Gran Canaria Cycling Holiday: Your Quick Guide
If you’re considering a Gran Canaria cycling holiday, then here are things I’d like to share with you which I hope will help you have the best cycling holiday experience.
I remember my first visit to the Canary Islands. That very first impression as the plane came in for landing, I still recall thinking to myself how barren the islands seemed, despite having seen many photos and videos on the internet before arriving.
However, as I set out exploring, I was pleasantly surprised by the wide range of microclimates and different contrasts the Canary Islands have to offer. The place grew on me. Gran Canaria is no different and offers amazing volcano-sculpted coastlines, its tallest mountain Pico de Las Nieves at almost 2000 metres, which is surrounded by fertile and scenic valleys.
Gran Canaria is probably the most popular of all the Canary Islands for cycling, not only due to its mild year-round climate, but also its excellent infrastructure of roads as well as sporting hotels, hospitals and other sporting services. It’s so popular in fact, that the Gran Canaria tourism board even has its own Sports Travel brand, TriBikeRun, promoting it as a unique sporting destination. Download your a FREE Sports Travel Guide to Gran Canaria below.
After reading the Gran Canaria sports travel guide, I’m pretty confident you’ll be adding this exciting sports destination to your cycling holiday bucketlist.
Here are some interesting things you should know about Gran Canaria:
It’s spring all year round
Gran Canaria is a popular winter getaway destination, especially for those in northern Europe looking to escape the long winter. Although flights times are a bit longer than to a standard southern European destination, they are at least direct and affordable.
Gran Canaria is a destination you can visit all year round. Both their winters as well as their summers are mild. It always seems like Spring, with maximum temperatures at 25ºC and minimums at 18ºC.
In general, short sleeves and sun-cream will be all you need, especially if you stay on the coastal roads. However, if you intend to do some more serious climbing it’s advisable to bring arm warmers are something for the rain. As you head up Pico de las Nieves, the weather can quickly turn on you.
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail
There is an incredible variety of cycling routes available for riders of all levels. Most of the roads on the island are smooth, however, some are not. You won’t regret doing your homework. Find some recent and top reviewed routes near to where you are staying on your favourite platforms such as Wikilok, Komoot, and Strava.
For those who like climbing, Pico de las Nieves is a must, with its long and challenging ascent to the summit at almost 2000 metres above sea-level. On a clear day, the panoramic views overlooking the island are breath-taking! It’s probably not a good idea to tackle this one on your first day.
Another challenge could be to do a loop of the whole island. Depending on the route, it could be over 200 km including some decent climbs. If you’re up for it, it’s generally recommended to do the loop clockwise. You want the wind to blow in your favour when you’re on the east of the island and heading south. Doing it counter-clockwise could break your cycling holiday.
Whatever route and challenge you decide to go for, always carefully check the weather forecast, especially when heading into the mountains. The weather can turn quickly, and before you know it you could be stuck in fog or rain showers.
Whether you stay along the coast or head up into the mountains, or both, you’ll need to pack wisely. Not only in terms of apparell but gadgets too. Don’t worry, I’ve done your homework for you.
Download your FREE Cycling Holidays Packing List below.
Or check out the 10 Most Forgotten Items on a Cycling Holiday Packing List by clicking here.
And always bring plenty of water with you on your rides and fill up your bottles at every given opportunity. There are some parts of the island where there aren’t any water fountains plus there can be long stretches before you reach the next towns to stop at cafés or supermarkets.
Due North
Tourists all tend to head down to the south of the island. This is where you’ll find the majority of the hotels and resorts including Maspalomas. However, the locals all tend to ride in the northern part of the island, which is quieter and has less tourism.
If you like getting away from the crowds and mingling with the locals, then I can recommend checking out the town of Agaete, located in the north-west of the island. It’s just half an hour from the capital, Las Palmas.
Agaete is a typical town with white houses and Canarian balconies. Puerto de Las Nieves is a 15-minute walk from the town, and here is where you’ll find the best places to eat and the two main beaches. It’s also from here you can take the ferry to and from Tenerife. A short walk along the coast will take you to the natural pools of Las Salinas.
Agaete is a typical town with white houses and Canarian balconies. Puerto de Las Nieves is a 15-minute walk from the town, and here is where you’ll find the best places to eat and the two main beaches. It’s also from here you can take the ferry to and from Tenerife. A short walk along the coast will take you to the natural pools of Las Salinas.
Cycling hotel in the north of Gran Canaria
Occidental Roca Negra
The shortest route from Agaete to the summit of Pico de Las Nieves is approx. 40 km. Stopping in the village of Tejeda is recommended, and from here you have views towards a famous landmark protected by UNESCO called Roque Nublo, an 80-metre tall volcanic rock.
Just 5 km up the road from Agaete is Finca Los Castaños, Europe’s only coffee plantation. This is a great place to stop, learn and taste coffee. Besides coffee, you can also try other local products including cheese and wine.
Go local or go home
One of my favourite things to do when travelling is trying local dishes and products. There’s nothing like rewarding yourself and refuelling with some local dishes after a good workout. The Canarian gastronomy is quite simple and not as elaborate as the rest of Spain. But still tasty.
One of the most popular and typical local dishes to try would be “las papas arrugás”, which translated to English would be “Wrinkled Potatoes”. These are very well boiled potatoes in their skins, served with a delicious spicy sauce called “mojo picón”. If you don’t get around to trying them in a local Canarian bar or restaurant, it’s very likely you’ll be able to find them at the hotel’s restaurant. So, no excuses!
One of the benefits of self-guided cycling holidays is that you call the shots. Discover little towns and villages and stop where you like and whenever you like. Buying local helps support and improve the quality of life of the local population.
Locals in Gran Canaria are welcoming and respectful, and many will command a basic level of English. But nothing will impress them more than a bit of effort from your part to learn some local words. Some interesting words in “Canario” are Guagua (bus), Choso (home), tenderete (a good party), calufo (immense heat), and pelete (cold). I don’t think they know what cold is as they use the word “pelete” for anything below 18ºC.
Don’t leave without having visited…
Even though you’ll want to do most of your sight-seeing by bike. I would recommend hiring a car in Gran Canaria. The best place to do so is on the Award-winning site Discovery Cars. You can pick up the car straight from the airport and head to your favourite bike hotels in Gran Canaria.
Whether by bike or on your well-deserved rest days, don’t leave Gran Canaria without having visited some of these places.
Gran Canaria is a family-friendly destination and offers plenty of activity and excursion options. Some of the most popular family attractions include Dolphin and whale watching, beach buggy tours, and the crocodile park.
I usually don’t mention attractions with animals in captivity. The crocodile park, however, is a rescue centre, the only one in the Canaries. It´s home to many animals brought by individuals or seized by governments. Many have terrible stories of abuse and neglect before going there.
Book a Bike Hotel in Gran Canaria
Not only is Gran Canaria a well know sporting destination for its ideal climate, great infrastructure, and variety of routes and landscapes. But it also offers a wide range of premium bike hotels catering to avid cyclists seeking a cycling holiday or training camp in Gran Canaria.
The facilities and services available at sports hotels are truly amazing. For you as a cyclist, the most important one will probably be the fully equipped cycling centres with cycle hire options, storage, workshops, spare parts and accessories.
Bringing your own bike is also an option and rest assured it will be treated just like another guest. If you prefer to travel light, then you can always ship your bike using professional services like Sherpr.
But why not also complement your cycling training with some alternative workouts and core exercises in the inspiring and modern gyms available at the sports hotels.
For the days you’re not on out on the bike exploring the island, but still want to keep active and break a sweat, there are plenty of other sporting options, from tennis to golf.
All these facilities will keep the non-cyclists in your group active and healthy as well. Your family will be well taken care of as well, with plenty of activities and fun available for the kids.
Chances are you’ll be putting in some hard work on your bike when in Gran Canaria. So why not treat yourself to a bit of comfort and luxury when you’re off the bike. Get the rest your body needs, not only in terms of a good night’s sleep, but by making use of the amazing Spa facilities, sports massages, and athletes’ meals available in the hotel.
Surround yourself with like-minded people who share the same passions as you do. You will find the atmosphere in a sports hotel so energising and inspiring, that you’ll just want to keep coming back for more.
Read my blog post 7 Reasons To Stay In A Sports Hotel for more benefits as to why you should book a sports hotel for your next cycling holiday.
So, take advantage of the amazing facilities and services available at sports hotels and give yourself an amazing Gran Canaria cycling holiday experience.
The Best Bike Hotels in Gran Canaria
Hotel Suites & Villas by Dunas
Marina Elite Cycling & Sport Resort
H10 Playa Meloneras Palace
Occidental Roca Negra
Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity
Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso
Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa
Seaside Sandy Beach
Bike Hire Gran Canaria
With Gran Canaria being an established cycling holiday and training camp destination, there are plenty of options when it comes to renting a bike in Gran Canaria.
There are numerous bike shops and cycling centres on the island. Many of the bike hotels on the island even have their own on-site cycling centres offering premium bike rentals.
Some of the most popular bike hotels in Gran Canaria with cycling centres are Hotel & Villas by Dunas in Maspalomas, Seaside Sandy Beach also in Maspalomas, Hotel Gloria Palace in San Augstín, and Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa in Puerto de Mógan.
Being such as a popular cycling destination, it’s always recommended to book your bikes well in advance, especially if you’d like a specific model or size.
Quick Travel Links To Gran Canaria
Need help?
It’s not easy choosing from so many great bike hotels in Gran Canaria. Don’t worry, I’m passionate about sports travel and I’m dedicated to help you find not only the best cycling hotel for your cycling holiday in Gran Canaria, but the best deal, too!
I can even put a little personalised package for you including cycling hotels in Gran Canaria, premium bike rentals and airport transfers.
Leave me your details and requirements below, and I’ll get to work with a personalised offer!
-Dennis
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DISCOLUSURE: The hotels and products/services I recommend on Sports Hotels have been carefully handpicked and reviewed. None of them have been paid to be listed here. I may earn a small affiliate commission should you purchase through these links. This will no way affect the purchase price. I really appreciate your support!
