Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Less than 100 miles off the north west coast of Africa, in the centre of the Canary Islands archipelago, sits the volcanic island of Gran Canaria - often referred to as 'a miniature continent' with its extraordinarily varied landscapes ranging from the north's lush green forests and valleys, to the towering mountainous interior, to the desert-like dunes and beautiful white beaches of its southern shores. For millennia, the elements have sculpted the most outstanding natural beauty: steep volcanic mountains punctuated by deep palm ravines; imposing rocks towering above high plateaux; vast fertile valleys of prickly pear, aloes, almonds and figs - it's little wonder that nearly half of the island is protected by UNESCO Nature Reserves and offers some of the finest hiking in Europe.
This twin-centre holiday offers varied and interest packed walking routes, with easier and more difficult choices of walk daily. We take you from the cauldron of Bandama whose eruption, over 2,000 years ago, influenced the entire geography of the island, to the emblematic Roque Nublo, an imposing natural crag made of volcanic rock from which there are 360 degree views of the whole island. Then there is Gran Canaria's vibrant and colourful capital, Las Palmas, where you can step back in time in the city's charming historic old quarter.
You spend your first three nights at a hotel just outside Las Palmas. For your next four nights, you'll head to the very heart of the island and the Rural el Refugio, a gorgeous 19th century country house, now a boutique hotel. There is the option to upgrade in Tejeda to the Parador de Tejeda, subject to availability and at a supplement.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended. As the walks do not start directly from the hotels, a hire car is required.
Collect your hire car at the airport and drive (30 mins) to the hotel for your first nights stay in the vibrant capital, Las Palmas, with its seafront promenade and historic district of Vegueta.
You stay at La Hacienda del Buen Suceso.
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Located in a quiet and tranquil setting above the village of Arucas, the Hacienda was once a country estate and has perfectly retained all its colonial charm. Nestled in the surrounding banana plantations, the Hacienda is just 15 minutes from Las Palmas and makes a perfect base for the first half of your trip.
There is a lovely swimming pool, fitness centre and Turkish bath on site, and also a restaurant for your breakfast and evening meals, most welcome after a good days walking.
It's a 10 minute drive to the fascinating Caldera de Bandama via the Jardin Canario - a stunning botanical garden set within a cliff - and Monte Lentiscal with its rich vineyards and wineries. Walk to the rim of the 1000m wide volcanic crater, created after Gran Canaria's last volcanic eruption, and savour the far reaching views over the mountains to Las Palmas - on a clear day, you might even see as far as Fuerteventura! Then descend to the bottom of the Caldera, passing ancient caves, deserted houses and abandoned fields, all that remains of previous habitation, before returning to the hotel. Please be aware that there are sections on this walk that may not be suitable for people who suffer with vertigo.
You stay at La Hacienda del Buen Suceso.
ShopsMastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconTea/coffee
Located in a quiet and tranquil setting above the village of Arucas, the Hacienda was once a country estate and has perfectly retained all its colonial charm. Nestled in the surrounding banana plantations, the Hacienda is just 15 minutes from Las Palmas and makes a perfect base for the first half of your trip.
There is a lovely swimming pool, fitness centre and Turkish bath on site, and also a restaurant for your breakfast and evening meals, most welcome after a good days walking.
Drive to Arucas (35 min), home of the Ron Arehucas Factory where you can learn about the history of the island's rum making and the almost disastrous effect it had on the local Doramas forest. Buy a sample of this local tipple (to enjoy later back at the hotel) then it's on to Firgas for the circular walk today. Firgas is a well know pretty town where a fountain splashes in the plaza, and a waterfall rushes down the Paseo de Canarias, a stepped promenade waterfall framed by flower beds above an amazing mosaic lined street. From this water-rich town you walk into an evergreen canyon, the Barranco de Azuaje. The gorge is surrounded by high steep walls with almost junglelike vegetation made of bamboo cane and bay tree, willow and fern. Widening as you reach the Barranco de la Virgen - Valley of the Virgin, where the heady scents of citrus are present as you walk through orange and lemon tree groves.
You stay at La Hacienda del Buen Suceso.
ShopsMastercardVisaPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconTea/coffee
Located in a quiet and tranquil setting above the village of Arucas, the Hacienda was once a country estate and has perfectly retained all its colonial charm. Nestled in the surrounding banana plantations, the Hacienda is just 15 minutes from Las Palmas and makes a perfect base for the first half of your trip.
There is a lovely swimming pool, fitness centre and Turkish bath on site, and also a restaurant for your breakfast and evening meals, most welcome after a good days walking.
Begin the day with a drive (45 min) to Rural Refugio or the Parador Cruz de Tejeda, your home for the next 4 nights, to drop off your luggage before setting off on today's stunning walk. After an initial ascent to the Caldera de Tejeda ridge, the descent offers outstanding views over the deep ravines, picturesque mountainside villages and iconic rock formations in the centre of the island. The snow-capped peak of Mount Teide on neighbouring Tenerife can be seen in the distance too! Explore the UNESCO recognised old troglodyte settlements of Cuevas Caballero and Cueva de Los Candiles before arriving in Artenara - at 1,270m it's the highest village on the island with nearly 400 cave houses, most dating back to the 15th century. From here, it's a short taxi ride back to the hotel with its superb spa facilities and panoramic swimming pool overlooking the surrounding cliffs and ravines.
You stay at Hotel Fonda De La Tea or Parador Cruz de Tejeda.
Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda
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A lovely guest house with a range of rooms spread over the village, and with a stunning location and views. Each room has been specially designed to fit in its location and has all that the traveller will need. There is a family run restaurant on site and a great balcony from which to sit and look at the beautiful views.
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The fantastic Parador Cruz de Tejeda occupies an enviable and elevated position 1500m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and is adjacent to the El Nublo Nature Reserve. The bedrooms are decorated in cool contemporary colours with wooden furniture and tiled floors; all have panoramic views and balcony. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine, spa facilities and a pool overlooking the ravine and valley. Please note the holiday is based on the Hacienda del Buen Suceso and the Hotel Rural el Refugio. If you wish to upgrade to stay at the Parador instead of the Hotel Rural el Refugio, please enquire at time of booking. This is subject to availability and a supplement.
Starting from the extinct volcano of Caldera de Los Marteles (20 min drive), you ascend through pine forest to Cruz del Socorro with views onto the Barranco de Guayadeque, one of the most iconic ravines on Gran Canaria. Descend into the gorge past cacti, palm trees and poppies and take your pick from one of the many picture perfect picnic spots offering superb views of the dramatic landscape. The valley is full of stone walls, terraced fields, troglodyte dwellings and ancient caves, some of which are still in use today. Almond trees, agaves and prickly pears are in abundance and you're likely to spot the Gran Canaria Giant Lizard, kestrels, buzzards and ravens too. After your walk, perhaps head into the lower valley and Montana de Las Tierras or Cueva Bermeja. There are several labyrinthine bars inside the manmade caves here - perfect for a post walk drink or a snack! On the way back to the hotel why not finish your day with a stop at Pico de Las Nieves (1.949m), the island's highest viewpoint, with vistas that won't disappoint!
You stay at Hotel Fonda de la Tea or Parador Cruz de Tejeda.
Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda
HairdryerTVMinibarAircon
A lovely guest house with a range of rooms spread over the village, and with a stunning location and views. Each room has been specially designed to fit in its location and has all that the traveller will need. There is a family run restaurant on site and a great balcony from which to sit and look at the beautiful views.
ShopsMastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The fantastic Parador Cruz de Tejeda occupies an enviable and elevated position 1500m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and is adjacent to the El Nublo Nature Reserve. The bedrooms are decorated in cool contemporary colours with wooden furniture and tiled floors; all have panoramic views and balcony. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine, spa facilities and a pool overlooking the ravine and valley. Please note the holiday is based on the Hacienda del Buen Suceso and the Hotel Rural el Refugio. If you wish to upgrade to stay at the Parador instead of the Hotel Rural el Refugio, please enquire at time of booking. This is subject to availability and a supplement.
Today's route takes you to Santa Lucia de Tirajana (50 min drive) and a descent through Canary palm groves to the pretty little villages of El Ingenio and La Sorrueda. Explore their characterful streets before continuing to the archaeological site of La Fortaleza, a 2000 year old fortified settlement chiselled out of steep rock which more recently was used in the 15th century by the indigenous islanders in their futile attempt to resist conquest by the Spanish. From here, pass through the site's original carved tunnel to an uphill path through olive trees back to Santa Lucia. Complete your day with a visit to the sleepy, white village of Tejeda, where their speciality almond biscuits and cakes are highly recommended!
You stay at Hotel Fonda De La Tea or Parador Cruz de Tejeda.
Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda
HairdryerTVMinibarAircon
A lovely guest house with a range of rooms spread over the village, and with a stunning location and views. Each room has been specially designed to fit in its location and has all that the traveller will need. There is a family run restaurant on site and a great balcony from which to sit and look at the beautiful views.
ShopsMastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The fantastic Parador Cruz de Tejeda occupies an enviable and elevated position 1500m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and is adjacent to the El Nublo Nature Reserve. The bedrooms are decorated in cool contemporary colours with wooden furniture and tiled floors; all have panoramic views and balcony. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine, spa facilities and a pool overlooking the ravine and valley. Please note the holiday is based on the Hacienda del Buen Suceso and the Hotel Rural el Refugio. If you wish to upgrade to stay at the Parador instead of the Hotel Rural el Refugio, please enquire at time of booking. This is subject to availability and a supplement.
Balanced on an 1800m-high rock plateau, the volcanic monolith of Roque Nublo dates to the Pleistocene Era and is a must-visit. Starting from Llanos de La Pez (10 min drive), ascend through pine forest to the Riscos de Tirajana ridge. From here, wide landscape views open up to the south, revealing deep barrancos and vertical cliffs. As you reach La Foguera, there are spectacular views to Roque Nublo, the Caldera de Tejeda - with Roque Bentayga towering in its centre - and deep ravines cascading down to the ocean. Then, ascend to 'The Rock' with 360º views over the island and as far as Tenerife, La Gomera and even El Hierro on fine days. Return to your car via the Presa de Los Hornos reservoir, the highest dam on Gran Canaria and consequently also known as the Summit Reservoir. Perhaps enjoy a spa session at the hotel and a drink on the terrace to admire the last stunning sunset of the week before dinner.
You stay at Hotel Fonda de la Tea or Parador Cruz de Tejeda.
Hotel Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda
HairdryerTVMinibarAircon
A lovely guest house with a range of rooms spread over the village, and with a stunning location and views. Each room has been specially designed to fit in its location and has all that the traveller will need. There is a family run restaurant on site and a great balcony from which to sit and look at the beautiful views.
ShopsMastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafe
The fantastic Parador Cruz de Tejeda occupies an enviable and elevated position 1500m above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, and is adjacent to the El Nublo Nature Reserve. The bedrooms are decorated in cool contemporary colours with wooden furniture and tiled floors; all have panoramic views and balcony. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine, spa facilities and a pool overlooking the ravine and valley. Please note the holiday is based on the Hacienda del Buen Suceso and the Hotel Rural el Refugio. If you wish to upgrade to stay at the Parador instead of the Hotel Rural el Refugio, please enquire at time of booking. This is subject to availability and a supplement.
The above itinerary and walking information is based on the level 2 walks.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £456.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into La Palmas, Gran Canaria airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
twin centre
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
