The best gravel rides around Arucas

There are 19 gravel bike trails around Arucas, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from 8 reviews.

Gravel biking around Arucas offers incredibly varied terrain, stretching from the rugged coastline with cliffs and ravines to the island's mid-elevation 'Medianías'. You'll encounter a mix of paved roads, dirt tracks, and easy trails, often passing through lush banana plantations and volcanic landscapes like Montaña de Arucas. Some sections can be technically demanding, with steep trails and stony surfaces, while others are more accessible.

While many routes around Arucas offer technical challenges, there are options that are less demanding. The region's diverse network includes easier tracks suitable for those looking for a more relaxed ride. For specific family-friendly options, it's best to check individual route descriptions on komoot for details on terrain and elevation.

Experienced riders will find plenty of challenges around Arucas. Routes often feature significant elevation changes and technically demanding sections. For instance, the Switchbacks with a view – Pico de las Nieves summit loop from Las Palmas is a difficult 65.2-mile (104.9 km) trail with nearly 2,900 meters of elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Barranco de Guiniguada – Plaza de Santa Ana loop from Conjunto Historico Barrio de Triana, which is 50.8 miles (81.7 km) long and navigates through varied landscapes.

Arucas, like much of Gran Canaria, offers year-round gravel cycling opportunities due to its mild climate. However, the cooler months from autumn through spring (roughly October to May) are generally preferred for outdoor activities, avoiding the peak heat of summer. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Parking is generally available in and around the town of Arucas. For specific trailheads, it's advisable to check the starting points of individual routes on komoot, as many tours begin from accessible locations within towns or near popular attractions where parking facilities exist.

Arucas is well-integrated into Gran Canaria's public transport network. Global Bus operates routes connecting Arucas to other parts of the island, including Las Palmas. While buses can be used to reach Arucas, regulations regarding bike transport on public buses can vary, so it's recommended to check with the bus operator directly for their current policy on carrying bicycles.

Arucas's gravel trails offer numerous scenic points. You can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Montaña de Arucas, overlooking the town, the surrounding landscape, and the Atlantic Ocean. Other notable viewpoints include View of Guía, Gáldar, and Pico La Atalaya and View from Montaña Acebuche. The routes also often pass through lush banana plantations and picturesque ravines like the Entrance to the Guiniguada Ravine.

Yes, Arucas is a key point in several circular gravel biking routes. One notable example is a route that passes by the Montaña de Arucas viewpoint and the El Picacho mountain viewpoint, offering stunning vistas of northern Gran Canaria. Many of the routes listed on komoot, such as the Las Alcaravaneras Beach – Barranco de Guiniguada loop from Conjunto Historico Barrio de Triana, are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Arucas, with an average score of 3.9 stars. Riders often praise the diverse topography, which provides a mix of coastal stretches, deep ravines, and extensive banana plantations. The stunning panoramic views from various viewpoints and the combination of different surfaces (paved, dirt, easy trails) are also frequently highlighted as major attractions.

Arucas town itself offers various cafes and restaurants where you can refuel. While specific cafes directly on remote gravel trails might be limited, many routes start or pass through villages and towns where refreshments are available. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops along the way.

The gravel bike routes around Arucas vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter rides, such as the Las Alcaravaneras Beach – Barranco de Guiniguada loop from Conjunto Historico Barrio de Triana, which is 28.6 miles (46.0 km) and typically takes about 3 hours 16 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes like the Switchbacks with a view – Pico de las Nieves summit loop from Las Palmas can be over 65 miles (100 km) and take more than 9 hours to complete.

Arucas stands out for its compelling mix of natural beauty and diverse terrain. Its location, stretching from the coast to the island's mid-elevation 'Medianías', provides a unique blend of rugged coastlines, verdant ravines, lush banana plantations, and prominent volcanic features like Montaña de Arucas. This variety ensures that every ride offers different challenges and scenic rewards, making it a truly distinctive gravel biking experience.