In this article we want to share with you all the details about the main recreational areas of Gran Canaria. Specifically, we will give you information on 10 picnic sites on the island, so you will have a choice. It is important that you bear in mind that they are all inland and above 600 meters above sea level. Therefore, during the cool months you should wear enough clothing (it can be less than 5 degrees in the winter months).
Also, keep in mind that to get to many of these recreational areas, roads with quite a few curves await you, not suitable for those who get dizzy in a car. Finally, at the end of this post we will give you information on other places where you will find picnic tables, but without services and/or areas for grilling or barbecues. Let’s go!
Recreational areas in Gran Canaria
Next you will be able to know some of the main recreational areas of Gran Canaria. Leave us a comment at the end to find out which one is your favorite and, in this way, together we can learn about the experiences and opinions of those who have already visited them.
1. La Laguna de Valleseco, Valleseco
We can say that La Laguna de Valleseco is one of our favorite recreational areas in Gran Canaria. This space stands out for the lagoon with ducks that is located in the middle of the park. It can be visited through several paths that are very easy to go with small children. It also has a racecourse that borders the lagoon of almost 1 kilometer. Here you can run, walk or ride a bike. Even here many children play football.
- Services: water, toilets, barbecues, parking, kids park (small), picnic tables and kiosk
Keep in mind that to use the picnic and barbecue area you must request permission from the Valleseco town hall by calling 928 61 80 22 extension 102. You have to pay €1.50 per person, although on weekends you can pay directly to the security guard who is doing the rounds. To visit the lagoon and walk or play sports, you do not need a permit (neither pay).
2. Llanos de Ana Lopez, San Mateo
It is a classic of the countryside of Gran Canaria to spend a day with the family and also a little cold hehe. This recreational area is located near the Roque Nublo, so many take the opportunity to visit it and then have a picnic in Llanos de Ana Lopez. Don’t forget the coat!
- Services: water, toilets, barbecues, parking area, picnic tables and kiosk
3. Presa de Las Niñas, Tejeda
The Las Niñas dam is also located in an ideal environment to disconnect with nature. Here you can also camp, with prior permission. At the same time, by having a dam or reservoir, many even dare to take their raft and sail or practice sports such as standing up paddle. Especially after the winter rains, since in summer it can be quite a dry and hot place.
- Services: water, toilets, barbecues, parking area and picnic tables
4. El Troncón, Valsequillo
If you want a change of scenery, we are sure that El Troncón is one of the places that you still have to visit. Last March 2022, the Valsequillo City Council inaugurated a children’s park and a zip line within the recreational area. Super plan! Keep in mind that the recreational area is not that large (both in terms of tables and parking spaces), so we recommend you go early.
- Services: Water, toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, kiosk, kids park, zip line and parking area
Here we leave you a short video of the El Troncón Recreational Area and its zip line!. We are waiting for you on our YouTube channel!
5. Tamadaba Natural Park, Artenara
In the Tamadaba Natural Park there is also a place in the middle of nature with picnic areas to spend the day with your family or friends. In this park there is also a camping area, but it is somewhat more separated. We suggest you combine this picnic plan with a hiking route in Tamadaba passing through the spectacular Mirador de Llanos de la Mimbre.
- Services: water, toilets, barbecues, parking and picnic tables
6. Recreational Area Monte Pavón, Santa María de Guía
We can say that Monte Pavón is one of the greenest areas of Gran Canaria. As soon as you arrive with the car you will perceive it in the landscapes (except in summer, of course). It is located in an area dedicated to livestock and the production of the rich Guia PDO flower cheese at an altitude of 1,200 metres. Therefore, it is a very cool place in winter. If you want to take advantage of and combine the picnic or barbecue plan with a hiking route, take a look at the Entre Cortijos hike.
- Services: water, toilets, barbecues, parking area and picnic tables.
7. Llanos de La Pez, Tejeda
Llanos de La Pez is possibly one of the coolest and most popular recreational areas on the island. Here you can be perfectly in winter below 5 degrees, but with humidity the thermal sensation can be worse. It is only 5-10 minutes by car from Roque Nublo, so you can also combine a picnic with the hike to visit it. It is one of the largest recreational areas in Gran Canaria with capacity for almost 1,200 people.
- Services: Water, toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, parking area & kiosk-bar
8. El Brezal de Santa Cristina, Santa Maria de Guía
The Brezal de Santa Cristina recreational area is another option for picnicking in Gran Canaria. To use the barbecues and picnic areas you must ask the Cabildo for permission here. If you want to combine the visit with a hiking route, take a look at this circular route that starts from the Tilos de Moya and passes through the Santa Cristina recreational area.
- Services: Water, toilets (including for people with reduced mobility), barbecues, parking, picnic tables and cafeteria
9. San José del Álamo, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
If you are looking for a space to have a barbecue with a group of friends, the recreational area of San José del Álamo is one of the most mythical. It is a well-known space among locals due to its proximity to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Here you will have everything you need to grill your meat and sit comfortably. It is also one of the largest on the island, with capacity for 1,000 people.
- Services: Water, toilets, barbecues, parking area, picnic tables and kids park
10. Finca de Osorio, Teror
The Osorio farm, in addition to having a recreational area, is located within the Doramas Rural Park, one of the most beautiful natural spaces on the island. Here, you and your family can learn about the flora and fauna of the area. As in Santa Cristina, it is essential that you request a permit from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria to be able to use this space. We leave you the link here. On the other hand, if you would like to do a circular route that goes through the picnic areas that we show you below, take a look at this circular route through the Osorio peak.
Likewise, you should know that within the natural spaces of the Azuaje ravine, Los Cernícalos ravine and Los Tilos de Moya, you will also find some picnic tables. However, they do not have a barbecue area or toilets. In any case, if you take your food you can have a good picnic with your family in the middle of nature.
Be careful with the fire!
Finally, we ask you to take into account the fire traffic light that we show you below whenever you plan to use fire. At the same time, remember that it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment, so make sure you take all your rubbish (including cigarette butts) with you after your visit.
Recreational areas in Gran Canaria
In the following video we show you four of the above mentioned recreational areas. Join our YouTube channel for more videos about Gran Canaria
Other posts that might interest you
It is clear that all these picnic sites are a great plan to disconnect from the routine. We hope that this small guide will help you for your next getaways to the countryside. Let us know which one is your favorite. Finally, remember that in the travel guides section you can find more plans to get to know the most authentic side of the island on your own. Until next time Localguider!
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