Cruz de Tejeda & the Caldera
The Cruz de Tejeda (Cross of Tejeda) at 1,560 meters altitude is the geographical and symbolic center of Gran Canaria — a mountain pass where the paths from north and south, east and west have crossed for centuries. Today, it is the ideal starting point to explore the highlands.
The Pass
At Cruz de Tejeda stands a stone cross from the 15th century (the original is in the museum, the copy stands by the roadside), and all around are breathtaking views into the Caldera de Tejeda — a vast erosion crater that stretches across the entire west of the island. At the small market at the pass, local vendors sell almond sweets (bienmesabe — "it tastes good to me"), honey, cheese, and crafts. A few hundred meters away lies the historic Parador de Cruz de Tejeda — a luxury hotel with a restaurant and the best panoramic view on the island.
Tejeda — the Most Beautiful Village
The village of Tejeda, a few kilometers below the pass, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain (it is on the official list of "Pueblos más bonitos de España"). White houses cling to the steep rock slopes above the ravine, almond trees shape the terraces, and the view of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga is omnipresent. Especially beautiful in February, when the almond trees bloom and the Fiesta del Almendro en Flor (Almond Blossom Festival) is celebrated.
Hikes from Cruz de Tejeda
- Cruz de Tejeda → Artenara: approx. 8 km (2.5–3 hours), ridge path with magnificent views. Moderate.
- Cruz de Tejeda → Teror: approx. 12 km (3–4 hours), historic Camino Real through pine forest. Moderate.
- Roque Bentayga Circular Route: approx. 5 km (1.5–2 hours), past the indigenous cult site with archaeological center. Easy to moderate.
Pico de las Nieves
The Pico de las Nieves (Snow Peak) is the highest point of Gran Canaria at 1,949 meters. The summit itself is a military restricted area, but the viewpoint a few meters below offers an incredible 360-degree panorama. On clear days, all eight Canary Islands are visible from here — Tenerife with the Teide, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, and even the distant El Hierro. Access is conveniently by car via the GC-130.
