Roque del Conde

Start Location:  28.101013, -16.687554
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The quiet local villages of Tenerife are much lesser known and reveal beautiful traditional architecture, shops and a mix of Canary x Spanish culture. One of these is Arona, a small village Situated in the south-western part of Tenerife. Encompassing the village are two large mountains, one of these being Roque del Conde. The starting point of this route is rather secluded but indicated with a wooden post and a small sign signifying the starting point of the trek. This is a short but satisfying walk as it overlooks the beautiful western coast of the island.

Difficulty: Beginner
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This route would be classed as a beginner’s hike. Despite the ease of this walk, there are still dangers that could cause serious injury. At the summit, there are very large vertical cliff faces beside loose rocky areas. It is advised that the walker keep a safe distance. The footpath on this walk is loose and steep at times which may cause slips and trips. Take plenty of water, a minimum of two litres depending on how long the walk will take. (take more water if it’s a hot day). For sunrise or sunset hikes, this walk is known to become cold with morning and evening mists so layers are advised.

Notes:
Beware of the many cacti in the area…

Route:
The start of the route leads you down into a canyon from which the path allows you to exit on the other side. You then make your way to the top of the canyon and continue your gradual ascent up Conde. The path consists of cobblestones which forms a designated route. However, it is advised to keep vigilant on the ground as it is easy to misplace your footing on loose cobbles. You will reach a ridge which presents you with a beautiful view of the ocean, surrounding villages, banana farms and tourist locations.
The route then proceeds to take you around the other side of the mountain where you gradually reach a plateau with a short walk to the highest point. Soon, a large block with a pole emerging vertically will become visible, indicating the summit of the mountain. Once at the top, there is a magnificent view of other mountains and the surrounding area. For the best experience, time the walk perfectly with a clear or slightly cloudy forecast and reach the summit with enough time to watch the sunrise. At the summit, be sure to remain cautious as either side of the mountain has vertical cliffs. Insure you maintain a safe distance whilst exploring the top of the mountain. The route should take no more than an hour and a half to the top generally averaging around 3 hours for the whole walk with a moderate pace. (11/2 for those that like a challenge).