Maguez to the Mirador del Rio

The hike began from the village of Maguez close to the NW coast. There were some steep sections, some on lava ash or scree. We saw Mount Corona, a perfectly-shaped Strombolian volcano as described on one of the information boards along the path. There was lots of other evidence of volcanic activity; basalt cliffs, cones and lava fields. The cultivated fields were covered with lava dust to assist irrigation. There were disused terraces on the hillsides. Recent rain had added a green tinge to the volcanos and land.
The path continued along the top of the cliffs of Famara, first to the Montana del Gayo with spectacular views across the Atlantic and surrounding cliffs, and finally reaching the Mirador del Rio after a few kilometres up a tarmac road. The Mirador is a 475 metre high viewpoint located at the edge of the Famara cliffs, built into the lava rock. The building, converted from a gun emplacement designed by local artist Cesar Manique, blends into the landscape, the floor to ceiling glass windows and outdoor walkway provide panoramic views across the El Rio strait towards Isla la Graciosa.
As on the previous day, we had the paths more or less to ourselves. The hike was 14km with a total ascent of 550 metres and descent of 350 metres.
The weather had cooled to the mid-20s. where it stayed for much of the rest of the trip.
We had a nice dinner in a Spanish restaurant near the aparthotel.Read more