Hike The Volcanic Island of Gran Canaria
A challenging hike from the highlands to the coast of a tropical mountainous gem in the Canary Islands archipelago
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking mountain guidesGuesthouse & Hotel
5 nights in small rural guesthouses and hotelsMeals
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenLuggage transfer
Vehicle support to take your overnight kitSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Stomp to the summit of Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island at a hefty 1949m
Bask in a subtropical climate, traversing one of the sunniest islands in the world, and cool off in coastal rock pools on remote beaches
Explore this biodiverse island on little-used hiking trails, experiencing dramatic mountain ranges, sunken calderas and epic ocean views
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Gran Canaria
After meeting your hosts, your Canarian adventure begins with a short drive to Arinaga, a hidden coastal gem with a beautiful beach where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Depending on arrival times, it may be possible to take a stroll in the historic town of Agüimes. Later, you'll head inland to the tranquil Barranco de Guayadeque for the first night, staying in a unique cave house overlooking a dramatic gorge. You’ll dine in a traditional cave restaurant with your guides and fellow adventurers, learning about the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2
On top of the island
Hiking
The trek begins in the historic Guayadeque Valley, shaped by volcanic activity and rich in diverse flora and fauna. Today’s focus is on understanding Gran Canaria's volcanic origins and exploring three types of calderas (craters): explosive, erosive, and collapsed. On the ascent, your guide will explain the geological forces and unique landscape features. The route flows through cactus fields and pine forests, and then up a steep volcanic mountain pass into the La Cumbre region – the highest part of the island. You’ll reach Pico de Las Nieves, the highest point in Gran Canaria at 1950m – and a great lunch spot with a view. Afterwards, continue to your hotel in Cruz de Tejeda to end the day with a beautiful sunset over the sea of clouds, a perfect ending to a first day of exploration.
Day 3
To Roque Nublo, the 'Spanish Stonehenge'
Hiking
Today's hike through the UNESCO-listed sacred mountains around Tejeda begins with a visit to the charming village of Tejeda itself, before you hit the trail up to Roque Nublo. This mysterious monolith was sacred to the pre-Hispanic Guanche people. Take a break at the base of Roque Nublo to enjoy lunch amidst stunning 360-degree views. After exploring the area's moon-like terrain and learning more about the island's rich cultural heritage, you'll return to the comfortable rural hotel in Cruz de Tejeda for a relaxing evening.
Day 4
Caves, volcanoes and forests
Hiking
Enjoy a more leisurely day today, but a wonderfully varied one in terms of terrains and views. You'll first pass through the highest caves on the island at Cuevas del Caballero, rich with stories and history. Continue towards Montañón Negro, one of the youngest volcanoes on Gran Canaria, where you'll gain insights into the island's volcanic past. As you cross to the lush northern side, a region that contrasts with the arid south, you'll trek through the Laurisilva Forest, a rare remnant of subtropical laurel forests found in Macaronesia. Arriving at a quaint village oasis for the night, unwind before enjoying a cheese and wine-tasting evening.
Day 5
Ecosystems and local life
Hiking
The morning begins with a hike into yet another new landscape, helping Gran Canaria live up to its nickname of ‘a continent in miniature’. You’ll descend into the green and humid gorge of Barranco Hondo, leading to one of the most fertile valleys of the island – the Agaete Valley, bursting with an abundance of flora and fauna. Before arriving at the coastal fishing village of Agaete, enjoy a tour and tasting session at a local coffee plantation, learning about coffee production through permaculture principles. End your journey at the coastal town of Agaete, staying at the 4-star Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves. Unwind in the spa before celebrating with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the adventure with your fellow travellers.
Day 6
Time to chill...
Begin your final day with an optional yoga or pilates class to stretch those tired muscles. After a leisurely breakfast, take a refreshing swim in the natural volcanic rock pools known as 'Las Salinas' or explore the village of Agaete. Enjoy an early lunch featuring fresh local fish or simply relax on the black-stone beach before transferring to the airport (a morning airport drop-off will be offered for those with earlier flights).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Las Palmas City Centre or Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Prior to 12:00 Las Palmas City Centre, or 12:00 - 19:00 Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) on Day 1
Ends
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
13:30 on Day 6
Transfers
If you are flying into Gran Canaria on Day 1, please ensure your flight lands between 12:00 and 19:00 and the host will collect you from the airport according to your flight schedule (if your flight is scheduled to land outside of these times, please contact your host prior to travel to arrange alternative transportation).
If you are already in Gran Canaria before the start of the trip, your host will collect you from your Las Palmas accommodation prior to 12:00 on Day 1 (if your accommodation is outside Las Palmas, please contact your host prior to travel to arrange alternative transportation).
At the end of your trip, the host will provide two options for joining a group transfer from Agaete to the airport: A morning transfer with a 09:30 airport drop-off, and an afternoon transfer with a 13:30 drop-off. Please book flights that depart at least 2 hours after the drop-off time.
There are regular shuttle buses to/from Las Palmas to the airport, the journey into the centre takes 20 minutes.
Travel options
There are daily flights to Gran Canaria from major airports across the UK and Europe. If you choose to arrive early, there are regular buses across the island that you can use to explore. Our local host has a wealth of information about accommodation and activities - please do not hesitate to contact them for advice before planning your experience.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Savour the delights of Canarian gastronomy, with fresh produce cooked with love by local chefs, offering a wide variety of regional dishes, from artisan cheese to locally-grown coffee. Breakfasts will be continental style, consisting of tea and coffee, bread, butter, local jams and honey, fruit, pastries, cheese, ham, and juices. For lunch, expect more than just sandwiches: you'll tuck into an abundant spread of salads, cold mezze, and vegetarian dishes. In the evening, you'll have dinner at traditional local restaurants or at your guesthouses, where you’ll enjoy regional specialities like the delicious papas arrugadas con mojo (potatoes cooked in salt water with a piquant sauce) and the unique Queso de Flor, a prized Canarian cheese made with thistle flower. On the final night, wrap up the trip with a classic paella in a restaurant on the seafront, the perfect setting to celebrate the end of your adventure.
Vegetarian, vegan, and most dietary requirements can be accommodated – just let your host know upon booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Cueva Bartolo Guesthouse in Guayadeque
Experience your first night on the island staying at Cueva Bartolo, a truly unique accommodation of the Canary Islands. A traditional cave house that offers a modern twist on ancient living! Nestled in the breathtaking Valley of Guayadeque, this remarkable setting is a natural wonder. Enjoy a delightful dinner at the on-site Canary restaurant, where local flavours come to life. The accommodation comprises of several separate ‘cave houses’ each with different rooming/bed configurations. Bathrooms are typically shared between 4-5 people.
Hotel El Refugio in Cruz de Tejeda
Your second and third nights will be spent at El Refugio, a charming rural hotel modelled on a typical 19th-century Canary house. Located in the heart of Gran Canaria’s natural beauty, it boasts a privileged position surrounded by stunning landscapes. The hotel features an inviting, cozy garden space, welcoming lounges, and expansive terraces. Indulge in a memorable dining at Restaurant Tajinaste, where the chef crafts the perfect blend of Canary and French cuisine. MBA groups occupy a reserved area of the hotel called 'Mansard', which has twin or triple rooms, and shared bathroom facilities for this area.
Cabañas Valle Verde in Fontanales
On the fourth night, unwind and enjoy the rural charm of Cabañas Valle Verde retreat in the enchanting northern part of the island, staying in rural cabins. This accommodation also features a traditional Canary restaurant serving authentic local dishes, and a lovely common area perfect for the wine and cheese tasting. Accommodation is in ‘cabins’, most of which are home to 2 x twin rooms. Bathrooms are shared by 4-5 people.
Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves in Agaete
End your adventure with a memorable stay at the Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves, an extraordinary accommodation in the picturesque town of Agaete. With a unique design resembling a boat, this hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience. As a well-deserved reward after the trekking, enjoy relaxing in a cosy spa! Rooms are usually double/twin, and only occasionally triple when required. Each room has a private bathroom.
As mentioned in the descriptions, the rooms available vary at each location, but you will typically be in same-sex twin-share rooms for most nights, or triple-share rooms. The accommodation generally has two or three single beds per room, though double beds can be arranged for couples upon request. All accommodations are equipped with all the necessary amenities, including wi-fi connectivity.
Upgrades
Due to the small size of the accommodation and limited room availability on this trip, there is no option to upgrade to a private room. Due to the rural locations featured on this adventure trekking trip, your host in Gran Canaria has very limited accommodation options to work with.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trek requires a good level of fitness. You must be capable of hiking all day up paths of moderate difficulty with steep, loose sections. The walking is non-technical, but the rough terrain and large elevation changes will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. You'll have the support of the host's guiding team every step of the way.
Gran Canaria enjoys year-round warmth and sunshine with very little seasonal variation. Summers are hot and dry while winters are just slightly cooler, with the potential for a few showers. The island’s southerly location is on the same latitude as the Sahara, meaning it is much hotter than mainland Spain in the winter. However, it will get cooler at night, and once in the high interior of the island, the temperature can drop by quite a few degrees.
While hiking you can expect fairly consistent daytime temperatures of 18-24ºC and mostly clear skies; however, in the winter it can drop as low as 5ºC at night time. It can also be windy on the top of the peaks, and as you will be passing through different microclimates, it's not unusual to experience days where you will be hiking in 15ºC in the morning and 25ºC in the afternoon, possibly hotter depending on the departure date. As you will be getting up pretty high there is, of course, the chance of some showers in the mountains but these are rare, short and sharp if they do occur. The sea temperature will be approx 18-26ºC, so very swimmable in the winter months.
Fabulous trip!
This was a wonderful trip. The scenery was fabulous, and as varied as the weather! Everything was so well organized - I have celiac and was incredibly supported (I had brought "emergency rations" but never needed any of them as I was always provided with super tasty celiac-safe food). Definitely recommend!
Amazing hiking and overall trip!
This trip is highly worthwhile. The scenery is breathtaking and rugged. Our guide, Benjamin, was excellent and well-supported with organization from Carla and Raul. If you want to experience the true Gran Canaria “off the beaten path” and enjoy an active vacation, you will not regret doing this trip.
This trip was a brilliant
This trip was a brilliant way to see the amazing scenery of Gran Canaria with a lovely group of people.
The trip was really well organised and led by Racheal, Pablo and Carla. They all went out of their way to help in any way required.
Our guides were knowledgable about the history, wildlife and culture of the island. The accommodation and food also allowed us to experience different aspects of Gran Canaria. Overall I had a great time and would definitely recommend this trip.
Excellent hiking adventure through Gran Canaria
Such an unexpectedly beautiful island and this trip was the perfect way to see it!
The hiking was challenging at times but our wonderful guides (Rachael and Pablo) took great care of the whole group. They went out of their way to make it a unique experience and organised everything so we could just relax and enjoy the experience. The hike itself traversed beautiful and varied landscapes with plenty of island history provided throughout - we learnt so much which gave us a great feel for the place. Carla was on hand for logistics and ensured we had lots of very tasty food throughout so we never went hungry. The accommodation was simple but clean and comfortable.
Would highly recommend this trip!
Had a wonderful trip All
Had a wonderful trip All three guides, Daylo, Rachel and Pablo were knowledgeable and super friendly. We were lucky to have a lovely group of people to hike and have fun with. Thoroughly recommend. Chris and Wendy
Amazing week on a volcanic paradise
If you're looking for a week of breathtaking views, great company and varied hiking then look no further. This trip was fantastically organised by the team at Climbo and wonderfully led by Rachael and Pablo, with logistics and morale from Carla.
The team are passionate and knowledgeable about this wonderful island and are happy to share their love for their home while guiding you on varied and fun hiking from coast to coast across this continent in miniature.
This was my first trip
This was my first trip with MBA, and it definitely won’t be my last! The trip was organized by Climbo, who are incredibly professional, super organized, and always go the extra mile for you.
The hikes were absolutely amazing, with stunning views that pictures simply cannot do justice. The hike is advertised as challenging, and I would say that’s accurate. For me, it was the perfect balance. We had two tough day hikes to start, followed by an easier day to recover, and the final day presented a downhill challenge to wrap things up. The team leaders—Rachael, Pablo, and Carla—were fantastic. They made sure everyone was okay, were highly knowledgeable about the island and its terrain, and shared insights about the history and culture that many tourists would have missed. The accommodations were incredible! The first hotel was a unique cave hotel, followed by a cozy refuge, then a charming cabin, and finally, a luxurious spa hotel to end the trip on a high note.
There was plenty of delicious food throughout the journey, with a real highlight on Wednesday when we enjoyed two three-course meals and a fantastic cheese and wine night. It was an experience that catered perfectly to both adventure and comfort.
Gran Canaria Climbo adventure
Really well organised adventure around Gran Canaria, volcanic history and landscapes to marvel at, incredible scenery and lovely trails, totally recommend MBA and Climbo.
Didn't want to come home!
Would 100% recommend this trip to anyone. Gran Canaria is beautiful, all of the hiking was so varied and rewarding. It was the perfect mix of walking and down time. The evenings were carefully planned and really fun. I felt really well looked after. Couldn't fault the veggie food. All of the guides were incredibly friendly and helpful. Met some incredible people along the way. Don't hesitate to book it!
Excellent trip. Highly recommended. The
Excellent trip. Highly recommended. The leaders all worked hard to make sure every aspect of this trip was a success. The food was plentiful and the accommodation great. The hikes were challenging but not beyond the capabilities of all in the group. There were plenty of stops to keep everyone together and to look at the views. Rachel and Pablo were a fountain of knowledge about the local history and wildlife. Carla did the transport and food and introduced us to yoga. All the leaders were so positive and encouraging and fun! It was so much more than a hike and I will definitely be booking another MBA trip. This is a great trip and you will not regret booking this.
Book this trip!
Such a great trip! The hiking was wonderful; with beautiful and varied scenery and just the right level of difficulty to feel you had been on an adventure and definitely earned your dinner! The accommodation was comfortable and full of character in beautiful settings. The food was fab and plentiful, from main meals to snacks there was always lots to go round and we got to try the local delicacies. Rachael and Pablo were great guides, they were both so friendly and knowledgable and organised the trip perfectly! Carla, who ferried us around, fed us and taught us yoga was so lovely! They could not have done more for us and were enthusiastic throughout! We were lucky enough to have an absolutely brilliant group, and laughed so much! Thank you everyone for a fab holiday!
Discover The Hidden Gems Of Gran Canaria
We really enjoyed this trip which was a real discovery of the island of Gran Canaria: from the food, wine and history to the diverse landscape of the hikes themselves.
Our guides were Rachael, Pablo and Carla: they really could not have done more for us to ensure we were well looked after. Nothing seemed too much trouble. The days were well planned and even any inevitable minor deviation from the plans of the day were well communicated. Their natural warmth and generosity really made our group feel like a close knit team and added to our overall enjoyment.
The accommodation was good: clean, shared bedrooms between two to three guests with some really interesting stays for example the Cave hotel on the first evening with some beautiful views of the landscape.
Food and snacks were plentiful and the cheese and wine night was yet another foray into the culture of the island.
I would not change a thing about the trip. If you are someone who enjoys going with the flow, working together as a team and is looking for an immersive experience you should not hesitate to book this. I will miss our group and thank you again to Rachael, Pablo and Carla for making this holiday a total escape!
Exceeded my expectations! 😎
The hike exceeded my expectations - the varied landscapes (from rocky Tolkien-esque to vivid green pine forests) the weather, the guides, the characterful accomodation, all the logistics, and the wonderful group dynamic.
As a couple on our first MBA trip we had a wonderful holiday. We have made brilliant memories and friends for life. We all laughed a lot and supported one another whilst hiking and learning about stunning Gran Canaria.
The pace was perfect and the swim in the natural pools and pilates on the last day finished the trip perfectly.
Loved it and sharing the experience with our new MBA friends. Big shout-out to Rachael, Pablo and Daylos for making it all happen!
Amazing Trip
The whole trip was great, the scenery was spectacular, the guides were very helpful and knowledgeable, plenty of food and accommodation was really nice. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys hiking.
Incredible holiday
I had an absolutely wonderful holiday from start to finish.
The guides and logistics manager were particularly attentive to everyone’s individual needs in the group, always going above and beyond to ensure we were always having a great time.
The hiking and activities was amazing.
Ultimately for me, the people in the group and the passion and enthusiasm of the guides and logistics manager absolutely made this holiday for me.
A holiday full of laughter and a truly memorable experience that I’ll never forget!
Great trip and great team!
Brilliant trip in the lovely Gran Canaria. Fantastic team. Well organised and very cute accommodation.
I would love to do it all again!
I just returned from an unforgettable week trekking in Gran Canaria, and it was truly one of the best experiences of my life! From start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations. The scenery was absolutely out of this world — from rugged mountain peaks to lush valleys and dramatic coastal views, every turn revealed a new, breathtaking landscape.
The guides were incredible. They were not only knowledgeable and professional, but also genuinely friendly, supportive, and always ready with encouragement when the going got tough. The trails were challenging at times, but with their help, every difficult climb was manageable and became a rewarding experience. Their enthusiasm and positivity made all the difference, and I felt fully supported throughout the week.
I also had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people on the trip, and the camaraderie within the group made the experience even more special. We all bonded over the stunning surroundings and shared sense of achievement after each day’s trek.
I can’t recommend this trek enough — it was a perfect balance of challenge, beauty, and support. If you're looking for an adventure that will leave you with lifelong memories, this is it. I would love to do it all again!
Fantastic guides, fantastic trip
My 5th trip with MBA and another amazing group with top quality guides. All the team at Climbo were amazing, Ana was fantastic with contacting us before the trip. And our three guides; Rachael honestly couldn’t have been any better as the lead guide, so friendly and helpful with a fantastic energy right from the very start. Pablo was brilliant as the 2nd guide at the back, always full of energy and conversation as well as fun stories from his life on Gran Canaria. Daylos was the logistics manager and he was incredible, always so cheery and the perfect energy meeting us at lunch spots when we were tired and needed it most.
The hikes were brilliant, the group and guides were amazing, weather was ideal, accommodation was fantastic (no idea what previous reviews were talking about). Get involved, you won’t regret it!
Sunshine & Volcanoes
This was an excellent trip. The scenery is stunning, and each day showcased a different environment. The guides are friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and I learnt a lot about the history of the island and it's geology. The hiking was the right combination of challenging climbs and more undulating (!) terrain. I'd highly recommend this trip.
Great week in the mountains,
Great week in the mountains, good weather, nice accommodation and food, knowledgeable and fun guides that really made sure you enjoyed yourself, and obviously are passionate about what they do.
Great hike, great guides, accommodation a bit mixed
The guides on this trip- Benjamin and Rachael were brilliant. Really professional, hard working, kind and could not do enough for you. They knew so much about the history, culture and landscape of Gran Canaria. I would very highly recommend them. They were perfect! The hiking is also amazing. Stunning scenery, just challenging enough, and finishing at the sea for a swim on the final day was just amazing. It is a great hike.
The food is generally pretty good. It was lovely to have such good lunches (not sandwiches). Plenty of food at all times.
So some really great pluses.
Now for the bits that need some rethinking:
I think the issue with this trip is that it is being missold in terms of accommodation. The description makes it sound like mid range guest houses, but in reality it feels more like backpacking.
The little check list at the top on the website says “twin rooms”. I didn’t sleep in a twin room on any night, I was always in a triple or for two nights in a room of 5 people. I slept on a creaky camp bed twice as apparently the trip size has been increased from 12 to 14, so they are two beds short. Hot showers were non existent unless you were first in.
Couples get a marginally better deal, but two nights (after the hardest two days) were in a room sharing one tiny shower/loo between five. The door to the toilet is glass, so your other 4 room mates can see you sitting on the loo. There are no hooks for towels or drying clothes and the ceilings are so low (the rooms are in the eaves) and there are reduced height doorways, that several of our party banged their heads. I banged it so hard I needed an ice pack, and one of the team had a cut across her head. I didn’t have a single hot shower until the final night.
The mountain accommodation also had silly rules like not being able to use the toaster at breakfast, and you were not allowed forks or large spoons. You had to ask for fruit. These things were only for the other guests. I did question what I was doing with my life as I cut up a piece of ham with a teaspoon and my finger!! The food was good apart from that. The guides mentioned that they are held over a barrel because there are no alternative forms of accommodation in these villages.
As others have mentioned the first day is a bit of a waste of precious holiday- you are basically waiting around to be ferried up the mountain in groups because there is not enough space in the van for the whole group. This could be so easily improved.
Information about the trip came really, really late (24 hours before) so it made it tricky to make the most of that day.
The yoga class needs a rethink. It was the wrong kind of class for people who have been hiking for four days and who need general gentle stretching and rehabilitation - some nice gentle flows and salutations would have been better. Others had similar feedback, which is a shame as Carla is lovely and I wanted to love it!
I would still recommend this trip, as I came for the hiking and the hiking was wonderful. But I think guests will be happier (and the guides will get less pressure/grumbling from customers!) if the description is more truthful. We were all moaning about it the whole time!!
One final thought: Prices should be adjusted if it is always the case that people travelling alone get triples/rooms for 5, and couples get doubles with their own bathroom. And the accommodation needs to be accurately described as “basic”.
All that said, I did have a really great time and would still recommend it …..