If you’re planning to visit Gran Canaria and want to explore its wildest natural landscapes, we recommend the Pilancones Natural Park in the south of the island. This idyllic spot covers 5,794 hectares and is a protected area where nature has the time and freedom to grow and flourish. The wildlife and plant life are spectacular, and you’ll have the chance to spot unique species whether you’re hiking or driving through the park.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting Pilancones Natural Park and the island of Gran Canaria, so keep reading and start dreaming about your next adventure.
How to get there and when is the best time to visit
To reach Pilancones Natural Park, the most commonly used route is the GC-60 road. It takes you from Maspalomas, one of the most popular tourist areas in the south of the island, to San Bartolomé de Tirajana. This scenic drive cuts through part of the park and offers a glimpse of the breathtaking views that await. Another option is to use public transport, as there are bus routes that can take you close to the park’s entrance.
If you’re wondering when the best time of year to visit Pilancones Natural Park is, here’s the answer: spring and autumn offer the ideal conditions for exploring the park, with milder temperatures and lush, green landscapes. That said, the park can also be enjoyed in summer and winter, as Gran Canaria boasts good weather almost all year round.
Hiking routes and trails
There are plenty of options for hiking enthusiasts in Pilancones Natural Park, and to make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best trails:
Pinar and View of Roque Nublo
This circular trail starts in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and offers stunning views of the iconic Roque Nublo, one of the island’s most famous natural landmarks. It’s not an easy walk, as it covers nearly 10 kilometres, but the scenery makes it well worth the effort.
Ayagaures: Presa de la Angostura
This hiking route is relatively challenging, stretching over 11 kilometres, but the effort is well rewarded with breathtaking views of the reservoir and surrounding ravines. If you’re keen to explore further, check out the top 10 ravines in Gran Canaria.
Cruz de Agustina
This 15-kilometre route, with a moderate difficulty level, leads hikers to an elevated viewpoint offering clear, panoramic views of some of the ravines within Pilancones Natural Park.
Don’t forget to bring a map of the area, a mobile phone, water and some food, sun protection, and suitable clothing and footwear for a mountain hike.
Flora and Fauna in Pilancones Natural Park
Pilancones Natural Park is a biodiversity haven, home to a wide variety of plant and animal species within a rich and well-preserved ecosystem. In terms of flora, you’ll find different types of pine trees, dragon trees, cardones, and tabaibas, depending on the area of the park. As for fauna, it’s a great spot to encounter the Gran Canaria blue chaffinch, the great spotted woodpecker, and the Gran Canaria skink, along with 56 recorded vertebrate species from various classes.
As you can see, this is a place where nature thrives, offering the chance to spot species rarely seen in more urban areas. Visiting Pilancones Natural Park is a unique opportunity to reconnect with the natural world.
Interesting facts about Parque Natural de Pilancones
- This park, located in the south of Gran Canaria, is likely the island’s oldest landscape; its geological formations date back over 12 million years!
- It was declared a protected area in 1987 and includes the Ayagaures and Pilancones mountain ranges.
- Its natural neighbours are the Nublo Rural Park and the Protected Landscape of Fataga, both well worth a visit as well.
- The park is also classified as a Special Protection Area for Birds, thanks to the unique pine forest that crowns its highest points.
Feeling inspired to visit Pilancones Natural Park yet?
Recommendations for your visit
When visiting Pilancones Natural Park, it’s important to keep a few key recommendations in mind:
- Be well-prepared for the weather and the difficulty level of the route you plan to take. Bring enough snacks and water, along with any necessary gear.
- Wearing appropriate hiking clothing and footwear is highly recommended, as is sun protection—bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Let someone you trust know your planned route so they can assist you in case of emergency.
- Respect the environment and leave it just as you’d like to find it.
Always follow the park’s guidelines to avoid any accidents and ensure a safe, enjoyable visit.
Come and visit Parque Natural de Pilancones
There are countless reasons to visit Gran Canaria, and Pilancones Natural Park is one of the best among them. Here, you’ll find unspoilt nature, rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and the perfect setting to truly reconnect with yourself and the natural world. What’s more, it’s often left out of the island’s main tourist guides, making it a peaceful hidden gem. If you’re looking for beaches, mountains, delicious food, and charming villages, Gran Canaria has it all.
To find the perfect place to stay near Pilancones Natural Park and other must-see spots on the island, check out Gran Canaria Stays. Whether you’re after a scenic apartment, a house with a pool, a cosy studio, or a luxury villa, you’ll find exactly what you need, and you can book online with complete confidence and peace of mind. All that’s left to do is enjoy your time in Gran Canaria!
