Roques de García

Tenerife


A few kilometres south of El Teide peak, across from the Parador Nacional, lies this geological freak show of twisted lava pinnacles, christened with names such as Finger of God and the Cathedral. The display is a consequence of various processes: old volcanic dykes eroding or solidified vertical streams of magma. The most bizarre overture is the Roque Cinchado, while to the west spread out the otherworldly bald plains of the Llano de Ucanca.

Note that the Roque Cinchado is eroding faster at the base than above, and one of these days it is destined to topple over (so maybe don't get too close!). It is such an iconic symbol in Spain that for years it featured on the old 1000 peseta note.

It's also the most popular spot in the park and viewed by nearly 90% of visitors, so the car park is perennially jammed (you may have to drive around to find somewhere to park); most people just leave their cars or tour buses for a 15-minute obligatory glance.

The 1½-hour trail that circles the rocks is still pretty well travelled, but there are some excellent, photogenic views and it's a terrific hike, with quite a steep section at the end.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tenerife attractions

1. Pico del Teide

3.29 MILES

The cable car provides the easiest way to get up to the peak of El Teide. The views are great – unless a big cloud is covering the peak, in which case you…

2. Pico Viejo

3.35 MILES

Calling this mountain ‘Old Peak’ is something of a slight misnomer considering it was actually the last of Tenerife’s volcanoes to have erupted on a grand…

3. Pino Gordo

4.15 MILES

Just beyond the southern edge of Parque Nacional del Teide and just outside Vilaflor, 'Fat Pine' is a fabulous 800-year-old specimen of Canarian pine tree…

4. Observatorio del Teide

8.94 MILES

One of the best places in the northern hemisphere to stargaze is the Observatorio del Teide, just off the TF24 highway between La Laguna and the El…

5. Artlandya Doll Museum

10.51 MILES

A collection of dolls may not sound very captivating to anyone over the age of three, but Austrian owner Georg is an enthralling character who brings the…

6. Drago Park

11.18 MILES

Drago Park contains the pride of the town – a tree said to be the world’s largest and oldest drago (dragon) tree, allegedly here for more than 1000 years …

7. Guanche Museum

11.31 MILES

This mildly diverting though rather limited ethnographic museum explores various aspects of Guanche culture, largely through reproductions of Guanche…

8. La Caleta

11.38 MILES

This resort area in Costa Adeje is located north of Playa del Duque and is anchored by several hotels, including the Sheraton La Caleta Resort and Spa…