The best gravel rides around Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers a wide array of gravel biking experiences, with over 45 routes available on komoot. These trails traverse diverse landscapes, from arid terrain to lush valleys and rugged mountains, providing options for various skill levels.

Gran Canaria is often called a 'miniature continent' due to its incredibly diverse landscapes, transitioning rapidly from desert-like terrain to green valleys and rugged mountains. This, combined with a year-round favorable climate and extensive network of scenic routes, makes it an exceptional choice for gravel cyclists seeking both physical challenge and breathtaking scenery.

While many routes on Gran Canaria are challenging, some sections, like the 12km unpaved part of the GC-604 (Chira Trail), are considered a great entry point for those new to gravel biking on the island. Always check the route details for difficulty before heading out.

Gran Canaria enjoys a brilliant year-round climate, with around 300 days of sunshine and mild winter temperatures. This makes it an ideal destination for cycling even during colder months elsewhere, minimizing the risk of lost riding days.

You can expect highly varied terrain, from dusty, rocky trails to smoother, resurfaced sections. Routes navigate through pine forests, remote valleys, and alongside reservoirs. Due to the island's volcanic origin, a constant presence of stones is common, with some routes featuring rough gravel and technical segments.

Yes, Gran Canaria offers routes suitable for longer rides. For example, the Switchbacks with a view – Pico de las Nieves summit loop from Las Palmas is a challenging 65.2-mile (104.9 km) trail that takes you through the mountainous interior towards the island's highest point, offering significant elevation gains and stunning views.

Many gravel routes in Gran Canaria are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the View of the Canyon – Road Through the Gorge loop from Bar El Paso, which navigates through dramatic canyon landscapes and gorges.

Gran Canaria's gravel routes often pass through or offer views of iconic natural features. You might encounter the dramatic mountainous interior with peaks like Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves, volcanic calderas such as Caldera de Bandama, or the ancient pine forests of Tamadaba Natural Park.

The gravel biking routes in Gran Canaria are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 29 reviews. Cyclists often praise the island's diverse landscapes, challenging climbs, and breathtaking scenery.

Yes, some routes provide stunning coastal vistas. The Puerto Rico Marina and Beach – View of Taurito loop from Sheraton Salobre is a difficult route that offers coastal views alongside challenging ascents, allowing you to experience both the island's interior and its beautiful coastline.

Absolutely. Gran Canaria is known for its dramatic valleys and gorges. The Playa del Águila Surf Beach – View of the Fataga Valley loop from San Agustín takes you through the scenic Fataga Valley, showcasing the island's volcanic geology and remote beauty.

Yes, Gran Canaria's 'miniature continent' nature means you can often transition between different landscapes. The Old coastal road – Tirma Track loop from Casablanca offers a blend of coastal sections and routes through areas like the Tirma Track, which can lead into forested or more rugged terrain.

Yes, you can find gravel routes accessible from or near Las Palmas. The Barranco de Guiniguada – Plaza de Santa Ana loop from Conjunto Historico Barrio de Triana starts from a historic area in Las Palmas and explores the Barranco de Guiniguada, offering a mix of urban proximity and natural landscapes.