Gran Canaria: Hiking Roque Nublo and Chilling at a Local Tapas Bar

After a good night’s sleep, we’re fully recharged for a brand-new day at Gran Canaria. Following two days of indulgence and feasting, today’s agenda is all about getting out and about, immersing ourselves in nature’s wonders – and what better way to do that than by hiking in Roque Nublo! Renowned for its volcanic terrain, Gran Canaria sets the stage for a great hike through the rugged majesty of Roque Nublo. So, lace up the boots and let’s go!

We drove up to the “Degollada de la Goleta.” It’s a popular starting point for hiking to Roque Nublo and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic rock formation itself. The viewpoint is accessible by car and provides ample parking facilities, making it an ideal starting point for hiking to Roque Nublo. 

The hiking kicks off on a gentle note, with a leisurely stroll along flat terrain that’s perfect for getting those muscles warmed up. For us, it was ideal to ease into the journey ahead, while soaking in the surrounding beauty.

From the stunning volcanic landscape and the ancient stones standing sentinel over picturesque villages to the lush greenery that surrounds the trails, every step unveils a new wonder – just take your time and breathe it all in.

As we ascend towards the summit, the panoramic vistas and towering stones are truly captivating and soul-stirring. One particular stone, with its striking resemblance to an elderly figure, captured our imagination. Its slightly hunched back seemed to symbolize a guardian watching over the land, imparting a sense of reverence for this sacred place.

We were really blessed with perfect hiking weather – partly cloudy, as we set off, which shielded us from the intensity of the sun.

Upon reaching the pinnacle, the clouds started to part ways, revealing a pristine blue sky that stretched as far as the eye could see. The panoramic view, with its unparalleled clarity, was a perfect reward for our efforts.

Upon our arrival at the summit, we were greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the two towering stones that serve as the hallmark of Gran Canaria. Standing majestically against the azure sky, the sense of grandeur simply left us speechless.

After a rewarding hike, we’re in the mood for something casual, a little break from rich, luscious paella. So, we chose a cozy tapas bar Taberna El Picoteo located in a local residential area, away from the usual tourist haunts. It has a rustic charm, generous portions at fair prices, and really friendly staff.

We start with Boquerones en Vinagre (also known as marinated anchovies), famed for their tangy, refreshing flavor. This dish features small, delicate anchovies bathed in a marinade of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. The smooth, rich olive oil is nicely balanced with the tangy vinegar, fragrant garlic and aromatic herbs, while the tender anchovies add a hint of brininess. It’s a perfect appetizing prelude to any meal.

Albóndigas are generously sized Spanish meatballs, made with ground beef and pork, delicately seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices. They’re simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onions, and a dash of paprika. It carries delightful kick of spiciness and a touch of sweetness and tartness, perfectly complementing the savory tender meatballs. Grab a piece of crusty bread and dip it in, to savor its hearty flavors and comforting warmth!

Setas al Ajillo is a slight variation on the classic Champiñones al Ajillo that we featured in a previous post. In this dish, plump Portobellos, a larger variety of mushroom than champignons, are sauteed in olive oil with garlic and a mix of aromatic herbs. The mushrooms soak up the savory goodness of the olive oil and retain their natural juiciness. Made with quality ingredients, each bite bursts with an earthy freshness that almost feels like it came straight from the forest. Paired with the pungent garlic flavor, it’s a lively, delicious dish, whether enjoyed alongside other meat tapas or on its own.  

Chistorra is a type of thin, slightly spicy sausage popular in Spanish cuisine. In this dish, Chistorra sausage is chopped and simmered in a spicy red sauce. The sauce, rich with peppery, garlicky savoriness and a touch of spicy heat, makes the juicy tender sausage mouthwatering. Each mouthful is packed with bold, spicy, hearty flavors!

The Padron peppers dish (featured in a previous post) is our go-to order. Its juicy, fresh, slightly sweet flavor with an occasional spicy kick pairs well with the richness of other tapas.

Especially with what’s coming next – Hígado de Pollo. It’s a unique and adventurous dish of chicken liver sauteed with onions and garlic. It’s robust in flavor, exuding a distinct earthy richness that is beautifully complemented by the caramelized sweetness of the onions and the aromatic garlic. While this offal dish may not appeal to everyone’s taste, for those who appreciate bold flavors, this dish may delight and surprise you in equal measure.

Chipirones Fritos (or fried baby squid) is an iconic coastal cuisine. Cooked with locally sourced fresh ingredients, it has an irresistible flavor, offering a savory tantalizing taste of the sea in every crunchy bite. When paired with a generous squeeze of lime, this dish comes alive with a burst of citrusy freshness that elevates the natural brininess of the juicy squid.

An equally delicious Japanese version of this dish is actually available right here in Frankfurt! Click here to find out more.

Taberna El Picoteo has a wide array of tapas dishes, in small, medium, and large portions, priced at around 3, 6, and 9 EUR respectively. If you’re feeling famished, 3-4 medium tapas per person will satisfy a hearty appetite. Opt for small portions if you want to sample an assortment of flavors. During our visit, we mostly opted for medium portions, with the exception of the padron peppers (in small).

After an exhilarating day of hiking, it’s time to relax and recharge. Our next stop awaits in Puerto de Mogan, where we take a leisurely stroll through its beautiful canals and vibrant marina. Often referred to as “Little Venice”, this captivating coastal retreat radiates charm at every turn. So, stay tuned for more, and until next time!