Pico de las Nieves is a viewpoint at an altitude of 1,949 metres in the centre of Gran Canaria, and you can drive all the way up. On a clear day you can see Roque Nublo, the deep valleys and the Teide volcano on Tenerife. It is especially popular at sunset.
Pico de las Nieves is one of the best-known mountain viewpoints on Gran Canaria. It lies at an altitude of about 1,949 metres and looks out over rugged mountain scenery, deep valleys and the striking silhouette of Roque Nublo.
Pico de las Nieves is traditionally described as the highest mountain on Gran Canaria. The highest point of the island, however, is the nearby rocky summit of Morro de la Agujereada at an altitude of about 1,956 metres, just a few metres higher. There is a military radar station on it, so it is closed to the public. You will see the radar right next to the viewpoint.
The big advantage of this viewpoint is that you can get there by car – no hike is needed. Just below the summit lies the pine forest of Llanos de la Pez with its barbecues.
About 1,949 metres.
By car right up to the viewpoint, free entry.
A small car park by the viewpoint, often full.
In good weather you will see the highest mountain in Spain, the Teide volcano on neighbouring Tenerife, and sometimes a sea of clouds spread out below the mountains. The evening light turns the surrounding mountains golden and orange, and the view towards Roque Nublo and Tenerife is one of the most beautiful panoramas on the island.
As with Roque Nublo, when there is calima or heavy cloud you cannot see the mountains or Teide.
Even when it is warm on the south coast, it tends to be much colder up here, and the wind makes it feel colder still. Pack a jumper or a light jacket.
Without a car, you can get to Pico de las Nieves on a full-day trip with pick-up in the south of the island. On the way there is the market at Cruz de Tejeda, a walk to Roque Nublo and, to finish, the sunset at the viewpoint. The guides speak English and Spanish.
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The view from Pico de las Nieves – click to play the video.
By car from the south via Fataga and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, allow about 1.5 hours – the road winds through hairpin bends. The car park is right by the viewpoint.
You can combine the trip with places nearby: a barbecue at Llanos de la Pez, the footpath to Roque Nublo (booking needed during the day), the mountain village of Tejeda and the Cruz de Tejeda viewpoint, or, on the way from the south, the aloe vera plantation near Fataga. I describe all the places in the mountains in the article Gran Canaria mountains and interior.
The car park by the viewpoint is small and often busy. Allow plenty of time, especially for the sunset.
At mountain viewpoints and lay-bys, do not leave anything visible on the seats of your car. Experienced thieves can open a car quickly and lie in wait exactly where tourists leave their car unattended for a few minutes.
The name Pico de las Nieves means “Peak of the Snows”. It was originally called Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve – after the snow pits that were dug into the ground here from the 17th century. In winter snow was stored in them, and in summer it was taken to Las Palmas. One of the pits on the eastern slope has been restored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria (the island government).
On the way into the mountains: on sharp bends behind a rock overhang, where you cannot see oncoming traffic, drivers sound the horn – it is a common Canarian rule. When you hear a horn from the other side, stop and give the oncoming vehicle room to pass.
People visit Pico de las Nieves on a full-day trip from the resorts in the south. You will find hotel tips in the article Gran Canaria resorts.
Yes, right up to the car park by the viewpoint. No hike is needed. The car park is small, though, and often busy.
That is what is traditionally said. The highest point, however, is the nearby summit of Morro de la Agujereada with a military radar station, which is off-limits.
On a clear day without calima or heavy cloud, and at sunset.
In clear weather, yes – the Teide volcano on Tenerife is visible on the horizon.
No, the viewpoint is free.
A jumper or a jacket – it tends to be cooler and windy at the top.
Pico de las Nieves is a viewpoint you can drive right up to. Choose a clear day, ideally late afternoon, and combine the trip with Roque Nublo or a barbecue at Llanos de la Pez.
