This demanding but stunning walk starts from the centre of Arona, or the small associated village of Vento, where you can also set off for the 'Table' Mountain (Roque del Conde) ascent.
Following the signage for the Table Mountain route, traversing Barrancos Las Casas and del Ancon we then turn Northwards towards Ifonche. Not far from here, in an abandoned house, is a mural depicting the Guanche Ichasagua who was Mencey (king) of Adeje, who fought against the invading Spanish and is said to have leapt from Roque del Conde rather than be captured by the invaders.
We now follow the path designated as GR131, part of Camino Natural Anaga-Chasna. This trail starts in Arona and can be followed all the way up and over the Las Cañadas National Park to La Esperanza in the mountains to the West of La Laguna. However that is for another day.
For now, we descend into the stunning Barranco del Rey, climbing up the opposite side before encountering a ruined building close to a crop circle used to thresh grain grown post- the Spanish conquest.
Climbing onwards you reach the saddle of Dellogada de Los Frailitos between Roque del Conde and Montaña Suarez. Reaching the saddle you have a spectacular view of the Adeje mountains, Adeje town and the coastline below. Bearing right you go uphill passing another threshing circle by the abandoned Casa de Suarez situated between Montaña Suarez and the distinctive, pointed Roque Imoque. There are spectacular views from this point across the Barranco del Fañabe and the twin-peaked Roque del Los Bresos. We continue climbing until crossing the pass between the two montanãs where there is yet another threshing circle. After passing close to a domestic dwelling we reach the tar-sealed road to Ifonche passing a parapente (hang glider) launch point. If you are lucky you may see one of the brave hang gliders throwing himself into thin air before gliding gracefully to his destination thousands of feet below.
Continuing on the tarmac road we eventually arrive at our highest point, the El Dornajo restaurant and bar.
After lunch, (I recommend the grilled goat's cheese), and a well-earned drink we can now start our descent to Arona by walking Eastwards along the road crossing the Barranco del Rey until, next to a ruined building, and a sign to the El Refugio restaurant you come to an unmade road, the Camino del Topo. After passing El Refugio we come to a small reservoir and two houses on the left. In the garden of the first house, look for an old stone oven (as seen below). These are seen from time to time around the island.
Passing more stunning views of the Barranco del Rey, we continue on a stony path to another abandoned finca (see pic), all too common nowadays since agriculture was replaced by tourism on the islands. We pass on downwards towards two reservoirs picking up a path terminating on the main Arona-Vilaflor road by the La Granja restaurant. This road can now be followed down back into Arona and your awaiting transport.
| Ascent | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 450 metres | 11.5 kilometres | 3-4 hours |