Visit the Cuevas del Rey on this hiking route around the Bentaiga and travel back to the time of the first settlers of Gran Canaria.
Technical characteristics
- Difficulty: moderate.
- Distance: 10.2 km. Â
- Travel time: 3 hours without stops (5.5 hours with stops).
- Elevation gain: 635 m.
- Start: Parking lot next to the base of Bentaiga.
- End: Parking lot next to the base of Bentaiga.
- Date of realization (photographs): February, 2019 (before the fires that burned a large part of Gran Canaria in the summer of the same year).
Our circular route between Bentaiga, Cuevas del rey and la Solana
Technical stop in Tejeda
Before starting the route we passed through Tejeda, the highest village on the island of Gran Canaria, and stocked up on raw materials for the sandwiches (freshly baked bread, cheese, guacamole, etc.).
While we were there, we visited one of the most famous bakeries in Tejeda, DulcerÃa Nublo, to buy their delicious almond cookies and some cake to recharge our batteries.
Beginning of the route
We were lucky and found parking right at the beginning of the trail, at a small viewpoint towards Tejeda.
And with these views we start our way along the GC-607 road that surrounds the Roque Bentaiga on its north side.
The road has hardly any shoulder, but it has very little traffic (or at least it did in mid-February) so this was not a problem.
As you can see in the photos, at that time there were still almond trees in bloom. They were the icing on the cake of the walk. 🙂 🙂
The landscape takes on drama and beauty as you get closer to the Cuevas del Rey, especially from some scenic points along the road (I have marked them on the map at the end of this post).
Visit to the Cuevas del Rey
When you reach a small group of houses (where you can buy delicious goat cheese, by the way) you find the entrance to the Cuevas del Rey de Tejeda.
It is a unique archaeological site with up to 80 caves excavated in the Roque de Cuevas del Rey by the first settlers of the island.
The access is steep and narrow (made this way for defensive reasons) but they have installed ropes and handholds to visit part of the caves without problem, as long as you do not suffer any physical impediment to walk.
You can still see engravings and paintings on the stone walls, holes in the floor as cooking pots and holes to fit bedsteads, wooden doors and windows.
Admission is free and 100% recommended.
Descent to La Solana
After going around the Roque de Cuevas del Rey by road, you will find the views of the Roque Nublo on the other side of the ravine.
Take a detour to the right on a dirt road (on the map at the bottom of the page is the place where the yellow line begins).
Right there you can take the opportunity to have a snack while resting on a large stone overlooking the sea over the Chorrillo ravine.
You will pass near some beehives.
The taste of Canary Island mountain honey is delicious, but it is best to try it in a store in Tejeda or the surrounding area.
It will prove safer than going near these honeycombs 😉.
After a few minutes downhill, you arrive at the cemetery of La Solana and from there to the village.
Ascent to the Espinillo
If your feet hurt, take the opportunity to rest in La Solana, because from this point on it's all uphill.
Of course, the views are beautiful, with the Bentaiga on the left and the Roque Nublo on the right.
Halfway up you reach the Espinillo, where you can approach a viewpoint presided by a stone cross.
Back to top
From here you continue zigzagging uphill.
You will cross the road at one point but I recommend you continue on the dirt road (not the asphalt) as the route is shorter.
And when you least expect it, you will arrive at the base of Bentaiga to close the circular route.
Itinerary on Wikiloc
Do you want to follow this route on Wikiloc?
You can see the route on the map in this link.
Warning: when we entered the Cuevas del Rey the GPS went a little crazy. That's why on the map you see, besides the circular route, some lines too straight and distant to be real. Don't pay attention to them 🙂
What to bring
- Food: if it is going to be a long day, remember to bring snacks, fruit, dried fruits...
- Water: I recommend carrying at least one and a half liters of water per person.
- A bag: to collect all the waste you generate. Please avoid littering this marvel.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses... The usual.
- Comfortable footwear: hiking boots with a hard sole that resists the erosion of the volcanic terrain.
Where to stay
Speaking of caves...
If you are in the area, why not live the experience of spending the night in a Canarian cave house?
I tell you all the details in the entry dedicated to Fagajesto (very close to Bentaiga).
Useful Links
- Rental of Casa Lola.
- Other hotel offers in Gran Canaria.
- Flight offers to the Canary Islands: Trabber, eDreams, Momondo and Vueling.
- 5% discount when you take out your adventure travel insurance with IATI.
On route through the Canary Islands? Take a look at these articles:
- He sleeps in a Canarian house in front of the Sao ravine.
- Route from Artenara to the Cuevas del Caballero and Los Candiles.
- Visit Lanzarote, the land of fire.
Map
Any questions about this circular route around Roque Bentaiga? Fire away in the comments 😉.