When Is the Best Time
The Caldera de Bandama is a fantastic example of Mother Nature's enormous power. The crater is between 200-250 m deep and 1000 m wide. At the bottom of the caldera are derelict farmhouses inhabited in former times. This walk is an exciting trip into the earth’s history. The flora along the trail and in the crater is beautiful. Pictures do not do justice to how fantastic this hike is.
Bandama crater and peak, which is 569 m high, were developed during the last heavy eruptions 2000 years ago. It is recorded as the last volcanic activity in Gran Canaria. In the beginning, all life and all nature were destroyed, but due to the fertile soil, new plants started growing. There is an endemic bush inside the caldera that doesn’t grow anywhere else: Dama de Bandama (parolinia grabiuscula).
The crater is easy to reach, situated 20 minutes drive south of Las Palmas. It is one of the most exciting places in Gran Canaria, a Must-Visit sight where you may spend 2-3 hours. If you do not have a rental car, there is an excellent day tour available by GetYourGuide with no extra costs for you.
Opening Hours Bandama
- Caldera de Bandama Crater Walk: 8 am – 5 pm, secured by a gate.
- Pico de Bandama is open 24 hours. It is a great spot to watch the sunrise.
Weather Caldera de Bandama
The crater has its own microclimate. Due to the volcanic basalt ash, it is a few degrees warmer in the crater than on the crater rim. We visited the caldera in winter on a sunny day, and it was roughly 25°C inside. There is no wind nor shade inside the caldera. If you wish to know more about the weather in Gran Canaria, check out my additional article Gran Canaria - Best Time for this outstanding island.
The best time for this unique hike regarding temperatures and parking is in the morning. If possible, choose a sunny and clear day for spectacular views.
Keep in mind hiking trails, roads, and restaurants are always busier during weekends.
Parking Caldera de Bandama and Public Transport
- There are small parking lots only. It may be challenging to find a space if you arrive during midday. We parked our car here next to the Bandama signs (Google Maps location)
- The parking on the peak “Pico de Bandama” (Google Maps location) is much bigger, and you can start from here, too.
- Next to the crater is a golf course, but parking for members only.
- You can also get here by bus from Las Palmas, number 311.
Hiking Trail Descriptions
First of all, it is hot inside the canyon, even in the winter! Carry a water bottle and a snack, at least an apple or fruit for this incredible walk.
- Trail Length: 4 km
- Elevation Gain: 370 m
- Walking Duration: Maximum 2 hours, half an hour down, half an hour inside the canyon and roughly 45 minutes to get out and back to the crater rim.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hiking Map Picture and Hiking Map Link by Locus Pro
It is an easy circular hike down into the crater and a bit strenuous to get back to the caldera rim. In the beginning, it is a well-maintained cobbled pathway, but it soon disappears and continues on a gravel dusty volcanic track that is a bit slippery.
Proper shoes are recommended for this hiking trail. The path is winding with spectacular views into the caldera. Although we made this trail in winter, it was warm inside the crater with no wind or shade.
After 15-20 minutes, you reach a viewing platform. You get an excellent view into the entire inner crater and the ramshackle farmhouses. When you reach the bottom of Caldera de Bandama, turn left and hike clockwise direction of farmhouses. Signposts lead you to the attractions inside the caldera.
My favourite view is the palm trees inside with the towering crater in the back, which looks so surreal. We followed different paths and explored numerous caves which looked like they were inhabited in former times. You get back out of the crater on the same route.
An alternative hike is an easy trail on gravel terrain around the Caldera de Bandama.
- Trail Length: 3.5 km
- Elevation Gain: roughly 280 m
- Hike Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Hiking Map Locus Pro
Pico de Bandama
The peak is situated 569 m above sea level, offering a spectacular 360° degrees view of the Caldera de Bandama and the surroundings. If you are not able to hike into or around the crater, enjoy at least the breathtaking view from this viewpoint. Parking is available around the entire lookout.
The Characteristics of the Volcanic Landscape
The crater has its own microclimate for two reasons. The caldera heats up from small black porous pebbles, which are basalt ash that stores the heat of the sun but also the humidity from the cooling night. These small pebbles are well-known for viticulture, a common practice in the Canary Islands and Pico, Azores. These typical pebbles are called “picon” by the Canarians binding, the humidity, which is essential for the roots of the wine and other plants often endemic to this specific type of soil.
You can try such caldera wine in the “Bodega Hoyos de Bandama” next to the entrance of the volcanic crater. Opening hours are only from 12-3 pm from Thursday to Sunday.
These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with an excellent cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all the information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Caldera de Bandama is protected as a National Monument, and the evidence for the last eruptions by active volcanoes was already 2000 years ago. It is located between the municipalities of Telde, Santa Brigida, and Las Palmas.
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