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Discover the Inland of Gran Canaria: A Guide to Beautiful Excursions

Gran Canaria is known for its breathtaking interior, which you can explore in different ways. Upon arrival at your hotel, bungalow or apartment, your tour operator’s hostess will recommend various excursions around the island included the Interior of Gran Canaria

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A popular way to discover the interior is via organized bus trips. These tours offer the advantage of seeing Gran Canaria’s main tourist attractions. Think of beautiful views, historic villages and unique nature reserves. The disadvantage of bus travel, however, is that you will not discover many of Gran Canaria’s hidden gems and that time at each attraction is often limited.

The interior of Gran Canaria stands out from other Canary Islands such as Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, as well as from the Balearic Islands such as Mallorca and Ibiza. Each of these Spanish holiday islands has its own unique character and charm. The interior of Gran Canaria is more than worth a visit, especially during autumn and winter. The mild temperatures and green landscape make it a perfect destination for hikers, nature lovers and adventurers.

For those seeking more flexibility and adventure, there are also opportunities to explore the interior by rental car, bicycle or on an organized hike. This way you can discover the lesser-known but equally beautiful parts of the island, such as remote mountain villages, hidden waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.

Adventure Excursions in the Interior of Gran Canaria: Motorcycle, Car or Jeep Safari

There are various options for adventurous tours through the interior of Gran Canaria. A popular option is a Jeep Safari, which allows you to get closer to nature and explore the heart of Gran Canaria. Just be prepared for dust and shock, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking outback locations.

But I know from experience that exploring the island with a rental car is still at the top. The rental cars on the island are reliable and certainly not expensive. Discovering the island by car has the advantage that you can really get everywhere.

There are several routes available for the car. If you have GPS, you can already plan a route at home via your smartphone. The roads inland are easily accessible. Respect the legal speed everywhere if you are not used to driving in the mountains.

Hike Along the Reservoirs of Gran Canaria: Discover Breathtaking Nature

During my visit to the interior of Gran Canaria I was welcomed by the serene beauty of the many reservoirs. These locations are perfect places to relax and unwind. Did you know that this small island has no fewer than 69 large reservoirs? Time to discover these natural wonders of Gran Canaria.

Presa de las Niñas: A Recreational Paradise

One of the impressive reservoirs I visited is Presa de las Niñas. Located at an altitude of 700 metres, this recreational spot attracts hundreds of tourists and locals every week. Located in the municipality of Tejeda, this spot offers spectacular views of the lake surrounded by majestic pine trees. Although the dam itself is nothing special, the surroundings and views make this lake a must-see. Here you can swim, fish, and organise barbecues with friends and family.

“Very nice lake, and drive to the lake nice place to bbq , however you have to like curves and dare to drive a bit in the mountains” Comment Zitteke D

The area is ideal for nature walks, and if you like photography, you can take beautiful pictures here. Facilities such as showers and sanitary facilities make a longer stay comfortable. The parking lot, renovated in 2015, offers space for 140 cars and 28 campers. For those who want to enjoy nature in peace, there are 430 picnic and camping pitches available, with more than 700 seats for recreational visitors. Presa de las Niñas is without a doubt one of the wonders of Gran Canaria.

“Beautiful lake in the mountains, great for hiking. On weekends it is also a favourite spot for locals, which gives a nice atmosphere. If you like peace and quiet more, go especially during the week early in the morning or in the evening” Comment Hobomo.

Presa de Soria: The Largest Reservoir

At an altitude of 120 meters, I visited the largest reservoir in the Canary Islands, Presa de Soria, located in the Barranco de Arguineguin, next to the village of the same name between the municipalities of Mogán and San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The construction of this impressive structure took ten years, from 1962 to 1972. With a water capacity of 15,000,000 m³, this lake is surrounded by a dazzling landscape full of lush palm trees.

Near the dam, I found the restaurant “Casa Fernando“, where you can taste authentic Canarian cuisine. Accessible on foot from the reservoir, the restaurant offers a delicious addition to your visit. We recommend taking the hiking trail that runs through the Nublo Rural Park and the Pilancones Natural Park. Also visit some impressive volcanic formations in the Cañada del Almácigo area. You will be able to see the traditional cave houses that still exist in Gran Canaria. Read more below the photos

Presa de Chira:

My last stop was at the Chira reservoir, or Presa de Chira, at an altitude of 875 meters in the municipality of San Bartolomé. Since its construction in 1964, this lake has overflowed into Presa de Soria several times. The lake is connected to the Barranco de Chira, a tributary of the Barranco de Arguineguin. Presa de Chira is unique for its constant water supply and the large surface area of ​​the reservoir. The landscape surrounding the lake is perfect for walks and offers a peaceful escape into nature.

Discover the Inland of Gran Canaria on Foot: An Adventure with the Locals

I can highly recommend exploring the interior of Gran Canaria on foot. Besides being good for your health, the island offers a pleasant and healthy climate that is ideal for hiking. With proper preparation, you can easily find rest stops with panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Gran Canaria is mountainous, so prepare your legs and feet for some work. These walks are not only perfect for losing weight, but especially for enjoying the beautiful nature, fauna and flora. The numerous small and rustic villages along the way offer an authentic experience. Here you can eat cheap, healthy and delicious food, from small snacks such as the famous tapas to extensive dishes in local restaurants.

During my walking tours I noticed how friendly and hospitable the locals are. The mountain people love a good conversation and share stories about their lives on the island. If you’re a bit sociable, don’t hesitate to have a chat. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you can achieve a lot with a pocket dictionary. The locals usually only understand Spanish, but always do their best to give you a hospitable welcome.

A walking tour through the interior of Gran Canaria is an unforgettable experience that brings you closer to nature and local culture. It’s a perfect way to discover the real Gran Canaria and stay fit at the same time.

Spend the night in the Countryside of Gran Canaria

Just like in United Kingdom, Scotland and Ireland, Rural Tourism (Turismo Rural) is on the rise in Gran Canaria. People are increasingly looking for peace and quiet and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of hotels. You can also sometimes call it staying with the farmer or a farm holiday, maybe it is there. With good agreements you can milk some goats, or pick grapes on a vineyard, …

Singles or couples who want to be one with nature, today choose to stay for a few days or a full holiday in one of the small hotels (Parador) or private homes (Fincas) on the island. Young people can spend the night in a local youth hostel. You will certainly find holiday homes in the interior of Gran Canaria.

Bed and Breakfast or AirBnb is less known here, yet if you look carefully you can find some. El Drago del Sao is a Bed & Breakfast a short distance from Arguineguin. Casa Macquincy is located not so far from Maspalomas and yet far from mass tourism. All the operators are happy to welcome you, even in Dutch. More information about rural tourism or agricultural tourism can be found on the website of Gran Canaria Rural or Eco Turismo Canarias

Plan your visit to the interior of Gran Canaria and be surprised by the versatility and beauty of this unique island.

Share Your Experiences and Suggestions about the Inland of Gran Canaria!

Have you explored the interior and countryside recently? We would love to hear about your adventures and recommendations! Your insights help us keep our tourism page up-to-date and improve it. Whether you have discovered a hidden gem, found a fantastic restaurant or have tips for other travellers, your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with us verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and help others make the most of their visit to this beautiful island. Together, we will create the ultimate guide to Gran Canaria!