The best hiking routes in the Canary Islands
READ ALSO: The best trekking routes in Spain".
Walking the trails of the Canary Islands gives us a different perspective, as we enjoy landscapes full of contrasts, contemplating lush forests, steep cliffs, volcanic plains, sand dunes and beautiful jungle-like landscapes that we would otherwise not be able to appreciate.
Tenerife
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, boasts hiking trails of all kinds, set in stunning natural scenery. Tenerife, as a popular winter sun destination, offers a fascinating and varied landscape for walkers to explore, including the Tenerife section of the long-distance GR131 which links all the Canary Islands.
Practical guide Tenerife
When to go?
Summer is popular, but too hot to walk hot for walking; it is possible to walk well in winter, with the possibility of snow in the high mountains. possibility of snow in the high mountains; spring is ideal and autumn is fine. autumn is fine.
Cities & Services
most people use the resorts - from Playa de las Americas to Puerto de la Cruz - but there are quieter alternatives. quieter alternatives
Difficulty
routes vary from short and easy to long and arduous to long and arduous; many trails are rough and stony, so good footwear is needed; extra sun protection is needed good footwear is required; sun protection is needed rather than waterproofing, and in some arid protection than waterproofing, and in some arid places you need to carry plenty of water. water; snow and ice are sometimes found in the mountains in winter. in winter.
To be seen
El Teide, Spain's highest mountain, the Teide National ParkLas Cañadas, Corona Forestal, GR131, the long distance route, the Anaga peninsula, the Teno peninsula, volcanic cones, lava flows, volcanic ash slopes, landscapes ranging from semi-desert to lush laurel forest and pine forest, all in one of the most popular holiday locations in the world.
Hiking routes in Tenerife
The guide is divided into seven sections - Anaga, Teno, Arona/Guia, Orotava Valley, National Park and El Teide - covering the island's best hiking routes, including the 'Tres Picos de Tenerife' route, the climb to Guajara, Pico Viejo and finally Teide. The routes also explore Teide National Park, Las Cañadas, Corona Forestal, Teno and an ascent of Teide, Spain's highest mountain.
Anaga
- Pico del Inglés to Valleseco
- Igueste de San Andrés to Chamorga
- Chamorga, El Draguillo and Almáciga
- Almáciga, Benijo and El Draguillo
- Taganana, Afur and La Cumbre
- Afur, Taborno and English Peak
- Cruz del Carmen, Chinamada and Punta del Hidalgo
- Cruz del Carmen, El Batán and Punta del Hidalgo
Teno
- Los Poleos and Volcano Chinyero
- Garachico to San José de los Llanos
- Santiago del Teide, Chinyero and Erjos
- Erjos to Punta de Teno
- Erjos, Las Portelas and Masca
- Masca Ravine
Arona/Guia
- Barranco del Infierno (Hell's Ravine)
- Arona and Roque del Conde
- Arona and Roque Imoque
- La Escalona, Ifonche and Adeje
- Vilaflor and Montaña de la Vica
- Vilaflor and the Lunar Landscape
- Mouth of Tauce to Chirche
Orotava Valley
- Road from Candelaria - Aguamansa to Arafo
- La Caldera and Camino El Topo
- La Caldera and Water Route
- El Portillo to Realejo Alto
National Park".
- Izaña and Volcano of Fasnia
- El Portillo and Alto de Guamasa
- El Portillo and Arenas Negras
- El Portillo and Montaña Blanca
- El Filo to Parador
- Parador and ascent of Guajara
- Parador and circuit of Guajara
- Parador and Roques de GarcÍa
- Parador and Majúa Mountain
- Parador, Ucanca Valley and Vilaflor
- Parador to Las Lajas and Vilaflor
El Teide
- El Teide by Montaña Blanca
- El Teide by Pico Viejo
- El Teide through Roques de GarcÍa
- The Three Summits of Tenerife
GR 131 - Arona to La Esperanza
- GR 131 - Arona to Vilaflor
- GR 131 - Vilaflor to Parador
- GR 131 - Parador to El Portillo
- GR 131 - El Portillo to La Caldera
- GR 131 - From La Caldera to La Esperanza
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
The two most popular tourist destinations, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, are two very different islands. Lanzarote has a fascinating volcanic national park in Timanfayaand vineyards fill huge areas of black volcanic ash in La Geria; Fuerteventura is famous for its long golden beaches, but its splendid hiking trails are less well known. Both islands are criss-crossed by new marked trails.
These traditional routes take in a range of arid, agricultural and natural areas, including mountain trails, coastal walks including the golden beaches of Fuerteventura, and some hikes visit villages along the way.
Practical guide
When to go?
The best time for walking is from September to April. Both islands are dry and sunny, but with strong winds; often a brief wet period in winter, followed by rapid greening of the landscape and lots of flowers around February/March; summers can be too hot for walking.
Reference Cities & Services
Lanzarote: Arrecife, Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca; Fuerteventura: Morro Jable, Costa Calma, Puerto del Rosario, Corralejo.
How to get around?
The two islands are linked by frequent half-hourly ferries.
Difficulty
Many of the routes have been cleared, signposted and waymarked; mountain and hill trails are often fairly easy, but can be steep, stony and rocky in places; coastal walks range from sandy beaches to sheer cliffs of broken lava; always carry water and protect yourself from the sun.
To be seen
Lanzarote: volcanic national park in Timanfaya; vineyards in La Geria. Fuerteventura: famous beaches; splendid mountain trails, recently cleared, signposted and signposted. Both: the long-distance GR 131.
Hiking routes in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
Walks in Lanzarote, which has a fascinating volcanic national park, including exploring the volcanic lava flows; exploring La Graciosa Island (off the north coast of Lanzarote); and in Fuerteventura, getting to know its famous golden beaches. On the other hand, we will get to know the route of the GR 131 trail, which crosses both islands.
The routes
- Femés and Barranco de la Casita ravine
- Femés and Pico de las Flores
- Femés to Puerto Calero
- Femés to Playa Blanca
- Playa Blanca to El Golfo
- Yaiza to Tinajo
- Mozaga to Uga
- Cave of the Naturalists
- Mancha Blanca and Caldera Blanca
- Tinajo, Sóo and Caleta de Famara
- Tiagua, Sóo and Caleta de Famara
- Teguise to Caleta de Famara
- Costa Teguise and Tinaguache Mountains
- Teguise to Guatiza
- Arrieta to Caleta de Famara
- Ye and Salinas del Río
La Graciosa Island
- Caleta del Sebo and Montaña Amarilla
- Caleta del Sebo and Montaña Bermeja
GR 131 - Playa Blanca to Órzola
- GR 131 - Playa Blanca to Yaiza
- GR 131 - Yaiza to Montaña Blanca
- GR 131 - Montaña Blanca to Teguise
- GR 131 - Teguise to Haría
- GR 131 - Haría to Órzola
Jandía
- El Puertito and Las Talahijas
- Gran Valle and Cofete
- Pico de la Zarza
- Costa Calma and Sotavento Beach
North of Fuerteventura
- Cardón and Cardón Mountain
- Vega de Río Palmas to Ajuy
- Tiscamanita and Morro Jorjado
- Antigua to Betancuria
- Casillas del Ángel, Tefía and Tetir
- Tindaya, Vallebrón and La Matilla
- Lajares, El Cotillo and Esquinzo beach
- Lajares and Calderón Hondo
- Corralejo Natural Park
GR 131 - El Puertito to Isla de Lobos
- GR 131 - Punta de Jandía to Morro Jable
- GR 131 - Morro Jable to Pecenescal Ravine
- GR 131 - Pecenescal Ravine to La Pared
- GR 131 - La Pared to Pájara
- GR 131 - Pájara to Betancuria
- GR 131 - Betancuria to Tefía
- GR 131 - Tefía to La Oliva
- GR 131 - La Oliva to Corralejo
- GR 131 - Isla de Lobos
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria may be known primarily as a holiday destination for its sunny beaches, but beyond the resorts, the island offers many opportunities for peace and charm in the countryside and hills for walkers. The central area is protected as a Natural Park, with lush green terraces climbing up to the rocky towers of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. Routes also explore deep ravines, extensive pine and laurel forests and island villages.
Practical guide
When to go?
Summer is very popular, but it's too hot to walk. too hot to walk. A good winter hike is possible, with little chance of snow in the high mountains. winter, with very little chance of snow in the high mountains. Spring is ideal and autumn is tolerable.
Cities & Services
Most people stay in the city or in resorts - Las Palmas, Maspalomas and Playa city or in resorts - Las Palmas, Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés - but there are quieter alternatives. del Inglés - but there are quieter alternatives.
Difficulty
Routes vary from short and easy to long and arduous. Many trails are rough and stony, so good footwear is required. good footwear is required. The higher mountains are sometimes covered covered by low clouds, but sun protection will be more necessary than waterproofing. than waterproofing. In some arid places water should be taken with you.
To be seen
Steep and well settled mountains dominated by rock towers - Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. Long distance coast to coast route. Deep and steep ravines. Landscapes ranging from mountains to extensive pine and laurel forests, with semi-desert coasts and incredible cliffs. Quiet and charming rural locations, despite being in one of the world's most popular holiday resorts.
Routes in Gran Canaria
There are walks suitable for all levels, from the coastal cliff tops to the spectacular volcanic mountains of the interior. Walks through villages and towns, and up to the summits of Gran Canaria's highest peaks. Also included in this guide is a five-day coast-to-coast route on the GR 131. The GR 131 is a long-distance trail that stretches the length of the seven Canary Islands.
St. Bridget and St. Matthew
- Las Palmas to Santa Brígida
- Las Meleguinas to Las Lagunetas
- Las Lagunetas and Cruz de Tejeda
- Santa Brígida to Teror
- San Mateo to Teror
- Peak of Bandama and Caldera de Bandama
Valleseco and Teror
- Cross of Tejeda to Teror
- Cruz de Tejeda to Valleseco
- Cruz de La Laguna and Valsendero
- Cruz de La Laguna and Las Madres
Artenara and Tamadaba
- Moriscos to Santa María de Guía
- Artenara to Tamadaba
- San Pedro and Tamadaba
- Artenara and Vega de Acusa
The Village
- Tirma Track
- Altavista to La Aldea
- La Aldea to El Risco
- Albercón, Güigüí and Tasártico
- Montaña del Viso and La Aldea
Mogán and Las Presas
- El Aserrador and El Carrizal
- El Aserrador and El Juncal
- Las Niñas and Morillo de San Juan Dam
- Cross from San Antonio to Las Casillas
- Camino de las Presas
Tejada and La Culata
- Tejeda and Cruz de Tejeda
- Tejeda and La Culata
- Degollada Becerra and La Culata
- Roque Nublo from La Goleta
- Cruz Grande to Ayacata
- Plains of Garañón and Pico de las Nieves
St Bartholomew's
- Santa Lucía and Pico de las Nieves
- San Bartolomé and Cruz Grande
- Arteara to Ayagaures
- Maspalomas Dunes
Valsequillo
- Seven Springs to San Mateo
- San Mateo to Valsequillo
- Valsequillo to Santa Brígida
- El Rincón and Cuevas Blancas
- Tenteniguada and Caldera de los Marteles
- Caldera de los Marteles to Valsequillo
GR 131 - Puerto de las Nieves to Maspalomas
- GR 131 - Puerto de las Nieves to Tamadaba
- GR 131 - From Tamadaba to Cruz de Tejeda
- GR 131 - Cross of Tejeda to San Bartolomé
- GR 131 - From San Bartolomé to Ayagaures
- GR 131 - Ayagaures to Faro de Maspalomas
La Palma
The dramatic volcanic landscape of La Palma, considered one of the most rugged islands in the world, is little known outside the Canary Islands, but offers an ideal destination for experienced hikers, with rocky trails and mountain paths.
Although La Palma is one of the smallest of the Canary Islands, there are routes of all kinds, from easy walks to technical and more difficult routes, from simple day walks to long-distance routes on rocky mountain trails, including the GR130 and GR131, which go all the way around the island.
When to go?
Best between November and May, as the summer months are too hot, but it can sometimes snow at higher elevations; spring is especially colourful.
Reference Cities & Services
Santa Cruz de La Palma, Los Llanos, Fuencaliente, Refugio del Pilar, Tijarafe, Puntagorda, Garafía, Barlovento, Los Sauces, Puntallana and the mountain road.
Difficulty
Routes vary from short and easy to long, steep and strenuous; all are signposted, and no special equipment beyond normal walking gear is required, except when snow is found on the higher mountains.
To be seen
Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Roque de los Muchachos, Canary Island pine forest, laurel forest, deep and steep ravines, GR130 around La Palma, GR131 over the highest mountains.
Hiking trails
Routes on La Palma, in the Canary Islands, from 7 to 31 km. Some hikes are combined to complete the GR130 long distance trail (8 days) and the GR131 trail (3 days). Areas explored include Santa Cruz and Buenavista.
The routes
- Santa Cruz and Lomo de las Nieves
- Las Breñas Springs
- Buenavista and Pico de las Ovejas
- Santa Cruz and Tagoja Mountain
- Pico de la Nieve to Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz to Puerto de Tazacorte
- El Paso to Refugio del Pilar
- Refugio del Pilar to Santa Cruz
- Refugio del Pilar to Playa del Hoyo
- Refugio del Pilar to Playa del Hoyo or La Salemera
- Pilar Hut and Nambroque Peak
- Jedey to Tigalate
- San Nicolás y Coladas de San Juan
- Llanos del Jable and Coladas de San Juan
Caldera de Taburiente
- Bejenado Peak
- La Cumbrecita to La Cancelita and Los Llanos
- Barranco de las Angustias and the Caldera de Taburiente
- La Cumbrecita and Caldera de Taburiente
- Caldera Taburiente and Hoyo Verde
- Tijarafe and Porís de Candelaria
- Tinizara to Piedras Altas and Tijarafe
- La Traviesa: Time a Briesta
- La Traviesa: Briesta to Barlovento
- La Zarza and Don Pedro
- Roque del Faro to Garafía
- Roque del Faro and French
- Roque del Faro to Roque de los Muchachos
- Roque de los Muchachos to Puntagorda or Tijarafe
- Pico de la Cruz to Barlovento
- Pico de la Cruz to Los Sauces or Barlovento
- Bosque de los Tilos
- Olén Fountain to Las Lomadas
- Fuente Vizcaína to La Galga
- Pico de la Nieve to Puntallana or Tenagua
GR130
The GR130 circular walk takes about a week to complete and can be started and finished at any point on the island.
- GR130: Santa Cruz de La Palma to Mazo
- GR130: Mazo to Fuencaliente
- GR130: Fuencaliente to Los Llanos
- GR130: Los Llanos to Puntagorda
- GR130: Puntagorda to Garafía
- GR130: Garafía to Franceses
- GR130: French to Los Sauces
- GR130: Los Sauces to Santa Cruz de La Palma
GR131
The GR131 trail is exclusively high-level and hilly, which requires careful planning.
- GR131: Puerto de Tazacorte to Roque de los Muchachos
- GR131: Roque de los Muchachos to Refugio del Pilar
- GR131: Refugio del Pilar to Faro de Fuencaliente Lighthouse
La Gomera and El Hierro
The two smallest of the Canary Islands Canary Islands are no less rugged than their volcanic neighbours, offering a wide variety of unfamiliar walking terrain, including steep-sided ravines including steep-sided ravines and spectacular cliffs, as well as gentler slopes in the interior spectacular cliffs, as well as gentler slopes inland, covered in laurasilva and pine forests.
Practical guide
When to go?
The best time is between November and May, as the summer months are too hot, but it can sometimes be wet and misty in the higher parts; spring is especially colourful.
Cities & Services
In La Gomera - San Sebastián, Playa de Santiago, Chipude, Valle Gran Rey, Vallehermoso, Hermigua
In El Hierro - Valverde, El Pinar, La Restinga, El Frontera
To be seen
In La Gomera - Alto de Garajonay, Garajonay National Park, laurisilva, deep and steep ravines, GR131, GR132
In El Hierro - Malpaso, World Biosphere Reserve, Camino de La Virgen, GR131, volcanic cones.
Hiking routes in La Gomera and El Hierro
Due to the volcanic history of the Canary Islands, there are plenty of stunning landscapes to discover by following following these sensational routes which include easy walks, practical walks, day hikes and long-distance routes covering the GR 131 and GR 132. covering the GR 131 and GR 132. This ensures that there is a trail for everyone and every everyone and every mood.
La Gomera
- San Sebastian and Jaragan
- Los Roques and La Laja
- Risco de la Fortaleza
- Los Roques and Benchijigua
- Pajaritos to Playa de Santiago
- Chipude and Barranco de Argaga
- Chipude and La Matanza
- La Laguna Grande and Alto de Garajonay
- El Cercado and Valle Gran Rey
- Las Hayas, Arure and Valle Gran Rey
- Vallehermoso to Chorros de Epina
- Vallehermoso and Summit of Chijeré
- Vallehermoso and Los Loros
- Vallehermoso and El Tión
- Tamargada and Vallehermoso
- Hermigua and Aguló
- Alto de Garajonay to Hermigua
- Santa Catalina and La Caleta
GR 132 in La Gomera
- GR 132: San Sebastián to Playa de Santiago
- GR 132: Playa de Santiago to La Dama
- GR 132: La Dama to Arure
- GR 132: Arure to Vallehermoso
- GR 132: Vallehermoso to Hermigua
- GR 132: Hermigua to San Sebastián
- GR 132.1: Igualero to La Dama
GR 131 in La Gomera
- GR 131: Beach of Vallehermoso to Chipude
- GR 131: Chipude to San Sebastián
El Hierro
- Valverde and La Caleta
- Valverde and Puerto de la Estaca
- Valverde, Echedo and El Mocanal
- Valverde to La Peña
- La Peña, San Andrés and El Mocanal
- Puerto de la Estaca, La Cuesta and Tiñor
- Mirador de Isora and Las Playas
- El Pinar to Tacorón Cove
- El Pinar to La Restinga
- Hermitage of Los Reyes to El Pinar
- El Pinar to Sabinosa
- La Dehesa
- Sabinosa to El Frontera
- El Frontera and Los Llanillos
- Guinea and San Andres
- Las Puntas and Guinea
GR 131 On El Hierro
- GR 131: Orchilla to Fuente de Llanía
- GR 131: Fuente de Llanía to Estaca/Tamaduste
The best hiking routes in the Canary Islands
1. Camino de la Faya, La Palma.
In the east of the island of La Palma, you can find the route of the Camino de la Faya, whose main attraction is to be able to enjoy a panoramic path connecting the pine forests of the coast. The route is 14 kilometres long and although you can do it in its entirety, it is also possible to combine the route with very attractive local trails that run through the island's midlands. As you go along, you will be able to appreciate beautiful and varied ecosystems and the presence of the sea is the reference point at the end of the route. The walk takes just over five hours and is of medium difficulty. Along the way you will find several species of island plants and you will reach the viewpoint of La Faya, which, needless to say, has an impressive panoramic view.
Monte del Agua, Tenerife.
The Monte del Agua trail is located in the north of Tenerife, specifically between the municipalities of El Tanque, Los Silos and Buenavista del Norte. It is a very comfortable route that runs almost entirely along a forest track and crosses the Monte del Agua y Pasos, which is a very large forest of monteverde with laurel and fayal-brezal. One of the peculiarities of the place is the fauna, with an abundance of different types of birds, including two types of pigeons endemic to the Canary Islands, the turquoise and the rabiche. Another great attraction is the interesting traditional architecture, characterised by tiled houses and stone walls. As this is a medium-difficulty route, it is advisable to bring suitable footwear, food and drink.
3. Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura.
One of the most beautiful places to hiking in the Canary Islands is the path of Lobos. This is one of the most preserved areas of the islands and it is only 5 km² in size, allowing you to enjoy many attractions such as the salt marshes and the volcanic cones, also called hornitos. The route runs around the islet in a circular route from the quay to the Martiño lighthouse. The first human presence in this territory was in 1865, and it is very interesting that as you go along you can see washing places, old ovens, corrals and cisterns that are part of the heritage interest of the place.
4. Route of the volcanoes, La Palma.
The volcanoes route is located in the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park, between the municipalities of El Paso, Mazo and Fuencaliente. It is a different route from the previous ones mentioned, as it has scarce vegetation and steep slopes, so it is advisable to bring suitable clothing, water and food on a trail that can be completed in about five hours. It is an ideal itinerary for lovers of demanding trekking, which runs between volcanoes and endemic animals with a length of 22 km. The difference in altitude is 1,207 metres, combining paths, forest tracks and asphalt. Although this is not always the case, it is very likely to see endemic species such as the rook and the kestrel along the route.
5. Arroyo del Cedro Route, La Gomera.
We go from the most demanding to one of the easiest hiking routes in the Canary Islands: the Arroyo del Cedro route. It is 2 km long and you will be able to contemplate its natural beauty without too much effort. The route runs through the humid laurel forest that forms part of the Garajonay National Park. One of the great attractions of the route is that you can even do it with children, as it is not very steep. The fresh air emanating from the leafy trees and the tranquillity of the place is surely one of the reasons to walk this trail with your partner, family or friends in an enviable natural environment.
6. El Pijaral, Tenerife.
The route called El Pijaral, crosses the Anaga Rural Park, so before considering this route it is necessary to ask for a free permit that is granted in the park and is limited to 45 people per day. The route is 6.8 kilometres long and can be done in just over two hours, during which you can discover why this place is called the Enchanted Forest. One of the most attractive points on the route is the stop at the Cabezo del Tejo viewpoint, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the coast, Taganana and the beaches of Anaga.
7. Montaña Blanca, Pico Teide Tenerife.
This is undoubtedly one of the most popular routes as it represents the classic ascent to Pico del Teide. Although it is a well-known route, it is also one of the most physically demanding and can be completed in whole or in parts. The main feature of this route is its incredible volcanic landscapes, where as you climb the 8.31 km long route, you will notice how the vegetation diminishes and the views become more impressive. The approximate climbing time is 5 hours, and most visitors decide to do the route from Montaña Blanca to the Altavista refuge, spending the night there, to continue on to Pico del Teide the next morning and enjoy a simply spectacular sunrise.
