Gran Canaria
Discover a side of the island which is a world-away from the busy tourist tracks
Roque Nublo
Appreciate this geographical landmark - one of the stand out symbols of The Canary Islands
Solos Walking
4 exclusive fully guided walks
Explore Gran Canaria this winter on a fantastic fully guided Solos 7 night walking holiday. Nicknamed ‘the miniature continent’ due to the dynamic contrast in climate and landscape it is no wonder Gran Canaria is a popular destination for walkers looking for a winter break.
Grade: Medium
Extras
Transfer to our hotel for the week where we will have our welcome meeting with our guide. Dependant on flight arrival time.
For our first walk of the week we start our hike 1500 metres above sea level near the ridge which divides the verdant north and the arid south of the island. We will experience magnificent views while walking along our route under the shade of Canarian pine trees . The path reaches Moriscos, its highest point (1750m), and continues along the edge of Caldera de Tejeda, offering breath-taking views across its huge 16km volcanic depression, the result of a gigantic collapse, that hollowed out the centre of the island. After a gentle walk through the pine forest, we explore “Cuevas del Caballero”, a group of pre-Hispanic caves on the edge of the caldera’s wall.
Today take time out and take advantage of the hotel facilities and relax by the pool or on the beach.
In contrast to the arid and rugged southern and inland areas, the northern midlands of
Gran Canaria are home to a gentle landscapes covered by a lush vegetation all year
round. It is here that we can appreciate in all its splendour the incredible variety of
the flora of the Canary Islands, which comprises more than 2000 plant species, of
which some 600 are exclusive to this archipelago. On today’s hike we explore the
rural and forested areas of this area of Gran Canaria, whose name, “Bosque de
Doramas”, evokes the last hero of the indigenous resistance against the Castilians in
the 15th century.
We start todays walk in the centre of Gran Canaria, on the high plateau that constitutes the most renowned landscapes on the island. We take a beautiful path through a forest of Canary Island pines with stunning panoramas of Roque Nublo, the emblematic rocky peak of Gran Canaria, and if its clear in the distance are the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera. After discovering the “Ventana del Nublo”, the Magical Window, one of the most surprising geological landmarks on the island, we walk towards Roque Nublo. This enormous basalt monolith, over 80 metres high, is the geological symbol of Gran Canaria and was once venerated by the Guanches, the aboriginal people who inhabited the Canary Islands before the arrival of Europeans.
Today take time out and enjoy the hotel facilities and relax by the pool or perhaps explore the village of Agaete and visit the nearby natural pools
Our hike begins more than 800m above sea level, at the head of Agaete valley,
located in the northwest of Gran Canaria. We are surrounded by the beautiful views
of this secluded area, where several water reservoirs cover the rocky bottom of the
ravine. After a short ascent, our hike becomes mainly downhill. Our route takes us past the troglodyte hamlet of “El Hornillo”, with its cave houses excavated into the impressive cliffs. We then we take an old path with views of the valley and the sea which takes us down to the hamlet of “El Sao” famous for its old water mills. Later, we walk through a small pine tree forest, just above the derelict 19th century spa which started health tourism in the Canaries in the 1900’s.
It’s time to say goodbye to Gran Canaria. After transferring to the Airport, we will board our flight home.
Our comfortable 4* hotel with fantastic sea views is situated in the seaside town of Agaete with a choice of facilities ideal for a week of Solos walking.
Restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool with sea views, Wi-Fi, Spa & Wellness area with central bubble pool, hydromassage pool, leg,waterfall & neck jets, warm water relaxation pool, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, Bi-thermal shower, cyclone shower, arctic shower, foot spa and relaxation area ( entry charge applies)
The comfortable rooms include en-suite bathroom with shower, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, safe (charges apply), hairdryer, kettle, minibar, balcony/terrace. with sea view
The transfer time from Gran Canaria Airport to the hotel is approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium and you can expect to walk between 7.5 to 9.5 km per day, with some ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking. You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solos Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
Walking Notes
Grade: Medium
Distance: 7.5 to 9.5km per day
Great Caldera
Length 8km
Ascent +300m
Descent -650m
The Verdant North
Length 8km
Ascent +450m
Descent -450m
The Sacred Monolith
Length 9.5km
Ascent +500m
Descent -650m
The Tropical Valley
Length 7.5km
Ascent +120m
Descent -750m
Walking boots: Essential
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
The weather, even in summer, is unpredictable – particularly in mountainous areas. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 21 °C | 15 °C |
| March | 22 °C | 16 °C |
| April | 23 °C | 16 °C |
| May | 24 °C | 17 °C |
| June | 26 °C | 19 °C |
| July | 27 °C | 21 °C |
| August - September | 28 °C | 21 °C |
| October | 26 °C | 20 °C |
| November | 24 °C | 22 °C |
| December | 22 °C | 16 °C |
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“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
