Road cycling routes in Gran Canaria They're some of the best you can find in Europe for winter cycling, and we say that from experience: we live here and we cycle here all year round. On an island 50 kilometers on each side, you go from sea level to almost 2.000 meters Without leaving the road, with mountain passes over 30 kilometers long and temperatures that rarely force you to stay indoors. We'll be posting here. our routes with their tracks We'll do it as we go, plus all the practical stuff we wish we'd known the first time. Here we go!
ROAD BIKE ROUTES IN GRAN CANARIA
✔️ Road cycling routes in Gran Canaria
These are the best road cycling routes in Gran Canaria that we have made. In each one you will find the distance, total elevation gain, profile, and track in .GPX formatIn addition to our photos and an honest account of our experience: what we liked, what felt long, and what we would do differently. We add new routes every season, so Save this page to your favorites.
✔️ Practical tips for road cycling in Gran Canaria
What development will bring
This is the classic mistake of someone coming here for the first time. The ports here are long And there are ramps that reach 12-14% when you least expect it. If you're coming from riding on flat terrain, It brings plenty of developmentYou'll be incredibly grateful for a larger gear after two hours of climbing. And don't rely on the average gradient; it's deceiving in Gran Canaria.
Road bike rental in Gran Canaria
If you don't want to struggle with your bike bag, there are places on the island. road bike rental shops with good equipment, especially in the area of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico, and also in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – City Life, History & Island VibesAlmost all of them rent bikes by the day with a helmet and repair kit, and many will deliver them to your hotel. They get crowded in high season, so book in advance.
Where to stay if you're coming to cycle
It depends on the type of routes you want to take. on (Maspalomas, Meloneras, Mogán) is the most common base: it has the largest selection of hotels cycling friendly with a workshop and garage for bicycles, and from there the climbs to the summit begin. north and the capital They drop you off closer to the island's green areas and are a better option if you want a less touristy stay. We tell you all about it in our guide. where to stay in Gran Canaria.
Safety and traffic: what you need to know
⚠️ Four things you can learn quickly here:
- The descents are very long. Riding downhill for 30 kilometers straight heats up your brakes and cools down your body. Always carry a windbreaker in your backpack.
- No highway. The GC-1 is closed to bicycles. Use the old coastal road, which is also much more scenic.
- Buses and blind curves. On the summit roads there is bus traffic and blind curves: lights on during the day and wear visible clothing.
- Bring plenty of water. There can be many kilometers of nothing between towns, especially in the west of the island.
Check road conditions before you leave
On an island with so many ravines, a landslide or construction work can cut your route in half and leave you with no reasonable alternative. Before planning a long hike or a trip around the island, Check the road conditions on the website of Cabildo of Gran CanariaIt has saved us more than once on Sundays.
Cycling events on the island
If you like to coincide with the atmosphere, Gran Canaria has cycling calendar Almost all winter, with marches and races spread across the island. Dates change every year, so confirm them on the official website of each event before booking your flight.
✔️ How to download and follow our GPX tracks
All our routes include a Downloadable track in .GPX format which you can load onto your GPS, cycling computer, or mobile phone. If you've never done it before, we explain the process step by step in our guide. How to follow a track with Guru Maps, which works without coverage and has gotten us out of more than one tight spot at the summit.
✔️ More bike routes in Gran Canaria
If you're also drawn to the mountains as well as the road, we have specific guides for the other disciplines with their tracks:
- MTB routes in Gran Canaria: all the mountain bike tracks on the island.
- Gravel bike routes in Gran Canaria: routes designed specifically for gravel bikes.
- Gran Canaria by enduro bike: the most technical descents, with their level and their slope.
- Best hiking trails in Gran Canaria: in case you want to get off your bike for a day.
- What to see and do in Gran Canaria: the island's must-sees.
✔️ Frequently asked questions about road cycling in Gran Canaria
Why is Gran Canaria a good destination for road cycling?
Because it is a continent in miniatureYou can have breakfast on the beach, cross a pine forest at a thousand meters, and descend into a deserted ravine all in the same outing. This concentration of landscapes and elevation changes in such a short distance, combined with the good weather, is what makes many professional cyclists Choose the island for your winter training camps.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Gran Canaria?
Here Filming takes place twelve months a yearBut the ideal window goes from October to MayIt's also possible in summer, by getting up early and avoiding the midday hours, especially in the south and in the ravines. Two warnings: trade winds It almost always blows from the northeast and influences the direction in which you plan your route, and if it comes in haze It's better to change your plan than to act brave.
Are the ports of Gran Canaria rough?
More than they seem on paper. Here there is no intermediate valley to rest inThe roads start practically at the edge of town and climb straight up to the summit, so any ascent to the high area becomes a port of between 30 and 45 kilometersAdd to that the fact that the track is constantly curved and you can't draft or hide: you have to manage your pace. The average gradient is deceiving.
Do we need to wear a windbreaker even if it's hot?
Yes, always. On the coast you can go out in short sleeves, but it gets quite chilly at the summit, and on top of that, the descents are... 30 kilometers in a rowWe've learned this the hard way, after being cold more than once: the windbreaker goes in your backpack even if the day looks perfect.
Is it possible to cycle around Gran Canaria on a road bike?
Yes, and it's one of the island's biggest challenges. You can do it in a day if you're feeling very energetic, although it's much more enjoyable spread over two or three stages. Before planning, it's advisable to Check the condition of the roads on the west coastwhich is where there are usually works and cuts.
Where to rent a road bike in Gran Canaria?
There are specialized stores in Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico and Las Palmas de Gran CanariaMost offer high-end bikes and hotel delivery. They sell out quickly during peak season, so it's best to book before you travel.
Is it dangerous to cycle on the roads of Gran Canaria?
The summit roads are in good condition and local drivers are used to cyclists, but there are blind curves and bus trafficWith lights on during the day, visible clothing, and caution on long descents, it's a very pleasant ride. Bicycles are prohibited on the GC-1 motorway.
Is it worth bringing your own bike or renting one there?
If you're only coming for a few days, renting is worthwhile and you save on airline fees and setup costs. If you're staying for a longer period or you're very particular about your position, it's better to bring your own. What is non-negotiable in both cases is... check the brakes thoroughly: very long mountain passes are descended here.
Gran Canaria Guides
If you want to make the most of your trip without spending hours searching online, we have Island guides and daily itineraries, with a foodie guide, a beach guide, and the must-sees of each area. Perfect for combining cycling days with the rest of your trip. They are available in Spanish and English. You can see all the packs by clicking below.
5% discount on your travel insurance
If you're planning to climb mountain passes far from home, travel insurance that covers sports activities will save you a lot of trouble. As our reader, you have a 5% discount on all policies IATI Insurance, with whom we book each trip. If you're traveling from the mainland, the policy that suits you is the one from Getaway.
