Roque Bentayga

The Roque Bentayga is a rocky place of volcanic origin located in the basin of Tejeda, in the heart of Gran Canaria. It is a piton or basaltic monolith integrated in the Sierra del Bentayga, a ridge of rocks aligned from east to west that reaches heights of between 1,007 and 1,412 meters and forms a geological, scenic and cultural unit of great uniqueness. The most striking feature is its abrupt silhouette, visible from most of the peaks, and the contrast between the rock and the surrounding landscape of midlands and ravines. The interest of the visit is not only natural: at its base and surroundings there is an important archaeological site with dwelling caves, granaries, silos, walls and the almogarén, a ceremonial space associated with the ancient Canary Islanders. Its heritage value is exceptional because it combines volcanic relief, pre-Hispanic human use and ritual significance in the same enclave. In 2018 it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of Archaeological Zone, and is part of the Cultural Landscape of Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, which reinforces its relevance in the island as a whole. For the demanding visitor, Bentayga offers high mountain scenery, geological reading of the relief and one of the best gateways to the aboriginal history of Gran Canaria. Its location in Tejeda makes it a key reference to understand the relationship between nature, settlement and sacred memory in the summits of Gran Canaria.