Some people are just lazybones. Yes, dear reader, they are.
Some people refuse to venture beyond a five-block radius from their homes. There are people who just do not understand that if you want to reach the most heavenly spots, you need determination. Determination to reach places that seem too far away for others.
This explains why some people seem unable to take the winding road that connects the warm coast of Gran Canaria with the highest peaks on the island.
And it also explains why some people will miss out on the chance of feeling like an astronaut without leaving the ground. Yes, some people will never get to experience something like this.
But if you are one of the restless ones, one of the select group of people who just cannot stay still in one place, even if you were nailed to the floor, then and only then, we recommend that you follow our advice, because we have designed something uniquely special just for the likes of you.
In Gran Canaria, there is a very special place that you will not find unless you venture into the heart of the island.
A road that goes up from the beaches, crossing small towns and villages until it almost reaches the sky. A road that continues its way up, leaving behind a thick sea of clouds, which is left behind beside one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, the village of Tejeda.
And if you make it this far, I guarantee that you will not regret it, my dear traveller.
You will then walk along a well-defined path that starts at the Mirador de La Goleta viewpoint and ends only two kilometres away.
The path is slightly steep but quite easy to walk on. However, we recommend that you wear appropriate footwear and clothing for this adventure.
You will soon realise that the air in this area is very different. It is clean, fresh and pure, and comes from the thousands of pine trees that surround one of the most impressive natural monuments on the island, the volcanic rock known as the Roque Nublo.
They say most of the time reality is beyond imagination, but it will be up to you to decide, when you find yourself at the foot of this colossus, at an altitude of over 1,800 metres.
To stand at the base of this proud son and guardian of the volcano is to feel a little bit more vulnerable, a little bit closer to heaven.
This is a protected natural area located within the Biosphere Reserve. However, you can still climb up to the very base of this stone monolith which stands almost 90 metres tall and has become one of the most important landmarks of Gran Canaria.
At the Roque Nublo you will enjoy a unique panoramic view so wide that few other mountain peaks on the island can match. On clear days you can make out the impressive silhouette of the neighbouring volcano, the famous Mount Teide.
On the way back, you can regain your strength at the Food Truck located at the foot of the viewpoint, where a friendly couple will be waiting for you with a good cup of coffee, typical local sweets and something to soothe your appetite after the climb.
Practical information:
Round-trip hike: 3.2 kilometres.
Starting point: Viewpoint of La Goleta: GC-600, kilometre 11.300, along the road between Llanos de la Pez and Ayacata.
Conditioned trails:
There are numerous trails leading up to the Roque Nublo, but two of them particularly stand out: The first one, El camino del Nublo (The path of the Nublo) climbs right up to the foot of the Roque Nublo. Along its 2 km, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view, with a height difference of 166 m. This is a climb of moderate difficulty, suitable for people of most ages. This path can also be complemented by a second path called "La vuelta del Nublo" (Around the Nublo), also of moderate difficulty, which goes a little further, along the Tablón, a rocky platform on whose northern end the Roque Nublo stands stark and from which you can contemplate its entire silhouette against the sky, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Recommendations:
Please take care of the environment.
Always carry an ID card or some other type of identity document with you.
We recommend that you bring some food and water.
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as well as a hat to protect from the sun and some warm clothes.
Collecting plants, animals or any other element of the environment is forbidden.
We recommend that you follow the properly marked trails.
In case of an emergency, please call 112.
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