Tenerife is a unique place to practice some not so usual sports that attract a significant quantity of tourism from all around the world. Today we introduce rock climbing.

Sportive rock climbing in the Canary Islands began in the early 80s, a little bit later than in the rest of Europe. Local climbers slowly received magazines from Germany, Italy and France, where some of the most important climbers were achieving things that seemed to be impossible, and they started imitating what they saw in the scant mountain magazines at that time.

The first area chosen by the local climbers was the breathtaking Cañada del Capricho, at Ucanca Valley and within sight of the Teide volcano. Some of the most significant climbs were achieved in this area and it is still one of the most popular climbing crags in the island.

During the next ten years, climbing fever spread to the entire area of Tenerife. That was the time when Arico canyon was discovered in the southern face and filled with climbing routes. Arico became the most popular crag and many other walls were bolted for rock climbing in nearby areas. Nowadays, more than 500 climbing routes are awaiting for climbers in the vicinity of Arico.

Many other climbing crags can be found all around the island and some of them really worth a visit. The basalt rock changes in every corner providing an amazing variety of shapes, textures and colors.

Rock climbing can be practiced in Canary Island during the whole year, this is why during cold winter months you can see a considerable amount of visitors that enjoy climbing in such beautiful places with such a gentle climate.

Further information on rock climbing in Tenerife can be found in this guidebook.