Gran Canaria

Cycling Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the central island of a volcanic African archipelago, and is essentially one gigantic mountain peak, streaked by valleys called ‘barrancos’, formed by aeons of erosion.
Due to this typography, the riding here is always mountainous- you can count the ‘flat-ish’ roads on the fingers of one hand.

A mountain goat's delight you might say, in the winter period you will as likely encounter a pro rider as a sun seeking hobby rider, united in enjoying the blessing of the sun drenched hills in the familiarity of Europe, due to the Spanish administrative status of the islands. Spanish is the primary language, but English will more than suffice in the touristy south.

Often described as a ‘micro-continent’, this roughly circular island with a diameter of barely 50km, contains contrasts that might be expected in hundreds or thousands of kilometres, but are here condensed into sharp juxtapositions of jungle beside Utah-esque desertscapes, dunes beside pine forests, babbling brooks beside arid lands dominated by cacti.

The bike is the best way to traverse these rises and falls and experience the island to the fullest, and if you can conquer this island, rest assured you are ready for whatever riding challenges the world might be offering you.

Gravel in Gran Canaria

Gravel riding in Gran Canaria is certainly a challenge. The riding is generally incredibly rough, loose, stony and unforgiving, and invariably steep.

This is not a place to dip your toes in as a gravel novice, and indeed makes more sense on a mountain bike in most circumstances.

If you do choose to ride a gravel bike here, there are certainly isolated rewards that will blow your mind! Just bring your best climbing legs, your sharpest reflexes for the descents, and be prepared to link up the nice sections with roads or hiking. The smoothest gravel road on the island is the Chira trail- this is the best place to get a flavour for gravel riding on Gran Canaria: everything else on the island is harder..!

More about Gravel in Gran Canaria >

Spots to ride