TAMADABA

A world to discover

Located in the northwest of Gran Canaria, with an area of almost 8,000 hectares, Tamadaba is one of the richest biological and landscape enclaves of the island.
This marvelous natural reserve must be treated with special care. In Tamadaba there are a great number of endemic species of flora and fauna, many of which are exclusive to the island. Many are on the endangered species list, both because they are near extinction and because their habitat is under threat.
To preserve this natural area, the Park is under a Use and Management Plan. This plan regulates the activities allowed, and pays special attention to climbing, specifying the obligation of the climber to obtain a permit from the Administration and Management of the Park (now the Cabildo de Gran Canaria). For a correct use of the park, this guide urges you to read the Plan before selecting your itinerary.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Quality

There is no doubt that this is the most complete crag in the island.

Rope

Many routes require a rope more than 70m rope to lower-off or lowering-off in two stages.

Climate

During the winter it is cold and humid, especially on the north side. Be careful with alerts during the summer.

Aprox. Time

90-min car drive from Maspalomas.

Orientation

Most sectors face west.

Sunlight

Sectors are sunny during the whole day.

Adverse Conditions

Can be climbed in gentle rain.

Rockfalls

The rock is very compact. Rockfalls are rare.

Adherence

A variety of rocks. Good adherence in general, although it gets worse in older areas.

PROTECTED AREA

There are two large pine tree forest areas of Gran Canaria, Tamadaba is one of them and the biggest one in the north. This natural beauty belongs to Artenara’s village, a traditional village where you will find little markets, accommodation in caves and restaurants to enjoy some tipical local food.
At Tamadaba camping area it’s possible to sleep too, it’s legal to camp but you have to ask for permission a few days before ( we recommend you a week before) by the official website of the island council. You can get the permission through the following link.
This camping area got place for 250 people, it’s located in the Northwest of the island and 1200m high from the sea, providing an amazing views of the cliffs shape and a wonderful sunsets with Tenerife in front of it. From the camping area there are many paths that will take every climber to any of the 16 climbing sectors you want to discover.

THE CLIMBING

Tamadaba’s climb is an elegance climb that is characteristic for requiring strength, power in the fingers and to block. This is due to the prevailing grey basalt at every sector that its characteristic for little grasps and edges at many of them. Because of this reason is necessary strength and technique.
It’s a climbing school well known for climbers due to rock plates and the high of the lines (about 15 meters average more or less).
Theres is a local climbers old saying that says :
“Who learns to climb in Tamadaba will be able to climb everywhere”.
The well visited sector is “El camino”. Its lines are approximately between 12 and 20 meters high, most of them verticals and with a technic style. There are about 30 diverse lines ,there are levels from 5, classic lines perfect for beginners like “Verdina”, to 8b as the line “ Federativos en estribos”.
This sector its on the north face, for this reason, many months during the year is usually foggy, offering a magic forest atmosphere to the climb. Furthermore from the top of the lines you will enjoy an amazing views of Agaete’s village, an amazing ravine full of rocks that shows us it climbing potential and the blue Atlantic Ocean. A marvellous views for the bravest who arrive to the top of the lines.

CLIMBING SUGGESTIONS

If you are a beginner, every line that you choose will surprise you, in particulary the sector “El camino” . If you climb a 6a+ to a 6b we recommend you the line “Bienmesupo” (6b).The most experimented climbers will love some lines we recommend , pure Tamadaba style. “Dan Osman” is a 7b that you can enjoy , same with “Guardate el rollo” (7c). Finally, for the challenging souls we got “El espolón de Sika” (8a)