Visit Cuevas del Rey on this hiking route around Bentayga and travel back in time to the era of Gran Canaria's first settlers.
Technical details
- Difficulty: moderate.
- Distance: 10.2 km.
- Walking time: 3 hours without stops (5.5h with stops).
- Elevation gain: 635 m.
- Start: Parking area by the base of Bentayga.
- Finish: Parking area by the base of Bentayga.
- Date completed (photos): February, 2019 (before the wildfires that burned a large part of Gran Canaria in the summer of the same year).
Our circular route between Bentayga, Cuevas del Rey and La Solana
Pit stop in Tejeda
Before starting the route, we stopped by Tejeda, the highest village on the island of Gran Canaria, and stocked up on sandwich supplies (freshly baked bread, cheese, guacamole, etc.).
While we were there, we visited one of Tejeda's most famous bakeries, Dulcería Nublo, to pick up some of their delicious almond cookies and a pastry or two to recharge our batteries.
Start of the route
We were in luck and found parking right at the trailhead, at a small viewpoint overlooking Tejeda.
And with those views, we set off along the GC-607 road that skirts the north face of Roque Bentayga.
The road barely has a shoulder, but it sees very little traffic (at least it did in mid-February), so that wasn't an issue.
As you can see in the photos, there were still almond blossoms around at that time. They were the icing on the cake of the walk. 🙂
The landscape becomes more dramatic and beautiful as you approach Cuevas del Rey, especially from a few scenic viewpoints along the road (I've marked them on the map at the end of this post).
Visiting Cuevas del Rey
When you reach a small cluster of houses (where you can buy delicious goat cheese, by the way), you come across the entrance to Tejeda's Cuevas del Rey.
It's a unique archaeological site featuring up to 80 caves carved into the Roque de Cuevas del Rey by the island's first settlers.
The access is steep and narrow (deliberately designed that way for defensive purposes), but ropes and handholds have been installed so you can explore part of the caves with no trouble, as long as you don't have any physical mobility limitations.
You can still spot carvings and paintings on the stone walls, hollows in the ground used as cooking pots, and cutouts made to fit bunks, wooden doors, and windows.
Admission is free and 100% recommended.
Descent to La Solana
After following the road around the Roque de Cuevas del Rey, you'll be greeted by views of Roque Nublo on the other side of the ravine.
Take a right onto a dirt path (on the map at the bottom of the page, it's where the yellow line begins).
Right there, you can take the chance to grab a bite while resting on a large boulder with sea views over the Chorrillo ravine.
You'll pass near some beehives.
The taste of Canarian mountain honey is delicious, but it's best to try it at a shop in Tejeda or the surrounding area.
It'll be much safer than getting too close to these hives. 😉
After a few minutes heading downhill cross-country, you'll reach the cemetery in La Solana, and from there, the village itself.
Climb to El Espinillo
If your feet are hurting, make sure to take a break in La Solana, because from this point on, it's all uphill.
That said, the views are stunning, with Bentayga on your left and Roque Nublo on your right.
Halfway up, you'll reach El Espinillo, where you can head over to a viewpoint topped by a stone cross.
Back to the start
From here on, you keep climbing in a zigzag.
You'll cross the road at one point, but I recommend sticking to the dirt path (not the asphalt) since the route is shorter.
And before you know it, you'll reach the base of Bentaiga to complete the circular route.
Wikiloc Itinerary
Want to follow this route on Wikiloc?
You can view the trail on the map at this link.
Heads up: when we entered the Cuevas del Rey, the GPS went a bit crazy. That's why on the map you'll see, along with the circular route, some lines that are too straight and distant to be real. Just ignore them. 🙂
What to bring
- Food: if it's going to be a long day, remember to pack sandwiches, fruit, nuts...
- Water: I recommend bringing at least 1.5 liters of water per person.
- A bag: to pack out all the trash you generate. Please help keep this wonderful place clean!
- Sun protection: sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses... the usual essentials.
- Comfortable footwear: hiking boots with a sturdy sole that can handle the rough volcanic terrain.
Where to sleep
Speaking of caves…
If you're in the area, why not experience spending the night in a Canarian cave house?
I share all the details in the post dedicated to Fagajesto (very close to Bentaiga).
Useful links
- Rent Casa Lola.
- Other hotel deals in Gran Canaria.
- Flight deals to the Canary Islands: Trabber, eDreams, Momondo, and Vueling.
- 5% discount when booking your adventure travel insurance with IATI.
Road tripping through the Canary Islands? Check out these posts:
- Sleep in a Canarian house facing the Sao ravine.
- Trail from Artenara to 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. 😉