BEAUTY SPOTS
1. Montañón Negro
Canarian pine stands out against the stark black landscape of Gran Canaria’s most recent, yet long-extinct, volcano. Its last eruption some 3,000 years ago left a deep and arresting crater, the Caldera de los Pinos de Gáldar.
2. Los Azulejos
As you reach Mogán from La Aldea de San Nicolás, the sparse cliffs suddenly light up with a rainbow of colours, ranging from blue to brown and passing through every shade of green and yellow. In winter, small waterfalls trickle down the cliffs, further enhancing their beauty.
Los Azulejos – multicoloured cliffs
3. Dunas de Maspalomas
If you’re feeling energetic, take the tough trek through these magnificent, golden, shifting sand dunes (see Maspalomas) to the point where the hotels peter out and nothing but sand can be seen.
The impressive Dunas de Maspalomas
4. Los Tilos de Moya
Outside the Botanical Garden, this is Gran Canaria’s only area of laurisilva. Stroll through this lost world (see Los Tilos de Moya) of vegetation, almost wiped out in Europe in the last ice age. Myrtle and heather flourish alongside the many laurel species.
5. Barranco de los Cernícalos
This ravine has year-round running water, a rarity on Gran Canaria. Admire the changing vegetation as you reach the highest waterfall on an easy walk that takes you through willow trees and olive groves. Look out for flora unique to the island, such as the vivid orange Canarian bellflower and Tenteniguada viper’s bugloss, noted for its blue conical flowers. Access is via Lomo Magullo.
6. Barranco de Guayadeque
Fascinating flora, important heritage and an unusual way of life coexist in the most spectacular of Gran Canaria’s ravines (see Barranco De Guayadeque).
7. Parque Natural de Pilancones
Though not as lush or as dense as its northern counterpart, Tamadaba, Pilancones is still impressive. Almost 5,800 ha (14,332 acres) of Canarian pine forest, it’s an unrivalled place for bird-watching. Look out for the great spotted woodpecker.
8. Presa de las Niñas
The island’s most attractive reservoir (see Las Presas) is also its most popular. On weekends, especially, you will have to share its beauty with more than a few picnickers. In the week, however, it’s less busy, and you can enjoy a peaceful stroll in the small pine wood and imagine perhaps that you are in Canada rather than the Canaries. There is also a well-equipped picnic area and campsite here, though you will need a permit from the cabildo (council) to make use of the latter.
The stunning Presa de las Niñas
9. Pinar de Tamadaba
Enjoy the view from this peaceful spot (see Pinar de Tamadaba), rich in Canarian pine and home to some incredibly rare endemic flowers, found only in this corner of the island. In the Canarii language, Tamadaba meant “hollow”, though much of the forest is in fact higher than the surrounding land.
10. Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo
Enjoy the riches of Canarian flora in this perfectly laid-out garden (see Jardín Botánico Viera Y Clavijo), an easy day trip from the capital, Las Palmas. As well as native plants, there’s a variety of tropical and imported species that thrive in the island’s mild climate.
TOP 10 LOCAL FAUNA
1. Gran Canaria Giant Lizard (Gallotia stehlini)
Up to 80 cm (31 inches) long, this lizard can often be seen sitting on warm rocks.
2. Lesser Short-Toed Lark (Callendrella rufescens)
Its tawny crown appears in arid zones from Telde to Mogán.
3. Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki)
Spot one in the pine forest north of Mogán, if you’re lucky.
4. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
These birds are black and white, with a flash of orange feathers. They are endangered, but seen in the pine forests.
5. Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii Bolle)
Another, more common, fan of the island’s pine forests.
6. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus)
Abundant, but still impressive; look out for the mottled wings of this bird of prey.
7. Barbary Falcon (Falco pelegrinoides Temminck)
This bird is difficult to spot, especially as it has no preferred habitat.
8. Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)
Widespread across Gran Canaria, but rarely seen on neighbouring islands.
9. Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus)
The stone curlew has its home in the northern ravines, where its habitat is sadly now under threat.
10. Gran Canaria Skink (Chalcides sexlineatus)
These small lizards usually scurry off when humans approach.
Gran Canaria Skink
