Rock climbing in Gran Canaria

The dormant volcanic mountain of Tamadaba (1949m high) dominates the rugged landscape of Gran Canaria. This volcano produced an abundance of volcanic rock, creating everything from vertical cliffs to deep canyons. There is a great variety of climbing from sport, trad and bouldering to be found in Gran Canaria. The style of climbing ranges from sea cliff climbing to the nation park of Tamadaba at an altitude of well over 1,000m, with plenty of routes across a wide range of grades.

Sport climbing is very well developed on the island with over 650 routes at 14 separate areas. The Trad climbing is based around the town of Ayacata in the centre of the island where there are multi-pitch routes up to 100m long. There are bouldering opportunities all over the island with well-established areas such as Guiniguada, Tamadaba, and Sorrueda.

Rocking climbing areas in Gran Canaria
NoCragNo of routesGrade Range
1Tamadaba170F5 to F8b
2El Cenobio30F6a to F8c
3Barranco de Moya75F4 to F8a
4Quintanilla12F5 to F6b+
5Barranco de Banaderos11F4 to F7a+
6Cueva de Arucas5F7a to F7c
7Costa Ayala15F4 to F6c+
8Guiniguada20F5 to F7b
9Roque Nublo23F4 to F7b+
10Candelilla41F5+ to F8b
11Salt del Perro14F6c to F8c+
12Sorrueda110F4 to F8a
13Fataga100F4 to F8b+
14Ayagaures46F5+ to F8a+

Map of the sport climbing areas in Gran Canaria

Map of the sport climbing areas in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Logistics for Rock Climbers

Weather – The best time to visit Gran Canaria for rock climbing is from the autumn through to the spring. During this period the fresh trade winds bring pleasant warm sunshine with very little rain.


Getting to Gran Canaria – The only airport on the island is Las Palmas airport, which has many connecting flights to all over Europe. Find out more….


Climbing guidebooks for Gran Canaria – There are currently no rock climbing guidebooks for Gran Canaria


Gear required – For sport climbing at least a 60m rope though a 70m long rope is ideal, plus around 15 quickdraws. For Trad climbing twin ropes are recommended as many of the routes are multi-pitch, plus the usual cams and nuts.

The impressive towers of Roque Nublo crag, Gran Canaria