Deep ravines and volcanic slopes lead to a 1,444-meter summit, where ancient Canarian pines catch moisture from trade winds. Home to endemic blue chaffinches and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Tamadaba Natural Park covers 7,500 hectares in northwestern Gran Canaria. The park rises from the coast to pine-covered peaks at 1,444 meters. You'll find ancient Canarian pine forests where blue chaffinches nest, black sand beaches along the coastline, and the 1,000-meter-high Roque Faneque cliff. At the Mirador del Balcón viewpoint, you can see across to Tenerife island and watch waves crash against the serpentine coastal cliffs below.
The park extends across three municipalities - Agaete, Artenara, and Aldea de San Nicolás. Volcanic activity formed this area 14 million years ago, creating deep ravines and steep slopes that run from the mountains to the sea. Wind and rain have carved distinctive formations in the rock, including the needle-shaped "God's Finger."
Canarian pine trees grow across 2,000 hectares of the park's upper slopes. These tall, symmetrical, ash-green pines exist only in the Canary Islands and can survive forest fires. Their needles catch moisture from trade winds, creating water that sustains the entire forest ecosystem. Wild thyme, rockroses, and bird's-foot trefoils grow in the pine forest understory.
The European Union designated Tamadaba as a Special Bird Protection Area due to its endemic species. You can spot the Gran Canaria blue chaffinch and greater spotted woodpecker in the pine forest. The rocky walls of Guayedra valley shelter additional bird species that live only in this park.
You can explore the park on trails ranging from gentle walks to mountain climbs. The Camino de Faneque and Camino del Pico de la Bandera lead to high overlooks, while the Camino del Fin del Mundo passes through pine forest, rocky outcrops, and coastal areas. From Mirador del Balcón, you can look down at palm trees growing on steep cliffs and waves breaking on the shore.
At Llanos de La Mimbre campground, located in the pine forest, you can pitch tents or park caravans among 400 other campers. The 20-kilometer San Pedro trail starts here and overlooks the Agaete Valley. The campground includes barbecue areas, and you need to make reservations in advance.
Take bus No. 102 from Las Palmas to Valle Agaete. By car, follow GC-210 to Artenara, then take GC-216 to the main viewing areas. The drive from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria takes about 90 minutes.
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