Gran Canaria
Cycling Camp

Gran Canaria Cycling Camp

Sublime rides and perfect weather: Gran Canaria should be on the bucket-list of every cyclist

Gran Canaria has it all: big mountains, endless sunshine, perfect temperatures and wonderful 4-star hotels to rest and recharge at the end of the day. Little wonder that so many pro riders spend the early winter months training here.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

November 2nd 2024

From

USD $3,395

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

Yes

Rental Bike

USD $550

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Trust Thomson to deliver a camp that goes above and beyond. This cycling paradise, just a short flight from Barcelona or Madrid, reaches 2,000m (6,500ft) in elevation and the island’s big climbs are up there with the hardest climbs in the Alps and Dolomites.

Join our expert ride leaders for a week of intensive riding that includes all the iconic climbs on the island including Valley of the Tears, Cruz San Antonio and Pico de las Nieves.

The perfect temperatures and constant sunshine guarantee you’ll return home with fantastic fitness and a killer cycling tan.


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Gran Canaria Cycling Camp
Riding with Thomson is easy. Book the trip, show up prepared, and ride to the best of your abilities! They take care of everything else, ...

Brian Payne, USA — 2017

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Gran Canaria Cycling Camp
With the harsh winter we were experiencing on the East Coast the trip to Gran Canaria was just the ticket to more than jump start ...

Joe Claxton, USA — 2015

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Gran Canaria Cycling Camp
Great care and focus by staff throughout the week. Smaller size group gave staff the opportunity to relate and serve and they took advantage and ...

Martin Hassner, USA — 2018

See more reviews
Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Gran Canaria! Hotel Occidental Roca Negra
02 The Coast & La Ruta de las Presas Hotel Occidental Roca Negra
03 The Infamous Valley of the Tears Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa
04 Ayacata & Fataga Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa
05 Tauropass Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa
06 Cruz de Tejeda Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa
07 Pico de las Nieves Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa
08 Adios!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Gran Canaria!

Your Cycling Camp starts at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Agaete.

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride in Gran Canaria, up the magnificent climb to El Sao.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


The Coast & La Ruta de las Presas

A beautiful ride today with a mix of coastal cliff scenery and high mountains on the Ruta de las Presas.

From Agaete you’ll head south-west for 30km (19 miles) through the Tamadaba Natural Park along a spectacular road that clings to the cliffs, high above the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll want to stop at every corner for another photo – the views are that stunning! La Aldea signals the end of the coastal road and the beginning of the long climb to the central part of the island. The top lies 26km (16 miles) ahead at an altitude of 1,100m (3,600ft) – through some of the most incredible scenery on the island. From the top enjoy 20km (12 miles) of rolling terrain through forests and green fields before the long descent back to the hotel.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


The Infamous Valley of the Tears

This is one of the most remarkable and challenging days you will ever spend on a bike. The Valley of the Tears route is one of the hardest rides on the island. This is epic Thomson terrain!

From the hotel in Agaete you’ll head inland to Fagajesto where you’ll join yesterday’s ride (in the opposite direction). At the Paralillo Reservoir a sharp left turn signals the start of the Valley of the Tears climb with initial ramps of over 15%. 10km (6 miles) of hurt lie ahead – but the views are amazing!

Just over the top of the climb you’ll be rewarded with a well deserved lunch stop in the cycling cafe in Ayacata – then a 35km (22 miles) descent to your next hotel in Puerto de Mogan.

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


Ayacata & Fataga

Remember that 35km (22 miles) descent you came down yesterday, well the ride today starts with the same 35km – but uphill. The climb is simply spectacular – switchbacks galore, a perfect road surface, no traffic and a forest of pine trees to ride through. The first top comes at just under 1,000m (3,300m) in Cruz San Antonio, then it’s another 15km (9 miles) to the final summit at 1,300m (4,300ft) in Ayacata.

After a coffee-stop in Ayacata you’ll descend through San Bartolome and Fataga to the coast. Beware of the few short, ambush climbs on the descent, especially the final climb to Degollada de las Yeguas. A final 30km (19 miles) along the coast closes off the ride.

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


Tauropass

From the hotel you’ll head along the coast then inland towards Baranquillo Andres. Keep your eyes open as this is the road most frequented by the many pros who train on the island.

 

At the 25km (15 miles) mark, the climbing starts with the steady climb to Barranquillo. Enjoy this section of the climb, after Barranquillo you’ll take a narrow, much steeper road with pitches between 10 and 15%.

 

The route continues with the fantastic descent to Pie de la Cuesta then it’s out and back from La Aldea, over the Degollada de la Aldea climb. A tough day in the saddle with almost 3,000m (9,800ft) of elevation!

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


Cruz de Tejeda

Today’s ride takes you right into the centre of the island. The first 60km (37 miles) are just stunning with the climb to Cruz San Antonio followed by the climb to Ayacata.

 

After a coffee-stop in Ayacata you’ll continue climbing to the beautiful village of Tejeda which is classified in the list of “pueblos mas bonitos de Espana” (the most beautiful villages in Spain). From Tejeda the climbing continues with our staff’s favourite climb in Gran Canaria, the climb to Cruz de Tejeda and on to Los Llanos. From Los Llanos enjoy the 40km (25 miles) descent back to the hotel!

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


Pico de las Nieves

The Camp ends with the most challenging climb on the island (and one of the toughest climbs in all of Europe), the brutal climb to Pico de las Nieves from Ingenio. Starting just above sea level, the summit tops out after 23km (14 miles) at 1,900m (6,200ft). It’s a tough one – but at the top, you are rewarded with stunning views of Tenerife’s El Teide in the distance. Keep your eyes open at the summit, we often meet pro riders out training on this great climb.

 

In the evening, join us at the hotel bar where beers and cocktails are in order to toast a fantastic week of riding!

 

Note: there’s a shorter ride option today which will also climb Pico de las Nieves, but from the much easier Ayacata side.

Day 8

Distance

Elevation


Adios!

Unfortunately, our Canary Island Cycling Camp has come to an end.

 

Our shuttle will drop you off at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow El Sao
from Agaete
6.1% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Presa del Paralillo
from La Aldea de San Nicolas
5.4% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Pinos de Galdar
from Presa del Paralillo
5.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Caideros
from Cueva de las Cruces
5.8% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Valley of the Tears
from Presa del Paralillo
9.4% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Cruz San Antonio
from Pie de la Cuesta
6.9% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Ayacata
from Cruz San Antonio
3.8% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Degollada de las Yeguas
from Camel Park
4.1% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Tauropass
from Lomo Galeon
4.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Degollada de La Aldea
from Pie de la Cuesta
4.2% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Degollada de La Aldea
from La Aldea & Hoyo
7.5% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Cruz San Antonio
from Pie de la Cuesta
6.9% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Ayacata
from Cruz San Antonio
3.8% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Cruz de Tejeda
from Tejeda
5.9% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Llanos de la Pez
from Cruz de Tejeda
5.6% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Alto de Fataga
from San Fernando
5.1% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Pico de las Nieves
from Ingenio
7.2% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today

Climbs

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
2 El Sao (from Agaete) 01 54 6.1%
2 Presa del Paralillo (from La Aldea de San Nicolas) 02 52 5.4%
HC Pinos de Galdar (from Presa del Paralillo) 02 90 5.4%
1 Caideros (from Cueva de las Cruces) 03 65 5.8%
HC Valley of the Tears (from Presa del Paralillo) 03 132 9.4%
1 Cruz San Antonio (from Pie de la Cuesta) 04 74 6.9%
2 Ayacata (from Cruz San Antonio) 04 35 3.8%
3 Degollada de las Yeguas (from Camel Park) 04 23 4.1%
HC Tauropass (from Lomo Galeon) 05 65 4.5%
2 Degollada de La Aldea (from Pie de la Cuesta) 05 40 4.2%
2 Degollada de La Aldea (from La Aldea & Hoyo) 05 74 7.5%
1 Cruz San Antonio (from Pie de la Cuesta) 06 74 6.9%
2 Ayacata (from Cruz San Antonio) 06 35 3.8%
2 Cruz de Tejeda (from Tejeda) 06 50 5.9%
3 Llanos de la Pez (from Cruz de Tejeda) 06 37 5.6%
1 Alto de Fataga (from San Fernando) 07 77 5.1%
HC Pico de las Nieves (from Ingenio) 07 150 7.2%
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Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2024
Nov 2 - 9
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $3,395
USD $750
USD $970
Book this trip
2025
Mar 1 - 8
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $3,395
USD $700
USD $970
Book this trip
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    Hotel Occidental Roca Negra

    Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts (buffet)
    • All dinners (buffet)
    • 1 lunch (on arrival day)
    • Transportation arrow
    • Arrival: Transfer from Las Palmas Airport to the Hotel Cordial in Agaete (approx. 45 minutes)
    • Departure: Transfer from the Hotel Cordial Puerto Mogan to Las Palmas airport (approx. 35 minutes)
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • Minimum of 1 Support Van & 1 Ride Leader
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Fresh fruit
    • Bottled water
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    • Please note: this trip is not eligible for our Frequent Rider Program
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts (buffet)
    • All dinners (buffet)
    • 1 lunch (on arrival day)
    • Transportation arrow
    • Arrival: Transfer from Las Palmas Airport to the Hotel Cordial in Agaete (approx. 45 minutes)
    • Departure: Transfer from the Hotel Cordial Puerto Mogan to Las Palmas airport (approx. 35 minutes)
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • Minimum of 1 Support Van & 1 Ride Leader
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Fresh fruit
    • Bottled water
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    • Please note: this trip is not eligible for our Frequent Rider Program

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport

    11:30am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport

    8:00am


    Rental Bikes

    Specialized Aethos Expert

    Frame

    Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

    Groupset

    Di2 Shimano Ultegra

    Weight

    699g (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval C38

    Chainrings

    52/36T

    Cassette

    11-34t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $550

    View Details


    Gran Canaria Cycling Camp

    A definite bucket-list destination for every avid cyclist


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