As you already know, Gran Canaria is one of the seven Canary Islands. It is an island full of diversity, filled with astonishing natural landscapes that will easily take your breath away. These landscapes of Gran Canaria seem to change around every corner, and this is due to the wide variety of microclimates brought in by the trade winds. If you visit the island, you should spend some time discovering Gran Canaria nature!
At Villa Gran Canaria, we want to tell you everything you need to know about the 5 Gran Canaria nature areas that you have to visit. Hence, if you are spending your holidays in Gran Canaria, it is a must to visit at least some of the places that we are mentioning down below. What are you waiting for to discover Gran Canaria’s nature? Discover the best nature in the best country houses on the island.
Gran Canaria’s nature areas protected by the law
The Gran Canaria nature areas that are protected by the law are classified into seven different protection and preservation groups — these are the following:
Nature Park
This involves the conservation of the resources of the park. It promotes the friendly contact between man and nature. How can we do that? This objective is achieved by using the park for recreational purposes. However, people are not allowed to live in nature parks.
Rural Park
The aim of rural parks, apart from the conservation of the resources of the park, is to promote socio-economic development of the local population in a sustainable way. Using them for recreational purposes is permitted too.
Fully Protected Nature Reserve
The aim of fully protected nature reserves is conservation too. Nevertheless, conservation here consists in preserving the integrity of particular ecosystems and communities, so people are not allowed to live in the nature reserve or use it for recreational purposes.
Special Nature Reserve
These special nature reserves aim to protect some particular habitats, species, geological formations and geological processes. Thus, people are not permitted to live here or use the nature reserve for recreational purposes — except in specific and rare occasions.
Natural Monument
A natural monument is a place where you can find geological structures that shape unique geomorphological elements of scenic value. In this case, people are allowed to live here and use the area for recreational purposes.
Protected Landscape
The objective of a protected landscape is to preserve aesthetic and cultural values of these great and beauty areas. In this case, people are also allowed to live here and the area can be used for recreational purposes in some cases.
Area of Scientific Interest
In these areas, we try to protect and preserve some different elements of specific scientific interest.
The 5 best Gran Canaria’s nature areas
As we have mentioned before, Gran Canaria’s nature areas are one of the most valued possessions of the Canary Islands. There are so many nature areas and they are so different one from another, that it’s almost impossible to describe them all with other adjective but beautiful. In Gran Canaria you will find sand dunes, forests, natural pools, and many others landscapes— even volcanoes!
Gran Canaria unspoiled nature paints the landscapes of the island packing it with contrasts. Thanks to its four National Parks and its six Biosphere Reserves, the Canary Islands are considered one of the most valuable ecosystems in the world.
As a tourist, you should know that there are endless things to do in Gran Canaria, as well as there are many ways to enjoy the Gran Canaria’s nature areas. Some of the ways to enjoy nature areas are walking along their paths, visiting them on a guided tour, doing sports or simply going to one of the many viewpoints available. From there, you will have the chance to observe the stunning views over those areas.
Dunas de Maspalomas
If you are looking for things to do in Maspalomas, we strongly recommend you to visit the Maspalomas Dunes, which is one of the biggest Maspalomas attractions. Although the Canary Islands belong to Spain, geographically they are indisputably African, and these dunes are the perfect impersonation of the Sahara desert. Take the opportunity to explore this Gran Canaria’s nature area while you enjoy Maspalomas sightseeing!
Parque Natural de Tamadaba
You can easily access to Parque Natural de Tamadaba from the Valle de Agaete. This valley is home to tropical fruit plantations, and it is located north-west, to Las Palmas — the capital of Gran Canaria. Once you ascend to this Gran Canaria’s nature area, you will have the chance to enjoy the breath-taking views over the island of Tenerife, as well as the natural monument of Roque Nublo.
Parque Natural de Pilancones
This Gran Canaria’s nature reserve is located in San Bartolome de Tirajana and extends an area of 7,940 hectares. This natural park will give you fresh natural air as there is a huge concentration of pine trees. Gran Canaria beaches are great, but there are some places even better.
Caldera de los Marteles
You can make a day trip by combining a visit to this Gran Canaria’s nature area with one to the nearby Barranco de Guayadeque. The Caldera de los Marteles can be easily reached by turning the main road between Telde and Pico de las Nieves. Don’t hesitate to enjoy this unique volcanic landscape!
Los Tilos de Moya
The name of one of the best Canarian warriors who resisted the Spanish invasion long time ago was “Doramas”. It was also the name of the forest which stretched across the north of the island, which was destroyed by the Iberian occupation too. Los Tilos de Moya is the largest surviving natural area of this ancient woodland. Believe us, it is extremely impressive!
We hope that you have enjoyed our post about the 5 best Gran Canaria’s nature areas that can’t miss during your holidays in the island! You know that if you are still looking for the best accommodation, you can contact us anytime and ask for a quote without obligation! You can also give us a call if you need more information or if you have any doubt.
