a dv e r t or ia l
Walking holidays in
Gran Canaria It may be best known for its beaches, but Gran Canaria’s mountainous terrain is made for outdoor enthusiasts
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een walkers can follow well-signed trails through UNESCO biosphere reserves and past pre-Hispanic sacred rocks in Gran Canaria. After a day’s hiking, there’s the reward of breathtaking views and delicious gastronomy.
La Cumbre – “the Summit”
The island’s rugged interior has been crafted by volcanic eruptions. One particularly violent explosion caused the centre of the volcano to collapse, creating the Caldera de Tejeda, a crater 18km wide. The two distinctive pillars, Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga crowning the crater, are the result of five million years of erosion. The region has maintained local traditions more than any other part of the island, including delicious local dishes. Try the salt-fish sweet-potato “sancocho”’ washed down with a shot of warming honey rum.
Rock dwellings of Artenara
The crossroads at Cruz de Tejeda marks the geographical centre of Gran Canaria,
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and makes a good start for two walks. The first 8km trail involves a gradual climb up through the pines before a gentle downhill ridge walk. Take time to enjoy the views across to the Caldera de Tejeda, with Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga in the distance. The path passes the Cuevas de Caballero – caves with aboriginal rock engravings – before descending to the village of Artenara, at 1,270m it is the highest on Gran Canaria. Some of the houses are built into the rock and the chapel of the Virgen de la Cuevita, dating from the 18th century, has a cave to itself. One of these troglodyte dwellings has been turned into a museum.
Tempting treats in Teror
The second option is a 12km trail in the opposite direction, dropping down through dense forest and mixed farmland to Teror. The town is famous for being the site where the Virgin Mary revealed herself in a pine tree to a group of shepherds in 1481. The spot became a place of pilgrimage and the 18th century
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino now stands imposingly in the Plaza del Pino. Walkers will enjoy typical colonial Canary houses with colourful wooden balconies. Go for the Sunday morning market and taste local cheese, olives and freshly baked breads. Finish by sampling the local wines.
Roque Nublo marks the top
In the centre of the island, the outline of the volcanic rock Roque Nublo stands stark at 1,813m above sea level. At 80m tall it is one of the world’s largest free-standing crags. The path up to the rock is relatively easy, starting at the car park at La Goleta. There are fine views of Pico de las Nieves, the highest peak of Gran Canaria, and the island’s other sacred rock, Roque Bentayga, as well as out towards the sea. It was an ancient place of worship for the Guanches, the island’s aboriginal inhabitants.
Sacred light of Roque Bentayga Bentayga is a natural fortress lined with inscriptions and wall paintings, marking a time when generations of
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