There are places where time seems to stand still, corners where the deep green of the meadows and the enveloping mist transport us, albeit briefly, to landscapes one might associate with Northern Europe. However, this scene is not found in Ireland but in the very heart of Gran Canaria, in a natural space that surprises first-time visitors.
The Monte Pavón, located in the municipality of Santa María de Guía, is much more than a recreational area; it is a refuge for the senses. Here, the humid air, the scent of pine, and the tranquillity of the mountains create a perfect backdrop for escaping the urban pace and reconnecting with nature.
The Charm of Monte Pavón
In the months leading up to autumn, when rainfall still lingers and humidity saturates the ground, Monte Pavón shines in all its glory. The greenery blankets every corner, turning the landscape into a postcard that could easily be mistaken for the Irish countryside. It is perhaps one of the most surprising spots on the island for those seeking peace and nature.
The recreational area accommodates 400 people and is equipped with facilities such as toilets, drinking water, security, parking, and barbecue zones. However, the true treasure of this spot lies not in its picnic tables but in the circular trail that surrounds it.
@doblejotatrip 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙫𝙤́𝙣…⛰️🌲🍃 This weekend we completed an 8 km circular route around Monte Pavón, and it was stunning; everything was super green 😍💚 You can find the route on the Wikiloc app named “𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝙈.𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙖: 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙫𝙤́𝙣 -𝙇𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙤𝙩𝙚- 𝙇𝙖 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖. 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖” by author 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙮 𝙂𝙍 👏🏼 ⚠️𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 🚯❌ • • • • • #canarias #islascanarias #grancanaria #paraisocanario #latituddevida #venacanarias #lovegrancanaria #asi_es_canarias #ok_canarias #canariashoy #canariasviva #loves_canarias #ig_grancanaria #addicted_to_canarias #canariaslifestyle #canarias_goodlife #total_atlantic #canarias_life #spaintravel #8islas🇮🇨🌊 #senderismo ♬ original sound – Doblejotatrip
A Trail for Everyone
The route of Monte Pavón stretches nearly nine kilometres, taking approximately three to four hours if one pauses for rest or snacks. It is a trail of moderate difficulty, combining easy sections with gentle ascents and changing landscapes.
The path is particularly photogenic as it runs alongside a mountain: the trail narrows, and when looking down, one discovers the forest below, cloaked in a green carpet. With a bit of luck, one might spot sheep grazing, adding a charming pastoral element to the journey.
Among Mist and Pines
One of the highlights of this route is the variety of landscapes offered within a few hours. The journey usually begins in a light mist, enveloping walkers in a mysterious atmosphere. As one progresses, the Canary pines emerge, tall and lush, leading to sunny clearings that reflect the natural diversity of the Canary Islands.
This contrast makes Monte Pavón an ideal location for those seeking a different experience in Gran Canaria, far from the postcard images of beaches and dunes that typically represent the island.
Preparing for the Journey
Although the trail is accessible, it is advisable to carry the essentials for an enjoyable experience: a light backpack with water (at least 1.5 litres), some food, a jacket, and a camera to capture the scenery. Mountain footwear is highly recommended, though sturdy trainers may suffice.
Clothing should be comfortable and breathable, with layers that can adjust to the temperature changes typical of the area. A picnic at the end of the hike in the recreational area is the perfect way to complete the day.
Hiking in the Canary Islands
The Monte Pavón route is just one of many offered across the archipelago. The Canary Islands feature a network of approved trails that reveal their diversity: from the Dunes of Maspalomas to the Teide in Tenerife or the GR-131, which connects various islands via ancient royal paths.
Walking in the Canary Islands not only provides physical benefits but also emotional ones. It is a way to reconnect with the environment, learn about its flora, fauna, and culture, and enjoy landscapes that can change dramatically over just a few kilometres. Monte Pavón is a perfect example of this richness, a corner of the world that, although part of the Canaries, possesses the magic of resembling Ireland.
