Cycling in Gran Canaria

Sitting at the most southern point of Europe, boasts almost 365 days of sunshine a year and 3 different climates, from African heat, Atlantic coolness and Mediterranean warmth, the topography of the terrain makes Gran Canaria a special place for mountain and regular biking!

Cycle tourism is a discipline that is experiencing a big increase in the number of its followers. Already established in Europe and with great growth prospects, they are presented in the North of Gran Canaria as tourist options with many opportunities, available for everyone and enjoying great benefits for the environment and for those who practice them.

It is an all year activity as the climate is perfect, and it is specially cool to ride in July and August if you have nothing against the heat. If you are a professional biker these months will take your stamina and you can push yourself to the limits. Other months are cooler, so anyone can enjoy a ride. Of course, as the islands climate is various, even the hottest months are OK at the north.

Gran Canaria offers various types of cycling experiences: from mirror-flat roads to steep hills and mountain environments, the narrow and winding roads as you ride into the central hilly area, as well as lots of car traffic on the highways, cycling on the island gives an unique trip. So, if you are into it, you will need a bike that has enough gears to take the climbs too! No wonder that Gran Canaria cycling is a frequent subject of related media, magazines, websites and other. For the experienced riders, there are up 200km loops, including the climbing to the highest point in the island (2km height), and for a more recreational and fun approach you can take 10-60km rides on the coastline, or some gentle climbs to notable villages close to the coastline.

I would like to add that notable names in cycling take regular practice tours in Gran Canaria.

Biking Locations

For road cycling, the best start point for a day or week of riding is nearly always the south of the island. In the south especially at Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, you will be riding on quiet sunny roads heading into the mountains within minutes of the beach.

On the other hand, it is purely a total loss for you if you just stick to the coastline – the northern and central parts of the island are absolutely amazing. For instance if you go to Fataga canyon on the way to Fataga will take your breath away, it is just plain prehistoric in appearance.

A good one to start with is to take the GC60 road to Fataga from Playa del Ingles and to Mirador de San Bartolome. A 955 metres above sea level and will take a mediocre rider about 3 hours there and back. You can continue your ride up to the peek of the island – Pico de las Nieves at 1951 metres which would add another 50km’s to the trip.

From the summit, there are a couple different routes to take: From Maspalomas taking the GC60/GG520, from Telde take the GC130 and from Las Palmas the GC3/GC4 roads.

There are various villages all over the island, so you can take a break on regular basis, no worries there. The weather in the higher parts of the island, specially above 1500m has a bit of a chill, so is it recommended to always have some clothes and a cap so you do not get too cold.

Where to find biking tours

By developing and promoting high quality tourism in the North of Gran Canaria, Nortetrek wants to give customers the opportunity to enjoy their holidays on the island in an absolutely authentic way through our activities. A spectacular mountain-bike trip through the area of Tirma, a nature reserve, where the aborigines used to live. The climb to the forest of Tamadaba guarantees terrific views in fresh mountain air. Nortetrek organizes a wonderful mountain bike adventure. Their services include bike renting too, so I personally recommend it – worth checking out!

Be Sociable, Share!

•