Llanos de la Pez is our favourite barbecue spot on Gran Canaria. The barbecues stand in a pine forest high in the mountains, just below Pico de las Nieves. There is beautiful nature, clean air and the smell of the forest – for our family it is the favourite trip on the island.
Llanos de la Pez is a recreation area in a pine forest in the centre of Gran Canaria. It belongs to the municipality of Tejeda and lies at an altitude of about 1,600 metres, in the Nublo Nature Park below the summit of Pico de las Nieves.
Stone barbecues stand among the pines. There is a toilet block with running water and flushing toilets, which I consider a big advantage. You can park right at the entrance.
Barbecuing is free and you do not need any permit. It is a day trip without an overnight stay. We come here to barbecue mainly for the setting – the beautiful nature, the greenery, the clean air and the smell of the forest.
About 1,600 metres.
Free and without a permit; bring your own charcoal and firelighters.
Flushing, with running water.
There are only barbecues on site. You have to bring everything else with you:
It is cooler up here than on the coast. On colder days it can be really quite cold, so bring a jumper or a jacket even when it is warm in the south.
When you go into the toilet block through the metal door, turn right straight away. There is one Western-style toilet there. If you go left, you will find squat toilets.
Especially at weekends, arrive early so that you find a free barbecue.
Barbecuing here is seasonal – in autumn, in winter and in spring. In summer the barbecues are usually closed, because lighting fires is not allowed due to the high temperatures and the risk of fire. They can also be closed at other times of year, for example because of the weather.
At weekends many local people come here and it tends to be full. If you want more peace and you have the option, choose a weekday instead.
Current notices about the area, including bans on lighting fires, are published by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria on its Llanos de la Pez page on the Cabildo de Gran Canaria website.
The trip is great with children too; the forest setting is pleasant. Just expect a longer drive along a winding mountain road.
The best way to get here is by car. The road winds through hairpin bends, but it is in good condition. From the south of the island it takes us about an hour and a half.
Via Fataga the route is prettier, with more views. You can combine it with a visit to the aloe vera plantation near Fataga or with Roque Nublo – I write about the places in the mountains in the article Gran Canaria mountains and interior.
Via Telde and Ingenio is the way we go. It is more efficient, so it suits the way back down, for example.
You can park right at the entrance.
I recommend the entrance from the upper part, with a view of Pico de las Nieves. The setting here is nicer than at the lower entrance.
Next to the recreation area there is a camping zone. You can only camp with a permit from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, which you have to apply for in advance.
People come here for a barbecue as a day trip. You can stay in the resorts in the south; you will find hotel tips in the article Gran Canaria resorts.
Yes, everything except the barbecue: charcoal, kindling, food, drinks and a blanket. Small wood for kindling can be gathered in the forest if needed.
No. Barbecuing is free and you do not need a permit.
Yes, a toilet block with running water and flushing toilets. Behind the metal door, on the right there is one Western-style toilet; on the left there are squat toilets.
In autumn, winter and spring. In summer the barbecues are usually closed because of the high temperatures and lighting fires is not allowed. They can also be closed at other times, for example because of the weather.
At weekends, yes – many local people come here. If you want peace, go on a weekday. At weekends, grab a barbecue early.
Only in the camping zone and with a permit from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, which you need to apply for in advance.
Warm clothes. It is cooler up here than on the coast, and on colder days it can be quite cold.
I recommend Llanos de la Pez to anyone who wants to spend a day in nature: a beautiful setting, clean air, greenery and the smell of the forest, plus a barbecue, a picnic and time to sit and relax. It is our favourite family day out on Gran Canaria.
