If you want to discover an interesting destination with plenty of history, the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria is a place you should not miss in the beautiful municipality of Agaete. Discover what it is and why it is an excursion in Gran Canaria that you should definitely include in your plans.
In this post, we will explain in detail what it is, useful information and how you can get there to enjoy the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria. Are you ready?
What Is the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria?
Known as Roque Partido or Dedo de Dios, it is a type of rock formation that was created more than 14 million years ago. Due to sea erosion, the rock gradually became isolated on a cliff over more than 300,000 years, until it reached its famous stump-like shape.
The Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria is located opposite the Agaete pier, in the oldest geological area of the island. Its rocky appearance initially gave it the name Roque Partido, but the writer Domingo Doreste “Fray Lesco” renamed it Dedo de Dios because it looked like an index finger pointing towards the sky.
Its uniqueness and shape make the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria one of the most interesting places to visit in Agaete. Want to know more?
Facts About the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria
Before telling you how to get to the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria, there are many interesting facts and curiosities surrounding this unique monument in Agaete that you will surely want to discover. This natural wonder is one of the most emblematic places of interest in the Canary Islands and fully deserves a place on your travel itinerary.
One of the Best Natural Monuments in Gran Canaria
The renaming of the Dedo de Dios by Fray Lesco turned the rock into one of the three most visited places on the island in the 20th century, competing with Roque Nublo and El Fraile, equally attractive places for tourists visiting Gran Canaria.
If you look for this unique rock formation on any map, it is known as the Dedo de Dios, not by its original name.
The Great Tropical Storm Delta
On 28 November 2005, the island of Gran Canaria lost one of its most emblematic monuments due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Delta. The upper part of the Dedo de Dios collapsed and fell into the sea, leaving only the lower section. This natural storm was one of the strongest remembered since 1975, with winds of 100 km per hour.
Although there were no witnesses to the terrible event, people in Agaete will never forget the loud crash that struck the island that November, taking away a large part of the “stump of God”, which could never be recovered.
This event represented a great loss, and nothing could be done to rescue that part of the monument. The local council advised against trying to rebuild what the storm had destroyed, although a plan was established to preserve the remains of the rock.
A Place with Great Natural Force
Despite Storm Delta, the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria remains attractive to tourists thanks to its emblematic history. However, it is not a place to sail close to because of the strong waves, nor is it suitable for hiking or climbing due to its instability. This was learned “the hard way” by a group of German climbers in 1976, who suffered a serious accident while trying to reach its summit.
So, if you are planning to go hiking in Gran Canaria, there are other places such as Tilos de Moya or the Reservoir Route that we can recommend for this type of activity.
How to Get to the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria
Now that you know several important details about the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria, we will tell you how to get there if you are interested in visiting this wonderful enclave. It is located in Agaete, 30 km from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in Puerto de las Nieves, just a few kilometres from the well-known Guayedra Beach.
If you are travelling by car, you can take the GC-2 motorway, the northern motorway of Gran Canaria, towards Puerto de las Nieves. The Dedo de Dios is right in front of it.
Enjoy the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain. A refreshing swim on its beaches and a visit to a natural monument such as the Dedo de Dios in Gran Canaria seem like the perfect plan for your holiday itinerary, allowing you to explore and discover all the wonders this island has to offer.
At Lopesan Group, we not only provide tips and useful information so you can visit incredible places, but we also offer an excellent accommodation service in Gran Canaria with holiday packages you should not miss.
We look forward to being part of your getaways!
