In addition to offering paradisiacal beaches, Gran Canaria boasts hiking routes perfect for adventure seekers who love nature.
If you’re a canyoning enthusiast, you’ll know that it’s a sport that involves descending through gorges using various techniques such as abseiling, jumping, natural slides, and sometimes even swimming. It’s a blend of hiking, climbing, and caving that allows you to explore some of nature’s most inaccessible and beautiful spots.
Gran Canaria is a true paradise for canyoning lovers. The island features a wide variety of canyons with different levels of difficulty, meaning that both beginners and experts can find the perfect challenge. Below, we introduce some of our favourite routes.
The best canyoning tours on Gran Canaria
If you're still looking for where to do canyoning... here are some of our favourite spots:
The Red Canyon in Gran Canaria
This unique canyon is a Gran Canaria canyon formed from porous volcanic ash and smoothed by water. This is what gives the canyon its amazing and unique flowing curves of coloured stone. It’s popularly known on the island as Barranco de Las Vacas, although you could say it's Gran Canaria's Antelope Canyon.
Barranco de los Cernícalos
Barranco de los Cernícalos is one of the most popular canyons in Gran Canaria, especially recommended for beginners in canyoning. This ravine is known for its lush vegetation and numerous waterfalls. The route combines jumps, natural slides, and small abseils, making it ideal for those seeking a moderate adventure.
To reach it, head from Telde along the GC-41 and then take the GC-132 towards the Los Cernícalos recreational area, where the route begins. In addition to canyoning, it’s a great place to spend a day in nature, offering picnic areas and walking trails for a complete outdoor experience.
The Guayadeque Ravine
The Guayadeque Ravine, stretching 15 km, is a stunning natural landmark in Gran Canaria, rich in history and biodiversity. Carving through the island's volcanic crust to the eastern coast, it features lush vegetation, rocky cliffs, and endemic plants. The area holds great archaeological importance, with ancient cave dwellings still inhabited today and artefacts displayed at the Canarian Museum. Visitors can explore these caves, a chapel at the ravine's summit, and even stay in cave hotels for a unique experience.
The ravine also boasts cave restaurants offering local delicacies like cochino a la sal and spectacular views. As one of the greenest ravines in the Canary Islands, it is home to over 80 native plant species and diverse wildlife, including the Gran Canaria giant lizard and various birds, making it an exceptional destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Tips for Canyoning or Barranquismo
1. Equip yourself properly
Make sure you have a high-quality wetsuit, helmet, and sturdy footwear with good grip. These items are essential for your safety and comfort when traversing rocky and slippery terrain.
2. Check weather conditions
Always ensure that the weather is suitable before setting out. Heavy rains can make canyons dangerous due to flash floods, while extreme heat can lead to dehydration.
3. Choose the right canyon
Select a route that matches your skill level. Beginners should start with easier canyons, while experienced adventurers can explore more technical or challenging routes.
4. Hire a guide
If you're new to canyoning or unfamiliar with the area, consider hiring a certified guide. They will ensure your safety, provide technical support, and share local knowledge about the canyon.
5. Pack light but smart
Bring essential items such as a waterproof backpack, snacks, water, a first aid kit, and a dry bag for valuables. Avoid carrying unnecessary items that could weigh you down.
6. Practice safety techniques
Learn how to rappel, jump, and climb safely. Make sure you're comfortable with basic rope handling and always follow the instructions of your guide or team leader.
7. Travel in groups
Always go canyoning with a group or partner. This ensures support in case of an emergency and adds to the fun of the experience.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy an exciting and safe canyoning adventure!
For hiking enthusiasts and those who love the rural world, we offer charming rural accommodations that allow you to truly connect with the island and its natural beauty.
