Join me in discovering Gran Canaria (page 2 of 10)

EL ZUMACAL - BARRANCO TAUCO

28.08736, -15.56271 Parking and trailhead 28.07925, -15.57033 We backtrack 28.08297, -15.56797 Right turn 28.08058, -15.56627 Left turn We return to the parking lot

An easy 4.3 km hike near Firgas.

The walk takes place in a lush landscape, surrounded by farms and forests, with luxuriant vegetation.

https://youtu.be/YQsAZI_UyOs

CASABLANCA DAM (LOS DOLORES DAM)

Location: 28.13086, -15.55358

The Casablanca Dam, also known as the Los Dolores Dam, is located in Firgas.

This dam is about 32 meters high and has a capacity of 168,915 cubic meters.

Its multi-tiered stone wall and the lush green color of the water make this spot very photogenic.

https://youtu.be/DGA2cC3qkaI

AYAGAURES - LA ANGOSTURA DAM & GAMBUESA DAM

27.85146, -15.60732 Parking - Presa de la Angostura 27.85762, -15.60312 Parking - Presa de Gambuesa 27.86270, -15.60670 End of the trail – We turned back

Located 13 kilometers north of Maspalomas, Ayagaures is a small village at the foot of two successive dams: the Presa de la Angostura and the Presa de Gambuesa.

We left our vehicle in the small parking lot near the first dam and went on a 4-kilometer round-trip hike along the left bank of the watercourse.

The beginning of the route is on a paved road and then a dirt path, all the way to the Presa de Gambuesa.

After that, a narrow trail runs along the bank. The trail is very steep in some places, and there’s no protection, so caution is advised.

The scenery is really picturesque: ravine, high cliffs, traditional houses, and the emerald color of the water is truly spectacular.

https://youtu.be/3fMjq3gBdwA

SANTA BRÍGIDA - ALONSO GORGE & CENTENARY DRAGO TREE PINO SANTO

28.03365, -15.51166 Parking and trailhead 28.03269, -15.51321 Drago tree

The town of Santa Brígida is home to a significant number of centenary drago trees. Without a doubt, the most famous is the drago tree of Alonso Gorge or Pino Santo, as it’s also called.

This tree is one of the oldest and largest specimens of drago trees in the Canary Islands. With its twisted branches and massive trunk, the drago tree is a true natural spectacle.

Surrounded by lush vegetation and mountainous landscapes, the place exudes a truly peaceful atmosphere.

A trail runs through Alonso Gorge. The drago tree is located at the top of the cliff, 200 meters from the start of the trail.

However, you can continue the hike much further, as we did. The vegetation is very lush in this area.

https://youtu.be/LWEIFjD0oA4

HIKING IN AZUAJE GORGE

28.11019, -15.57122 Parking (but very limited) 28.10782, -15.57054 Start of the trail

Azuaje Gorge, located in the north of the island, serves as a geographical boundary between the municipalities of Firgas (70%) and Moya (30%).

There’s a good water flow year-round in this area. Thanks to this, its biological richness is incredible, making it one of the greenest—and thus one of the most beautiful—gorges on the island.

Since water flows through the gorge all year, there are sections where you’ll need to climb (with and without ropes). Additionally, the terrain is quite damp and, as a result, slippery in some spots. The trail is mostly easy, but keep in mind that you’ll need to walk on logs crossing the stream, climb certain areas by holding onto rocks, and tackle two sections using ropes.

For these reasons, it’s important to have good hiking shoes.

We hiked about 1.6 kilometers from the parking area and were able to admire several beautiful waterfalls along the trail.

There’s also a picnic area 500 meters from the parking spot if you’d like to take a break in a lush, green setting.

The condition of the trail will depend a lot on rainfall. Check the weather before heading out.

https://youtu.be/CTlGNOx_FMk

GÁLDAR - RED LANDS OF SAMARRITA

28.08653, -15.64730 Take this little path 28.09551, -15.65180 Samarrita

The landscape of Gran Canaria varies from one place to another, as is the case with Samarrita, a spot where you’ll find red earth plains that can surprise anyone wandering through this picturesque place.

Samarrita is located after passing Saucillo on the way to Caideros. By the side of the road, on the right, you’ll see a sign marking the entrance.

Walking through these red lands, you can spend hours admiring the shapes and the surrounding scenery. These red earth plains form dunes and are dotted with tall eucalyptus trees.

https://youtu.be/nZMkMcApXI4

TEJEDA - CHARCO DE LA PALOMA

27.98697, -15.60699 Start of the trail (opposite La Cesta) 27.98414, -15.60406 Charco de La Paloma

The "Charco de La Paloma" is located in the municipality of Tejeda.

It’s less than a 15-minute walk from the giant basket (La Cesta) on the road connecting the town of Tejeda to Roque Bentayga.

This natural spot features a large waterfall and a pond, but they’re only visible during the rainy months.

We went there, but both the waterfall and the pond were completely dry.

Still a lovely walk, though—the surrounding landscape is absolutely stunning.

https://youtu.be/vcHHbB58OZo

BANDAMA CALDERA (CALDERA BANDAMA EDGE TRAIL)

28.03597, -15.46025 Mirador 28.03188, -15.45989 Golf course parking 28.03000, -15.45913 Start of the trail 28.03162, -15.45109 Viewpoint 1.2 km 28.03509, -15.45375 Viewpoint 1.9 km Return to parking

The Caldera de Bandama is actually a type of crater, but it’s called a caldera due to the volcanic collapse that formed when the volcano’s cone erupted around 2,000 years ago.

The caldera was first discovered by colonist Daniel Van Damme in the 16th century. You can even find some old ruins of wine cellars there.

It’s possible to hike around the elevated edges of the collapsed volcano and even descend to the bottom of the large crater dug into the ground.

We chose to hike to the top of the crater, which is about 3.5 kilometers long.

It’s considered a moderate hike because of the volcanic rocks that make the slopes slightly more challenging than ordinary trails. Otherwise, it’s relatively easy.

However, it’s best to wear good shoes.

The natural landscape around the caldera is stunning.

https://youtu.be/-KNKutXPOuk

TEROR - ALAMO GORGE TRAIL – SL-4

The Alamo Gorge Trail ("Sendero Barranco del Álamo") is located in Teror.

This loop trail, 4.3 kilometers long, is known for its staircases and was built to showcase the beauty of the Álamo Gorge and promote active tourism.

We parked our vehicle near the Fuente Agria de Teror and started this hike with a long staircase that runs alongside the neighborhood and leads to the El Muñigal bridge in the Alamo Gorge. You’ll find signs along the route.

The trail is easy to walk despite a few obstacles like rocks or tree trunks on the ground.

Some staircases are 4 meters high, and the steps are very narrow. Caution is advised.

The vegetation is lush, with different species of flowers decorating the path.

After passing under the La Molineta bridge, the trail leads us onto a secondary road. It then continues along a cliff, offering a very pretty panoramic view of the area.

The trail passes by a cave that’s been playfully set up and then descends back toward our starting point.

https://youtu.be/VoVI673T894

TELDE - CALASIO CAVES

27.96622, -15.43707 Parking 27.96573, -15.43763 Start of the trail 27.96440, -15.43648 Caves

The Calasio Caves are located in Telde.

The start of the trail is on a road called « Camino Campo de Volcanes de Rosiana ». Two rows of stones frame the trail, which gently descends toward the caves.

These caves were carved into the side of a mountain. There are many of them, varying in size. Some are spectacular in dimension.

They are interconnected by accesses and corridors carved into the rock.

One of these caves stands out for its width and height. It is possibly the largest artificial cave in the Canary Islands.

https://youtu.be/WUMcOizgqK4

SPECIAL NATURE RESERVE OF LOS TILOS DE MOYA

28.09325, -15.59469 Parking 28.09353, -15.59479 Start of the trail 28.08831, -15.59254 Cave 28.08789, -15.59370 Continuation on the other side of the road

This special nature reserve is located in the Doramas Rural Park, more precisely, on a 2-kilometer stretch within the Moya Ravine.

It’s a circular route of 1.8 km that starts near the Los Tilos restaurant. Parking spaces are quite limited in this area.

The beginning of the trail requires some effort as it climbs up the mountain. However, it’s relatively flat afterward.

The trail is well-marked and has several benches along the way where you can stop and enjoy the natural surroundings.

You’ll see various species of trees, plants, and flowers. The vegetation is lush.

The route ends at the Los Tilos interpretation center, where you can discover the reserve’s key features, such as its flora, fauna, and history.

https://youtu.be/JvFOyQM3-Dc

Good evening Anne, and thank you so much for all this hard work!! You’re creating a guide all by yourself—hat’s off to you. I don’t have plans to visit the Canary Islands anytime soon, but I’ll definitely dive back into your posts if I do 😊. Have a great evening, Christelle

Hi Christelle,

I’m taking this opportunity to thank you and wish you a great evening! 🙂

Anne

LOS AZULEJOS - CHARCO DE LAS ANEAS

27.92401, -15.72732 Parking 27.92404, -15.72710 Start of the trail 27.92546, -15.72622 Waterfall 27.92585, -15.72588 Natural pool + 2 more slightly higher up 27.92624, -15.72484 End of the trail

Los Azulejos de Veneguera is a chain of colorful mountains located in the southwest of Gran Canaria.

Different naturally formed color bands create a rainbow. The place is stunning.

The trail, which is 1.9 kilometers round trip, starts on the GC-200 road at Los Azulejos and passes by Charco de Las Aneas.

The trail is short but steep, quickly leading to Charco de Las Aneas. Good shoes are required for this hike.

Charco de Las Aneas is an area smoothed by water where fairly deep pools form. They show the erosion caused by runoff from the massif and sporadic torrential waters.

It’s the perfect spot to take a break and admire the panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

https://youtu.be/dUN0xK5PZTo

BARRANCO DE FATAGA

27.78505, -15.58401 Parking 27.78623, -15.58281 Cueva Ventanas del Cañizo 27.79212, -15.58295 Acequia de los acueductos 27.79509, -15.58373 End of the hike

The Barranco de Fataga is a ravine located in the center of Gran Canaria. The landscape is desert-like.

Several trails run through this ravine. As for us, we took a trail starting from Maspalomas that leads to the remains of an old aqueduct.

Several caves located in the cliffs line the route. Some are accessible.

About 650 meters into the hike, to the right of the trail, we can already see this precious heritage site of Maspalomas. The arches are truly spectacular against the backdrop of an aggregate extraction and crushing industry.

The Fataga-Maspalomas aqueduct is one of the most extraordinary hydraulic pipelines in the Canary Islands, both for its risky route along the cliff and its aesthetic appeal.

https://youtu.be/7qfl4-t7EBg

ARINAGA MILITARY BATTERY TRAIL

27.86403, -15.38463 Arinaga Lighthouse (parking) 27.86479, -15.38843 Start of the trail 27.86687, -15.39390 Bunker, tunnel, and trench 27.86701, -15.39307 Continuation of the Trail 27.86937, -15.39372 Summit 27.86921, -15.39401 Return via the dirt path 27.86711, -15.39227 Caves

This ±2.4-kilometer round-trip hike takes you along a very unique trail leading to the summit of Montaña Arinaga.

We parked our vehicle at the Arinaga Lighthouse, which we visited first, and then set off on this hike.

After walking a certain distance, we spotted a tunnel carved into the rock. It’s part of a large military infrastructure. We explored part of this tunnel, discovered a few rooms, and then turned back.

We then tackled a steep climb through a zigzagging trench that led us to a hole dug into the cliff. The entrance isn’t tall, but once inside, we found ourselves in a tunnel leading to a bunker.

We climbed out through the bunker’s window to continue our hike toward the summit.

This defense battery was built here during World War II, and the remains we see today include barracks, machine-gun nests, and an extensive network of tunnels.

At the summit, we enjoyed a stunning 360-degree view of the entire region. However, the wind was blowing very strongly.

For the return trip, we took a dirt path along the cliff and discovered other abandoned buildings belonging to this defense battery. Several graffiti pieces decorate the walls of the buildings.

We also spotted several caves along the way.

https://youtu.be/csTbb_RTE2M

MASPALOMAS - RAVINES DE LAS FUENTES AND DEL CANIZO

27.76801, -15.56311 Start 27.77590, -15.56630 Marker at 1km 27.78064, -15.56590 The trail climbs to the right 1.6 km 27.78358, -15.56797 Presa del Canario 2.1 km 27.78020, -15.57462 Marker 27.77828, -15.57489 Marker 27.77450, -15.57090 Marker 27.76814, -15.56566 Return to the starting point

This ±5.3-kilometer loop hike starts in the Barranco de Las Fuentes in Maspalomas.

We access the trail through a tunnel that goes under the highway. The hike takes place inside the ravine. Several species of cacti line the route. The landscape is arid but very pretty.

You’ll also spot several caves, some of which appear to be inhabited.

The trail then gains elevation and leads to the Presa del Canario (a dam).

The path goes around the dam and climbs further toward the Barranco del Canizo, where you’ll get a stunning panoramic view from the top of the mountain.

We continue our hike inside the Barranco del Canizo. There are loads of caves here, some of them enormous, and several are also inhabited.

We came across a few sheep near the end of the route.

https://youtu.be/3RBqfYLbpS0

MOGÁN - TAURO MOUNTAIN TRAIL

27.90422, -15.68685 Trail start 27.89696, -15.69412 Viewpoint 1 at 2.2 km 27.89709, -15.68930 Viewpoint 2 Return to parking

The trailhead, with a round-trip length of about 5 kilometers, is located opposite the Salto del Perro reservoir.

The trail is winding and the slope is quite steep. It quickly leads to the summit of Montaña de Tauro, where you’ll find two spectacular viewpoints.

The first belvedere we reached offers a stunning view of the Barranco de Mogán, while the second one lets you observe the massive Soria and Las Niñas reservoirs, providing an overview of this natural area.

https://youtu.be/UgqzY60dreg

TAMABADA - LLANOS DE LA MIMBRE & SOBRE LA CUEVA VIEWPOINT TRAIL

28.05719, -15.68914 Parking 28.05922, -15.68836 Mirador del Reventon 28.05826, -15.69053 Cueva de Tamadaba 28.06090, -15.69660 Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre 28.05110, -15.69580 Cueva de Zapatero and we head back 28.05803, -15.69024 Mirador Sobre de la Cueva Return to parking

This ±5 km hike is located in Tamadaba Natural Park, known for having one of the best-preserved Canary Islands pine forests.

There are several viewpoints along the route, including the Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre, which offers spectacular views of the Puerto de Las Nieves coast, La Aldea de San Nicolás, and the island of Tenerife.

You’ll also discover a few caves, like the Cueva de Tamadaba and Cueva de Zapatero.

The park has a campsite and a recreation area with picnic tables and a barbecue spot.

https://youtu.be/Q7cvSsZ9wSQ

HIKE TO THE CORONADERO ARCH VIA BARRANCO HONDO

27.79598, -15.48802 Parking 27.79536, -15.49232 Trailhead 27.80583, -15.50549 Landmark tunnel 27.81425, -15.51266 4 km marker 27.81330, -15.51201 Double arch 4.3 km – you can walk around it 27.80545, -15.50611 5.5 km marker Return to parking

This ±9 km loop hike is located in the San Bartolomé de Tirajana area and leads to the Coronadero Arch, a unique rock formation perched on the edge of one of the island’s most spectacular ravines, known as Barranco Hondo.

We left our car near the main road and walked through the tunnel under the highway to reach the trailhead, which starts near a plant dedicated to aggregate extraction at the mouth of Barranco Hondo, mainly for cement production.

We first followed the trail along the ravine bed. The landscape is stunning. The cliffs are massive, and you can spot several caves, some accessible, like the Cave of Tanit.

We had to climb a few large boulders to continue our hike along the ravine bed.

We struggled to find a trail leading to the top of the canyon. We managed to get there by climbing the cliff on the left side of the ravine, but it was pretty risky.

We eventually found part of the trail leading to the top, which made our journey much easier.

The Coronadero Arch is enormous and truly spectacular. You can walk on top of it, but at your own risk. Caution is advised, especially when it’s windy.

For the return trip, we continued our hike along the trail that runs along the top of Barranco Hondo, which we could admire from various viewpoints, while also enjoying lovely views of Barranco de Berriel.

https://youtu.be/mJuP67ryjGQ