dossier

Contrasts of Gran Canaria

CONTRASTS OF GRAN CANARIA   |  WHERE YOU STAY

Hotel Rural Las Calas AAAA
La Lechuza Days 1+2+3+4

La Lechuza is a rural hamlet on the east of the island, just a short drive from San Mateo. Tucked away in the centre of the village you will find Las Calas. Owned and run by Magui Carratala, this beautifully renovated Canarian farmhouse is enclosed by tall walls, and seems a world away from the more modern developments found on the coast. There are three buildings that surround a central garden courtyard, each with a small selection of rooms. Adjacent to these buildings is the pool and veranda, surrounded by orange trees. The rooms are all individually furnished with old world beds and wardrobes and each has masses of character. Each room has a TV (with CNN), hairdryer and private bathrooms with copper sinks and pretty tiles. Outside the rooms baskets of oranges and perfume the air and give the place a charming rural atmosphere.

Further details on the hotel website.

Monday  Arrival

It’s just a 1hr drive (rental car included) to La Lechuza where you’ll spend the next 4 nights.

Tuesday  The Valley and Volcanoes Walk  13km/8mi/5 hrs

Crunch through cinders along the rim of “Los Marteles” volcanic crater , before descending an original Guanche route lined with spiny agaves and euphorbia that cling to the steep valley side. Stop for lunch at a dramatic rock promontory with views down the barranco to the ocean. From the valley floor, your path ascends through sugar pink flowering almond terraces back to the crater rim.

Wednesday  San Bartolome Circuit  15.6km/9mi/5hrs

Two spectacular southern valleys beckon today - after a steady ascent of 280m to Degollada de la Manzanilla, it's relaxed and easy going along a panoramic mountain track offering continuous views of the yawning gorge, steep pine woods and blood red cliffs. Picnic at a choice of viewpoints at Barranco de la Dala or Montana Negra, before a beautifully engineered Camino Real lined with yellow cistus leads down to San Bartolome for a relaxed drink in one of the bars.This evening, perhaps sit out on the open pool veranda under the stars.

Thursday  Roque Nublo Walk  14km/9mi/5hrs

Balanced high on a rock plateau at 1800m, this iconic 60m high rock monolith is a symbol of Gran Canaria. Views are stupendous, with snow-capped Mount Teide on Tenerife floating on the horizon. Descend past herds of goats into La Culata, a farming hamlet, for some ropa vieja, a tasty casserole of chickpea, beef and potato in the local cafe, before a panoramic Camino Real winds back past lavender and scented pines.

La Hacienda de Buen Suceso AAAA
Arucas Days 5+6+7

We stay at the splendidly restored hacienda estate, with 50 hectares of banana trees; the estate is the oldest in the Canary Islands (it was established in 1572). You will enjoy luxury accommodation in a rural setting- But you are only 15 minutes to the seaside promenades of Las Palmas. The 18 rooms are pretty, and full of original features, wood-beam attics, sloping wooden roofs and wrought-iron beds with canopies. The extensive grounds offer views for miles around, with a swimming pool ( no shortage of sun-loungers), Jacuzzi, and fitness centre. The restaurant offers fine local cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.

Further details on the hotel website.

Friday  The Bandama Caldera  5km/3mi/2hrs

Perched high above the eastern coast, the Bandama Caldera provides a fascinating insight into the geological history of the entire island, and views are stupendous. Ornithologists should keep binoculars handy as there’s a good chance of spotting flocks of linnets, trumpeter finches and Berthelot’s Pipit –endemic to the Canaries. Lots of freely growing oranges and guavas to supplement your picnic before the short 45min drive through a rich rolling sea of banana trees to your 200-acre estate hotel with 360 degree views: fertile valleys and hills to the east, unspoilt coast to the north and south to Arucas.  Time for a swim and Jacuzzi before dinner perhaps?

Saturday  Tamadaba 17km/10mi/6.5hrs

A rewarding ascent to Tamadaba this morning taking in three climate zones: avocado and papaya; euphorbia, and Canarian pine forest. The Mirador de la Vuelta La Paloma is a fabulous shady picnic spot and affords stupendous views of snow-capped Mount Teide floating on the horizon. You’ll then descend on the ancient camino real down through the tiny white villages of Lugarejos and El Hormillo passing pre-Hispanic cave houses still inhabited by locals today.

Sunday  Cruz de Tejeda  14km/9mi/5.5hrs

A gentle shady descent takes you to the hidden valley of Montanetas – stunning views over Las Palmas and the eastern coast. We pass through the tiny village of Lanzarote – people from the neighbouring island settled here after a series of volcanic eruptions in C18 – before lunch against the backdrop of El Montanas and its lava flow. A stunning ridge walk takes you down into the heather-filled Tejeda valley – keep eyes peeled for ravens, buzzards and barbary falcons.

Monday  Depart

WALKING DETAILS

Walking paths and trails are often rocky and uneven with some steep ascents and descents. Comfortable walking boots with ankle support are essential. Walking poles recommended. Vertigo sufferers should not book this holiday.

For extra nights we recommend both hotels above.