Think you know Gran Canaria? You should try the winter walking festival
Think you know Gran Canaria?
Trust me, there’s more to learn.
Whether or not you’ve visited the Canary Island before, you may be familiar with places such as Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico and the Yumbo shopping centre.
Of course, we can’t forget all those playa’s either (I’m talking about the Spanish word for beach, of course).
But how much do you know about the scenic hikes Gran Canaria has on offer?
On a recent trip, I experienced this other side to the island.
Last November, I was summoned to take on the Gran Canaria Walking Festival.
With Gran Canaria’s highest peak, Pico de las Nieves, measuring in at 1,949 metres above sea level, I was guaranteed jaw dropping views for the majority of my trip.
Arriving at Gran Canaria, where the temperature was 17C, was a welcome contrast from November in London.
And there was a buzz about the island as our trip coincided with the island’s Winter Pride celebration.
I stayed in Hotel Rural las Calas, which is tucked away in the hills of Vega de San Mateo.
The area has a real sense of community with local people tooting their car horns and waving as they pass each other.
This was our base for the next three nights.
Four nights in, we moved to the Cordial Mogan Playa Hotel on the south side of the island.
The grand hotel, which just a short walk from the beach, is a welcome respite from the hard yards you’ll be putting in over the holiday.
While staying on the north side, we started our days at 7am from the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium.
After we’d moved south, we were collected from the Yumbo Shopping centre each morning.
The festival organises a bus each day to take you to and from the start point, which is included in the price of a daily ticket.
Included with your ticket is a picnic bag filled with treats, the expertise of the tour guides and, once you’ve hiked the hills, an afternoon stop for some delicious food and drink.
There’s also a daily raffle with prizes including hotel stays and a spa package.
One Foot Abroad, a walking and adventure holiday specialist, can organise your tickets for the festival starting at £110.
So, let’s talk about the walks. Each began between 7 and 9am and finished between 12 and 3pm.
On each day of the festival there were around 100 walkers, with some dropping off along the way.
You can pick and choose which days to join in, if you don’t fancy the full itinerary.
Day one: the Inagua route
This trail is hot, and steep.
Located in the south-west part of the island, the natural reserve is a good spot for animal lovers.
Expect to see plenty of goats; the bells hung around their necks let you know they’re near.
Day two: the St. James route
Located in the western part of the island, our allotted section of the St. James route took us to the foot of one of the most important natural monuments of the island, the volcanic rock, El Roque Nublo.
Looking out through the nature-made window was definitely a highlight of this walk.
There was a buffet and wine waiting for us at the finish line. What more could you ask for?
Day three: the Valley Route
This was where our legs really began to put in some work.
Located in the middle of the island, it is a seriously steep climb.
It’s completely worth it though as you meander your way down the other side where you are faced with spectacular ocean views.
The Cordial Hotel offered us respite in the afternoon with a feast of tapas and beer.
Day four: the Canary Willow Walk
This route gets a little more difficult as it goes on.
Its short hills require your focus, as they can be quite slippery.
The hike finishes in Valsequillo, a picturesque village in the center of the island.
Try to charge your batteries as much as possible in the afternoon because the evening will bring the option of a night walk, or ‘Astronomical Night Route’.
Make sure you grab a ticket for this trip through the moonlight.
Astrologers joined us on the walk, telescopes in tow.
The group shared churros and hot chocolate while we looked out to the stars.
Day five: the Bandama viewpoint route
This walk took us around a volcanic crater.
It is about 6km long and is considered the easiest one of the festival. After the work we’d put our muscles through over the previous days, this was a nice way to wind down our efforts.
We enjoyed locals wines at the end of the stroll and toasted ourselves for getting through the week.
I was quite sore after all the climbing, so make sure you stretch it out in the evenings.
Proper walking boots, sun cream and a hat are all a must.
But if you’re concerned about not being able to walk the full distance of these routes, there’s no need to fret.
The festival organisers have a support vehicle that can collect you at pick up points along the way. Just get out there and give it a go at your own pace.
Travelling to Gran Canaria is fairly fuss free. There is only one airport on the island, Gran Canaria airport, which you can fly to directly from London.
MORE: 10 reasons why you should make Cambodia your next travel destination
MORE: We tested out a luxury fitness bootcamp to see if they’re really worth the cash
MORE: 4 actually realistic ways you can afford to travel more
MORE: Hitch hiking up mountains: Climbing East Timor’s highest peak
[contf] [contfnew] 
METRO
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
