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Gran Canaria Excursions

Hiking & Nature in Gran Canaria

Guided hikes and nature trips in the mountains of Gran Canaria: Roque Nublo, Pico de las Nieves, the pine forests and the old royal paths between villages.

Activities

5 activities

  • Free

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

    Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, Tafira

    Spain's largest botanic garden sits above the Guiniguada ravine in Tafira, a short drive from Las Palmas, with Canarian and Macaronesian plants laid out by habitat along shaded paths.

    Free

  • Roque Nublo rock pillar on a pine-covered ridge in Gran Canaria, above a sea of clouds with a distant volcanic peak

    Maspalomas

    Roque Nublo hike from Maspalomas with local guides

    A small-group walk to Roque Nublo with two local guides, reserved access to the rock, a picnic in the mountains and a stop in the village of Tunte. Pick-up in Maspalomas included.

    5 h 30 minFrom €87

  • Aerial view of the Las Salinas natural pools in Agaete, sea pools in dark volcanic rock beside clear turquoise water

    Agaete

    Swimming at Las Salinas natural pools, Agaete

    Three seawater pools at Puerto de las Nieves in Agaete, sheltered from the open ocean by rock columns and linked by volcanic tubes, with a sundeck and views along the north-west coast.

Where you can do this

Good to know

The centre of Gran Canaria is high and steep, with pine forest on its upper slopes. Around 43% of the island, most of the centre and south-west, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the landscape around Risco Caído and the island's sacred mountains has been a World Heritage Site since 2019.

Where people walk

  • Roque Nublo, the basalt rock that has become the island's symbol, is reached by a short path. Between 9:00 and 17:00 you need a free booking on grancanariasenderos.com. You now park in Tejeda or at Cruz de los Llanos and take the shuttle bus.
  • Pico de las Nieves is the island's highest point, with views over the old volcanic crater and, on clear days, across to Tenerife.
  • The caminos reales, the old "royal paths", link villages across the island. Farmers and pilgrims used them long before there were roads, and many of today's walking routes follow them.
  • Barranco de Guayadeque, in the east, is a deep ravine with cave houses and easy walks.

Guided or on your own

Guided day trips from the resorts take care of transport, which matters in the mountains: roads are narrow and winding, and many good walks start in one village and end in another. Some tours combine a short hike with viewpoints and a meal, and others are full days of walking for fit hikers. Check the distance and climb in the listing.

Good to know

  • The summit can be cold, windy or in cloud while the coast is sunny. Take a warm layer, water and sun protection whatever the forecast in your resort says.
  • On days of high fire risk in summer, the authorities can close trails and mountain areas.
  • Staying for sunset? The summit area is also one of the best places on the island to look at the stars.