I’ve done a number of trips with MBA now, and this one easily goes into my top three so far. Gran Canaria is a beautiful island and far more diverse than I expected, having previously visited Tenerife and Lanzarote each island is very different. This trip takes you away from many of the island’s tourist hotspots and into truly spectacular and varied scenery. The itinerary was well organised, and the guides—Pablo, Carlos and Stefano—were excellent throughout.
I was lucky to joined by a fantastic group of people on the trip, which really enhanced the experience. We gelled well, shared plenty of laughs, and supported each other along the way. If you enjoy hiking and are of a reasonable fitness level, this trip is well worth considering.
Pablo led the group and looked after us brilliantly. His love for his home was obvious as he enthusiastically shared stories about its history and culture. Carlos made sure we had everything we needed—going above and beyond, even rescuing lost items from a previous night’s accommodation—while Stefano brought great motivational energy and positivity, keeping spirits high even when the weather on the first day wasn’t kind to us. Each of them added something unique to the group dynamic, and every evening they clearly explained plans for the next day and what we’d need in our day packs.
The food was varied and plentiful. Sampling local cheeses, wines, coffee and cakes along the way was a real treat. Breakfasts were simpler on some days than others, but there was always plenty to eat. I never went hungry, and the team did their best to accommodate different dietary requirements within the group.
Accommodation was of a good standard—always warm and clean. Some beds were more comfortable than others, but I enjoyed the variety of locations and styles. Staying in the mountains of Tejeda was a particular highlight for me, even if the ceilings were a little low!
If you’re doing this trip in winter, make sure to pack your waterproofs and a couple of warm layers. We had mixed weather overall. The first day was cold, wet and very windy at times, and after reaching the top of Pico de las Nieves (sadly with no view), Pablo sensibly altered the route to keep us out of the worst of the weather for the second part of the day. The second day, however, brought glorious sunshine, and by the time we reached Roque Nublo we had almost clear skies—perfect for a sun-soaked lunch on top, which more than made up for the previous day’s washout. Descending to Agaete through the lush Barranco Hondo gorge on the final day was another highlight for me, with constantly changing vegetation and views. A rewarding dip in the natural sea pools and a fantastic sunset at the end of the day really was the icing on the cake.
Before the trip, I debated whether to bring my hiking poles. In the end, I didn’t take them and didn’t feel I missed them. I’d say that if you’re a confident, sure-footed hiker and don’t usually use poles, you’ll be fine without them. However, if you have dodgy knees or normally hike with poles, I’d recommend bringing them—or borrowing some from the guides—for the ascent on day two and the descent on the final day.
One final practical tip: depending on the weather, you’ll need to swap items between your main luggage and day pack, so leave a bit of space in your main bag. On previous trips I have overpacked and barely used some items, which made moving between accommodations unnecessarily stressful. Thankfully, I avoided that mistake this time.
All in all, an awesome trip!
