If you want a coastal route Gáldar diferente, apunta este recorrido desde las From the Roque Prieto swimming pools to the Sardina LighthouseIt is a linear walk of 12,76 kilometers which starts in Santa María de Guía and runs along a good part of the Galdar coastline, passing through small fishing villages, archaeological sites and some of the the most authentic natural pools and ponds in the north of the islandThe route presents no major technical difficulties, except for a short section with a rope, although the distance requires a certain level of fitness. It also includes a section with a rope and requires... plan the return well Because it's not circular. Below, we'll tell you all the details so you can make it yourself. Here we go!
Coastal route from Roque Prieto to the Sardina Lighthouse, Gáldar
This coastal hiking trail Gáldar It begins next to the natural pools of Roque Prieto, one of the few bathing areas in the municipality of Santa María de GuíaFrom here we will always advance westward, skirting the coastline until we reach the Sardine LighthouseThe route combines dirt paths, tracks, short stretches of asphalt, stairs and seaside promenadesShortly after leaving Roque Prieto, you have to overcome a short climb which, when we did the route, There was a rope installed for assistance. It doesn't require any climbing skills, but it does require a bit of strength, balance, and footwear with good grip. Once we got past that hurdle, the rest of the route seemed easy.
Technical data of the Roque Prieto–Sardina Lighthouse route
Here are the technical specifications extracted from our GPS watch. We completed the route by walking and running.So, if you're only walking and want to stop to take photos or have a swim, we recommend you allow yourself some extra time.
| Distance | 12,76 km |
| Recorded duration | 3 h 19 min walking-running |
| Total promotion | + 401m |
| Level | Fácil en general; medio por la distancia y el paso corto con cuerda |
| route type | Linear |
| Signaling | It is not continuously signposted; we recommend bringing the track. |
| Supply point | Yes, about halfway there El Agujero |
| Suitable for children | We do not recommend it for children due to the distance and the rope crossing. |
⚠️ Important Notices: We are facing a linear routeTherefore, we recommend going with two cars: leave one at the Sardina Lighthouse and drive the other to Roque Prieto to begin your hike. Don't expect to find a taxi at the lighthouse. Another option is to continue to Sardina del Norte beach, where you'll have more options for transportation, although this will lengthen your walk. Wear shoes with good grip, sun protection, and bring enough water to reach the Agujero (Hole). As it's not an officially marked and continuously signposted trail, follow the track and respect any closures or detours. If the rope is missing, the slope is unstable, or you're unsure of the way, turn back. Also, check the sea conditions before swimming and don't approach the edge of the tide pools if there are strong waves.
How to plan a linear route with two cars
Logistics is probably the most important part of this hike. Before starting, leave a car at the Sardina Lighthouse parking lot Then take the second vehicle to Roque Prieto. At the end of the route, the vehicle will be waiting for you, and you can return to pick up the one you left at the start.
If you only have a car, an alternative is to extend the walk from the lighthouse to the Sardina del Norte beachThere are more public transport options there, but keep in mind that this will add kilometers and time to the technical data we shared in this article. Another option would be to book a transfer in advance.
Places of interest along the coastal route Gáldar
The main attraction of this tour is that it allows you to see many of the sights all at once. natural pools of Gáldar and various less touristy corners of the northern coast. These are the main places you'll find, listed in order as we move towards the Sardina Lighthouse:
- Natural pools of Roque Prieto: We begin by the two saltwater pools of Roque Prieto, nestled between volcanic rock and protected from the waves by breakwaters. You can learn more about them in our post about the Roque Prieto pools.
- Caleta de Arriba: This small fishing village is divided between the municipalities of Santa María de Guía y GáldarAs we travel through it, we delve into the Galdar coastline while enjoying its local atmosphere and the volcanic and rugged character of the north coast.
- Fisherman's Lookout and El Frontón: During this first stretch we will be able to get a glimpse of one of the most famous spots on the coast of GáldarAt the Fisherman's Lookout you will find a recreation of the work The Green Rayby the artist Antonio Padrón from Gáldar. Nearby, El Frontón breaks, one of the most renowned bodyboarding waves in the world and the setting for the Frontón King competition. If the sea is strong, the spectacle from the shore is impressive, but always maintain a safe distance.
- El Agujero and the archaeological site of La Guancha: Approximately halfway along the route we will arrive at El AgujeroWith its tres piscinas, su pequeño paseo marítimo y el conjunto arqueológico de La Guancha, El Agujero and BocabarrancoThis area preserves the remains of dwellings and funerary structures of the ancient Canarians. From 2026 you can also explore this heritage in the new La Guancha Interpretation Centre.
When we did the route we found supermarkets and bars in El AgujeroBut we recommend checking their schedules and bringing enough water and food.
- Bocabarranco y piscina de Emiliano: a few minutes from El Agujero We'll pass by another bathing area that's very popular with the locals of Gáldar. Its natural pool and the open landscape overlooking the ocean make it worth stopping, even if just to take some photos.
- Los Dos Roques: We'll continue through this small coastal neighborhood, easily recognizable by the rocky outcrops jutting out from the shore. Here you'll also find a beach and a swimming pool, making this part of the route ideal if you want to combine hiking and swimming.
La Ruta Continue exploring more natural pools and lesser-known natural pools in Gran Canaria which we prefer not to reveal here. They are located at the foot of the cliff and are usually accessed by stairs. Even if you don't plan to go down for a swim, the scenery along this stretch is breathtaking.
- Caleta de Abajo: This small coastal village is another stop along the route. Here we find once again a landscape of volcanic rock, stone coves, and houses with nautical touches by the ocean, in a ambiente muy pintoresco y poco turístico.
- tip of Gáldar: From here the route feels wilder again. Among small coves, pools, natural pools, and paths close to the sea, we'll circle the point with continuous views of the Atlantic.
Before entering Barranquillo del Vino, we'll pass through more stretches of volcanic coastline and small swimming areas. It's one of the most secluded sections of the route.
- Barranquillo del Vino y Mirador Juan Manzana: Before reaching the lighthouse, we'll pass through this small coastal neighborhood and by the Juan Manzana Lookout, easily recognizable by its benches, open views of the sea, and the compass rose. It's a good place to take one last break on the tour.
- Sardina Lighthouse: The route ends at the lighthouse and its viewpoint. The landscape combines large basalt formations, intertidal flats, and small natural pools. Reaching this point, with the northwest coast stretching out before us, is the best reward after almost 13 kilometers.
As you can see, this route functions almost like a tour of several of the best. natural pools of Gran CanariaHowever, the presence of designated swimming areas doesn't mean it's always safe to enter the water. Check sea conditions, respect the signs, and if there are waves, enjoy the scenery from a safe distance.
Track de la ruta Roque Prieto–Faro de Sardina
Although much of the route follows the coastline, there are forks in the path and sections between tracks, trails, and streets where it's easy to get lost. To complete the route with ease, we recommend downloading our guide. track in .GPX formatYou can track it from your smartwatch or on your phone with an app like Guru Maps. If you've never used this format before, here's a step-by-step guide. How to follow a track with Guru Maps.
If you want to discover more routes like this, check out our section on hiking in Gran Canariawhere you'll find over a hundred routes that we've personally hiked and documented. You can also join our free newsletter para recibir cada semana planes originales y recomendaciones locales. También compartimos nuestro día a día en Instagram en @welovegrancanaria.
Where to eat after the coastal route Gáldar
After the hike we went to eat at El Efecto Baco, right in the Plaza de Santiago, in the historic center of Gáldar. Su propuesta mezcla cocina mediterránea con sabores canarios y portugueses, así que es una opción diferente para reponer fuerzas después de la ruta. Otros restaurantes que nos gustan mucho en el casco son Chago's BackroomIf you fancy creative cuisine made with local produce, and the Tasca Juan PedroA traditional tavern with a terrace opposite the Church of Santiago. You can see these and other options in our post with the best restaurants in Gáldar.
Video of the Roque Prieto–Sardina Lighthouse route
To help you see the terrain, locate the rope crossing, and discover all the natural pools and puddles we encountered, here's the full video of the route. Press play and join us along the coast of GáldarAnd if you want to see our next adventures, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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Gran Canaria Guides
Finally, if you prefer Don't stress yourself out organizing your trip And if you want to explore the island at your own pace with our local recommendations, take a look at our Gran Canaria digital guidesThey include itineraries, restaurants, and hidden gems that don't usually appear in traditional guidebooks. They're available in Spanish and English, and we offer different packages. Click on the image below to see them all!
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