GR-130 Stage 5: Tijarafe to Los Llanos de Aridane

An insight into the hike:

Stage five of the GR-130 begins behind Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church in Tijarafe’s historic centre. The Camino Real leaves town on old paths and approaches Barranco del Jurado. Terraces, dry-stone walls and open Atlantic views define the sunny west side. Paved sections, narrow lanes and earthen trail begin alternating almost immediately.

Passing Ermita del Buen Jesús, the route continues through El Jesús, Arecida and La Punta. Small settlements, banana plantations, water reservoirs and cultivated slopes show a landscape still shaped by agriculture. The walking is not entirely gentle, however: several ravines cut across the coast, and short counter-climbs add up to 487 metres. Attention is needed at road crossings and through the villages.

Vueltas de Amagar is the most spectacular section. The historic path drops more than 500 vertical metres in 73 tight bends towards Barranco de las Angustias. Views over the Aridane valley and west coast are magnificent, but loose ground and sustained descent demand concentration. Below, the route passes the pilgrimage church Virgen de las Angustias, climbs to Argual and finally reaches Plaza de España in central Los Llanos de Aridane.

The 13.4 kilometres include 487 metres up and 791 down and are mostly moderate in technical terms. Heat, exposed slopes and the many bends can nevertheless make the day tiring. Sturdy shoes, enough water and sun protection matter more than the distance suggests. Old paving becomes slippery after rain, while dry loose material can slide on descents.

This stage is comparatively easy to organise because Los Llanos has useful bus links and plenty of places for refreshments. An early start avoids the strongest midday sun on Vueltas de Amagar and leaves time for Argual or the old centre. Visitors wishing to combine culture, cultivated scenery and a memorable ravine passage will find a particularly complete day here. Check timetables, exact junctions, current trail condition and GPS data with Sunhikes beforehand.