Description
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GR131 Trekking Gran Canaria via Agüimes – From Agaete to the East Coast through the heart of the island
The GR131 on Gran Canaria is a hiking journey for lovers of long-distance trails and authentic landscapes. This special route takes you from Agaete on the northwest coast of the island, through the mountainous interior and the charming village of Tejeda, to the east coast of Gran Canaria at El Burrero.
This extension of the GR131 allows you to discover a lesser-known side of the island. You will hike through the impressive Tamadaba Natural Park, across the higher mountain areas of Gran Canaria and through the unique landscape of the Barranco de Guayadeque. Along the way, you will experience the incredible contrasts that make the island so special: from green pine forests and rugged mountain landscapes to dry valleys, agricultural terraces and the coastline.
During this trekking tour, you will walk approximately 10 to 20 kilometres per day on well-marked hiking trails, old mountain paths and quiet roads. The route includes challenging climbs and descents, so a good level of fitness is important. The reward is a varied hiking experience with impressive views and the authentic character of Gran Canaria, far away from the busy tourist areas.
What makes the GR131 Gran Canaria via Agüimes so special?
🌲 Tamadaba Natural Park – Hike through one of the most beautiful mountain areas of Gran Canaria, with extensive Canary pine forests and views over the northwest coast.
🏔️ Tejeda and the central mountain area – Discover one of the island’s most beautiful mountain villages and hike through the rugged heart of Gran Canaria.
🏞️ Barranco de Guayadeque – A remarkable valley with traditional cave houses, unique rock formations and a rich cultural history.
🌊 From mountains to the coast – The route finishes in El Burrero on the east coast, allowing you to cross the island from the interior all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
🏡 Authentic accommodations – Stay in carefully selected places that match the character of the surroundings, including rural accommodations and charming stays.
🥾 Worry-free hiking – Your luggage is transported daily, allowing you to enjoy the route with only a light backpack.
Included in this hiking tour
✓ Luggage transport between accommodations
✓ All necessary transfers during the hiking tour
✓ Detailed Canary-Hiking travel guide with practical information
✓ Access to the Canary-Hiking travel app with daily programmes, routes, GPX files and accommodation details
✓ 1 month of free access to the Canary-Hiking travel app from the start of your trip
For this trip, we have added extra time in Tejeda, allowing you not only to complete the route but also to enjoy this special mountain village and its surroundings at a relaxed pace.
The first long stage from Agaete can be adapted according to your wishes. You can choose to split this stage into two shorter hiking days, giving you more time to enjoy the landscape and surroundings.
- From Agaete through the impressive Tamadaba Natural Park
- Hiking a unique variant of the official GR131 route
- Tejeda – one of the most beautiful mountain villages of Gran Canaria
- Across the highest parts of Gran Canaria
- The spectacular Barranco de Guayadeque
- Worry-free hiking with luggage transport and included transfers
- Including the Canary-Hiking travel app with all information during your trip
1 | Arrival in Las Palmas
Upon arrival at Gran Canaria Airport, our taxi will take you to your accommodation in Puerto de las Nieves, Agaete. This charming coastal village on the northwest side of the island is the perfect starting point for your hiking adventure.
Puerto de las Nieves is known for its relaxed atmosphere, seafood restaurants and Spanish tapas bars. You will stay in a comfortable accommodation including breakfast.
There is a supermarket nearby where you can buy food and drinks for the next day. We recommend doing this, as the first hiking stage is a challenging day and there are no restaurants or supermarkets along the route.
2 | Puerto de las Nieves – Artenara via Tamadaba
Today your hiking adventure begins with a challenging climb from the coastal village of Puerto de las Nieves towards the mountain village of Artenara, passing through the impressive Tamadaba Natural Park. This area, recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, is one of the most rugged and untouched parts of Gran Canaria.
The route starts climbing quickly. During the first 8 kilometres, you ascend to around 1,200 metres altitude. You walk through Canary pine forests, along rugged mountain slopes and through impressive valleys. The views over the remote northwest coast are one of the highlights of this stage.
After the climb, you reach Artenara, the highest village on Gran Canaria. Here you can discover the traditional cave houses carved into the rocks. A visit to the special chapel Virgen de la Cuevita, located inside a cave, is highly recommended.
You will spend the night in Artenara, surrounded by the impressive mountain landscape of the island.
Distance: 20 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1660 m / -440 m
*It is possible to split this stage into two hiking days. If you choose this option, the rest day in Tejeda will be cancelled.
3 | Artenara – Tejeda: A scenic stage through the heart of Gran Canaria
Today you continue your journey from the mountain village of Artenara towards Tejeda, one of the most beautiful and best-known villages of Gran Canaria. The distance is shorter, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings.
The route passes Cruz de Tejeda, a famous viewpoint and meeting point in the centre of the island. Here you can find local products, traditional crafts and enjoy beautiful views over the surrounding mountains. The weather at this altitude can change quickly, from cool and misty to bright and sunny.
Upon arrival in Tejeda, you can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of this charming mountain village. Discover its restaurants, terraces and small shops, and taste local specialities such as almond pastries, a typical product of the region.
Tejeda is more than just a stop along the route; it is a place where you can experience the authentic character of Gran Canaria.
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain/loss: +570 m / -740 m
4 | Tejeda – Extra hiking day or well-deserved rest day
Welcome to Tejeda, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the mountain atmosphere. You will stay here for two nights, giving you extra time to explore the surroundings.
Would you like to continue hiking? We have prepared a beautiful circular hiking route through the mountains around Tejeda.
Prefer to relax? Enjoy a terrace, taste local specialities or wander through the charming streets with traditional white houses and colourful balconies.
Optional hiking route:
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain/loss: +580 m / -580 m
5 | Tejeda – Barranco de Guayadeque
Today you hike one of the most impressive stages of the GR131 Gran Canaria. From Tejeda, the route continues towards the spectacular Barranco de Guayadeque, one of the most characteristic valleys on the island.
The trail leads through the mountainous interior of Gran Canaria, passing traditional cave houses and historic places where the island’s past is still visible.
During the descent, the landscape gradually changes. The mountain scenery makes way for a drier environment with typical Canarian vegetation, agricultural terraces and views over the valley.
You finish this stage in the area of Barranco de Guayadeque.
Distance: 21.7 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 m / -1070 m
*Would you like to shorten this stage? It is possible to take a bus or taxi from Tejeda to Cruz de Tejeda and start the hike from there.
6 | Towards Agüimes
Today you continue your hike towards the historic village of Agüimes.
The route follows the GR131 and once again shows the great diversity of Gran Canaria. During the descent, the mountain landscape slowly changes into a drier environment with palm trees, cacti and agricultural terraces.
Along the way, you can look back at the impressive Barranco de Guayadeque and the mountains you have crossed during the previous days.
The stage ends in Agüimes, a charming village with traditional Canarian architecture, narrow streets and welcoming terraces. A wonderful place to end the hiking day.
Distance: 9.5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +20 m / -710 m
7 | Descent to the coast: El Burrero
Today you complete the final stage of your trekking tour, from Agüimes to El Burrero on the east coast of Gran Canaria.
The route is relatively easy and offers a relaxed finish to your hiking journey. Slowly leaving the mountains behind, you descend towards the coast while the landscape changes from mountain scenery to open coastal surroundings.
As you approach El Burrero, you will see the Atlantic Ocean appearing in the distance. Your GR131 hiking adventure ends at the coast, where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
Distance: 7.2 km
Elevation gain/loss: +0 m / -280 m
* You can choose to skip the rest day in Tejeda and spend this rest day at the end of your trip in El Burrero instead. This option can easily be selected during your booking.
8 | Return journey information
If you have booked the 8-day trip, you will take a short taxi ride back to the airport independently.
Would you like to extend your stay on Gran Canaria? This is possible as well. We are happy to help you arrange additional nights or a longer stay on the island.
Included
- Duration: 8 days
- Airport transfer to your accommodation
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Extra hiking day in Tejeda
- Charming Casa Rural accommodations with a private room and bathroom
- Breakfast included at most accommodations
- Exclusive Canary-Hiking hiking pin
- STO Garant travel protection
- Access to the Canary-Hiking travel app
Excluded:
- Flights to and from Gran Canaria
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Booking fee (€25.00)
- Optional single supplement
- Optional luggage transport supplement for solo travellers
- Transfers outside the itinerary
Distance
89 km
Difficulty
Medium
Up
4840 m.
Down
3630 m.
Frequently Asked Questions – GR131 Gran Canaria
How challenging is the GR131 hiking tour on Gran Canaria?
The GR131 on Gran Canaria is a moderately challenging to demanding trekking route. You will hike an average of 15 km per day, with significant elevation gains during the first stages (up to 1,300 metres of ascent). A good level of fitness is therefore essential.
From the very first hiking day, you gradually climb from the coast into the mountainous heart of Gran Canaria. Once you have reached the highest part of the island, the route gradually descends towards your final destination, El Burrero. Throughout the journey, you’ll experience the island’s remarkable variety of landscapes, from lush pine forests and rugged mountains to dry valleys and the southern coastline.
How long does the trip take?
The standard GR131 Gran Canaria hiking tour lasts 8 days, including 6 hiking stages and 1 extra day in Tejeda. This additional day gives you the opportunity to relax or enjoy an optional circular hike through the beautiful mountain scenery around Tejeda.
If you prefer, you can split the first and most challenging hiking stage into two shorter days. In that case, the rest day in Tejeda is replaced by an extra overnight stay in Artenara. This option can be selected when booking.
Is the route well marked?
Yes. The GR131 on Gran Canaria is well marked for most of the route with the familiar red and white GR trail markings. In addition, many sections are signposted with official hiking signs.
To make navigation even easier, you will receive GPX files for every stage and access to the Canary-Hiking travel app, where all routes, maps and practical information are available offline. This allows you to hike with confidence, even at junctions where extra navigation may be helpful.
Is luggage transport included?
Yes. Daily luggage transport between the accommodations is included in the standard GR131 Gran Canaria hiking tour. This allows you to walk each stage with just a light daypack while your main luggage is transferred to your next accommodation.
If you prefer to carry all your own luggage, you can choose to exclude the luggage transport during the booking process. The travel price will then be adjusted accordingly.
What type of accommodation can I expect?
During the GR131 Gran Canaria hiking tour, you will stay in carefully selected Casa Rurales, small hotels and charming rural accommodations that reflect the authentic character of the island. Most accommodations offer a private room with a private bathroom, allowing you to relax in comfort after each hiking day.
Most stays include breakfast, and many accommodations are located in traditional mountain villages or peaceful natural surroundings, giving you the opportunity to experience the real Gran Canaria away from the busy tourist resorts.
What is the best time of year to hike the GR131 Gran Canaria?
The best time to hike the GR131 on Gran Canaria is from October to May. During these months, temperatures are generally pleasant for walking, especially in the mountainous interior of the island.
The autumn months (October and November) offer warm days and a good chance of clear weather. From February to May, the landscape is often greener after the winter rains and temperatures are comfortable for longer hiking stages.
During the summer months, temperatures in the lower areas can become very high, especially on exposed sections of the route. For this reason, we do not recommend hiking the GR131 during the hottest period of the year.
Keep in mind that Gran Canaria has different climate zones. In the mountains, weather conditions can change quickly, so it is always important to bring suitable clothing for cooler temperatures and changing conditions.
Can I book this trip as a solo traveller?
Yes, you can book the GR131 Gran Canaria hiking tour as a solo traveller. Many hikers choose to experience this trek independently, enjoying the freedom of walking at their own pace while having the security of a fully organised trip.
For solo travellers, a single supplement may apply when staying in private rooms. If you prefer to travel alone, we will arrange the accommodations, luggage transport, transfers and all practical details for you, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the hiking experience.
Are hiking poles recommended?
Yes, we recommend bringing hiking poles for the GR131 Gran Canaria. The route includes several long climbs and descents, with some steep and uneven sections where poles can provide extra support and stability.
Especially during the longer descents, hiking poles can help reduce the strain on your knees and make walking on rocky paths more comfortable. They are not essential, but many experienced hikers find them very useful on this type of terrain.
