The Gran Canaria Tourism Councilor, along with the leaders of the Gran Canaria Natrual & Active Association, is presenting an initiative that, in its fourteenth edition, will take place from October 23 to 26 with the participation of 136 hikers of ten different nationalities.
Hiking enthusiasts from all over the world are preparing to embark on a new adventure with the Gran Canaria Walking Festival 2025, the hiking event organized annually by Gran Canaria Natural & Active, officially sponsored by the Gran Canaria Island Council through Gran Canaria Tourism and in collaboration with the municipalities of Artenara, Teror, Santa María de Guía, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
The 14th edition will take place from October 23rd to 26th and will feature a revamped program that includes four new routes through the diverse landscapes of Gran Canaria. The 136 registered participants will be able to better understand the municipalities of Artenara, Teror, Santa María de Guía, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana through their trails, culture, and local cuisine. Hikers include nationalities such as German, British, Scandinavian, Icelandic, Italian, Dutch, Polish, French, and Swiss. Also participating are visitors from Andalusia, Galicia, the Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, La Rioja, Castile and León, as well as Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria.
This initiative was presented at a press conference on Thursday, October 16. The event was attended by Gran Canaria Tourism Councilor Carlos Álamo; Miriam Rodríguez, owner of Artenatur and partner of Gran Canaria Natural & Active; Barbara Svehlakova, manager of the Gran Canaria Natural & Active Association; and Artenara Tourism Councilor Javier Díaz Santana.
“This is a well-established event within the island's Active Tourism offering,” explained Carlos Álamo. “It's a festival that perfectly embodies the spirit of sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism that we strive for and promote. One that highlights our natural heritage, the richness of the culture, and the life of the inland towns of Gran Canaria. Furthermore, through these initiatives, we encourage tourist mobility in our destination and thereby increase revenue in municipalities erroneously labeled as non-touristy. It's worth noting that between 2019 and 2024, revenue in these areas, traditionally excluded from tourism revenue, has increased by 66%, thanks to events and initiatives that encourage visitors to discover their natural and cultural riches, such as the Gran Canaria Walking Festival.”
For her part, Miriam Rodríguez pointed out that this initiative, as part of the work carried out by the Gran Canaria Natural & Active Association, is committed to a more sustainable tourism model connected to the region. She also stated that "Rural Tourism is more than just a beautiful house and a trail to explore. It's much more. It's about heritage, tradition, keeping our villages alive, culture, and employment in places where it's sorely needed. It involves anchoring the population to the region. We need to look back at the island's interior, value, rediscover, and, above all, re-inhabit these areas. Rural tourism is a powerful tool. It diversifies the economy and generates real opportunities so that young people don't have to emigrate, farmers continue to grow crops, heritage is preserved, and nature serves as a refuge and engine of development. But investment and more events along the lines of the Gran Canaria Walking Festival are needed."
Barbara Svehlakova announced the program's new features. The manager of Gran Canaria Natural & Active noted that one of the locations that promises to surprise will be the festival's closing ceremony at Finca Canarias Aloe Vera in Fataga. Among majestic cliffs, hikers will be able to relax and learn about organic aloe vera crops and artisan products.
With over ten years of history, this event has established itself as one of the world's must-see hiking events, attracting people of all ages and experience. Although it already enjoyed the loyal attendance of repeat hikers from the island and the rest of Spain, the festival has managed to establish itself among the leading European countries and even other continents.
It's worth noting that, on this occasion, the festival will feature the collaboration of the Artenara Town Council, the Santa María de Guía Town Council, the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Council, and the Teror Town Council. These institutions have joined forces to provide participants with an unparalleled experience through some of Gran Canaria's natural treasures. The first route is called "Artenara among pine forests with history." The second is "Teror and its rural secrets." The third and fourth are "Caideros among green paths and Descent to the emblematic Fataga," respectively.
In addition to the main route, each route includes a picnic and a lunch at the end of the day featuring local products. These breaks will be enriched by the collaboration of Smurfit Westrock, Flexográficas Canarias, Firgas - Aquavia, Gofio La Piña, Ahembo, Isola, Tirma, Costa Caleta – Plátanos de Canarias, Grupo FSM, La Jaira de Ana, Bimbo, and Quesos Bolaños.
Plus, registration includes specialized guides in several languages, transportation from two locations on the island, insurance, gifts, and many more surprises.
The asociación
Gran Canaria Natural & Active is an association that promotes active tourism on the island, its rural accommodations, and its natural surroundings; a paradise for nature and outdoor lovers. From hiking, canyoning, and cultural routes to visits to museums and wineries, the association aims to promote Gran Canaria as a leading destination for active tourism, promote its gastronomy, and raise awareness of its rich archaeological and ethnographic heritage.
More information in www.grancanarianaturalandactive.com
