Gran Canaria stands out as a top destination for hikers and trekkers thanks to its diverse landscapes, volcanic terrain, lush forests, and clear starry skies. Whether you’re after a challenging summit or a gentle walk through traditional villages, the island offers something for every level. We particularly love the Volcano Heart Tour for its stunning sunset views over volcanic landscapes, and the Full day Hiking Gran Canaria Peaks for those wanting a comprehensive mountain experience. The mix of geological wonders, panoramic vistas, and authentic local stops make this island a hiking paradise.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours: from day trips exploring iconic landmarks like Roque Nublo and the sacred mountains to specialized experiences such as astronomy hikes under the stars. There are options suited for different fitness levels, interests, and time commitments. Below, we detail each of these top choices to help you pick the perfect walking adventure.
1. The Volcano Heart Tour: Hiking, Tasting and Sunset Experience
Create a memorable journey through Gran Canaria’s volcanic origins with this tour. It begins at the iconic Pico de Bandama, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of volcanic craters and lush landscapes. The tour passes through the Tamadaba mountains, with expert guides explaining how volcanic activity shaped the terrain. Midway, you’ll stop at a local market to pick up regional products—great for trying authentic Canarian flavors. The highlight is watching the sunset from Pico de Las Nieves, where the vast landscape unfolds in a riot of colors. With a moderate level of fitness required, this day-long adventure combines geological wonders, local culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Guests rave about the astonishing views and the enthusiastic guide, Daylos, who keeps the atmosphere lively and informative. The hike offers a balanced challenge, with options to rest, and the sunset provides a perfect finale. At $114.70, it offers excellent value for the full-day immersive experience that includes tasting, scenic vistas, and cultural stops.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers looking for a comprehensive volcano experience, with spectacular sunset views and a taste of local life.
2. Full day Hiking Gran Canaria Peaks of Gran Canaria
This tour offers a longer, in-depth look at Gran Canaria’s mountain scenery. Over approximately 9 hours, you’ll explore less touristy areas, with expert guides showing you a different side of the island. The hike features stunning vistas of mountain peaks, pine forests, and remote valleys, giving you a real sense of the island’s natural beauty. Many reviewers highlight how Maciej, the guide, adapts to the group’s pace, making it accessible for different fitness levels. The trip includes a delicious packed lunch, allowing for a break amid spectacular views.
Participants comment on the superb scenery and the chance to see parts of Gran Canaria few visitors experience. The tour is well-rated at $75.47, offering a great balance of challenge, scenery, and cultural insight—ideal for dedicated hikers wanting an authentic mountain day.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a full day of mountain exploration with expert guidance and authentic landscapes.
3. Roque Nublo hiking & Gran Canaria highlights by authorised guides
This tour centers on one of the island’s most iconic landmarks, Roque Nublo, but also includes visits to Barranco de Fataga and San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It’s a personalized experience, capped at six participants, ensuring plenty of individual attention. The 3 km hike to Roque Nublo is classified as easy, making it accessible even for less experienced hikers. A homemade picnic lunch adds a special touch to this day.
The guide’s local knowledge shines through as you explore traditional villages and wild landscapes. Guests mention how the tour offers a rich mix of culture and nature, with a convenient pickup from Maspalomas. At $95.21, it presents a good value for a half-day trip packed with highlights.
Bottom line: A relaxed, informative tour perfect for those who want a taste of Gran Canaria’s natural and cultural treasures without strenuous hiking.
4. Tejeda: Sunset & Night Sky Guided Astronomy Hiking Tour
This unique experience combines a scenic sunset hike with guided stargazing in Tejeda. It’s perfect for night owls and astronomy fans. The tour starts with a walk through the forest, watching the changing light as day turns to night, followed by an expert-led session about Canary sky phenomena. As darkness settles, you’ll identify constellations and the Milky Way, enjoying snacks and drinks under the stars.
Limited to 36 reviews and priced at an undisclosed amount, this tour is a specialized experience that appeals to those interested in both nature and astronomy. The combination of scenic beauty and celestial wonder makes it stand out. Expect a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos and learning.
Bottom line: Ideal for night sky enthusiasts seeking a tranquil, educational adventure in a beautiful setting.
5. 3-Hours Astronomy Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo Mountains
This shorter, focused tour is perfect for star gazers with limited time. It offers a 3-hour evening hike around Roque Nublo, combined with stargazing and astronomy lessons led by a local guide. Priced at $69.96, it provides an affordable way to combine hiking with celestial discovery.
The tour is lauded for its personalized approach, with guides taking the time to explain basic astronomy concepts. Guests describe the experience as “amazing” and highlight how the guide Pablo made extra effort to ensure they caught the sunset and had plenty of time for star viewing. It’s well suited for those wanting a brief but memorable night hike.
Bottom line: A compact, engaging option for travelers eager to combine light hiking with stargazing.
6. Maspalomas: Roque Nublo – hiking on volcanoes by Sky Rebels
This tour offers a guided hike to Roque Nublo with a focus on volcanic landscapes and local villages. The full 5.5-hour experience includes scenic drives, a picnic, and insider insights on the island’s volcanic history. The guides are authorized and experienced, making sure you see the best views without any hassles—like transport logistics or bureaucracy.
People love the stunning views of the volcanic terrain and the opportunity to support local businesses. The included sandwiches, fruit, and chocolate make the trip both satisfying and energizing. The guide’s storytelling about local legends enriches the experience.
Bottom line: Best for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free volcano hike with a focus on local culture and landscapes.
7. Hiking experience in the north of Gran Canaria
This tour showcases the cooler, greener north, with a focus on less touristy areas. Over about 9 hours, you’ll explore lush landscapes, historic villages, and scenic viewpoints. Reviewers applaud the well-chosen route and beautiful flora, especially as it offers a welcome contrast to the southern tourist zones.
Led by an experienced guide, the trip is suitable for a range of fitness levels. The quiet mountain trails and authentic rural scenery make it excellent for travelers who want to escape the crowds. At $77.14, it offers great value for a full day of discovery.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful, nature-rich hike away from the busiest tourist spots.
8. 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo
This shorter tour focuses on the island’s symbol, Roque Nublo, with a moderate 3-hour hike. Led by Miguel, a friendly guide, you’ll enjoy interesting facts about the flora, fauna, and cultural history while soaking up spectacular mountain views. The trip includes a picnic and the chance to explore the surroundings at a relaxed pace.
Guests describe Miguel as passionate and attentive, making this a very enjoyable outing. The fabulous views and the personalized care make it a top choice for travelers short on time but eager to see the main sights.
Bottom line: Perfect for a half-day adventure that combines enjoyable hiking with cultural insights.
9. Hiking in the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria: UNESCO
This specialized tour takes you into Gran Canaria’s sacred pre-Hispanic sites, including Roque Bentayga and Risco Caído. As official guides, the hosts share knowledge about archaeology, geology, and flora, making this a truly educational experience. The 7-hour hike is designed for those interested in cultural heritage, with visits to significant sites that showcase the island’s ancient spiritual history.
Reviews highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and expertise and the beautiful scenery along the trails. The tour is priced at $102.96, representing good value for a deep dive into the island’s indigenous past.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in archaeology and natural beauty combined into a full-day experience.
10. Hikes Roque Nublo
This 8.5 km guided hike starts at El Aserrador pass, leading to Roque Nublo, and is rated moderate. It offers a mix of history, nature, and spirituality, with stunning views over the mountains and the iconic monolith itself. The route takes about 8 hours, and the walk is enriched with stories of the native inhabitants and spectacular scenery. The ascent involves a 350-meter elevation gain, but many find it manageable.
Guests praise the fabulous views and the knowledgeable guide Sophie, who shares interesting facts about flora and fauna. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a full-day, meaningful hike.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, moderate trek that combines cultural stories with awe-inspiring scenery.
11. Tejeda: Roque Nublo Base Camp Xperience
This 3-hour adventure focuses on reaching the heart of Gran Canaria, with a guided ascent to Roque Nublo’s base. The tour includes hammock relaxation in pine forests and a mountain picnic featuring local cuisine. For the more adventurous, optional rock climbing is available, adding an active thrill.
Rated at 4.8/5, travelers appreciate the personalized guidance and relaxed pace, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The emphasis on local gastronomy and leisure makes it a fun, less intense option that still offers a true mountain experience.
Bottom line: A great short, social outing combining hiking, relaxation, and optional climbing.
How to Choose Your Perfect Gran Canaria Hiking Tour
When selecting your ideal trip, consider your fitness level, interests, and available time. For a full-day experience with stunning sunset views, the Volcano Heart Tour is hard to beat. If you’re more interested in cultural heritage and archaeological sites, then the UNESCO Sacred Mountains will satisfy your curiosity. For those wanting a shorter but memorable adventure, options like the Roque Nublo Base Camp or the 3-Hour Astronomy Experience are excellent.
Practical tips include booking early, especially in peak seasons, and choosing tours aligned with your fitness level (some hikes are moderate, others more challenging). Consider the best time of year—spring and fall typically offer pleasant weather without the extremes.
Final Thoughts
Gran Canaria offers a rich array of hiking options suitable for all tastes and fitness levels. Whether you want a full-day mountain adventure, a cultural exploration of sacred sites, or a night under the stars, the island has it all. For a spectacular sunset, the Volcano Heart Tour is a standout, while the UNESCO sites appeal to those interested in history. For quiet, scenic walks, the north of the island offers a peaceful escape.
To get the most out of your trip, consider your interests and energy levels carefully. Book your preferred tour early, especially if you’re traveling in high season, to secure your spot. With so many great options, you’re sure to find a hiking experience that turns your stay in Gran Canaria into an unforgettable adventure.
