Behind lies the hustle and bustle of the city, the chaos of the road. To walk through the narrow streets of El Roque is to unveil oneself and leave behind the superficial. . A short walk between narrow streets brings us closer to the sea. The sea that gives life to this place. We are on the northern coast of Gran Canaria, specifically in the municipality of Moya.
One of the corners of the island where you can feel the power of the ocean up close, just by paying attention to what you hear. It is useless to try to put into words the beauty of a sunset at El Roque, where the red of the sky contrasts with the foam of the waves crashing against this natural embankment, which extends into the Atlantic.
El Roque bears witness to past times when every piece of fertile land was worked, and houses were built in almost impossible locations, where farming was not feasible. Walking today up the steep slope that crosses the neighbourhood is like jumping into another time, rocked by the history of the place, 320 meters into the sea, a collection of narrow streets that overflow between the sharp cliffs clashing with the waves.
Don't worry! For those who get seasick, there's no danger. At El Roque, you don't set sail from the basalt promontory where your feet are planted. Walking along the deck of this old brigantine ran aground on the coast of Moya is a delightful experience for the senses.
Because the only shock a visitor might receive is the interruption of the waiter arriving with the menu from a restaurant located at the end of the path, offering front-row views of a magical scene.
To reach El Roque, you should take the northern GC-2 road until you reach your destination. . However, a visit to Moya should not end without seeing the emblematic buildings of the town. Notable among them is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and the Tomás Morales House Museum. The central location of this municipality allows us to easily access numerous points of interest for visitors. Continue reading to discover more.
The privileged location of the area, right in the heart of the northern coast of the island, places us in a zone with numerous visiting opportunities and good road connections for our excursions. Here are some recommendations for places to visit near Moya:
Los Tilos de Moya Special Natural Reserve
A relic of laurel forest that covered the northern part of Gran Canaria. Road GC-700 Moya-Sta. María de Guía.
A circular explosion crater from the most recent volcanic manifestations on the island. Road GC-70 Fontanales-Artenara.
Montañón Negro Natural Monument
A volcano that emitted fluid lava that flowed along the slope and created a channel several meters wide. Road GC-21 Valleseco-Artenara.
Barranco Oscuro Integral Natural Reserve
A small remnant of the ancient laurel forest that covered the midlands completely. Road GC-70 Fontanales-Artenara.
Azuaje Special Natural Reserve
One of the few ravines in Gran Canaria where water still flows. Road GC-350 Moya-Firgas.
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria
Inside, there are artistic pieces of great historical value, some of notable antiquity and others more recently acquired. Plaza de La Candelaria.
Heredad de Aguas de Moya
A magnificent piece of singular beauty. The interior cannot be visited. Six paired neoclassical columns stand out in the central section of its façade. Calle León y Castillo, 5.
A museum formed by objects and keepsakes closely linked to the poet himself, varied in nature and drawn from his personal legacy. Plaza de Tomás Morales.
The Chapel of San Bartolomé de Fontanales
Inside stands the image of Saint Bartholomew, attributed to the sculptor from Guía, Luján Pérez.
