Gran Canaria Cycling, Running and Triathlon Trips: Top Events and Where to Stay
Discover the best Gran Canaria cycling and sporting events, along with top hotels and apartments that make the perfect base for an active holiday.
From world-class Gran Canaria cycling events to night races and triathlons, Gran Canaria is a paradise for athletes. Its dramatic mountains provide the perfect setting for hiking, running, and cycling, while the surrounding Atlantic Ocean makes it an exceptional destination for triathlons. For some, Gran Canaria offers the chance to push their limits; for others, it is a place to enjoy a wide variety of sports and wellness activities under the year-round sunshine. Whatever your fitness level or travel style, Gran Canaria offers a diverse range of events and accommodation options for active travellers.
Ten years ago Gran Canaria Tri, Bike & Run was formed by a group of companies from the sports, hospitality, and tourism sectors who joined forces to make Gran Canaria the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts. Since then, the island has welcomed thousands of athletes from around the world, drawn by the promise of sporting challenges in contrasting landscapes, with a year-round warm climate.
Gran Canaria Tri, Bike & Run, not only promote Gran Canaria as the perfect sports destination, but they also help promote sports events that are organised by Challenge Canarias, DG Eventos and Entrenar.pro.
I have listed just some of these events below, along with the top Gran Canaria hotels for sports holidays and those looking for active holidays in Gran Canaria.
Top Gran Canaria Cycling Events:
Desafío La Titánica
The Desafío La Titánica is a world class cycling race in Gran Canaria that has been running for 20 years. 30 cyclists take part in the 200km race, that is run over three days through Gran Canaria’s stunning landscapes.
EPIC Gran Canaria
Epic Gran Canaria is a global road cycling event where over 500 cyclists from over 20 countries come together for a weekend in February. It is part of the Gran Fondo World Tour and features two challenging stages over 190km, as well as three timed sections.
Gran Canaria Bike Week
Gran Canaria Bike Week takes place at the end of November and early December, and comprises of seven stages, each with distinctive challenges, including a race to reach Telde to Pico de las Nieves ( the island’s highest point ), and the 93km Camino de Santiago, as well as challenging time trials.
Gran Canaria Bike Rental & Tours
There are many companies offering bike rental in Gran Canaria including Banana Bike Canarias whose fleet includes mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes in all sizes, and Free Motion Bikecenter, who offer premium bikes and top-branded gear for high-level cycling in Gran Canaria, as well as guided cycling tours.
I’m Pedal can also arrange Gran Canaria bike rentals as well as designing personalised cycling routes with local guides, including the support of a van for those looking to arrange Gran Canaria cycling holidays.
More Top Sporting Events in Gran Canaria
Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria Triathlon
The prestigious Challenge Mogán triathlon Gran Canaria is held in April each year. Athletes from all over the world come to swim, cycle and run in a beautiful coastal setting. There are Short and Middle Distance Challenges as well as Challenge Relays to suit all abilities.
Gran Canaria Night Race
Binter NightRun Gran Canaria is a unique event night race held annually in Gran Canaria’s captial, Las Palmas. In its 11th year, it has three stages depending on your fitness level: the Green Mile (1.7Km) to support a social project, the Flight 5.2Km, being the most popular, and the Flight 10Km for more experienced runners.
Gran Canaria Marathon
Transgrancanaria is an iconic mountain race that attracts runners from all over the world. There are several races, including advanced (82km) and classic races ( 126km ) as well as the marathon, half-marathon, 5km and a family trail, providing options for runners of all levels to experience the best of Gran Canaria trail running.
The Best Places to stay for sports holidays in Gran Canaria
From apartments equipped with virtual cycling rooms to luxury resorts featuring thalassotherapy centres, Gran Canaria offers a wide range of accommodation options designed for sports enthusiasts and athletes with specific needs.
Whether you have just finished competing and want a luxurious place to unwind, are searching for hotels or apartments with facilities to maintain your training routine, or simply want a hotel with a high-quality gym, you will find suitable options below.
Best hotels in Gran Canaria for value:
A stay in the capital not only offers better value than Gran Canaria’s bustling resorts, but it also offers a convenient base for exploring the island, as well as a dymanic shopping and dining scene. Check out the Sercotel Playa Canteras or the Vacation Homes ART in Las Palmas, which are just a few meters from Las Canteras beach.
Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the Bike Centre at Vacation Homes ART where guests can store their bikes and make use of the tool station and spare parts if needed.
The Hotel la Aldea Suites is a peaceful retreat in one of the most unspoiled areas of Gran Canaria, and is a favourite with hikers, cyclists and walkers looking to explore the nearby National Parks.
Read: Gran Canaria hiking and nature activities and where to stay
Best sports hotels in Gran Canaria
The Monte Feliz powered by Playitas has the widest range of activities and sports facilities in Gran Canaria. There is a host of fitness classes including sunrise yoga, pilates, HIIT as well as dedicated room for spin classes and a 400 m² WOD Box for cross fit.
Football, volleyball, basketball, tennis and padel courts are also available. Guests have access to a 25-meter swimming pool located just 10 minutes from the hotel and there is a 250 m² well equipped gym with premium technology.
The Anfi Emerald Club offers super sports amenities, including a 25-meter pool that is exclusive for training. Cameras and mirrors are available improve swimming techniques, and the fully equipped Technogym offers views of the golf course.
Best spa and wellness hotels in Gran Canaria
The 5 Star Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa is the perfect choice for those looking for a five-star hotel with a luxurious spa. Its beachfront location and wide range of massage treatments are ideal for recovery after an active day.
Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa is set amid 10,000 square metres of lush botanical gardens and is home to the Inagua Spa & Wellness Centre, with a salt-rich flotarium pool. Additional highlights include two swimming pools (heated during winter) and a bike rental.
Gloria Palace Hotels are renowned for their spa facilities. The Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel boasts one of the largest thalassotherapy centres in Europe, while the Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel has four pools including an adults-only rooftop pool with spectacular sea views.
Read: 10 Top Spa hotels in Gran Canaria
Best hotels in Gran Canaria for cycling
The 5 star Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria offers special routes and services designed for cyclists as well as bike room storage. There are also excellent sports activities on site including beach volleyball, tennis, as well as a luxury spa and 24 hour gym.
The superbly located Marina Suites are a popular choice for guests looking for a lively atmosphere close to the sea. Its virtual cycling room is the only one of its kind in the island and guests can also enjoy yoga, pilates and a choice of swimming pools.
The Seaside Sandy Beach Hotel, also known as the Sports Hotel, combines sport and wellness with top class facilities. There are indoor and outdoor gyms, a host of fitness classes including aqua aerobics and Pilates as well as floodlit tennis courts, archery, air rifle shooting and a bike hire store. Guests get free bike hire for one day, and there is even a physiotherapy centre with osteopaths on site, which hopefully you won’t need!
Best family hotels in Gran Canaria with sports facilities
The Cordial Mogán Valle Apartments is a sister property to the Cordial Mogán Playa where guests can enjoy subtropical gardens, three swimming pools and a relaxing Salinas Spa & Wellness Centre, as well as dedicated children’s facilities including a Splashpark and Kids Club.
The Hotel Suites & Villas by Dunas offers superb activities that are ideal for an active family holiday. There is a multi-sports court, archery, water polo as well as an evening entertainment program with mini disco and kids Club. Adults will love the choice of fitness classes including yoga and aqua aerobics as well as the beauty centre which offers sports massages.
The 5 Star Cordial Santa Águeda offers a luxury family-friendly stay, with a host of sports activities on site including a surf centre, fully equipped gym with personal training and a bike shop.
Best luxury hotels in Gran Canaria with sports facilities
The 5-Star Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity combines a luxurious escape with a host of amenities including a top golf course, FIFA football pitch,cycling, basketball, yoga, eco fitness area, gym and running track. Guests can enjoy a choice of outdoor pools as well as the Be Aloe Wellness Spa which provides a range of treatments, and a dedicated sleeping aid program, Tempo.
The 5-Star Seaside Palm Beach, located beside the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve and sweeping sandy beach, is an idyllic choice in Gran Canaria. Guests can work out in the state-of-the-art Technogym and aquagym and enjoy yoga lessons, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, before relaxing in three heated pools or luxurious Spa and Wellness area.
The modern 5 Star H10 Playa Meloneras Horizons Collection offers a variety of facilities, including four bars, three pools and six restaurants. It is only a few minutes walk to the beach and there is a gym and luxury spa on site.
In the unlikely event that you do need medical attention, there are plenty of medical centres there to help you. In collaboration with Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, there is also access to specialised medical care for athletes.
We hope this post about Gran Canaria cycling and sporting holidays will inspire you to book an active break there soon. For more information on events and hotels visit Gran Canaria Tri, Bike & Run.
While evert effort is made to ensure accuracy, descriptions and details are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Gran Canaria Tri, Bike & Run.
