The best traffic-free bike rides around Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers a fantastic selection of routes for gravel biking away from traffic. This guide features 9 curated routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island's stunning landscapes without vehicle interference.

You'll encounter incredibly diverse terrain. The island's interior is dominated by volcanic landscapes and rugged mountains, featuring significant elevation changes. Expect everything from resurfaced gravel paths to more technical singletracks with loose rocks and steep climbs. Routes like the View of the Canyon – Road Through the Gorge loop showcase the dramatic ravines and valleys.

Yes, many of the traffic-free gravel routes in Gran Canaria are designed as loops, offering a complete and immersive experience. For example, the Road Through the Gorge – Unpaved Section of GC-604 loop from Presa de Chira provides a challenging circular ride through the island's interior.

Gran Canaria's trails are rich with natural beauty. You can ride past iconic volcanic formations like Roque Nublo and enjoy panoramic views from Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest point. The routes often traverse deep ravines (barrancos) and offer glimpses of the diverse coastal areas, contrasting with the rugged mountains. The Tamadaba Natural Park in the northwest also offers beautiful landscapes to explore.

Gran Canaria boasts a generally favorable climate year-round, making it an excellent destination for outdoor sports almost any time. However, the cooler months from autumn to spring (October to May) are often preferred for more strenuous rides, as summer temperatures can be quite high, especially in the interior.

While many of Gran Canaria's gravel trails, especially those away from traffic, can be quite challenging with significant elevation changes and technical sections, there are options that might suit families with older, experienced riders. It's best to check the difficulty grade and elevation profiles carefully. This guide primarily features difficult routes, so look for shorter, less steep sections if riding with younger family members.

The traffic-free gravel trails in Gran Canaria are generally considered challenging. Out of the 9 routes in this guide, 8 are rated as 'difficult' and 1 as 'moderate'. Expect significant elevation gains, technical sections, and varied surfaces that require good fitness and bike handling skills. An example of a challenging route is the Road Through the Gorge – Unpaved Section of GC-604 loop from Lomo de Pedro Afonso.

Many routes start from towns or villages where parking is available, or near significant natural features. For instance, the View of the Canyon – Road Through the Gorge loop starts from Bar El Paso, and the Road Through the Gorge – Unpaved Section of GC-604 loop begins near Presa de Chira. Always check the specific route details for recommended starting points and parking information.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Gran Canaria, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic and diverse landscapes, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the unique experience of riding through volcanic terrain and deep ravines away from car traffic. The sense of remoteness and the panoramic views are frequently highlighted as major draws.

While many traffic-free gravel routes delve into the island's mountainous interior, some routes, particularly those closer to the northern coast, can offer glimpses of the ocean or lead to natural pools. The northern part of the island is known for its natural pools in areas like Agaete, Piscinas de Punta de Gáldar, and Piscina Norte de Gáldar, which can be refreshing spots to visit after a ride. Routes like the Plaza de Santa Ana – Las Canteras Beach loop offer a mix of urban and coastal views.