Valley of the Tears

Distance: 12.4km
Time: 1 day
Difficulty: very challenging

This brutally steep ride is well-named, and is the ultimate climbing challenge on Gran Canaria. If you’re staying on the coast there’s more than one route to reach the valley so you will clock up three-figure kilometres of overall distance. And, remember, if you’re heading inland the only way is up. The Valley of Tears itself is a draining 12.4km climb, with hairpin turn after hairpin turn and an average gradient over 11% with some sections at a heart-stopping 25%, all open to the elements, and including some steep drops on either side of the road.

The scenery is incredible but the ride is very remote so all the advice is to only attempt it if you are very fit and/or have a back-up vehicle support.

Maspalomas-Ayagaures-Maspalomas

Distance: 26km
Time: 2hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

This may be a short route, both in terms of distance and time, but it makes a good training ride in preparation for greater challenges or a satisfying one for less experienced road cyclists looking to boost their confidence. Starting the south at the resort of Maspalomas – which is also a popular base for cycle holidays, as are many of the south coast resorts – the route inland to the pretty mountain town of Ayagaures climbs gently uphill before a steep final ascent to the summit of Cima Pedro González.

From there, riders can catch their breath on an exhilarating descent past the botanical gardens and across the slopes of Montaña La Data back to the coast. If you fancy breaking the ride with a pit stop, you’ll find welcoming bars in Ayagaures.

Mountain Biking Routes

The Grand Canyon Tour

Distance: 42km
Time: 4hrs
Difficulty: Moderate

For less experienced MTB riders and even family groups, this is one of the classic Gran Canaria mountain bike tours – an ideal backcountry ride to and through the Grand Canyon area that’ll allow you to familiarise yourself with the spectacular environment and landscapes of the island. You can let it rip on the wide, fast tracks that wind along of a series of rocky canyons! Ride it in XC race mode, with an exciting final downhill at full speed. Or take your time, exploring your surroundings on the easy tracks.

Tejada y el Pico de las Nieves

Distance: 28km
Time: 4hrs
Difficulty: Hard

To appreciate the essence of a place sooner or later you’re going to have to stand at the highest point and this spectacular MTB ride to the Pico de las Nieves right in the centre of the island at 1,949m, achieves just that (although admittedly you can save your legs and drive up, but hey, this is about the ride). The uninterrupted views out over the Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, with its deep valleys and jagged ridges shrouded with vegetation and crowned with spectacular rocks are worth the effort.

This circular route also takes in the pretty mountain village of Tejada and the famous landmark of Roque Nublo – a rock monolith almost 90m high which was once a place of worship and has inspired painters, writers and musicians.

Camino de la Plata

Distance: 39km
Time: 4hrs 30mins
Difficulty: Expert

Tour operators such as Gran Canaria Mountain Bike are part of the lifeblood of the MTB tourism industry in Gran Canaria, and this iconic island Enduro route is one of their most popular tours. The descent starts from Pico de las Nieves at 1950m and ends by the ocean at Maspalomas.

The initial descent is down challenging rocky terrain, before opening into a flowing trail through a beautiful forest. This followed by a highly technical and demanding section with lots of rocks, steps and challenging steeps to satisfy the most seasoned Enduro rider. The tracks, carved into the sides of the canyons by the islanders, vary dramatically during the descent, with more fun, flowing fast stretches, and, naturally, the views are incredible.

For more information about cycling in Gran Canaria, go to grancanaria.com