Gran Canaria’s terrain and the perfect weather all year round make it a perfect destination for the all types of mountain lovers. There are a lot of hiking trails of different difficulty and length. However if you prefer something more extreme, like rock climbing, Gran Canaria is an excellent place for you.
Volcanic eruptions and erosion helped to create the vertical cliffs, cracks, chimneys and overhangs. There is a large selection of different routes and it is possible to practise climbing in Gran Canaria almost everywhere. Moreover, new climbing routes open all the time.
These are some of the most popular places among the climbers:
La Sorrueda. It is the most popular rock climbing location in the south of Gran Canaria, located near the town of Santa Lucia. There are plenty of different routes from 5 to 7a.
Fataga. It is another nice climbing site, located in south of a dam, with over 50 routes varying from easy slabs to an 8b+ overhang.
Tamadaba massive. This place can offer some of the best rock for climbing in Gran Canaria. You can find more than 400 routes, situated in the beautiful pine forests. The grades vary from 4 to 8b.
Barranco de Moya. There is a good selection of grades from 4 to 7c. Maybe not worth travelling from the south of the island, but it is a perfect climbing place, if you are staying in Las Palmas.
Ayagaures. It is a rock climbing site, located in a deep sided ravine. There are more than 50 long and technical routes, varying from 6′s to 8a.
Roque Nublo. It was the first site set up for rock climbing in Gran Canaria. Roque Nublo is almost a symbol of the island and is a must for any climber. The rock has 12 routes of varying difficulty.
Roque Bentayga. Like Roque Nublo, this rock is popular among the climbers because of its spectacular look. However, because of its archaeological value, only the climb on the north face is allowed.
There are many other places, suitable for climbing in Gran Canaria, such as El Palmés in El Toscón de Tejeda, the sea cliff of Bañaderos near the town of Arucas or Betancuria in Ayacata. The latter is near the Roque Nublo and can offer the biggest selection of classical routes.
Climbing in Gran Canaria is allowed practically everywhere, except some sites of ecological sensitivity, publicly owned and military places. However sports climbers must have particular documents, like a federal license and appropriate insurance.
If you are new to this and want start climbing in Gran Canaria, there are climbing walls in Las Palmas, Telde and in Maspalomas. The instructors will help you to get into the right direction. If you are looking for accommodation in Gran Canaria, check out Luxury-Resort-Guide.com. For the best prices you should book your hotel room well in advance.
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