The new restricted access measures for Roque Nublo officially came into effect yesterday, Monday, introducing a visitor control system via an online booking platform run by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria.
The system grants 60 permits per hour to visitors between 9:00am and 5:00pm in an effort to regulate access to the island's iconic natural landmark.
As part of the initiative, the local government has also launched a circular bus service through the mountain area and closed parking facilities near Roque Nublo.
Speaking during a site visit with local authorities, the President of the Cabildo, Antonio Morales, emphasised that these measures aim to enhance visitor safety and ensure the conservation of the protected landscape.
Online Booking System and Entry Requirements
Visitors must now reserve access to Roque Nublo via the dedicated website www.grancanariasenderos.com, where they receive a QR code confirming their reservation. Each person can book up to five permits at a time, while schools are allocated a maximum of 60 places per day (divided into two groups of 30), and tourism companies are allowed 30 permits every two hours.
However, residents of Tejeda and Artenara, hikers arriving via official trails, and those visiting outside the regulated hours do not need to pre-book. The permit system ensures controlled access to the natural monument while maintaining visitor flow at sustainable levels.
New Parking Arrangements and Shuttle Service
To further control access, the Cabildo has removed parking near Roque Nublo, instead designating two alternative parking areas in Cruz de Los Llanos and the town centre of Tejeda. Visitors can take a shuttle bus service from either of these points, operated by Global, which also runs a direct route from Faro de Maspalomas.
The new circular shuttle bus service is operated by five hybrid buses, each with a capacity of 80 passengers. These buses run every 30 minutes between designated stops, including Tejeda, Ayacata, and Degollada de Becerra, from 9:30am to 6:00pm.
Fares remain consistent with existing public transport rates, and holders of flat-rate travel passes who meet eligibility requirements can use the service for free.
A Multi-Department Effort for Sustainable Tourism
The Cabildo President has praised the collaborative efforts of multiple government departments in implementing the plan. The Environmental Department led the coordination efforts, working alongside the Public Works and Transport Departments to ensure smooth execution.
Similar strategies have already been applied to other popular natural sites on the island, such as the Caldera de Bandama and the Maspalomas Dunes, and further interventions in areas experiencing over-tourism are being considered.
"We will closely monitor the effectiveness of these measures and adjust them as needed to ensure they meet our goals of safety and environmental protection," Morales said.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Visitors who book permits but fail to use at least 80% of their reserved places will be banned from making new bookings for a month. Reservations can be modified or cancelled up to three days before the scheduled visit.
With these measures now in place, authorities hope to strike a balance between promoting access to Roque Nublo and ensuring its long-term preservation for both locals and visitors.
