Gran Canaria Hike #1: Las Longueras to Puerto de las Nieves
Walking on the Camino Real
After a tasty breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice picked from the orchard (I asked to make sure) and warm bread with a variety of toppings, I started my hike directly from Hotel Las Longueras. The lovely staff in the kitchen saw my excitement to their answer that the oranges were from their grove proceeded to pack me “oranges to go” for my trek. So kind!
Walking out of the hotel, and up the long drive, I hit the main valley road and turned right. After 2,5 km I reached the village of San Pedro. It was a quant village with a few locals out and about smiling and waving. There is even a public restroom in the square, freshly cleaned and welcoming. A nice surprise before starting up the mountain. It’s the little things…haha.
From San Pedro I trekked an ascent along the Camino Real up to Montaña Bibique (645m), a rocky spur at the top of a steep slope with breath-taking views of Agaete Valley. I then took the option of continuing upward to the vista point at Mirador Vuelta de Paloma (850m). The descent to Puerto de las Nieves follows a narrow path with sheer drops.
Hiking during this time of year comes with the added bonus of stunning wildflowers. I walked for kilometers/miles with only the company of buzzing bees and butterflies. The flowers in bloom was an overwhelm of color to the senses.
Upon arrival in town, I decided to do dinner in Puerto de las Nieves at a lovely Italian restaurant on the water. Nothing like pizza after a full days hike.
NOTE: if you don’t like heights, DO NOT attempt the final section (descent from the Miradorto Puerto de las Nieves). Turn around at the Mirador and retrace your steps back to San Pedro. The narrow path is full of very slippery skree that can be quite nerve wracking.
Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 12.7 km
Duration: 5:00 h
Ascent: 1,024 m
Descent: 1,124 m
