Cicerone Walking On Gran Canaria

Description

Cicerone – Walking on Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria may be primarily known as holiday destination for its sun-kissed beaches, but beyond the resorts, the island offers many peaceful and charming country and hill opportunities for walkers. The central area is protected as a Parque Natural, with lush green terraces climbing up to the rocky towers of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. The walks also explore deep barrancos, extensive pine and laurisilva forests and the islands towns. 

There are walks suitable for those of all abilities, ranging in landscape from coastal clifftops to the dramatic volcanic mountains inland. Walks venture through villages and towns, and up to the summits of the highest peaks on Gran Canaria. Also included in the book is a five-day coast-to-coast route on the GR 131. The GR 131 is an island-hopping long-distance trail stretching across all seven of the Canary Islands.

The guidebook not only provides detailed route descriptions, but practical information on how to make the most of your trip to Gran Canaria. Transport, accommodation, language, food, currency are all covered, along with geological, historical and cultural information on the many sights along the way.

• 45 routes with detailed contour mapping and breathtaking photography
• full background information and practicalities on Gran Canaria
• spring and autumn are ideal times to go, and winter has very little chance of snow
• the fourth in a five-book series to the Canary Islands. Others include Walking on Tenerife, Walking on La Gomera and El Hierro, Walking on Lanzarote and Fuerteventure, and Walking on La Palma 

Activities
Island walking, day walking and long-distance. Coastal, forest, hill and semi-desert landscapes.

Seasons
High summer is popular, but too hot for walking. Good winter walking is possible, with only a very rare chance of snow on high mountains. Spring is ideal and autumn is tolerable.

Centres
Most people stay in the city or resorts – Las Palmas, Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés – but there are quieter alternatives.

Difficulty
Routes vary from short and easy to long and arduous. Many paths are rough and stony, so good footwear is required. The highest mountains are sometimes covered by low cloud, but sun protection will be needed more than waterproofs. Plenty of water should be carried in some arid places.

Must See
Rugged, well-settled uplands dominated by towers of rock – Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. Long-distance coast to coast route. Deep and rugged barrancos. Scenery from mountains to extensive pine and laurisilva forests, with semi-desert and amazing cliff coastlines. Peaceful and charming rural locations, despite being in one of the world’s most popular holiday spots.