Prepare for Your Hike
Before you set off, check the route and the information for the hiking day. Pay particular attention to the distance, elevation gain and loss, terrain and expected walking time. Take enough water with you and make sure you are wearing suitable clothing and walking shoes. A fully charged phone with the GPX route and route information is part of your basic equipment. It is also a good idea to check in advance where you can find water, food or other facilities along the route. On some hiking routes, you may not come across a shop, restaurant or other facility for a long time.
Take the Weather into Account
The weather in the Canary Islands can vary considerably from one island to another, but also within a single island. Especially when you climb from the coast into the mountains, temperatures and weather conditions can change. Check the weather forecast before every hiking day. Do not only look at the temperature, but also at the wind, rainfall and any weather warnings. If the weather changes significantly during a hike, it is important to adjust your plans. You do not always have to complete a route if conditions change along the way.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
The sun can be strong in the Canary Islands, even when the temperature feels pleasant. Protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or hat. Drink regularly, even if you are not particularly thirsty. During longer hikes, you lose more fluid through exertion and heat than you may realise. In warm conditions, it can be a good idea to start early. This helps you avoid the hottest hours of the day and often means more comfortable hiking conditions.
Take Enough Water
How much water you need depends on the individual, the route and the temperature. A short walk with plenty of facilities along the way requires less water than a long stage through a remote area. Always check the information for your hiking day in advance. If there is no opportunity to buy or refill water along the route, you need to take this into account before setting off. If you are unsure, it is better to take a little extra water than too little.
Use the Route Information and GPX
For our individual hiking holidays, you receive detailed route information and GPX files. This allows you to check your location and make sure you are still following the planned route. Download the route and maps to your phone before setting off, so you can also navigate without a mobile internet connection. Mobile coverage can be limited, especially in mountainous and remote areas. GPX is an important navigation tool, but always pay attention to the route itself, the signs and the conditions along the way.
Pay Attention to Trail Signs
Many hiking routes in the Canary Islands are signposted. You will come across GR, PR and SL routes, among others. However, signs may be less clear in some places, for example at junctions or where several paths meet. It is therefore advisable not to rely solely on the signposts. Using a combination of trail signs, route information and GPX gives you the most confidence while hiking.
Stay Within Your Own Limits
A route that looks suitable for you on paper may still feel more demanding on a particular day. Heat, tiredness, elevation changes and the terrain can all have an impact. The hiking grade of a hiking holiday helps you assess in advance what to expect during the stages. Walk at a pace that you can maintain comfortably for a longer period. Take regular short breaks and do not wait until you are already very tired before eating or drinking. If you feel that a hike is becoming too demanding, make a decision in good time. Returning safely is more important than completing a stage at all costs.
Hiking Safely in the Canary islands
On the more mountainous islands, elevation changes can play an important role. A route may be relatively short but still quite demanding because of the amount of climbing and descending. When hiking, do not only consider the number of kilometres. Elevation gain and loss, the terrain and the length of the climbs and descents all affect how demanding a route feels. On steeper routes, walking poles can provide additional support and help you maintain your balance.
What to Do in an Unexpected Situation
Have you lost the route, are you feeling unwell or has the weather changed unexpectedly? Stay calm and first check where you are and what the safest next step is. If you have a problem along the way, you can contact Canary-Hiking. During your hiking holiday, you have access to our contact details and practical information, so you know who to contact if necessary. In a genuine emergency, always use the local emergency number.
Always Check That Your Route Is Open
Hiking routes may be temporarily changed or closed due to weather conditions, maintenance work or other circumstances on the island. Always check the latest information about your route before setting off. If a change affects your hiking holiday, we will inform you and look for a suitable solution.
Our Practical Tip
Good preparation is essential when hiking safely in the Canary Islands, especially on longer or more remote routes. A safe hiking holiday does not start with taking as much equipment as possible, but with good preparation. Check each hiking day in advance, check the weather, take enough water with you and make sure your phone is fully charged with the route available offline. Listen to your body along the way and adjust your plans when conditions require it. This allows you to enjoy the freedom of an individual hiking holiday while being well prepared and confident on the trail.
