THE BENTAIGA ROCK GRAN CANARIA

This dramatic monolith, raised like a rugged forearm with clenched fist, surges up to 1,404m from its own rocky massif, set in a broad valley. Visible from many points in the west and centre of the island, it is accessible by (very winding) road. For the aboriginal inhabitants of the island it was a sacred place and a scene of sacrifices. Bentaiga also made a most effective fortress, playing an important role in the resistance against the Spaniards. Its defenders, under cover of darkness, finally retreated from here to Ansite, where they congregated for their last stand. About 2km along road 17.3 from the Bentaigal EI Espinillo turning, in the westward extension of the massif, is the Cueva del Rey, a large, man-made cave, once painted, with side chambers and floor holes.