2023 Gran Canaria Road Trip #2, High Peaks
After taking the circular route around the island, today it was time to venture into the center with its mountains, famous rock formations, and beautiful towns. Gran Canaria is called a "miniature continent" due to its enormous natural diversity contained in such a tiny space with varying microclimates and landscapes from arid volcanic rock to lush green forests…there seems to be a little bit of something for everyone. One third of the island is designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The one thing we kept saying about this island is just how immaculate and cared for it is. No matter if you are in a popular tourist beach area or off the beaten track in a small hillside village, every corner of this island seems to be kept pristine, well cared for, and loved.
Leaving Las Palmas we quickly made our way onto narrow, very winding mountain roads leading us to the highest point to visit on the island, at 1,949 meters/6,394 feet above sea level Pico de las Nieves means the peak of snows. We were lucky to have a clear day and could see Roque Nublo, and past that to the neighboring island of Tenerife with the Mount Teide volcano rising above the clouds at 3,718 meters/12, 198 feet, which makes it the highest peak in Spain.
Having just enjoyed epic views of Roque Nublo, our next stop on the journey was to hike up to see it close and personal. The hike is only about 3km round trip from the parking lot and can get a bit crowded yet it is definitely worth it. At 1,813 meters/5,948 feet above sea level, Roque Nublo is an 80 meter/262 foot natural volcanic monolith thought to be one of the world’s largest natural volcanic crags. Considered a sacred landmark by the island’s Indigenous people, Roque Nublo and the smaller Roque de la Rana (the one that looks like a frog staring lovingly up at Nublo) are the iconic symbols of this island.
Facing Pico de las Nieves there is another monument called the Roque del Fraile (Friar), since its silhouette resembles that of a friar or as I think of it…a monk. AND again…great views of Tenerife and Mount Teide.
After the hike we drove towards Tejeda, voted one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. On the way we came upon a Mirador (lookout) and therefore we stopped for a look. This is when we met the owner of an outdoor market on the side of the road who just may be the best salesperson in all of Gran Canaria. Offering free tastes of crackers with queso de flor (a local cheese that is my favorite) and shots of Ron miel (local honey rum), he had us at “you can park here!”
After snacking and making some purchases at the Mirador we moved on to explore Tejeda and enjoy another lovely leisurely lunch! The historic center is not very big, yet it’s fun to wander the different pedestrian streets and enjoy the amazing views. The town is surrounded by mountains and the whole landscape with its white houses with traditional architecture is beautiful. From just about anywhere in town, you have views of Roque Bentayga, but also to Roque Nublo from certain locations. Also a few minutes by car from the town center you will find the famous Cruz de Tejeda, the symbolic center of the island.
Round trip today was approximately 110km/68 miles
