Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria stands out as one of the most complete winter cycling destinations in Europe. The landscape is bold and varied, with high volcanic peaks, remote coastlines and deep barrancos that cut through the island’s interior. Roads twist and climb in all directions, linking sleepy villages with vast viewpoints and hidden valleys. The infrastructure is strong, the tarmac is mostly excellent, and the climate is dry, mild and stable, offering a sharp contrast to the cold and damp of the European mainland.
The riding suits a wide range of styles. You can climb for over 40 kilometres to reach Pico de las Nieves, spin along coastal flats, or test your legs on steep, narrow ascents that weave through terraced hillsides. In between are quiet roads and long ridgelines with uninterrupted views. From October through May, conditions are excellent for long rides, with minimal rain and comfortable temperatures. Summer remains perfectly rideable, especially in higher areas, but can be hot at lower elevations and better suited to early starts or shorter days.
Gran Canaria also sees regular visits from riders training for the season. Its consistent weather and mix of terrain make it well suited to base miles and structured efforts, and many cyclists choose it for early season blocks and organised training camps. The variety of gradients, the quality of the roads and the low rainfall create a natural environment for focused riding.
Off the bike, the experience is just as rich. You can base yourself in a quiet mountain village or choose the comfort of a coastal resort. Maspalomas, Vecindario, Agaete and Teror all offer strong combinations of good riding, reliable services and a local atmosphere that reflects the island’s blend of colonial heritage and rural life. Road bike rentals are widely available, especially in Maspalomas and Las Palmas, with a strong selection of top end bikes and professional level service.
Food, culture and natural variety round out the picture. Traditional mountain villages serve dishes rooted in rural Canarian life, while the coast leans toward fresh seafood and international options. On rest days, there are quiet coves, green ravines, archaeological sites and mountain trails to explore. All this makes Gran Canaria more than just a place to log miles. It is a place to enjoy the ride, from the first climb to the last café stop.
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Best time to ride
Gran Canaria enjoys one of the most stable climates in Europe, making it a reliable cycling destination all year round.
Winters are mild and mostly dry, with crisp mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures. Spring and autumn are widely considered the best times to ride, with warm, settled weather and longer daylight hours. Summers can bring high heat inland and at low altitudes, but early starts and high-mountain routes offer ways to adapt.
Rain is rare through the year, especially across the southern half of the island. Up north, you will see more cloud cover and the occasional winter shower.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Agaete
Agaete is a quiet coastal town tucked beneath steep volcanic cliffs on Gran Canaria’s northwest corner. It’s far from the bustle of the island’s tourist zones, offering a peaceful base with direct access to some of the most dramatic and remote terrain. From here, you can ride the wild coastal road to La Aldea de San Nicolás or head inland toward Alto de Los Moriscos or the Cruz de Tejeda, using scenic, low-traffic routes. The town itself has a handful of traditional restaurants and cafes, a charming port area, and a few well-located accommodations. It’s best suited to riders who value solitude, tough climbs and raw, natural scenery.
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Accommodations (12)
Places in Gran Canaria that welcome you and your bike.
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How to get there
- By ferry: Gran Canaria has conections from Cádiz on the Spanish mainland, as well as inter-island routes connecting Gran Canaria to Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
- By plain: With frequent flights connecting the island to mainland Spain and major cities across Europe. Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), located near the east coast, is well served by both full-service and low-cost airlines, and offers easy access to all parts of the island by road.
Bike Rentals (5)
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Shops (3)
Cafes & bars (16)
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Popular Climbs (14)
Cycling Routes (15)
Guriete Canyon
44km | 862m | Moderate
Like any loop on Gran Canaria, the scenery is spectacular from start to finish. You climb steadily up to Temisas, reaching the village after about 20 kilometers. From there the ride turns into a long and flowing descent on winding roads through the beautiful Guriete Canyon.
Ayagaures Dam
25km | 459m | Easy
The loop to Ayaguares and the Dam is a short and scenic loop. Riding it in this direction keeps the gradients friendly. Once you arrive at the Dam you can follow the reservoir lake for a little until it becomes unpaved, you can decided to continue off road if you feel like it.
Alto de Moriscos, Cruz de Tejeda and Artenara from Agaete
85.4km | 2211m | Hard
This circular from Agaete climbs to Alto de los Moriscos from Santa María de Guía, rising steadily through open farmland and forested slopes. From there, the route continues to Cruz de Tejeda, one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic climbs, tracing the island’s central ridge with wide views across ravines and volcanic peaks. The return drops west through the rugged hills near Artenara, descending along narrow valleys and quiet backroads to rejoin the coast near Agaete.
Loop du France
km | m
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Loop du France
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Loop du France
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Map of Gran Canaria - 54 pins
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