Gran Canaria Volcano Adventure: Hiking the Bandama Caldera!

The Canary Islands are filled with unreal natural sights and mountains to explore. However, not many places have captivated us like hiking around the Gran Canaria volcano! Take a tour of the Bandama Caldera with us as we circle the dormant crater. We’ll provide everything you need to know from start to finish, and share info on the beautiful Pico de Bandama viewpoint.

How to Hike the Gran Canaria Volcano

Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 Hours
Volcano Status: Dormant
Location: Bandama Caldera Outside of Las Palmas

The Pico de Bandama Viewpoint

We highly recommend renting a car in Gran Canaria to get around to all the best activities. You can check out this website to compare prices and find the best deals.

Before heading out on the trail, we recommend driving high above the crater to Pico de Bandama. Here you’ll have incredible views of the Gran Canaria Volcano crater, Las Palmas city, and the beautiful ocean in the distance.

You can see the entire 1 kilometer width of the Caldera de Bandama, and get a birds eye view of the Gran Canaria volcano hike. 

Starting the Bandama Caldera Hike 

It’s important to note you can actually start from either side of the trail. However, the best place to begin the hike is from the Bandama Golf Hotel.

There’s a parking lot near the hotel, but just know you’ll need to walk the road from the end of the trail back to your car. We’ve listed more of our favorite accommodations at the bottom of this article.

The beginning of the Gran Canaria Volcano hike is a straightaway until you get to the first incline. To your left ,you can see directly inside the Bandama Caldera, and to your right will be the Atlantic Ocean.

Following the Gran Canaria Volcano Trail

This is actually one of the easiest trails you could find hiking on the island, as it completely circles the Gran Canaria volcano crater. This makes it nearly impossible to get lost. Yet, there’s still a few things you should know before you go.

First off, some of the terrain is dirt while in other places it’s volcanic gravel. This can make some of the hills slippery, so make sure to bring your shoes if you’re coming from the beach!

This is not a difficult hike by any means, but there are some steep inclines. Specifically towards the end when you’re going up the road, be prepared for a short climb to the top. Unfortunately, this isn’t a great hike for children, as some parts are steep with no railings.

We’ve hiked around volcanos all over the world from Santorini to Mount Eden in Auckland, but this was one of our favorites. Don’t miss out on exploring Mount Teide National Park if you’re heading to Tenerife. Not only is this Spain’s tallest mountain, but it’s also an active volcano!  

Looping the Caldera de Bandama 

After half a dozen up and down hill climbs, you’ll be near the end of the hike. The trail will actually pop you out on the road, which continues up in a spiral to the Pico De Bandama viewpoint.

To complete the loop back to your car, you’ll have to walk the road then circle around through the small town. We recommend saving the Bandama Golf Hotel location and to use it to get back from the road.

Camino Fondo de Caldera

If you’re up for a little more adventure, you can even hike inside the Gran Canaria volcano crater! For this section simply follow the signs for Camino Fondo de Caldera.

This will take you down to the very center of the volcano instead of the Camino Borde de Caldera that goes around the outside. The ruins of an old building at the bottom is considered the very base of the crater. This additional Gran Canaria volcano hike should take you around 2 hours from start to finish.

Bandama Caldera Wineries 

The Bandama Caldera is around 2,000 years old, and was created by a volcanic explosion which formed this magnificent crater. Inside and around the area you’ll also see many native plants and trees to the island.

The Bandama was named after a Flemmish trader named Daniel van Damme who planted the first wine vineyards here in the 16th century. On your drive up to the Caldera de Bandama, you’ll notice several wineries around the Gran Canaria Volcano that still carry on the tradition Van Damme started here.

For more amazing wine and food, don’t miss out on the Route of the Tapas every Thursday in Las Palmas. We also loved swimming at the Agaete Natural Pools on a hot summer day!

Have any questions on the Pico de Bandama, or want to share more information on what to do in Gran Canaria? Leave us a comment below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

Where To Stay on Gran Canaria 

Ultra Luxury (High End) – VEINTIUNO Emblematic Hotels – Adults Only  – Modern upscale design seen throughout the hotel property and rooms. Daily breakfast and beautiful tropical rooftop with an outdoor swimming pool.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Maresía Canteras Urban Hotel – Tropical island style hotel just steps from Las Canteras beach. Bright rooms with comfy Balinese bed. Hotel also has a beautiful terrace to relax and enjoy a drink at night after exploring.

Hostel Life (Budget) – Avocado Surf Hostel – As one of the more upscale hostels in town the Avocado Surf Hostel is located near the beach and center of Las Palmas. Gorgeous international decor fills the rooms and even features a large terrace.

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