Making the most out of your stay in Gran Canaria means visiting emblematic sights on the island and going on adventures such as skydiving. This island has so much to offer that there are not enough days to explore it fully. One of the many great things to do is the truly fantastic hike to Roque Nublo, an excursion that you can enjoy alone, as a couple or with the family and stands out for its marvellous landscapes.
iJump can not recommend this hike to Roque Nublo enough, as the destination is such an amazing sight and the way there is a super fun excursion to do. This magical place is definitely a must-visit while on Gran Canaria!
Table of Contents
Roque Nublo: natural wonder and protected area
The silhouette of Roque Nublo is known worldwide and one of Gran Canaria’s most representative icons. This natural monolith of volcanic origin is made up of basaltic rock and reaches a height of 80 meters. It is one of the highest points on the island as its position is on top of a mountain, at an altitude of 1800 meters.
Located in the municipality of Tejada, Roque Nublo has been a protected natural area since 1987. Nowadays it is an icon of great interest for both tourists and local residents, the hike to Roque Nublo being one of the most attractive walks on the island.
Roque Nublo, an easy and beautiful hiking trail
The hiking trail is short and quite easy, perfect for those who wish to visit this magical place but are not used to long distant walks in this type of terrain. It’s also a great for anyone who wants to do a fun excursion but isn’t looking for a super challenging, demanding hike.
Technically speaking, this is a low-difficulty trail, about 3 kilometres long, round trip. The hike can easily be done in two hours, even with children and without rushing. Besides the impressive Roque Nublo itself, the main interest of this hike is not only the beautiful trail but the amazing views of the landscapes, a truly spectacular panorama of the island that allows us to see as far as Tenerife.
Simple hiking instructions to Roque Nublo
Although there are some alternative hikes to Roque Nublo, there is one in particular that is the most popular and, as we have mentioned before, perfect to do with the family. The trail starts opposite the car park “Degollada de La Goleta“.
From there, we set off on the clearly marked hiking route, all we have to do is follow the path and the signs of the S-70 trail. The trail up to Roque Nublo is a 1.5 kilometres hike that can be completed in about an hour, depending on how many times you stop to take the necessary photos of this beautiful adventure.
The path starts out wide and cobbled. However, little by little, as we climb, we will see how the cobblestones are left behind and we will move on to a dirt track, bordered on one side by a stone wall. At some of the bends, we can see Roque Nublo itself, which gradually begins to take centre stage in the scenery.
As we go up we can enjoy some really beautiful views of the area San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the Ayacata ravine and the Roque del Fraile. Along the trail we will be accompanied by the vegetation typical of the area, especially the Canary Island pine and, of course, the island’s characteristic volcanic rock landscape.
At some point we will find a sign indicating that we are close to the summit. Here we could also take different hiking routes around the site but to reach Roque Nublo we continue upwards until we come face to face with this impressive monument. The only thing left to do now is taking our photos, as well as enjoying the moment while completely connecting with nature.
Recommendations for hiking to Roque Nublo
We from iJump would like to give you some recommendations to make your hike much more comfortable and even more easy:
- Start your Roque Nublo hike as early as possible. This way you will avoid the masses, being able to take better photos and enjoy a much calmer environment.
- Be sure to use your GPS to easily locate the car park where the trail starts.
- Although there is a refreshment and shopping area nearby, it is always advisable to take your supplies with you: water, a hat and sunscreen, especially if you hike after the early hours of the morning.
- While you are in the area try to visit Tejeda, a very pretty mountain village where you will be able to taste the local delicacies, such as bienmesabe.
- The Roque Bentayga is also very close by. If you have already done the hike to Roque Nublo and you enjoyed it, the trail to Roque Bentayga is another excellent hike which we are sure you will love just as much.
Do you want to see Gran Canaria from the sky? Go tandem skydiving
Hiking around Roque Nublo is not the only way to appreciate Gran Canaria from great heights, the best way to see the island from a different point of view is skydiving. At iJump we offer you the number-one tandem skydiving service in Gran Canaria.
We provide you with prior instruction, professional experts and safe equipment suitable for the activity. Dare to do something really different when you visit the island and you will have the experience of a lifetime. Whether it’s just for having a great adventure, celebrating a birthday or your anniversary, tandem skydiving above the paradisiacal island of Gran Canaria is a unique opportunity and, like hiking up to Roque Nublo, a must-do.
Come to Gran Canaria and let yourself be carried away by the spirit of the island. To live intensely every day of your stay and enjoy great adventures, contact us!
