Roque del Faro – El Tablado – La Mata

An insight into the hike:

This substantial circuit brings together several faces of Garafía. From Roque del Faro, old paths descend through humid laurel and tree-heath forest towards El Tablado. Whenever the canopy opens, views extend over the deeply carved north coast and, in clear weather, to the observatory domes on Roque de los Muchachos.

El Tablado occupies a dramatic site between Barranco de los Hombres and Barranco de Fagundo. Houses, terraces and old washing places evoke everyday life in the once-isolated villages. After the deep ravines comes the long climb back via La Mata, alternating forest, cultivated clearings and stony paths.

Its 16.8 kilometres and 1,298 metres both up and down make this a hard full-day outing. The relentless steep metres, irregular steps and damp sections matter more than distance alone. Strong fitness, sure footing and an early start are essential.

The circuit is especially rewarding for visitors interested in landscape and settlement history together. Ravine paths and old paving can be slippery after rain; assess weather, conditions and daylight conservatively. Sunhikes provides the complete line and every important junction.