
Roque Nublo
An iconic volcanic monolith offering breathtaking island views, especially magical at sunset and under starry skies.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds

Roque Nublo
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic volcanic monolith offering breathtaking island views, especially magical at sunset and under starry skies.
"The climb is worth it, the views are amazing!!"

🚗 Car Hire Recommended
Easiest way to reach the trailhead. Parking is available at La Goleta or Cruz de Los Llanos.
👟 Wear Good Hiking Shoes
The hike is short but can be steep in parts. Sturdy footwear is essential for comfort and safety.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Roque Nublo Crag
Summit
A massive volcanic monolith, standing tall and majestic, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Panoramic Island Views
Summit
Witness stunning vistas of Gran Canaria, often above the clouds, with views extending to Tenerife.

Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Experience magical sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors, a truly unforgettable sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car Hire Recommended
Easiest way to reach the trailhead. Parking is available at La Goleta or Cruz de Los Llanos.
👟 Wear Good Hiking Shoes
The hike is short but can be steep in parts. Sturdy footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no shops at the summit. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop, especially after sunset. Be prepared for cooler conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car Hire Recommended
Easiest way to reach the trailhead. Parking is available at La Goleta or Cruz de Los Llanos.
👟 Wear Good Hiking Shoes
The hike is short but can be steep in parts. Sturdy footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
There are no shops at the summit. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
Temperatures can drop, especially after sunset. Be prepared for cooler conditions.
📱 Book Your Slot Online
Reservations are mandatory for certain hours. Check the official website to secure your entry.
🔭 Stargazing Potential
On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible. A truly unique celestial experience awaits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Roque Nublo for its magnificent views and the rewarding hike, often describing it as a must-visit on Gran Canaria. The sunset is a particular highlight, offering a magical experience. However, the mandatory reservation system and limited parking can cause frustration and logistical challenges for some.
"A wonderful place and fantastic views and panoramas. The road to the top is also amazing and enchanting with its beauty. The only big minus is the lack of parking spaces. This complicates the excursion and leads to stressful situations. If you want to park your car near the parking lot near the cliff, I recommend you arrive early in the morning."
Nat Uh
"If you don't have a car, you can use the bus number 18 if you're are traveling from Playa de Ingles area. The buses don't run often and the route there with the bus is not the best.
We had prebooked our trail time but arrived 1 hour and 30 minutes early, and thankfully they let us enter 1 hour earlier.
There is absolutely nothing around there which I would have thought there would be a coffee shop or a Souvenir store but there is only a small van selling a few local things and that's it. So if you'll have to wait for your time time good luck with that 😆
The hike itself is not too hard. It's moderate level due to some steep climbing if you go all the way to the top. It took us about an hour to climb up (with a few stops for pictures) and 30 minutes to go down.
Bring lots of water and if you're not in a rush you can sit down and enjoy the view with a few snacks.
The climb is worth it, the views are amazing!! 😍😍
Overall, it's a once in a lifetime check point and even though i hated the bus journey it was worth it."
Monica Ioannou
"Magnificent walk through the forest hills to get to the top. Approximately 30 min walk filled with endless beautiful panoramic views. So glad we did it. Definitely recommend it."
Karol Poborsky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
If you don't have a car, you can take bus number 18 from areas like Playa de Ingles. However, buses don't run frequently, and the route might not be the most direct. Alternatively, you can arrange a lift or use taxi services.
Parking directly at the trailhead is very limited. The closest public parking is at Cruz de Los Llanos. From there, it's about a 5km walk to the start of the main trail.
No, you cannot drive directly to the Roque Nublo monument itself. The old parking area is no longer accessible for general use. You'll need to park at designated areas like Cruz de Los Llanos and walk or take a shuttle.
From Maspalomas, hiring a car is the most convenient option. If you prefer public transport, you'll likely need to take a bus to a central hub and then connect to bus 18 towards Tejeda. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, from the Cruz de Los Llanos parking area, you can take the bus L18. It's recommended to check the specific schedule for this bus as it may not run very frequently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a reservation is mandatory to access the Roque Nublo trail between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. You can book this on the official website: reservasroquenublo.com.
While the natural monument is always accessible, the reservation system is in place for the trail access between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. It's best to check the official website for any specific time slot availability.
The cost is primarily for the reservation, which is usually a nominal fee. The bus fare for the L18 shuttle is also a small cost. Check the official booking site for current pricing.
Without a reservation, you might face significant waiting times or be denied entry during peak hours (9 AM - 5 PM). It's highly recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Some visitors have reported being allowed entry an hour earlier than their booked time slot, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the staff and current visitor numbers.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike from the nearest parking areas (like Cruz de Los Llanos) to Roque Nublo is approximately 30-45 minutes one way. The total time can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
The hike is generally considered moderate. It involves some uphill sections and can be steep in places, but it's manageable for most fitness levels.
At the top, you'll find the iconic Roque Nublo rock formation and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the island, often above a sea of clouds. You might also see Tenerife and Mount Teide on a clear day.
Yes, on clear days, the views from Roque Nublo extend to the neighboring island of Tenerife, where you can see Mount Teide.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip. Layers are recommended as the weather can change, and it can be cooler at higher altitudes, especially after sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, creating magical colors in the sky. Golden hour is particularly stunning.
Drone usage regulations can vary and are subject to local restrictions. It's advisable to check the latest rules and regulations with the park authorities before flying a drone.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the rock formation, panoramic island views, dramatic sunsets, and even astrophotography of the Milky Way on clear nights.
Yes, even in foggy conditions, Roque Nublo can offer a mystical and atmospheric photographic experience, creating a unique mood.
Experiment with different angles from the base of the rock, from the hiking trail, and from viewpoints offering wider panoramas. Drone shots can provide a unique perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking can be a significant hurdle for families, so planning your transport in advance is key. Using the bus service from Cruz de Los Llanos might be a more relaxed option than dealing with limited parking. Pack snacks and be prepared for a rustic experience, as there are no cafes or shops at the summit.
🚶 Budget Travelers
If you're looking to save on accommodation, consider staying in more affordable towns on the island and making Roque Nublo a day trip. The experience of the hike and the incredible views are priceless and offer immense value for the minimal expense involved.
💑 Couples
For an even more special occasion, visiting during a full moon or a meteor shower can add a touch of magic. The clear night skies, often above the clouds, provide a stunning backdrop for a romantic evening. Remember to bring warm clothing to stay comfortable as the evening cools down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Legend of Roque Nublo
The 'nublo' aspect refers to its frequent shrouding in clouds, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This natural monument is a protected site, emphasizing its ecological and geological significance. The surrounding landscape is equally captivating, with volcanic terrain and unique flora that changes as you ascend, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of Gran Canaria.
Historically, Roque Nublo held spiritual significance for the indigenous Guanches, who considered it a sacred site. It served as a natural altar and a place for rituals. This deep connection to the island's past adds another dimension to the visitor experience, inviting reflection on the ancient cultures that once inhabited this dramatic landscape.
Navigating the Roque Nublo Hike and Access
Access to the trail has changed significantly. Between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, a reservation is mandatory via the official website (reservasroquenublo.com). The old parking area is no longer in use for general visitors. The closest public parking is now at Cruz de Los Llanos. From there, you can either walk approximately 5 kilometers to the trailhead or take the L18 bus.
For those without a car, organizing transport can be a challenge due to infrequent bus services. Planning ahead and checking bus schedules is crucial. Some visitors have found success arriving early, even with a reservation, to gain entry sooner, but this is not guaranteed.
The Magic of Roque Nublo Sunsets and Stargazing
Beyond the sunset, Roque Nublo offers an incredible opportunity for stargazing. On clear nights, away from significant light pollution, the Milky Way becomes visible, and the sheer number of stars is astonishing. The unique vantage point, often above cloud cover, enhances the celestial spectacle, making it a truly unforgettable experience for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
To fully enjoy these experiences, it's recommended to bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly after dark. Planning your descent carefully, perhaps with headlamps, is also advisable if you stay for stargazing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit