Gran Canaria in its Natural Form: Nature, Adventure, and Tradition in the Canary Islands

Arucas: A Glimpse of the Island’s Charm

Our journey began in Arucas, a colonial-style town known for its historic center and the imposing Church of San Juan Bautista, a fine example of Gothic architecture. We also visited the Arehucas Rum Factory and Museum, one of the oldest distilleries in the Canary Islands, where we tasted their signature Canary rum. After a sunset drink, we enjoyed a traditional dinner and toasted our first night on the island.

Exploring the Green North: Forests, Waterfalls, and Trails

Gran Canaria is not just about the sea. The island’s wilder side can be found in the northern region, known as the Green North, which includes Arucas, Firgas, and Valleseco. Here, we rode through lush forests, passing giant ferns, laurel forests, and cascades that seemed straight out of a tropical jungle. Firgas, known for its artificial waterfall, was a perfect rest stop before continuing along trails of black cobblestones and red soil, taking us back to Arucas.

Hiking to Roque Nublo: A Natural Icon

One of the highlights of the trip was the hike to Roque Nublo, one of the most iconic rock formations in Gran Canaria. Situated 1,813 meters above sea level, this volcanic rock has been a sacred site for the Canary Island natives. The hike offered breathtaking views, stretching all the way to Tenerife and Mount Teide.

The Mystery of Risco Caído and Pico de Las Nieves

In Artenara, we visited the museum center of the archaeological site of Risco Caído, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient settlement, carved into the rock, allowed us to delve into the mystery of the native Canary culture. The reproduction of the natural-size cave C6, with its unique hole that allows sunlight to enter from March 15 to September 15, was truly mesmerizing. The light illuminates ancient carvings of triangles, symbols of fertility, marking the change of seasons during the most fertile time of the year. The following day, we climbed to the Pico de Las Nieves, the island's highest peak at 1,949 meters. The panoramic views from the summit, which span the entire island, were simply spectacular.

MTB Adventure in the Grand Canyon of the South

Our MTB adventure took us through the Grand Canyon of southern Gran Canaria. Starting from Playa del Inglés, we rode through the Ayagaures valley, a hidden village nestled among the mountains. The landscape here was stark and almost lunar, with dirt trails winding through palms and agaves. The challenging climb to Las Tederas rewarded us with a spectacular view of the Maspalomas dunes from above.

Maspalomas Dunes: A Surreal Experience

We saved the best for the last day: the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve, where walking on the golden sand dunes that stretch to the ocean is a truly surreal experience. The dunes are constantly shaped by the wind, and the nearby La Charca lagoon is home to herons and other migratory birds. Some of us chose a boat tour to spot dolphins, while others opted to explore the dunes on foot, following the marked path from the Maspalomas Lighthouse to the viewpoint, enjoying the sensation of being in a small desert overlooking the Atlantic.

Gran Canaria turned out to be an island with a thousand facets, offering diverse landscapes and activities that constantly surprised us. This trip, blending adventure, history, and nature, has left us eager to return to explore even more. Because here, every trail, every village, and every corner hides a new secret waiting to be uncovered.

This unique experience was described by Silvia Donatiello , who had the opportunity to explore the island with her friends, sharing the emotions and discoveries of a trip that left a lasting impression with every step.

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