Montaña de Cardón Natural Monument
A dramatic volcanic landscape with knife-edge basalt formations, offering rewarding hikes to a summit with panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, better light
Montaña de Cardón Natural Monument
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic volcanic landscape with knife-edge basalt formations, offering rewarding hikes to a summit with panoramic views.
"The summit views are breathtaking and make the challenging hike absolutely worthwhile."
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The terrain is stony and arid; good hiking shoes are essential for a comfortable and safe ascent.
🌬️ Brace for Strong Winds
Winds can be extreme here. Bring layers and be prepared for gusty conditions, especially at higher elevations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Highest Peaks
Ascend to the summit for unparalleled panoramic views stretching across the landscape, a truly rewarding experience.
Hermitage of the Virgin of Tanquillo
Base of the massif
A serene chapel offering a place for reflection amidst the natural beauty, a peaceful stop on your hike.
Unique Geomorphology
Mountain range
Marvel at the knife-edge shapes formed by decomposed alkaline basalts, a testament to powerful erosive forces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Summit Hike: Worth the Effort
Wind & Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The terrain is stony and arid; good hiking shoes are essential for a comfortable and safe ascent.
🌬️ Brace for Strong Winds
Winds can be extreme here. Bring layers and be prepared for gusty conditions, especially at higher elevations.
🗺️ Summit Trail Unmarked
No marked trail to the peaks. Follow your instincts and enjoy the adventure of reaching the summit.
🐐 Goat Spotting
Listen for the sounds of goats and keep an eye out; you might encounter a family of these agile creatures.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The terrain is stony and arid; good hiking shoes are essential for a comfortable and safe ascent.
🌬️ Brace for Strong Winds
Winds can be extreme here. Bring layers and be prepared for gusty conditions, especially at higher elevations.
🗺️ Summit Trail Unmarked
No marked trail to the peaks. Follow your instincts and enjoy the adventure of reaching the summit.
🐐 Goat Spotting
Listen for the sounds of goats and keep an eye out; you might encounter a family of these agile creatures.
💧 Carry Water
The arid environment means you'll need to stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water for your hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from Montaña de Cardón, especially from the summit, calling it a 'fantastic hike accessible to all.' The unique geological formations and the peaceful Hermitage are also highly praised. Some note the unmarked summit trail can be challenging, and the wind can be extreme.
"A fantastic hike accessible to all.
Now I recommend climbing to the summit. Allow an additional 1 hour and 40 minutes from the blue post. Be careful, the end of the trail is a little unclear due to the rocks, but follow your instincts! It's accessible to all, take your time, and at the top you won't be disappointed with the view and your experience.
Enjoy the hike! Allow 3 hours to reach the heritage, return to the blue post, and the summit."
Joël Gerbaud
"The Cardón Mountain Natural Monument (also known as the "Sacred Mountain") is a mountain range with a maximum height of 690 m, formed by alkaline basalts highly decomposed by the erosive action of climatic factors, giving it knife-edge geomorphological shapes. The soils surrounding this mountain are infertile, stony, eroded, and arid, making it somewhat difficult to ascend to its highest peaks, Espigón Ojo de Cabra and Punta de la Galera. However, endemic species of endangered plants coexist on the mountainside, giving this area significant conservation and flora importance. This mountain can be reached via Highway FV-605, passing through the Chilegua Ravine, or via Highway FV-618, passing through the Tanques Ravine, where the Tanquillo Trail is located. It is a well-marked, one-hour hike that leads to the Hermitage of the Virgin of Tanquillo, located at the base of the massif. There is no marked trail to climb its peaks, but reaching them is very rewarding."
K HH
"A must-have for anyone visiting Lanzarote. Recommended by bus; if you drive, you'll have to plan for very long waits."
no apple
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Montaña de Cardón via Highway FV-605, passing through the Chilegua Ravine, or via Highway FV-618, passing through the Tanques Ravine. If driving, be prepared for potentially long waits.
Yes, taking the bus is recommended by some visitors to avoid potential long waits associated with driving.
The monument is located in a relatively remote area, but access points are often described in relation to nearby ravines like Chilegua and Tanques.
While parking is available if you drive, it's noted that you might face very long waits.
Access is via Highway FV-605 or FV-618. The Tanquillo Trail is located off FV-618.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of ticket requirements for general access to the natural monument. Entry is typically free for hiking and exploring. +1
As a natural monument, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific opening or closing times listed.
Hiking trails within natural monuments are usually free to access. Enjoy the natural beauty without an entrance fee.
While the monument is a natural area, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
As a protected natural area, visitors are expected to respect the environment and stay on marked paths where available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A pleasant hike to the Hermitage takes about two hours round trip. To reach the summit, allow an additional 1 hour 40 minutes from the blue post, totaling around 3 hours for the full experience. +1
The hike to the Hermitage is described as pleasant and accessible to all. Reaching the summit involves a more challenging, unmarked trail. +1
Expect fantastic views stretching as far as Cofete. The summit offers unparalleled panoramic vistas.
The trail to the Hermitage of the Virgin of Tanquillo is well-marked. However, there is no marked trail to climb its peaks. +1
The mountain is formed by alkaline basalts with knife-edge geomorphological shapes. The surrounding soils are infertile, stony, eroded, and arid.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots. The unique basalt formations and the Hermitage also provide excellent photographic opportunities. +1
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Mornings offer cooler temperatures and clear views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful if you plan for sunrise or sunset shots.
Focus on the dramatic knife-edge rock formations, the distant landscapes, and the serene Hermitage. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and restrictions for flying drones in natural protected areas before your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Montaña de Cardón
The soils surrounding the mountain are notably infertile, stony, and arid, contributing to the challenging ascent to its highest peaks. Despite these harsh conditions, the mountainside supports endemic species of endangered plants, highlighting the area's significant conservation and flora importance. This juxtaposition of rugged geology and resilient life makes Montaña de Cardón a place of scientific and natural wonder.
Hiking to the Summit: A Rewarding Challenge
Despite the lack of a clearly marked path, the effort is widely considered to be very rewarding. The panoramic views from the top are described as breathtaking, offering expansive vistas that make the challenging climb worthwhile. Many visitors recommend embracing this challenge for the ultimate experience of Montaña de Cardón, emphasizing that the journey, though demanding, culminates in an unforgettable payoff.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit