Single-Centre Walking Holiday
Gran Canaria is often termed a "Continent in Miniature". This is because the island offers many facets to its nature. The most delightful character is that of the central upland. Here we find spectacular mountain scenery, diverse and exotic vegetation and the vestiges of a traditional way of life, dating back over the centuries. Many consider this region the authentic Gran Canaria. Visitors embarking on a walking holiday have, undoubtedly, the best chance of exploring the terrains in the most intimate way. An idyllic landscape awaits you!
ACCOMMODATION
Comprises a unique, rural hotel, which is especially popular with walkers: Hotel Las Tirajanas is sited on the periphery of a picturesque, small town called San Bartolomé de Tirajana which is found in the heart of Gran Canaria. This hotel, located at 920m above sea level, offers spectacular views in all directions. Its interior décor tastefully disports itself with many pleasing touches, which are influenced by traditional elements of Canarian architecture. Due to the hotel´s central location on the island it takes only a short bus ride to access the various walking routes.
Features
Restaurant, lobby bar, pool bar, kiosk, sun deck, wellness centre. Rooms with A/C, heater, hair dryer, safe, phone, terrace or balcony.
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The careful selection of routes of the five scheduled walks allows you to discover the highlights of "The Island of Eternal Spring". The walking trails, among them many "camino reales" (Royal Paths), take you through breathtaking scenery characterised by deep ravines, pine forests, slopes full of flowers and many partly inhabited cave houses.
These walks with a duration of 4-5 hours walking time, a distance of about 14-16 km and an ascent of up to approx. 800m are suitable for walkers with a good level of fitness and sure-footedness. After the third walk guests are invited to enjoy a "rest-day", which can be used, for example, to undertake a trip to the famous beach and dunes of Maspalomas. There is a bus stop 50m away from the hotel.
1.Day: Arrival/Transfer to hotel
2. Day: Santa Lucía circle walk
After breakfast your guide will welcome you in your hotel. After a short introduction we start our easy "warm up" walk in the quaint village of Santa Lucía with its lovely "patios" (inner courts) and flower gardens. The first part takes us through the picturesque hamlet of Ingenio to the romantic canyon "Barranco de Tirajanas". Palm trees line up along the path to Lake Sorrueda and then to "Ansite", an ancient place of worship of the "guanchen", the local natives. After traversing a remote landscape we return to Santa Lucía.
(Walking time approx. 4 h, distance approx. 12km, ascent/descent +300/- 300m)
3. Day: Circle walk around a valley of cave houses
This very interesting tour in the north-west of the island begins just west of Artenara. After walking through the hamlet of La Coruña with its two giant cave houses we continue to "Cruz de las Mentiras" (Cross of the Lies) – a remarkable spot with great views of Lake Los Perez and the many cave houses in Lugarejos. The following views of Gran Canaria’s north-west coast reward us for our efforts while walking up to Pinar de Tamadaba. The last part of this tour takes us on a beautiful path with spectacular views of Mount Teide on Tenerife, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga through the Tamadaba forest back to our starting point.
(Walking time approx. 4:45 h, distance approx. 13km, ascent/descent +700/-700m)
4. Day: Panorama walk
From Pico de las Nieves, at 1949m the highest point on Gran Canaria, we walk through pine forests and a rather undulating landscape to Llanos the Pez, a popular picnic spot. Our path continues along the ridge of the large Tejeda crater. After passing the viewpoint Mirador de Becerra and Cruz de Tejeda , the geographical centre of the island, we reach the cave village of Artenara. At 1270m it is the highest located village on this island. Fantastic views of Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga and the volcano mountain Teide on Tenerife during most of the tour make this walk an unforgettable experience!
(Walking time approx. 5h, distance approx. 16km, ascent/descent +200/-850m)
5. Day: Rest day
6. Day: Circle walk to Lake Chira
Today our walk begins in the sleepy village of "Cercado de Araña" at one of Gran Canaria's most beautifully located lakes: Lake Chira. Our path takes us at first through the lovely canyon "Barranco los Ahogados" to Cruz Grande. From here, on a wonderful panoramic trail, we shall enjoy terrific views of the south coast, Lake Chira and the surrounding valley. After crossing the dam a dirt road with views of the centre part of the island and the west shore of Lake Chira takes us back to our starting point.
( Walking time approx. 4,5h, duration approx.15km, ascent/descent +300/-300m)
7. Day: At the CLOUD ROCK ("Roque Nublo")
Through the beautiful valley "Lomo de Aserrador" we reach the remarkable monolith "Roque Nublo", Gran Canaria’s most outstanding landmark, an important place of worship of the natives and with 1743m the second highest elevation on the island. Enjoy the fantastic views and the feeling to be at a truly mystical place! Our path continues along Lake Los Hornos and after walking through the pine forest Llanos de la Pez we stay on the ancient pilgrimage route "Camino Santiago" until we reach Cruz Grande where our walk ends.
(Walking time approx. 5h, length approx. 15km, ascent/descent +440/-590m)
8. Day: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport (or holiday extension).
Remarks:
After every walk there is an opportunity to enjoy a convivial pause at a local bar or restaurant. You can also savour typical local dishes!
The walking schedule is subject to changes due to weather conditions or to other reasons that Discovery Gran Canaria might consider important.
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