Currently, Discovery seems to have the edge, and its available for smartphones. If you have a smartphone/tablet, openstreetmap is pretty good, and free! See the "before you go" page.
Walks
Numbers refer to the Rother guide, but these walks will appear in all of the guides
Central Mountains
#1 : Roque Nublo
The most popular walk on the island, and with a very good reason!
A short out-and-back walk along path S70 to an iconic monolith. Stop every few paces for another selfie. Crowded later in the day (tour buses) and at weekends (locals), but truely, and a very special walk. The Rother's routes adds a loop through a pine forest around the peak - aways from the crowds, very pretty, and well worth doing. Strongly recommended.
#9 : Cruz de Tejeda to the The Lords Caves and Moriscos (1772m)
Excellent ridge walk, partly open, partly pine forest, many wildflowers, great views, from Cruz de Teja to a peak and some Aborginal caves. You could start at the Mirador and miss the climb at the start. Highly Recommended.
East
Bancarro xxxx
An OK walk, a bit same-y being in the same canyon without a view after a while. Busy at weekends as its suitable for families.
Botanical Garden (north east)
Maybe I'm a bit spoilt for gardens, but I wasn't so impressed. There were more wild flowers in the hills
#63 Bandama Volcanic Crater (Caldera)
Short but cool walk around a caldera about 3km in circumferance. Options to climb a peak (or drive to the mirador instead), or descend into the caldera
South
Aboriginal Site
A short walk into a village, then optionally around a Necropolis (4 euro entry) - burial chambers consiting of low rock mounds. A nice view though. Just off the road so breaks up the journey from Maspolomas north, but not worth a special trip
Rother Book Walks
This map show's the start of walks in the Rother book - its gives you an idea of where the island's walks are
