Where to Stay in Gran Canaria for Hiking

With its rugged volcanic landscape, breathtaking views, and mild climate, Gran Canaria is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. When planning a hiking trip around the island, choosing the right area to stay can make accessing the trails much easier. Use this guide to find the best places to stay in Gran Canaria for hiking access, scenery, and amenities.

Maspalomas

Maspalomas in the south has direct access to trails in the Sierra de Maspalomas mountains and surrounding dunes. It’s a lively tourist area with plenty of hotels and amenities.

Hiking Access: Walk right to trails like Barranco de Fataga or head into nearby Playa del Ingles mountains.

Accommodations: Range from luxury resorts to budget hotels and apartments. Most cycle and hike-friendly.

Dining/Nightlife: Plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes in Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. Fun atmosphere.

Transportation: Easily walkable once in town. Taxis, buses or rental cars to reach more remote trailheads.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The island’s largest city still provides hiking access while offering big city amenities. Stay along the beachfront for quick trail access.

Hiking Access: Direct access to trails like San Roque and La Guancha from the city.

Accommodations: Big resorts, hotels, and apartments are available including many beachfront options.

Dining/Nightlife: Full range from tapas bars to upscale restaurants. Energetic nightlife and entertainment.

Transportation: A large public bus network makes navigating easy, or taxis to trailheads further afield.

Tejeda

Tejeda is a scenic mountain town surrounded by Roque Nublo and Tamadaba Nature Reserve’s intricate trail network. Authentic Canarian experience.

Hiking Access: Steps away from major trails through Tamadaba’s peaks and valleys. Central Island location.

Accommodations: Country hotels, cozy apartments, and cottages available in town. Limited options.

Dining/Nightlife: Local restaurants and bars popular with hikers. Limited nightlife.

Transportation: Reachable by car or bus. Limited public transport within the area, however.

San Mateo

Trails in the north/central highlands are easily accessed from San Mateo. It provides a local feel and proximity to hiking without tourist crowds.

Hiking Access: Launching point to trails on Gran Canaria’s volcanic peaks accessible right from town.

Accommodations: Smaller hotels, guesthouses, and rental apartments in town. Most budget-friendly options.

Dining/Nightlife: Local restaurants and shops line the main street. Limited nightlife scene.

Transportation: Reachable via cars/buses but limited public transport within town, so a rental car is useful.

Santa Lucia

This picturesque historic town on Gran Canaria’s eastern side sits right near coastal and mountain trails through La Tirajana caldera.

Hiking Access: Quick access to La Tirajana trails and eastern valleys like Barranco de Guayadeque.

Accommodations: Quaint hotels in town or country villas/apartments in the countryside. Generally moderate prices.

Dining/Nightlife: Local restaurants and bars line the town’s cobblestone streets.

Transportation: Reachable by car or bus but a rental car provides the most convenience.

Conclusion

When picking accommodations for a Gran Canaria hiking trip, consider proximity to trails along with amenities like restaurants and transportation options that suit your needs. Popular tourist destinations provide convenience but more isolated mountain towns offer better trail immersion. Do your research to find the ideal Gran Canaria basecamp that balances hiking access with the right lodging ambiance and adventure amenities for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Stay for Hiking in Gran Canaria

What are the best locations to stay for hiking access in Gran Canaria?

Some top locations for nearby hiking access are Maspalomas, Tejeda, San Mateo, and Santa Lucia. Las Palmas also works well. Each provides central launching points to major trail networks.

Which areas should I avoid if I want to focus just on hiking?

If prioritizing hiking, avoid the major resort towns like Playa del Ingles or Puerto Rico which cater more to beaches and nightlife. Great amenities but not the best for trail access.

What kind of accommodations are best for hiking in Gran Canaria?

Look for hotels, cottages, or apartments that provide hiking information/amenities. Helpful perks include breakfasts to fuel up, drying rooms for gear, trail advice, and bags to pack provisions.

Should I stay in the mountains or by the coast for hiking in Gran Canaria?

The mountains offer direct trail access but limited amenities. Coastal towns allow easy hiking day trips but more dining, shopping, and nightlife. Pick based on your needs or split time in both areas.

What’s the best way to reach trailheads if I don’t have a rental car in Gran Canaria?

Buses and taxis can get you to many major trailheads if you don’t have a car. However, having a rental car provides the most flexibility to access remote trailheads at your convenience across the island.

Where are the best locations to stay for hiking with kids in Gran Canaria?

Family-friendly hiking base options include Puerto de Mogan, Arguineguin, Maspolomas, and Puerto Rico. Each has easy trail access along with kid amenities, beaches, pools, parks, and plenty of accommodation choices.

Is it possible to stay right inside a national park in Gran Canaria?

Yes, camping is allowed inside Parque Rural del Nublo where tents and bungalows are available for overnight visitors. Provides direct access to the trails in this scenic reserve.

What areas should I look at if traveling solo and want to meet other hikers?

Maspalomas and Las Palmas have the most social scenes with group hikes, adventure outfitters, and lively nightlife where you may encounter fellow hikers. Tejeda also attracts many like-minded travelers.

Where are the best places to stay for hiking and beaches in Gran Canaria?

For both hiking and beach access look at southern towns like Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Arguineguin, or smaller northern coastal towns like El Risco. Las Palmas and Santa Lucia also combine both well.

What towns provide the best local culture and cuisine in Gran Canaria?

Tejeda, San Mateo, Santa Lucia, Artenara, and Teror offer the most authentic Canarian culture and cuisine on the island’s interior. Great for trying local dishes after a long hike.

Which side of the island is better for accessing hikes – east or west?

The east side provides slightly easier access to the major central peaks, especially from towns like San Bartolome and Santa Lucia. But the west also works well for accessing diverse hikes across Gran Canaria.

Where should I stay if traveling on a budget?

To save money, look at rental apartments just outside the major towns which provide more affordable rates. Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Agaete, and smaller mountain towns like Tejeda or Artenara have good budget options.

Is a rental car necessary for hiking in Gran Canaria?

Not 100% essential if you base yourself in towns with transit access, but a rental car provides maximum flexibility to explore trails across the island on your own schedule.

What areas should I avoid if I want a quieter experience in Gran Canaria?

Skip the busy resort towns like Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles if you want a peaceful trip focused on hiking. Aim for smaller mountain villages like Tejeda or San Mateo instead for a quieter experience.