Walkers from more than 15 countries head to Gran Canaria for international festival

Gran Canaria is preparing to welcome walkers from around the world for the 15th Gran Canaria Walking Festival, taking place from 15th to 18th October.

The international hiking event has already attracted 136 participants representing more than 15 nationalities, including walkers from the UK.

Other countries represented include Iceland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Norway, Italy, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Taiwan and Japan.

Participants from several Spanish regions and other Canary Islands will also take part.

Four Routes Across Gran Canaria

The festival will feature four guided routes designed to showcase Gran Canaria's natural environment, culture, gastronomy and rural communities.

It begins on Thursday 15th October with Descenso al Corazón de la Caldera, travelling from Llanos de la Pez to Tejeda.

Friday's route runs from Cruz de Tejeda to Teror, before walkers travel between Firgas and Valleseco on Saturday.

The festival concludes on Sunday with a route from Santa Lucía de Tirajana to La Jaira de Ana in Agüimes.

The final day will give participants an opportunity to learn more about rural life and livestock farming while sampling locally produced food.

Tourism Beyond the Resorts

The festival is organised by Gran Canaria Natural & Active and supported by Turismo de Gran Canaria.

One of its main aims is to encourage visitors to explore the island's interior and rural municipalities, spreading tourism activity beyond the traditional coastal resort areas.

According to tourism data presented alongside the event, 24% of visitors to Gran Canaria in 2025 participated in nature-related activities.

Those visitors recorded an average stay of 11.6 days and average expenditure of €1,530 per trip.

The festival package includes specialist guides in different languages, transport from two collection points, insurance, food and tastings.

The councils of Tejeda, Teror, Valleseco and Agüimes are collaborating with this year's event.