Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria
Majestic volcanic peaks and ancient Guanche sites offering spiritual journeys and breathtaking panoramic views across Gran Canaria.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic volcanic peaks and ancient Guanche sites offering spiritual journeys and breathtaking panoramic views across Gran Canaria. 
"The energy there is truly special, and it holds a lot of meaning for me personally.
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on trails. Stay hydrated and fueled for your mountain adventures. :water_wave: :apple:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roque Nublo
Center of Gran Canaria
An iconic monolith offering panoramic island views and a profound sense of peace.
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Roque Bentayga
Tejeda municipality
A sacred Guanche site with ancient caves and a mystical energy, offering stunning valley vistas.
+1
Caldera de Tejeda
Central Gran Canaria
A vast volcanic caldera providing dramatic landscapes and a sense of awe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mystical Vibe
Plan Your Trek Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on trails. Stay hydrated and fueled for your mountain adventures. :water_wave: :apple:
Check Weather Forecast
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential mist. :cloud: :sunwithface:
Respect Sacred Sites
These are ancient spiritual places. Be mindful and leave no trace. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on trails. Stay hydrated and fueled for your mountain adventures. :water_wave: :apple:
Check Weather Forecast
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and potential mist. :cloud: :sunwithface:
Respect Sacred Sites
These are ancient spiritual places. Be mindful and leave no trace. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the awe-inspiring natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere of the Sacred Mountains. The iconic Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga are highlights, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a connection to ancient history. Some find the mountain roads challenging, and facilities can be limited, so preparation is key.
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Margarita Delgado
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach the Sacred Mountains is by car, offering flexibility to explore various viewpoints and trailheads. Renting a car is highly recommended for accessing areas like Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. Public buses are available to nearby towns like Tejeda, but may require additional walking or local transport to reach specific sites.
Yes, numerous guided tours are available, ranging from hiking excursions to cultural and historical tours. These tours often provide valuable insights into the Guanche heritage and the geological significance of the mountains. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak season.
The mountain roads can be winding and narrow. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles, especially cyclists and local traffic. GPS or a reliable map app is essential for navigation.
Absolutely! The Sacred Mountains are a popular day trip destination from Las Palmas. With a car, you can reach key sites like Roque Nublo within a couple of hours, allowing ample time for exploration and return.
Limited parking is available at popular trailheads and viewpoints, such as near Roque Nublo. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no entrance fees for the natural landscapes and hiking trails within the Sacred Mountains. Access to Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga is free.
The Sacred Mountains are natural landscapes and are accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
While there are no specific entry restrictions, visitors are expected to respect the natural environment and any cultural heritage sites. Avoid littering and stay on marked trails.
Yes, visiting Roque Nublo at sunset is a popular and rewarding experience, offering spectacular views. Ensure you have adequate lighting (headlamp or flashlight) for the return journey as it will be dark.
Some visitor centers in nearby towns might have small fees for specific exhibits, but the natural sites themselves are free to access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the hike to Roque Nublo, which is moderately challenging and takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip. Trails around Roque Bentayga offer historical insights. Many smaller, less-marked paths also exist for more adventurous hikers.
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Layers of clothing are recommended as temperatures can fluctuate. A waterproof jacket is also a good idea, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Facilities are scarce on the trails themselves. Restrooms and cafes are typically found in nearby villages like Tejeda or at designated picnic areas. It's best to use facilities before starting your hike.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and vibrant colors across the landscape. Midday can be harsh, but still offers stunning vistas.
While many trails are well-trodden, it's always safer to hike with a companion. Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Mobile reception can be spotty in some areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints near Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga offer iconic shots. The drive through the Caldera de Tejeda also presents numerous opportunities for dramatic landscape photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific rock formations or distant views. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of Roque Nublo. The surrounding landscape provides a beautiful foreground. Golden hour light is particularly magical here.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current local and national drone laws before flying. Respect for the natural environment and privacy of others is paramount.
Spring and autumn often provide the most photogenic conditions with pleasant light and fewer harsh shadows. Misty mornings can add a mystical atmosphere to your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger children, consider shorter walks in the lower-lying areas or visiting the charming village of Tejeda, which offers a glimpse into traditional Canarian life. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear and are supervised at all times, especially near steep drops.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Consider joining a guided tour for a more social experience and to gain deeper insights into the history and geology. This is also a great way to meet fellow travelers and share the breathtaking scenery.
🚗 Road Trippers
Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns. Take your time, enjoy the scenic drives, and don't be afraid to pull over at designated spots to soak in the panoramic views. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for mountain driving.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Guanche Heritage
Many of the rock formations, including Roque Nublo, were considered sacred and played a role in their spiritual beliefs. The sheer scale and unique geology of these mountains likely inspired awe and reverence. Understanding this history enriches the visitor experience, transforming a scenic hike into a journey through time.
Look for ancient petroglyphs and cave dwellings, though many are protected and not directly accessible to the public. Guided tours often highlight these historical aspects, providing context that might otherwise be missed. Respecting these ancient sites is paramount to preserving their legacy.
Hiking and Trekking
For those seeking more challenging adventures, numerous off-the-beaten-path routes wind through the rugged terrain. These trails often lead to hidden valleys, ancient caves, and secluded viewpoints. It's crucial to be well-prepared with navigation tools, ample water, and appropriate gear, as services are minimal.
When planning your hike, consider the time of year. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures. Always check the weather forecast before setting out, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time for safety.
Photography Opportunities
+1The Caldera de Tejeda offers sweeping vistas of volcanic formations and lush valleys, perfect for wide-angle shots. The winding mountain roads themselves, often shrouded in mist or bathed in sunlight, create compelling photographic narratives.
Bring a versatile lens, perhaps a wide-angle for landscapes and a telephoto for isolating details. A tripod is highly recommended for capturing the best light and for any potential long exposures. Be mindful of the weather; mist can add a mystical, ethereal quality to your images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit