Roque Nublo is the symbol of Gran Canaria: a basalt monolith of around 80 metres crowning the summits at more than 1,800 metres. Walking up to its base is one of the prettiest and easiest hikes in the Canaries, and on clear days it rewards you with Tenerife's Teide floating above the sea of clouds.
Book the essentials
| Activity | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|
| Summit sunset and stargazing tour | 4.8★ (302) | €45 |
| Jeep safari through southern valleys and villages | 4.5★ (1,443) | €69 |
| Off-road buggy tour through the southern ravines | 4.8★ (3,728) | €65 |
The trail from La Goleta
The usual route starts from La Goleta car park on the GC-600 between Ayacata and Pico de las Nieves.
- Distance: about 3 km return.
- Time: 1-1.5 hours with stops.
- Difficulty: easy to moderate, with a few steep sections and loose stone.
The trail climbs through Canary pines to a rocky plateau, where Roque Nublo and, beside it, Roque del Fraile appear. You can't climb the rock without a permit, but the view from the base is spectacular.
⚠️ Warning: La Goleta car park is small and fills up early, especially at weekends. Arrive before 9:00 or in the last two hours of daylight. Don't park on the roadside.
The best time
First thing you'll find parking, clear air and few hikers. At sunset, the reddish light on the rock with Teide behind is the island's postcard, but bring a torch for the way down. In winter it can freeze on the summits.
What to bring
Closed shoes with good grip, a jacket (even if it's hot on the coast), water, a cap and sunscreen. There are no facilities or shade at the top.
What to see nearby
- Pico de las Nieves (1,949 m): the island's highest point, with a viewpoint over Roque Nublo and Teide. Reachable by car.
- Tejeda: one of Spain's most beautiful villages; try bienmesabe and almond sweets.
- Roque Bentayga and Cruz de Tejeda: viewpoints over the great caldera.
- Artenara and Risco Caído: aboriginal caves with World Heritage status.
Without a car
If you'd rather not drive the mountain roads, some tours go up to the summits from the south, such as the jeep safari or the sunset and stargazing tour, which stops at Pico de las Nieves. More ideas in what to see in Gran Canaria.
In one sentence
Get up early, park at La Goleta, bring a jacket and linger at the top: in an hour, Roque Nublo sums up why Gran Canaria is much more than beaches.
