|
Walking in Gran Canaria |
|
Canary Islands, Spain |
See also our Hotel to Hotel Trek in Gran Canaria click
here
An island of only 600 sq miles but a continent in
miniature Gran Canaria offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora,
Sahara like dunes, mountains, volcanic craters and sometimes snow on the
highest peaks Two things make Gran Canaria distinct from the other
Canarian Islands. Firstly, the reservoirs that are abundant in the
mountainous region nestling in the valleys giving important water supply
to the inhabitants and a refreshing vista for the walker. Secondly,
there are the ancient settlements and fascinating troglodyte villages
built by the deeply religious Guanche about 4000 years ago, and many are
still occupied! This is an opportunity to experience some of the most
spectacular areas of Gran Canaria than only a small percentage of
visitors ever see.
 We
are not sure why we have taken so long to feature this
island as it has some spectacular walking with high mountain
ridges and peaks to explore. Discover remains of ancient
volcanic mountains, deep ravines with palm groves, ancient
cave dwellings all amongst reputedly the friendliest people
of the Canarian Islands. All of our walking takes place in
the mountainous centre and to avoid long journeys each day
we have chosen a hotel set deep in the mountains.
The walking is on paths of good quality but the
variable signposting makes our walking notes or guided walking
essential.
We include 4 days of guided walking which will
cover some of the ‘classic’ walks. Walk through Gran canaria’s only p rimeval
forest, trek trough a nature reserve located 1400m above sea level with
a chance to see the rare “Blue Bird”. Travel along the “the silver road”
an ancient merchant trail that takes you over the mountain Pico de las
Nieves. Or maybe walk up to the crest of Gran Canaria’s largest volcanic
crater with a view to the south coast.
|
Guided—Independent Holidays |
Our guided-independent
holidays are designed so that you choose the hotel you wish
and any travel dates between October to May, but still
enjoy a guided holiday. You may be accompanied on these walks
by people who have not booked through New Experience.
Our Walk Booklet has a selection of
walks for all abilities, all in the mountainous centre of the island. They
vary from 10 miles to 20 miles in length with ascents from 200m to 750m. Our
walks have been researched and written by a long term resident who knows
every barranco and rocky ridge on the island worth walking. He is generally
on hand to advise you, if required, of the most suitable walks for your
needs. We provide the best walking map available for the island.
We looked at hotels all over the island,
and decided that staying on the coast and commuting to the walking areas in the
mountains was not
practical. We felt that the best offering in the mountains was the 4*
Aldiana Mirador, located right in the centre of the walking area. Click
here for details of the
Aldiana Mirador
 The
best time to walk in Gran Canaria is from October to mid June but
walking is practical year around. There is little rain in the winter and
average maximum temperatures in Las Palmas on the coast (with the
mountains usually much cooler) ranging from 18C in Jan to 24 in Aug.
By Air to Gran Canaria:
Scheduled non stop British Airways flights are available to
Las Palmas from London Gatwick, and connecting frights from a number of
other UK airports.
London Luton, London Gatwick, Manchester, Doncaster and Glasgow are
served by scheduled 'no frills' carriers.
It is also possible to fly Iberia from London Heathrow and Manchester
with a connection on the mainland.
Charter flights from the following airports
Aberdeen, Glasgow, Belfast, Newcastle, Blackpool, Leeds/Bradford,
Humberside, Doncaster, Manchester, Liverpool, East Midlands, Birmingham,
Norwich, London Luton, London Stansted, London Gatwick, Bristol,
Cardiff, Bournemouth, Exeter and last but not least Dublin.
We are more than happy for guests to
arrange their own flights. You may, for example have air
miles to use up!
Transfer to and from your hotel is provided and takes just over 1 hour.
Click to see
Gran Canaria Prices
|
