{"id":10617,"date":"2026-03-18T09:27:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T09:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/blog\/laurisilva-gran-canaria\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T09:34:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T09:34:49","slug":"laurel-forests-of-gran-canaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lopesan.com\/blog\/en\/laurel-forests-of-gran-canaria\/","title":{"rendered":"The most spectacular laurel forests of Gran Canaria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If there\u2019s one place where landscapes keep you on your toes, it\u2019s the Canary Islands. Beyond their golden beaches and headline resorts, the islands harbour unique natural spaces brimming with life and beauty. Among them, Gran Canaria\u2019s laurel forests<\/strong> stand out for their lush greenery and enveloping atmosphere\u2014mountains, mist and an intense, almost improbable green that you won\u2019t often see elsewhere on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These forests\u2014also known as laurel woodlands\u2014are subtropical cloud forests where species such as laurels and fayal-brezal<\/strong> thrive thanks to constant humidity. Although this vegetation appears on several islands across the archipelago, Gran Canaria preserves a particularly representative pocket that\u2019s well worth discovering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article we take you to Los Tilos de Moya<\/strong>, a spot rich in history and biodiversity that nature lovers shouldn\u2019t miss. It\u2019s a perfect outing for those keen to uncover a different side to Gran Canaria, a little off the beaten track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What laurel forest is and where to find it on Gran Canaria<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Laurel forest is an evergreen woodland typical of subtropical climates<\/strong>, defined by dense foliage that stays verdant year-round. It grows in Macaronesia\u2014which encompasses the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores\u2014in areas where humidity and sea mist help retain moisture in both soil and plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Gran Canaria, the remnants of ancient laurel forest are concentrated mainly in the north, where the trade winds create ideal conditions for their survival. Los Tilos de Moya<\/strong>, within Doramas Rural Park, is one of the last refuges of this ecosystem and a key place to appreciate the island\u2019s natural wealth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Los Tilos de Moya: Gran Canaria\u2019s laurel forest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Location and features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Los Tilos de Moya lies in the municipality of Moya<\/strong>, inside Doramas Rural Park<\/strong> in the island\u2019s north. This woodland is one of the final vestiges of the laurisilva that once cloaked much of Gran Canaria. At 91.5 hectares<\/strong> it may be modest in size compared with other Macaronesian forests, yet its natural richness makes it unmissable for anyone who relishes the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forest is renowned for its dense canopy and humid atmosphere, created by the phenomenon known as horizontal rain<\/strong>. Moisture-laden clouds brush the treetops and condense into fine droplets that steadily water the ground. Thanks to this constant drip, Los Tilos de Moya remains luxuriant throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"where
A pocket of laurel forest in the north of Gran Canaria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ecological importance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Los Tilos de Moya has been declared a Special Nature Reserve<\/strong> for its exceptional ecological value. It shelters plant and animal species found only in the Canary Islands, many of them threatened by habitat loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its biodiversity, the forest plays a vital role in regulating water on the island<\/strong>, helping to recharge aquifers and protecting the soil from erosion. Safeguarding it is essential to keeping Gran Canaria\u2019s natural systems in balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flora and fauna of Los Tilos de Moya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Notable plant species<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Los Tilos de Moya is a sanctuary for native Canarian flora. Wander its paths and you\u2019ll encounter a broad range of species, many characteristic of laurel forest. Standouts include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n