Discovering the Enchantment of Monte Pavón in Gran Canaria
Monte Pavón: A Breath of Fresh Air
There are places where time seems to stand still, corners where the lush greenery of the meadows and enveloping mist evoke landscapes we might associate with northern Europe. However, this scene isn’t in Ireland; it’s right in the heart of Gran Canaria, in a natural space that surprises first-time visitors. Monte Pavón, located in the municipality of Santa María de Guía, is much more than a recreational area: it is a sensory refuge. Here, the humid air, the scent of pine, and the serenity of the mountains create a perfect setting to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature.
The Allure of Monte Pavón
In the months leading up to autumn, when rains are still present and the humidity settles in the ground, Monte Pavón shines in all its glory. The greenery blankets every nook, transforming the landscape into a postcard that could easily be mistaken for the Irish countryside. It is perhaps one of the most astonishing spots on the island for those seeking peace and nature.
The recreational area can accommodate 400 people and is equipped with facilities such as toilets, drinking water, surveillance, parking, and barbecue areas. However, the true treasure of this enclave lies not in its picnic tables but in the circular trail that encircles it.
@doblejotatrip 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙫𝙤́𝙣…⛰️🌲🍃 This weekend we embarked on an 8km circular route around Monte Pavón, which we found to be incredibly beautiful and exceptionally green 😍💚 You can find the trail we followed on the Wikiloc app under the name “𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝙈.𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙖: 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙫𝙤́𝙣 -𝙇𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙤𝙩𝙚- 𝙇𝙖 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖. 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖” by author 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙮 𝙂𝙍 👏🏼 ⚠️𝗡𝗼 𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗳𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗼 𝘆 𝗻𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗷𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮 🚯❌
A Trail for Everyone
The Monte Pavón route stretches nearly nine kilometres, taking approximately three to four hours, including breaks for rest or snacks. It is a moderately difficult path that blends easy sections with gentle ascents and changing landscapes. The trail is particularly photogenic where it borders a mountain: it narrows, revealing a vast forest beneath a green carpet. With a bit of luck, one might encounter sheep grazing, adding a charming pastoral touch to the journey.
Between Mist and Pines
One of the route’s attractions is the variety of landscapes it offers within just a few hours. The trek often begins under a light mist, enveloping the hiker in a mystical atmosphere. As you progress, Canary pines tower and flourish until you reach sunny clearings that showcase the natural diversity of the Canaries. This contrast makes Monte Pavón an ideal spot for those seeking a unique experience in Gran Canaria, far from the usual postcards of beaches and dunes.
Preparing for the Hike
Although the trail is accessible, it’s wise to bring essentials to ensure an enjoyable experience: a light backpack with water (at least 1.5 litres), some food, a jacket, and a camera to capture the scenery. Hiking boots are recommended, although sturdy trainers can also suffice. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing with layers to adapt to the area’s temperature changes. A picnic in the recreational area after the hike completes the day beautifully.
Hiking in the Canaries
The Monte Pavón route is just one of the many trails available in the archipelago. The Canaries boast a network of certified paths that reveal its diversity: from the Dunes of Maspalomas to Teide in Tenerife or the GR-131, linking several islands along ancient royal paths. Hiking in the Canaries not only offers physical benefits but also emotional ones. It allows you to reconnect with the environment, discover its flora, fauna, and culture, and enjoy landscapes that can change dramatically within just a few kilometres. Monte Pavón exemplifies this richness, a corner that, though Canarian, possesses the magic of resembling Ireland.
