Gran Canaria

POIs & trails

Barranco Las Vacas 

The Barranco de las Vacas, also known as Tobas de Colores, is a stunning, narrow slot canyon in southeast Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) famous for its smooth, colorful volcanic rock walls, resembling a mini-Antelope Canyon (USA). Formed by water eroding porous volcanic ash, this popular spot offers vibrant red, ochre, and gold hues. Rocky, often crowded passages, best visited early/late to avoid crowds and for better light.  

Cuevas de Audiencia 

The Caves of the Audience are an archaeological site consisting of a network of interconnected caves of varying sizes. The site is located on the Montaña de la Audience, or Risco Pintado, above the hamlet of Temisas. Discovered around 1934 during road construction, experts believe it to have been a large communal granary.

The caves yielded numerous finds, including pottery, tools, and remnants of weaving and basketry, suggesting that the site was an important center of activity at the time. Their elevated location also allowed for the protection of goods from potential invaders, as the vantage point offers a commanding panoramic view of the surrounding area. Indeed, just across the ravine lies the so-called Cueva del Gigante, another aboriginal site that, according to some, served to monitor for invaders and warn the inhabitants of La Audiencia with signals. The area surrounding these caves is also rich in aboriginal remains of all kinds, including kilns, burial sites, and even a tagoror (a traditional meeting place) in nearby locations.  

Cueva del Gigante 

Roque Nublo

What You'll See & Experience

• Iconic Rock: The Roque Nublo monolith itself, a volcanic plug.

• Spectacular Views: Panoramic vistas of the Caldera de Tejeda, Pico de las Nieves, Roque del Fraile, and Tenerife's Mount Teide on clear days.

• Other Formations: Pass interesting rocks like Roque de la Rana and the cave (Cueva de Roque Nublo).

• Charming Village: Visit nearby Tejeda for Canarian architecture, local food (bienmesabe), and mountain restaurants. 

Reservation site

• https://reservasroquenublo.com/reservar

Parking and transfer

• Parking at La Goleta is limited.

• It is recommended to park at Cruz de los Llanos or at Tejeda. From there, the Global Line 18 shuttle takes you to the start of the trail.

Risco Blanco - Pico de las Nieves trekking loop

The heart of the Tirajana Caldera peeks out from the exposed chimney of Risco Blanco, living up to its name, as its morphology impresses with its tremendous fractured and almost vertical ivory-white walls.

The final stages of volcanic activity of the Roque Nublo Cycle are characterized by the appearance of endogenous domes of phonolitic haüynic composition, which pierce the lava and breccia materials of the cycle, emitted up to that moment.

Risco Blanco is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic peaks of this group, both for its large size (with an area of ​​400 x 600 m.) and for its morphology.

It has a height of 400 m, with steep vertical walls in which numerous joints can be observed that converge towards the culminating part.

Barranco de Guayadeque & trekking to Caldera Los Marteles 

Barranco de Guayadeque - one of the most impressive canyons on the island, known for archaeological findings and cave dwellings. Visiting certain protected areas requires a permit.

Visiting rules:

Access Type: A protected Natural Monument and Archaeological Site with mixed regulations.

1. General Gorge & Hiking Trails:

   • Open access, free of charge, year-round.

   • Permitted: Hiking marked trails, enjoying nature, photography, driving on the GC-103 road.

   • Note: Public parking is limited, especially on weekends.

2. Visitor Center (Centro de Interpretación):

   • Recommended first stop for accurate info, maps, and current conditions. Check opening hours before your visit.

3. Cultural & Archaeological Sites (Restricted Access):

   • Casas Cuevas: Many are private. Entry only into those operating as public restaurants/bars.

   • Museo de Guayadeque & Treasure Cave: Access by guided tour only (book via tour companies or inquire locally).

   • Ancient Burial Caves: Access is strictly prohibited (view from a distance only).

Trekking from Barranco de Guayadeque to Caldera de los Marteles and back

A transverse route from the erosional ravine of Barranco de Guayadeque to the strombolian volcanic depression of Caldera de los Marteles, showcasing a sharp ecological and geomorphological transition. To encounter traditional cave dwellings, endemic Canarian flora, and distinct volcanic strata, illustrating the island's geological history and human adaptation.

Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo 

The largest botanical garden in Spain

The Canary Botanical Garden "Viera y Clavijo" is located on the edge of the Guiniguada ravine , and shows both visitors and researchers and scholars the richness of the flora of the biogeographical region of Macaronesia (made up of the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira and the Savage Islands, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, and a region of the Atlantic coast of Morocco known as the 'Mainland Macaronesian Enclave').

This multidisciplinary research center for island flora is the green pride of Gran Canaria, where the best living collections of endemic plants exclusive to Macaronesia coexist with many other species from almost every corner of the world.

Los Tilos de Moya (Parque Natural de Doramas)

A relic laurel forest, one of the last remaining in the Canary Islands. Hilly landscape with the Barranco de los Tilos river & popular trails.

A relic laurel forest, or Laurisilva, is a subtropical, misty, ancient ecosystem of laurel trees and other evergreens, a living remnant of forests that covered Southern Europe during the Tertiary Period (millions of years ago) before being replaced by drier climates. These rare, biodiverse forests thrive in humid, cloud-covered Macaronesian islands. 

Entry to protected trails often requires booking or a permit.

Playa de Güigüí 

 This unique mountainous area in western Gran Canaria offers triple isolation, which is its greatest strength, as it has managed to preserve the natural values ​​that have earned it the designation of Special Nature Reserve.

The Güigüí Massif, which constitutes the oldest relief unit on the Island, has undergone uninterrupted erosion since the end of the eruption of the Miocene basalts that compose it. It is the only example of a basaltic massif at the island level, characterized by a central ridge from which narrow and deep ravines branch off, separated by narrow interfluves along the ridge.

Main Natural Sites with Restricted Access that require reservation

Reserva Natural Integral de Inagua

A vast natural area in the central part of the island, where endemic pine forests and rare bird species are preserved. Access is strictly regulated, especially for organized hikes.

Barranco de Azuaje

A picturesque ravine with unique flora and remnants of old thermal facilities. Access to some zones is restricted to protect the ecosystem.

Dunas de Maspalomas

While the dunes themselves are open for walks, part of the area is a nature reserve, and access to certain sections is regulated to preserve the ecosystem.

IUCN Protected Area Categories

1a Strict Nature Reserve: Areas strictly protected for biodiversity and scientific research; minimal human impact.

1b Wilderness Area: Large unmodified areas, managed to preserve natural conditions and wilderness character.

2 National Park: Large natural areas set aside to protect ecological processes and provide recreation.

3 Natural Monument or Feature: Small areas protecting specific natural features (e.g., caves, waterfalls, rock formations).

4 Habitat/Species Management Area: Areas managed to protect particular species or habitats, often with active interventions.

5 Protected Landscape/Seascape: Areas where interaction of people and nature has created distinct landscapes with cultural value.

6 Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources: Areas allowing sustainable use of natural resources while conserving

97 Protected Landscape local regulations

REFERENCES