How to visit Roque Nublo (new access rules)

The iconic Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria's main attractions, has had a new access system since February 2025 to protect this protected natural area and manage visits. The big change is that, to go up, you now have to book (and it's free). Here's how it works and everything you need to know before you go.

Roque Nublo at a glance (the new rules)

• Booking: compulsory and free at reservasroquenublo.com
• Opening hours: trail access from 9:00 to 17:00, every day.
• Price: free (only the number of visitors is capped).
• Parking: not allowed next to the trail (Degollada de La Goleta); park in Tejeda or Cruz de Los Llanos and take the shuttle bus up (Global, line 18).
• Exempt: residents of Tejeda and Artenara (with proof of residence).
• The walk: ~1.5 km each way (30-40 min); fine for families with kids used to walking.
• In force since: February 2025.

What is Roque Nublo?

Roque Nublo is a striking monolith of volcanic origin in the centre of the island of Gran Canaria. It's one of the island's most emblematic symbols and one of the best-known natural monuments in the Canary Islands.

At 80 metres tall from its base and an altitude of 1,813 metres above sea level, Roque Nublo is a popular spot for lovers of nature, hiking and photography. It sits within the Parque Rural del Nublo, a protected area with spectacular views of Gran Canaria's mountain landscape, including other highlights such as Roque Bentayga and, on clear days, the majestic Teide on neighbouring Tenerife.

This place was considered sacred by the indigenous Canarians, and to this day it remains a spot full of mysticism and natural beauty. It's reached via hiking trails that let you enjoy its unique surroundings.

What are the main changes to Roque Nublo access?

Compulsory booking

To visit Roque Nublo you now have to book your access (free of charge) through the official booking platform, reservasroquenublo.com. The trail is still free: only the number of visitors is regulated. Bookings are available every day, from 9:00 to 17:00.

• Each person can request a maximum of five bookings.
• Cancellations are possible up to three days before the chosen date.
• If you don't honour 80% of the bookings you've made, a penalty applies that temporarily blocks you from making new ones.

Residents of the municipalities of Artenara and Tejeda are exempt from this requirement, though they must show documentation proving they live in the area.

Reduced capacity

At present, Roque Nublo receives between 1,800 and 2,000 visitors a day on the busiest days. The new system aims to halve that figure, limiting it to a maximum of 300 people at any one time.

• School groups: may access with a maximum of 60 people a day.
• Tour operators: will have a quota of 30 people every two hours.

Parking changes

To avoid traffic congestion near the trail, the car parks close to the start of the trail will be removed, including the one at Degollada de la Goleta. Instead, two new parking areas will be set up:

1. Tejeda town: from here, visitors can take a bus to the start of the trail. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
2. Cruz de Los Llanos: this car park offers a shorter trip, about 10 minutes by bus.

The buses are run by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria through the Global company, ensuring a smooth and sustainable connection.

New bus line from Maspalomas to Roque Nublo

Global's line 18, which connects the Maspalomas lighthouse with the centre of the island, will include a new stop at Roque Nublo. There will be three departures a day in each direction, with a timetable designed to make it easy for tourists and residents to reach the start of the trail. Departures alternate every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 18:00.

Can you climb Roque Nublo with kids?

Yes. The trail to the base of Roque Nublo starts at the Degollada de La Goleta and is a little over 1.5 km each way (about 30-40 minutes of gentle uphill, with a slightly steeper final stretch). It's a short, manageable walk for families with kids who are used to walking. Bring water, a hat and sun protection (there's little shade), comfortable footwear, and keep an eye on little ones around the base, where there are drops. It's not suitable for pushchairs.

Sustainability and safety

These measures aim to:

• Protect the natural environment: reduce the impact of mass tourism on this protected area.
• Prevent traffic jams: guarantee free access for emergency services and prevent illegal parking on the roads.
• Improve the visitor experience: offer a calmer, less crowded environment.

Roque Nublo is a natural treasure of Gran Canaria, and these initiatives aim to ensure its conservation for future generations while offering a sustainable, well-organised experience for everyone who wants to enjoy this beautiful spot.

Is it worth it?

Absolutely. Even though you now have to book, it's free and quick, and in return you go up without the crowds of before and with much more orderly parking. The views from the base of the monolith —with the Teide in the background on clear days— are still among the best in Gran Canaria. Our tip: book ahead (especially weekends and public holidays) and go first thing or late in the day for the best light and fewer people.