Roque Nublo is a rock monolith in the centre of Gran Canaria and one of the best-known symbols of the island. A footpath leads to its base (roughly 1–2 hours there and back), and on a clear day you can see the central mountain massif and even the Teide volcano on Tenerife. During the day you need to book in advance, and you leave your car at a car park away from the path – I explain how it works below.
Roque Nublo is a rock monolith of volcanic origin standing at an altitude of over 1,800 metres above sea level, in the municipality of Tejeda. Its shape was formed over millions of years of volcanic activity and subsequent erosion.
For the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches, Roque Nublo had spiritual significance. Today the surrounding area is protected as a natural monument (Monumento Natural del Roque Nublo).
Over 1,800 metres.
During the day yes, at reservasroquenublo.com.
At the car park in Tejeda or in Cruz de los Llanos, with a shuttle bus to the path.
The path starts at the Degollada de la Goleta pass and leads through mountain scenery between rock formations and Canary pines to the base of the monolith. The walk there and back takes roughly 1–2 hours depending on your pace and stops for the views.
The route is not technically demanding, but the path is stony and climbs towards the end – take care. It tends to be cooler at the top than on the coast, and it is often windy.
People do come here with small children in a carrier, but because of the stony terrain I personally do not recommend it.
Do not go in sandals or flip-flops. Bring sturdy shoes, water and an extra layer of clothing.
I have been up there, and it is at its most beautiful when the sky is clear – without calima and without heavy cloud. Then you can see the whole central mountain massif and, on the horizon, the Teide volcano on neighbouring Tenerife. Sunset is beautiful too, of course.
When there is calima or a lot of cloud, it is a shame: you cannot see the mountains or Teide. So check the forecast before you go – for the mountains, enter the village of Tejeda in your weather app as a reference point. You will find more about the weather on the island in the article Gran Canaria travel tips.
Once the booking hours are over, the path is freely accessible, so you can also go for the sunset. You will be walking back at dusk, though, so bring a head torch or a torch.
Booking: Access to the path is regulated. During the day (roughly from 9 am until the afternoon) you need to book in advance; early in the morning and in the evening you can walk the path without a booking. Booking is free on the official website of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, reservasroquenublo.com: you choose the day, the time and the number of people, and you receive a QR code by email, which you show at the entrance to the path. There are only 60 places per hour, so in high season and at weekends book well ahead. Bookings are cancelled when there is a forest fire warning.
Parking and the bus: The car park by the path has been closed. You leave your car at the car park in Tejeda or in Cruz de los Llanos, and Global line 18 runs as a shuttle bus to the path – about 10 minutes from Cruz de los Llanos and about 30 minutes from Tejeda. You will find timetables on the guaguasglobal.com website.
Without a car, you can get to Roque Nublo on a guided walk with pick-up in the south of the island. Entry to the path is arranged, there is a picnic below the rock, and the trip stops in the mountain village of Tunte on the way. The guides speak English and Spanish.
By car from the south via Fataga and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, allow about 1.5 hours – the road winds through hairpin bends. On the way you can stop at the aloe vera plantation near Fataga.
You can combine a trip to Roque Nublo with the mountain village of Tejeda, the Cruz de Tejeda viewpoint with its stalls of local produce, the Pico de las Nieves viewpoint or a barbecue at Llanos de la Pez. I describe all the places in the mountains in the article Gran Canaria mountains and interior.
On sharp bends behind a rock overhang, where you cannot see oncoming traffic, drivers sound the horn – it is a common Canarian rule, used by bus drivers and local people alike. Sound your horn so that drivers coming the other way know you are approaching. And the other way round: when you hear a horn from the other side, stop and give the oncoming vehicle room to pass.
People visit Roque Nublo on a full-day trip from the resorts in the south. You will find hotel tips in the article Gran Canaria resorts.
During the day, yes. Early in the morning and in the evening you can walk the path without a booking. Booking is free and is done at reservasroquenublo.com.
When the sky is clear – without calima and without heavy cloud. Then you can see the central mountain massif and the Teide volcano on Tenerife. Sunset is beautiful too.
The walk there and back takes roughly 1–2 hours depending on your pace and stops.
The car park by the path has been closed. Leave your car at the car park in Tejeda or in Cruz de los Llanos and take the shuttle bus to the path.
About 1.5 hours by car along a mountain road with hairpin bends.
On blind bends behind a rock overhang, sounding the horn lets oncoming drivers know you are coming. When you hear a horn from the other side, stop and let them pass.
People do come here with small children in a carrier. The path is stony, though, so I personally do not recommend it.
Roque Nublo is one of the places on Gran Canaria you should not miss. A footpath, views of the mountains and a rock that is the symbol of the whole island. Choose a clear day and book in advance.
