GranGuanche Audax Gravel

GranGuanche Audax Gravel is a self-supported bikepacking adventure that island-hops across the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Designed specifically for gravel bikes, the route links five islands via ferry, combining rugged double tracks, quiet secondary roads, and spectacular volcanic scenery into one of Europe’s most distinctive ultra-distance challenges.

The route covers approximately 800 kilometres with around 17,000 metres of elevation gain, starting in Órzola, Lanzarote, and finishing on El Hierro, the westernmost island of the archipelago. Around 50% of the route is unpaved, following mostly non-technical gravel roads with occasional steep climbs and roughly an hour of hike-a-bike. The event crosses Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and El Hierro, with four ferry crossings acting as natural milestones along the journey.

GranGuanche follows an Audax philosophy rather than a traditional race. Riders have one week to complete the fixed route, and drafting and riding together are permitted, encouraging camaraderie over competition. Participants remain fully responsible for their own navigation, accommodation, food, ferry logistics, and mechanical repairs throughout the event.

From black lava fields and windswept deserts to pine forests, high volcanic slopes, and dramatic Atlantic coastlines, GranGuanche Audax Gravel showcases the incredible diversity of the Canary Islands. Combining demanding climbing, island-hopping logistics, and unforgettable scenery, it has become one of the world’s most iconic gravel bikepacking adventures.