Crossing Jandía Peninsula via Degollada de Pecenescal

This is a long but very rewarding walk crossing Jandía Peninsula twice in its most narrow section. It starts in Costa Calma on the Eastern coast and crosses the Parque Natural de Jandía, a stony dessert which is easy to cross. Next it follows the GR 131 south crossing the white sands of El Jable, a remarkable and unique fossil dune area with barely any vegetation at all. When getting near the mountainous chain of Jandía Peninsula it follows the coastal path on the cliffs of Jandía’s Western coast. This path is not very pronounced, not easy and somewhat risky in places. Soon one will walk above Playa Barlovento, a magnificent beach void of people as it can only be reached via the sea or after a long walk from either end. The path will go down to the beach and follows it for about 1 km. Next it goes up the steep cliff again and will lead inland to climb towards Degollada de Pecenescal, a stiff climb. Beyond the pass the path goes downhill very gradually in the Barranco de Pecenescal for most of the distance until it reaches the beach on the Eastern coast at Casas de Risco del Paso. From there one can choose to walk on either side of Sotavento Laguna. Our route follows a safe and dry path on the landside of the laguna. However, when the tide is low, it is perfectly possible and fun to walk barefooted on the sandbar on the seaside of the laguna. However, do not try this when the tide is not at its lowest because some of the channels between the islands are deep (over 2 meters) and the currents are strong, hence wading or swimming across is rather risky. All in all a long walk with sufficient variety requiring a good physical condition.