Rock climbing in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands just off the African coast. These islands rise steeply out of the sea forming dramatic mountains, with Mount Teide on Tenerife being the highest mountain in Spain (3718m high). The spectacular rugged landscape has everything from vertical cliffs to deep canyons, creating an abundance of varied climbing. These islands provide everything from Trad climbing (including multi-pitch), sport climbing and bouldering. The pocketed volcanic rock means there are a good choice of routes right across the grade range. Tenerife and Gran Canaria islands are the most developed in terms of sport climbing and guidebooks available.

Weather – The weather in the Canary Islands offers a constant warm climate that attracts visitors to the islands throughout the year. All year round the fresh trade winds keep the islands warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which means the temperature only varies between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore the Canary Islands are an excellent location for some winter sun and rock climbing with the best time to visit anywhere between October and May, though it is possible to climb throughout the year by choosing your crag carefully.

Gear required – For sport climbing at least a 60m rope is required though a 70m long rope is ideal, plus around 15 quickdraws. For Trad climbing twin ropes are recommended as many of the routes are multi-pitch, plus the usual protection such as cams and nuts.

Guidebooks - The Tenerife Rock Climbing Guidebook describes the sport climbing and rock at 17 areas in Tenerife, including Arico, El Rio, La Canada del Capricho and Guaria, It covers over 1,300 routes across a wide range of grades, and is available to buy from our shop.