Altavista Ridge

This long ridge to the west of the attractive (if slightly antiseptic) village of Artenara, leading out across and beside a series of peaks to the high viewpoint of Altavista (at 1,377m) – clue is in the name – is walking joy.

The first half from Artenara crosses Mt del Brezo, then spends some time on or beside roads. If you are planning to walk there and back, it is worth considering starting from the viewpoint a short way beyond the big hairpin beyond the Dellogada las Palomas on the GC216 road. It is roughly 12km (around 5hrs) return from the viewpoint, and something like 22km return from Artenara. 

From the viewpoint, you climb through pine and attractive thick scrub past the small Cruz de Maria cross, having turned left at the signed junction a few minutes in to stay on the main ridge, and climb on until things level out below the first peak, which you skirt to the right. After that, you meander delightfully along the ridge, winding between little summits and all the time admiring the extravagant views to the north and particularly to the south, across the abyss that separates you from the long ridge which sports the huge tower of Roque Bentayga on to famous Roque Nublo on the horizon.

You eventually make a short, steep drop to a narrow pass, and climb up the middle of 3 paths to the Altavista  summit at 1,377m. Stellar views out over the abyss all around summit will be your reward, taking in patches of sea and various landmarks including Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga to the east.

Return the way you came, or take one of a number of paths off the flanks of the ridge to meet roads in the valleys deep below.

This is demanding walking in serious and waterless mountains: prepare. The heights are dangerous and this walk is not for those with significant issues with exposure.

See our Gran Canaria page for more walks, photos and detailed general information.