Doramas Rural Park is a protected rural park in the uplands of northern Gran Canaria, around Moya. The ground is mountainous: remnants of laurel forest, steep ravines and volcanic cones, with banana plantations lower down towards the sea. The park takes its name from Doramas, a Canarian leader who fought the Castilian conquest in the fifteenth century, and from the forest that once covered these slopes. It is known for hiking and birdwatching.
Doramas Rural Park
Local name: Parque Rural de Doramas
Protected upland of laurel forest, steep ravines and volcanic cones in northern Gran Canaria, with views down to the ocean
- Entrance
- Free; the park is open countryside with no ticket.
- Parking
- Car parks about 1,050 m and 1,350 m away in a straight line.
- Difficulty
- Easy walking; one circular route takes around 40 minutes. The drive up is on narrow, winding mountain roads.
- Transport
- Bus (guagua) to the San Fernando stop, about 420 m away in a straight line.
- Hours
- Open countryside, accessible at any time.
- Address
- Camino Lomo las Vacas, 10, 35421, Las Palmas, Spain
What makes it special
The road up is the first thing you remember. It climbs from the coast in tight serpentines, and on a clear day the ocean opens up below at almost every bend. Higher up, the slopes turn green and damp, laurel forest fills the ravines and volcanic cones stand on the skyline. Banana plantations cover the lower ground towards the sea.
The walking is easy and relaxed. One circular route takes around 40 minutes, and the paths with a view to the ocean ask for no special fitness. When cloud comes in, the view goes with it, and the walk turns into a quiet hour among the trees. Birdwatchers come for the forest.
Good to know
- There are no toilets, drinking water or information point close by. Bring water and anything else you need.
- The roads into the hills are narrow and winding. Allow extra time and take the bends slowly.
- The hills run cooler than the coast. Pack a warm layer even when it is hot by the sea.
- Cloud can hide the views completely. If the ocean view is the reason you are coming, wait for a clear day.
Getting there
The approach is a drive up from the coast on narrow, winding mountain roads, and the climb is part of the trip: the views open out as you gain height. The nearest car parks lie about 1,050 m and 1,350 m away in a straight line, so expect to walk from the car.
You can also come without a car. Buses (guaguas) run up into the hills, and the San Fernando stop sits about 420 m away in a straight line.
Best time to visit
Best: a clear day, when the views reach all the way down to the ocean.
Avoid: days when cloud sits low on the hills, if the views are what you came for.
The northern uplands of Gran Canaria catch cloud that can blank out the coast entirely, though the forest walking stays easy and pleasant under it.
Sun & daylight
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Doramas Rural Park on the map
The mountain roads are narrow and winding, and paths in the damp laurel forest turn slippery. Drive the bends slowly and wear shoes with good grip.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you reach Doramas Rural Park without a car?
Yes. Buses (guaguas) run up into the hills, and the San Fernando stop lies about 420 m away in a straight line.How long is the walk?
One circular route takes around 40 minutes. The walking is easy and relaxed.Are there toilets or drinking water?
No toilets, drinking water or information point close by. Bring water with you.Is it worth going on a cloudy day?
The forest walk is still pleasant, but cloud can hide the ocean views completely. For the views, pick a clear day.Do I need warm clothes?
Bring a layer. The hills are cooler than the coast, and cloud often sits on them.