OVERTOURISM ON GRAN CANARIA – WHY GUIDED HIKES ARE THE BETTER CHOICE AND PART OF THE SOLUTION
- Benjamin Doppscher
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 24
Perfect climate despite Kalima? When hiking on Gran Canaria becomes a challenge
It’s Thursday, 2:30 p.m. on Gran Canaria. Since yesterday, a dense layer of Calima has been covering the island – a weather phenomenon that has become increasingly frequent and intense in recent years.
With the Saharan dust comes oppressive heat, which can quickly turn a hike in the island’s interior – for example around Roque Nublo or Pico de las Nieves – into a real challenge. Especially in the afternoon, temperatures often rise significantly and can become extreme.
Nevertheless, the hike to Roque Nublo remains one of the most popular activities on Gran Canaria. Every day, hundreds of visitors are drawn to this iconic landmark, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
Regulation at Roque Nublo: A step against overtourism
The authorities have responded: access to Roque Nublo via the popular starting point La Goleta has been restricted.
Today, visitors usually arrive by shuttle bus – a measure that has significantly reduced traffic chaos around Ayacata and Llano de la Pez.
The result:
fewer illegal parking issues
increased safety on mountain roads
better protection of nature
However, the problem has not disappeared – it has simply shifted.
The challenge of overconfidence
While direct access is regulated, alternative routes – such as the hike from La Culata to Roque Nublo – remain freely accessible. And that’s a good thing!
However, these longer hikes (approx. 2 hours ascent) increasingly attract inexperienced hikers who often underestimate the effort required for a full-day hike and overestimate their abilities.
Microclimate on Gran Canaria: a phenomenon with many faces
The microclimate in the Canary Islands can lead to dramatic weather changes within just a few hours. You may start your hike under clear blue skies, only to find yourself in dense fog just around the next ridge.
In the long valleys in the south, however, you will often encounter intense heat – especially in the afternoon – and shade is rarely available.
Two liters of water per person, appropriate clothing, and careful planning are essential. A weather app alone is not enough – packing your daypack wisely is key.
Guided hikes vs. Komoot & digital tools
Digital tools like Komoot are helpful for route planning – but they cannot replace local knowledge.
Guided hikes, especially small-group tours, offer clear advantages:
Local guides know hidden viewpoints around Roque Nublo
They select the best photo spots – often away from the main trails
They assess weather, wind, and visibility realistically
Small groups contribute to more sustainable tourism
And most importantly: not every day is suitable for hiking in the island’s interior.
Why drive long distances into the center of the island if you won’t see anything due to a sandstorm?
The best alternatives in poor conditions
Experienced guides actively choose less-known regions where you can escape the crowds.
Recommended destinations during strong Calima conditions include:
Barranco de Moya
Barranco de Azuaje
Pino Santo
These areas are often greener, quieter, and offer a completely different hiking experience compared to the classic hotspots such as Pico de las Nieves or the trails around Llano de la Pez.
Hiking tourism on Gran Canaria: opportunity and risk
Blog posts like “Top 5 places to visit on Gran Canaria” or “hidden gems” provide inspiration – but they also contribute to the overcrowding of certain locations.
Hiking tourism on Gran Canaria is still in a sensitive development phase. The island now has the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of classic mass tourism.
Both guides and visitors – we all can contribute. Let’s take care of the fragile plant of hiking tourism so it doesn’t get crushed or turn into a problem at an early stage.
Guided small-group hikes as a solution to overtourism
Individually tailored guided day hikes on Gran Canaria actively help relieve overcrowded areas.
Why?
Local guides:
distribute visitor flows more effectively
know alternative routes to hotspots like Roque Nublo, Pico de las Nieves, or Tejeda
include lesser-known regions in their tours
The result: A more sustainable form of tourism that respects nature and supports the local community.
Because beyond ecological sustainability, social sustainability is equally important.
Hiking tourism has the potential to keep remote and structurally weaker regions of the island alive.
Many examples already show that formerly abandoned villages and regions on Gran Canaria have gained new perspectives through nature-based tourism.
Become part of the solution
Let’s leave Roque Nublo in peace for a moment and set out toward new and unknown horizons beneath the white blanket of the Canary cloud sea. Thank You 🙏🏽
Your benefits: guided hikes on Gran Canaria
Discover hidden places away from tourist crowds
Benefit from local knowledge and insider tips
Increased safety with experienced guides
Optimal route selection depending on weather (e.g. Calima)
No planning stress – just enjoy the experience
Travel more sustainably and help reduce overtourism
Find the best photo spots near Roque Nublo
FAQ – Geführte Wanderungen auf Gran Canaria
Is a guided hike on Gran Canaria worth it?
Yes, especially in the island’s interior. Local guides understand the weather, routes, and hidden highlights far better than apps.
Is the Roque Nublo hike difficult?
The short route from La Goleta is easy. Longer routes, such as from La Culata, are significantly more demanding and require proper preparation
When is the best time to hike on Gran Canaria?
In the summer months (June – September), it’s best to hike early in the morning to avoid the heat. During the winter season, hiking on Gran Canaria is generally possible throughout the day.
Regardless of the season, you should always be prepared for rapid weather changes and plan your hikes with sufficient time reserves.
How does Calima affect hiking?
Calima brings heat, poor visibility, and dry air. Especially in summer, the risk of wildfires increases, which can lead to trail closures.
Guided hikes on Gran Canaria help assess these risks and choose safer routes.
What are alternatives to Roque Nublo?
Good alternatives include hikes around Pico de las Nieves, in the Caldera de Bandama, or in the lush green north of the island.
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