Natural reserves of Gran Canaria 

1. Inagua
2. Barranco Oscuro
3. Reserva Natural Especial de El Brezal
4. Azuaje Ravine (Firgas)
5. Reserva Natural Especial de los Tilos
6. Caldera de los Marteles
7. Naturschutzgebiet Dünen von Maspalomas
8. Reserva Natural Especial de Güigüí
9. Tamadaba Natural Park
10. Parque Natural de Pilancones
11. Rural del Nublo Park
12. Parque Rural de Doramas
13. Amagro
14. MONUMENTO NATURAL DE BANDAMA
15. Montañón Negro
16. Monumento Natural de Roque Aguayro
17. Montaña de Tauro
18. Guayadeque ravine
19. Riscos de Tirajana
20. Monumento Natural del Roque Nublo
21. Barranco del Draguillo
22. PAISAJE PROTEGIDO DE LA ISLETA
23. Paisaje protegido de Pino Santo
24. Paisaje protegido de Tafira
25. Protected Landscape of Las Cumbres
26. Paisaje protegido de Lomo Magullo
27. paisaje protegido de Fataga
28. Montaña de Agüimes

Brief description of the Natural reserves in Gran Canaria

Embark on a journey through the enchanting natural reserves of Gran Canaria, each offering a unique glimpse into the island's stunning biodiversity and landscapes.

Reserva Natural Integral de Inagua 

Inagua's virtually untouched landscape is a sanctuary for biodiversity, especially for the Gran Canaria blue chaffinch, a bird endemic to the island. This extensive pine forest is critical for the island's ecosystem, acting as a green lung and a moisture trap. Inagua forms part of the network of protected areas of Gran Canaria and has been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds. Hiking through its rugged terrain provides a tranquil escape into nature, where the formidable beauty of Gran Canaria unfolds at every turn.

Reserva Natural Integral de Barranco Oscuro 

Barranco Oscuro is a natural ravine characterized by its steep topography and cliff faces, which host a range of endemic plant species. This remote reserve is an important site for geological research and is often cited as an example of the island's volcanic past. Visitors to Barranco Oscuro are encouraged to tread lightly, preserving the solitude and untamed essence of this special habitat.

Reserva Natural Especial de El Brezal 

El Brezal, an area dominated by heather and tree heath, boasts a dense laurel forest – a remnant of the prehistoric forests that once covered southern Europe. This humid and shady atmosphere is home to a variety of ferns and mosses, making it a cool and refreshing retreat. Birdsong fills the air, offering a natural soundtrack that enhances the El Brezal experience.

Reserva Natural Especial de Azuaje 

Situated within a deep ravine characterized by the presence of a permanent water flow, the Azuaje reserve presents lush vegetation and stands distinctly from the arid landscapes commonly found across the island. It's a refreshing green oasis, ideal for those looking to hike trails lined with rich flora, including reeds, willows, and the Canarian palm.

Reserva Natural Especial de Los Tilos de Moya 

Discover the Los Tilos de Moya reserve, nestled in the verdant Doramas Rural Park. This reserve protects one of the few remnants of the laurisilva (laurel forest) in the northern part of Gran Canaria. Its high level of humidity and the presence of beautiful springs support a variety of ferns, laurels, and endemic species, creating a dreamlike hiking experience through what is often referred to as a 'fossil forest.'

Reserva Natural Especial de Los Marteles 

Boasting the stunning volcanic crater of Los Marteles, this reserve is a hotspot for geological and botanical richness with over 90 species of plants. It serves as a watershed for the surrounding area and is integral to the water supply of Gran Canaria. The area is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and nature photography, offering striking views of the caldera and endemic flora.

Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas 

This dynamic natural wonder is a sea of golden sand dunes that shift with the winds, bordering an oasis of palm trees and a lagoon. It's a rare coastal ecosystem that provides a habitat for a diverse range of bird species and acts as a stunning backdrop for a day at the beach or an awe-inspiring walk at sunset. The dunes are a symbol of Gran Canaria and a must-visit for any nature lover.

Reserva Natural Especial de Güigüí 

Regarded as one of Gran Canaria's most secluded and stunning areas, Güigüí is an extraordinary natural reserve located on the island's western coast. With its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, this reserve is accessible by a challenging hike or by boat, rewarding visitors with breathtaking vistas and a peaceful, untouched natural environment that feels worlds apart from the bustling tourist areas.

Parque Natural de Tamadaba 

Tamadaba is an awe-inspiring natural park characterized by its vast pine forests, which stand guard over the rugged cliffs that plunge dramatically into the ocean. Here, the beauty of the land meets the sea, offering spectacular scenery, serenity, and a sanctuary for the island's native plant and animal life. The park is an ideal spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking to connect with the pure essence of Gran Canaria.

Parque Natural de Pilancones 

Pilancones Natural Park showcases a contrasting landscape of rocky outcrops and pine forests interspersed with scenic reservoirs. This park includes areas of special interest due to their rich biodiversity, such as the endemic Gran Canaria Giant Lizard. It is an exceptional place for bird watching, outdoor sports, and encountering the island's unique flora and fauna.

Parque Rural de El Nublo 

El Nublo Rural Park is home to the iconic Roque Nublo, a monolithic rock that is a symbol of Gran Canaria. Surrounded by a diverse environment of volcanic structures, vast forests, and deep ravines, the park is replete with hiking trails that lead to commanding viewpoints, offering panoramic landscapes that stretch to neighboring islands on clear days.

Parque Rural de Doramas 

The verdant Doramas Rural Park encompasses a large part of the northern region, with deep ravines, fertile lands, and the remnants of a laurel forest. This tranquil and lush park is steeped in history, echoing the past when the ancient Canarians lived among the dense greenery. It's an idyllic setting for walking and discovering the island's natural and cultural heritage.

Monumento Natural de Amagro 

The Monumento Natural de Amagro, with its reddish mountain of the same name, is a geological formation that stands out on the northern landscape of Gran Canaria. Its impressive structure and surrounding area contain important biological values, serving as an important location for local flora, and a site of geological interest.

Monumento Natural de Bandama 

Featuring a volcanic crater nearly one kilometer wide, the Bandama Natural Monument is part of the Tafira Protected Landscape. Its fertile soil around the crater is now home to lush vegetation and vineyards. The upper edge of the crater offers a splendid vantage point for views of the northern part of the island and the city of Las Palmas.

Monumento Natural de Montañón Negro 

This natural monument is named for its striking black mountain, which is a recent volcanic cone covered with a blanket of black lapilli or volcanic gravel. The stark contrast of the black soil and the bright green of the Canary Island Pine provides a unique and captivating visual experience.

Monumento Natural de Roque Aguayro 

Roque Aguayro is an imposing natural monument near Agüimes. Standing tall, this limestone rock formation is the result of ancient volcanic activity. It acts as a natural sentinel, overlooking the surrounding landscapes and holding a particular cultural significance for the indigenous people of the area. Its rocky outcrops and surroundings are a favorite among climbers and adventurers.

Monumento Natural de Tauro 

Marked by dramatic rock formations and ancient volcanic activity, Monumento Natural de Tauro is a breathtaking landscape emblematic of Gran Canaria's geological grandeur. This natural monument is known for its rugged terrain, offering striking contrasts between the arid mountain surfaces and lush valley bottoms, presenting an excellent spot for hiking and geological discovery.

Monumento Natural de Arinaga 

Positioned on the island's east coast, Monumento Natural de Arinaga encompasses coastal marine life and inland volcanic formations. It's particularly noted for its underwater richness, making it a prime location for snorkeling and scuba diving, where enthusiasts can observe a multitude of marine species thriving among the striking underwater volcanic landscape.

Monumento Natural de Barranco de Guayadeque 

One of Gran Canaria's archaeological jewels, Barranco de Guayadeque is a natural monument known for its rich historical significance. The deep ravine houses numerous cave dwellings, some of which are still inhabited, and ancient burial sites, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the lives of the island's pre-Hispanic inhabitants.

Monumento Natural de los Riscos de Tirajana 

Featuring steep cliffs and sharp peaks, Los Riscos de Tirajana is an awe-inspiring natural monument that forms a dramatic backdrop to the ancient caldera of Tirajana. Hikers and nature lovers are drawn to its scenic trails, panoramic views, and the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna in this stark yet beautiful environment.

Monumento Natural de Roque Nublo 

As one of the most iconic natural wonders of Gran Canaria, Roque Nublo towers above the landscape, offering majestic views that stretch across the island and beyond. This ancient and massive volcanic rock formation, set among a picturesque forest, is not just a stunning sight but also holds cultural and spiritual significance.

Monumento Natural del Barranco del Draguillo 

Barranco del Draguillo is a natural monument characterized by its deep ravines and unique geological formations that showcase the power of erosion and ancient volcanic activities. With its serene pathways and rugged beauty, it is a perfect place for those seeking a tranquil escape amidst nature's sculpted works of art.

Paisaje Protegido de La Isleta 

La Isleta Protected Landscape is a peninsula in the northern part of Las Palmas, renowned for its geological formations, rich biodiversity, and historical military significance. The area includes volcanic cones, marine life, and a variety of endemic plants, making it a remarkable site for educational visits and nature-based activities.

Paisaje Protegido de Pino Santo 

Pino Santo offers a protected landscape of rural tranquility with rolling hills, traditional Canarian pine forests, and agricultural terraces that tell the story of human settlement and cultivation on the island. It's a pastoral escape where visitors can enjoy traditional walking paths that meander through quaint villages and serene natural settings.

Paisaje Protegido de Tafira 

The Protected Landscape of Tafira is a captivating area that combines geological interest with botanical richness. Home to the verdant Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden, the largest botanical garden in Spain, Tafira provides a peaceful haven for leisurely strolls, picnics, and educational trips focused on the island's native plant species and their conservation.

Paisaje Protegido de Las Cumbres 

The Protected Landscape of Las Cumbres sits at the highest points of Gran Canaria, providing a panorama that captures the essence of the island's diverse climatic zones. It features a terrain dotted with craters, pine forests, and endemic flora, alongside traditional rural dwellings. This stunning highland area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering clear night skies for stargazing and crisp air that invigorates the soul.

Paisaje Protegido de Lomo Magullo

 Protected Landscape of Lomo Magullo is a picturesque area defined by its deep ravines and cultural heritage linked to traditional water mills and agricultural practices. Its steep terrain is a canvas of lush vegetation and terraced crop fields. Visitors are welcomed to explore charming hamlets, enjoy the local cuisine, and embrace the area's serene, rural charm.

Paisaje Protegido de Fataga 

Fataga offers a dramatic landscape with its famous "Valley of the Thousand Palms," an impressive palm grove nestled within ancient terraced land that speaks volumes of Gran Canaria's agricultural past. A journey through this protected area amidst quaint villages and rugged hillsides reveals a land almost lost in time, inviting introspection and exploration.

Paisaje Protegido de Montaña de Agüimes 

This protected landscape boasts the emblematic Mountain of Agüimes, with its remarkable geological formations, providing habitat to unique flora and fauna. Hikers can ascend its trails to witness panoramic views of the eastern part of the island, while bird enthusiasts may spot the rare Southern Grey Shrike and other avian species.

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