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Are you looking for the best hikes in Gran Canaria to go adventuring with your baby? Well this list of baby friendly hiking trails covers the most beautiful parts of the island.
We just came back from another incredible holiday in the Canary Islands, this time exploring the wonderful island of Gran Canaria. And of course we brought our little adventurer César along with us!
At the time of our holiday he was 5,5 months old and his wake windows were already a lot longer than they were in Tenerife where he usually slept during the entire hike. But not this time! His little eyes were looking around in wonder the entire time and while he might not remember these moments in the long run we’ll cherish these new memories we made forever.
In this guide you’ll find a list of all of the hikes that we embarked on in Gran Canaria, as well as some essential tips for hiking with a baby and what not to forget. For your convenience I’ve also included a map of the best baby friendly hikes in Gran Canaria as well as the exact hotel that we stayed at and driving times to the start of the hiking trail.
We decided to base ourselves in one place. César does very well in his car seat and he loves to sleep while driving in the car so hooray for nap time!
Some of these hikes are also perfect to do with your toddler so I made sure to also include that if it’s the case!
The 6 best hiking trails in Gran Canaria
To make this guide as easy as possible for you i’ve listed these hikes according to their length and difficulty based on our own experience.
1. Barranco de Las Vacas
Hiking Distance – 850m
Elevation – 30m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 30 minutes
Level – Easy
Parking Lot – There are only 2 parking spaces next to the start of the hiking trail right here. Don’t use the pin for Barranco de Las Vacas on Google Maps cause the start of trail is located on the other side of the road which I linked above. If that space is full there ‘s some more spots next tot the road a little further down the road.
Best time to go – Go as early as possible! We went before we had breakfast and arrived around 7.30am
Toddler proof? – Yes
The hiking trail to the Barranco de las Vacas starts right next to the GC-550 and you can clearly see it if you put Google Maps into satellite mode. The trail goes down into the ravine at a steady incline but it’s a gravel path with some loose rocks here and there so make sure to wear good trainers or hiking boots.
At the turn off go to the right and go over the small stone wall using the stairs on the side of it. You’ll continue through the ravine a little more and go through a tunnel underneath the viaduct. After a short walk you’ll enter the canyon.
The Barranco de las Vacas is a very short canyon. This is also one of the main reasons why you should visit early. It can get pretty crowded during the day and due to the limited amount of space it would be nearly impossible to take some nice photos.
🚘 Driving time from Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria – 34 minutes
2. Charco Azul
Hiking Distance – 2.9km
Elevation – 188m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 1 hour
Level – Easy
Parking Lot – There ‘s a parking lot for about 15 cars at the start of the small town where the trail to Charco Azul starts.
Best time to go – This hike leads to a beautiful waterfall so best to go during rainy season. Although that’s exactly what we did but due to the hot and dry weather this winter there was only a small drizzle visible.
Toddler proof? – Yes, although you might have to carry them in one part where the trail goes up along a wide rock.
Charco Azul is a beautiful hidden gem in Gran Canaria that will lead you to a secret oasis in the heart of the Tamadaba Natural Park.
Tucked away in the island’s rugged terrain, this spot is all about the journey and the destination. The trail might challenge you a bit, but it’s totally worth it when you arrive at this stunning natural pool.
I had to open up my AllTrails app a couple of times cause the trails in Gran Canaria aren’t always well marked. But we managed to find the waterfall and its pool rather quickly. Although I would not advise you to go swimming. When we were there the water looked extremely dirty and since it’s a small pool it’s probably filled with bacteria.
🚘 Driving time from Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria – 1 hour 20 minutes
3. Roque Nublo Hike
Hiking Distance – 3.1km
Elevation – 187m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 1.5 hour
Level – Easy
Parking Lot – There’s a parking lot right across from the start of the hiking trail towards Roque Nublo.
Best time to visit – Roque Nublo is one of the most famous hiking trails in Gran Canaria and while there is an actual parking lot it’s definitely not big enough for the amount of visitors during the day. We arrived around 10am and scored one of the last spots.
Toddler proof? – Yes! We saw a ton of young children along the trail. Just make sure to keep an eye on them around the rock formation itself.
Hiking to Roque Nublo is a must-do for anyone visiting Gran Canaria. This iconic rock formation stands majestically in the heart of the island, offering panoramic views that are simply breathtaking.
The trail to the top is well-marked and manageable for most fitness levels, winding through pine forests and rugged landscapes that capture the essence of Gran Canaria’s natural beauty.
Reaching the summit, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view of the island, from the vast Atlantic Ocean to the distant peaks of Tenerife’s Mount Teide on a clear day.
🚘 Driving time from Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria – 1 hour 8 minutes
📖 READ MORE – The Stunning Roque Nublo Hike In Gran Canaria
4. Caldera de Bandama
Hiking Distance – 3.5km
Elevation – 211m
Route Type – Loop
Duration – 1.5 hour
Level – Easy to Moderate
Parking Lot – You can park your car alongside the road here.
Best time to visit – I actually loved visiting this place in the middle of the day. The sun was hot but was also lighting up every part of the crater.
Toddler proof? – Yes but due to the steep incline and decline I would advise to put them in a carrier.
Hiking around the Caldera de Bandama in Gran Canaria is like stepping onto the set of a nature documentary. This massive volcanic crater, with its impressive 1-kilometer diameter, offers a unique circular trail that takes you through a variety of landscapes.
As you navigate the rim and perhaps venture down into the crater itself, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
The area is a haven for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, with its rich flora and intriguing volcanic formations.
💡 TIP – Make sure to also stop at the Pico De Bandama from where you’ll have a birds eye view over the crater.
🚘 Driving time from Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria – 45 minutes
5. Guayedra Beach Hike
Hiking Distance – 4.6km
Elevation – 279m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 2 hours
Level – Moderate
Parking – The hiking trail starts in the town of Agaete at the intersection of the GC-200 and the GC-172. This is the exact starting point and you can park your car freely in the street.
Best time to visit – This is an incredible hike to undertake in the more late afternoon. I don’t recommend hiking on a windy day cause you and your baby will be covered in sand at the beach.
Toddler proof? – No. Part of the hiking trail is alongside the GC-200 and far too dangerous to undertake with young children.
The hike to Guayedra Beach consists of 3 parts. There’s the start of the hike which leaves from Agaete and follows an easy trail with a steady incline. This part of the trail then ends up at the GC-200. For the first part you can walk alongside the road but soon the drop off on the right is too steep so you have to go over the railing and walk along the road itself.
The third part of the trail to Guayedra Beach is a steep incline down the Guayedra ravine. In the beginning there are some railings to help you navigate but for the most part it’s loose volcanic rock so make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots.
On the beach you’ll find some manmade stone walls to take cover from the wind. Unfortunately when we visited the wind was simply too strong so after giving César his bottle we decided to turn back to our car.
🚘 Driving time from Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria – 1 hour
6. Los Azulejos
Hiking Distance – 7.1km
Elevation – 557m
Route Type – Loop
Duration – 3.5 hours
Level – Hard
Parking Lot – There are a few parking spaces alongside the road at the start of the hiking trail.
Best time to visit – This was definitely the hardest hike that we did and I strongly advise you to start early so that the steepest climb is over and done with before the hottest part of the day.
Toddler proof? – Only as a mix of self walking and carrying.
Hiking Route 2 to Charco Azul in Gran Canaria is a hidden gem for those looking for a bit of adventure mixed with stunning natural beauty. This trail might be a bit off the beaten path, but it’s a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes of the island.
We did the loop clockwise and this way the steepest part is the incline which is always a little safer in my opinion. Also, I prefer to get the hardest part over and done with.
During this hike we also had to use our AllTraills app a couple of times to help us navigate.
Once back down you’ll have to follow the GC-200 for a bit until you arrive back at your car.
📖 READ MORE – The Colorful Los Azulejos Hike In Gran Canaria
💡 TIP – Nothing better than a fresh juice after a long and exhausting hike! Make sure to grab one at the local shop next to the road.
🚘 Driving time from Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria – 43 minutes
📖 WANT MORE BABY FRIENDLY HIKES? READ MY GUIDE ON THE BEST BABY FRIENDLY HIKES IN TENERIFE
The best time to go hiking in Gran Canaria
The best time to go hiking in Gran Canaria is during the cooler, more temperate months from October to April. During this period, the island’s rugged landscapes and coastal trails are bathed in a mild climate, offering a respite from the scorching summer heat.
But do keep in mind that even during these months the temperature in Gran Canaria can lead up to 30°C. This was the case during our holiday and we went in mid February.
When it comes to the time of day I advise you to start as early as possible. That is, when your baby is fed and has pooped. That’s at least one diaper blowout less that you have to worry about on the trail!
Our morning routine in Gran Canaria was as followed:
- Wake up time between 6am and 6.30am
- First feeding around 6.45am
- We were able to go down for breakfast from 7.30am. If you’re not staying at a hotel you can save some time here.
- Leave the hotel between 8.30am and 9am, depending on diaper changes and spit ups :D
Essential items to bring with you when hiking with a baby
- Sunscreen SPF50 – Make sure to reapply it regularly and always use sunscreen specifically for a baby!
- Sun Hat – Keep their little head protected from the sun
- Trekking poles – When hiking with a baby in a carrier your balance will automatically be shifted and it’s super important to keep a good balance.
- Backpack – You’ll need a comfortable backpack to carry of all those baby items. We actually use my Thule Covert bag, which is a camera bag. It has two separate compartments. The top one we use to store his bottles, milk and bibs while the bag part is used for spare clothes, diapers, wet wipes and a changing mat.
- A good baby carrier – We’ve been using his Artipoppe carrier which has amazing back support. And it’s stylish as well ;).
- Spare Clothes for your baby – You’ll never know when those diaper blowouts will hit.
- Diapers, wet wipes and a foldable changing mat
- Milk – We count how many feedings César will need during the time were away and then always bring one extra feeding with us.
- Bibs and tetra cloth
Where to stay when hiking with a baby in Gran Canaria
We chose to stay at Paradisus by Meliá Gran Canaria and it was the best decision we could have made. The hotel is located at Playa de San Agustín and boasts incredible ocean views.
My main draw to the hotel was its design and their luxury all inclusive service. Our baby stayed for free and we got a beautiful cot set up for him in our room. There are several restaurants in the hotel but one of the biggest benefits for me was their lavish buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You never know how dinner will go with a baby and with a buffet you have a less strict schedule and can take care of your little one if he needs you.
They had plenty of high chairs for kids and also a kids pool where he could test the water without being too cold in the big swimming pool.
I also loved the driving distance to most attractions so our car time never was too short. This way César could enjoy a good nap in his carseat before embarking on a new adventure.
The hotel also has an adults only section so no angry looks from other people if your baby gets fussy. Not that this should bother you but I know a lot of parents will absolutely love this.
CLICK HERE FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY AT PARADISUS BY MELIÁ GRAN CANARIA.
Map of the best baby friendly hikes in Gran Canaria
🗺️ How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
If you have any questions about how to visit Gran Canaria or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Gran Canaria
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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