The Canary archipelago stands out for its varied landscapes of volcanic nature and its subtropical climate. Its ecosystems are home to a rich biodiversity that gives shelter to the surprising fauna and flora that surprises visitors so much.
One of these landscapes of volcanic nature are the ravines. Discover in this article the most impressive ravines in Gran Canaria that you shouldn't miss on your visit. Keep reading on to find out all about the islands ravines!
Practise barranquismo in the canyons of Gran Canaria
Canyoning (or barranquismo in Spanish) is an adventure sport that consists of ascending and descending ravines or canyons. It includes varied routes and trails and, often, you’ll discover waterfalls and natural pools where you can swim or jump in. Whether canyoning or hiking, let's discover the most impressive ravines in Gran Canaria!
Barranco de la Virgen
The Barranco de la Virgen ravine crosses the municipality of Valleseco and forms part of the Doramas Rural Park. It’s home to remnants of the remaining laurel forest and runs between immense cliffs. It’s noted for its unique endemic flora on the island, such as the Isoplexis chalcantha and the Sideritis discolor, which can only be found here.
How to get to Barranco de la Virgen: Take the GC-305, continue to the district of Valsendero, cross the ravine to the neighbouring village of Firgas. The remaining route is dirt.
Barranco del Toro Gorge
Barranco del Toro is located in San Agustín, in the south of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The hiking route that crosses this ravine is very popular, due to the fact that, during the rainy season, there are several natural pools and small waterfalls.
To get to Barranco del Toro, take exit 43 from the GC-1 motorway towards the south of the island. After about 500 metres, we take the left fork towards San Agustín. At the roundabout, we change direction and, after about 750 metres, we take the exit on the right to leave the vehicle. Once here,
we follow the fence of the football field until we come to some stairs leading down to the tunnel under the motorway. At the fork in the ravine, we continue to the right.
Barranco del Águila
The Barranco or Cañón del Águila is also in the south of Gran Canaria. It’s an ideal place to spend a pleasant day in pure nature and enjoy the solitary surroundings. In rainy seasons, it’s possible to jump into its pools or to rappel, reaching a maximum of 35 metres. It’s a rather short canyon, but it’s worth it because it’s a lot of fun. However, you should always check the depth and take caution.
To get to the Cañón del Águila we must go to the hotel Gloria Palace. Follow the dirt road north and go under a tunnel. If the fence is closed, leave the car and continue straight on along the main road, crossing the goatherd's house. At the next fork, we take the right.
Accommodation to enjoy canyoning in Gran Canaria
If you’re looking for the perfect accommodation to enjoy the nature of Gran Canaria, we recommend our rural secrets, incredible and ideal houses to enjoy your stay in peace and quiet. Take a look at our houses with private pool in Gran Canaria and don't miss the spectacular opportunity to choose the holiday home that best suits your needs!
More ravines in Gran Canaria
Take a look at our articles dedicated exclusively to the following ravines and don't miss any of them:
- Barranco de los Cernícalos: Gran Canaria's oasis with water running all year round.
- Barranco de Guayadeque: one of the most special and spectacular ravines on the island.
- Barranco de Fataga: the valley of a thousand palm trees in the south of Gran Canaria.
- Explore the coloured tuffs in the Barranco de Las Vacas, the small canyon of the United States.
- Visit the immense natural arch at the Arco del Coronadero in Gran Canaria and the Barranco Hondo.
- Barranco de Azuaje: one of the greenest corners of Gran Canaria.
Frequently asked questions about the ravines of Gran Canaria
How were the ravines of the Canary Islands created?
A ravine is created by an abrupt unevenness in the surface of the land. In the Canary Islands, there are many ravines of different levels and lengths.
Is there water in the ravines of Gran Canaria?
During the rainy season, the ravines fill up with torrential water. Thanks to erosion and wind, spectacular shapes are created that are worth seeing. You can also see waterfalls and pools or large pools several metres deep.
