Sóo: El Jable, hiking trails and San Juan traditions

Sóo is located in the Chinijo Nature Park, between La Santa beach to the west and Famara beach to the east. From Sóo, there is a panoramic view of Pico de la Vieja Andrea. El Jable consists of biogenic sands formed from crushed seashells and transported by the trade winds.

Natural environment and landscape

The biogenic sands of El Jable support traditional crops such as sweet potatoes, melons and watermelons in the rural surroundings of Sóo. The El Jable landscape associated with the rural surroundings of Sóo is a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) with numerous steppe birds. The natural environment and agriculture can therefore be viewed as different perspectives on the same area.

Hiking and routes

The Camino Real de Soo a la Villa de Teguise is a 6.8-kilometre hiking trail of moderate difficulty, with a total duration of 6 hours, and starts in the village of Sóo. Los Volcanes de Soo is a circular hike that starts in the village of Sóo. The information on route type, length, difficulty and total duration allows for an objective comparison of the two hiking options. You can plan different focuses side by side; this does not imply a fixed order.

Culture and history

In June 2016, Soo celebrated the San Juan festivities from 10 to 26 June; on 23 June, the traditional bonfire took place from 9 p.m. The festival in honour of San Juan Evangelista brings residents and visitors together in Soo in an atmosphere shaped by community and tradition, keeping local customs alive. Traditional Truchas de Batata are handcrafted by the women of Soo for the festival in honour of San Juan Evangelista.

The Ermita de San Juan Evangelista was originally built in the 17th century; despite later alterations, it is still considered one of Lanzarote’s most distinctive hermitages. Montaña de Juan del Hierro has a site featuring prehistoric rock engravings by the indigenous inhabitants. At the summit of Pico Colorado, archaeological jewellery, a small chalcedony treasure, was found in a shelter. On the slopes of Pico Colorado, cisterns for collecting surface runoff can be observed.

Nature experiences and regional offerings

In the natural area between Famara and Guacimeta, local businesses offer interpretive routes, birdwatching tourism and gastronomic experiences connected with the landscape. For your own planning, these offerings can be distinguished by route, birdwatching and gastronomy.

It is advisable to objectively compare this information before settling on a period or category; the choice of location itself can be considered based on the nature, trails and cultural themes described.

More places to discover: Oasis De Nazaret, Caleta De Sebo, Guatiza, Famara, Muñique, Los Valles, Los Cocoteros, Teseguite

For the overarching travel overview: Teguise.