Parque Natural de Pilancones

The oldest landscape on the island

The Pilancones Natural Park is located in the southern half of the island of Gran Canaria and was declared a protected area in 1987 in order to preserve this ecologically sensitive site. The Ayagaures and Pilancones mountains are located in this area, the oldest on the island, with materials that are more than 12 million years old. It also borders the Nublo Rural Park and the Fataga Protected Landscape. Due to its characteristics, this area plays a key role in the protection of the soil and the recharging of the aquifer through which several ravines of great geomorphological interest and scenic beauty run in a southerly direction. On the summit there is a pine forest whose characteristics are very suitable for birdlife, which is why it has been catalogued as a Special Protection Area for Birds.

Flora and fauna of great scientific interest

This Natural Park, which covers an area of more than 5,700 hectares, is home to various species of flora and fauna of great scientific interest. From a botanical point of view, the predominant vegetation is that of the Canary Island pine forest. It is also worth mentioning the presence of one of the most extensive populations of dragon trees on the island, as well as cactus and spurges in the lower areas and the reed beds that form along the small watercourses. As for fauna, there are numerous colonies of birds, of which the most notable species are the blue chaffinch and the great spotted woodpecker. Along the small watercourses, the common waxbill stands out.

Height

1.956 m

Flora interest

Parking

Trekking routes

Wildlife interest

San Bartolomé de Tirajana

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Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
Do not walk in areas where it is not allowed and respect the signposting along trails. Leaving the set paths causes damage to the environment and could also be dangerous for you and anyone with you.
Do not light fires outside the permitted areas and be especially careful during the summer months.
Try not to alter the peace of the environment with excessive noise (loud music, yelling, etc.).