Presa de las Niñas
A dramatic mountain landscape in Gran Canaria, known for its stark beauty even with low water levels and ancient pines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, lush surroundings
Presa de las Niñas
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, lush surroundings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic mountain landscape in Gran Canaria, known for its stark beauty even with low water levels and ancient pines.
"Stunning scenery, a serene escape, yet a testament to nature's fragility."
🚗 Drive Carefully
Roads can be steep & narrow. Consider an excursion if unsure. Watch for cyclists!
💧 Manage Water Expectations
The dam is very dry. Enjoy the unique landscape, not a full reservoir.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dry Lakebed
Presa de las Niñas
A stark, cracked landscape where water once was, now a testament to nature's cycles and climate change.
Pino de Casandra
Near the dam
An ancient, majestic Canary Island pine, rumored to be around 400 years old.
Camping Under the Stars
Designated camping area
Enjoy a serene escape with incredible night skies, though be mindful of the unique 'bottle art' left by some visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Drought's Reality
+1Prepare for the Drive and Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully
Roads can be steep & narrow. Consider an excursion if unsure. Watch for cyclists!
💧 Manage Water Expectations
The dam is very dry. Enjoy the unique landscape, not a full reservoir.
☀️ Summer Heat & Bugs
If visiting in summer, pack for extreme heat and bring repellent for mosquitoes.
🏕️ Camping Permits
A permit is required for camping; wardens check twice daily.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully
Roads can be steep & narrow. Consider an excursion if unsure. Watch for cyclists!
💧 Manage Water Expectations
The dam is very dry. Enjoy the unique landscape, not a full reservoir.
☀️ Summer Heat & Bugs
If visiting in summer, pack for extreme heat and bring repellent for mosquitoes.
🏕️ Camping Permits
A permit is required for camping; wardens check twice daily.
🥾 Hiking Boots Recommended
The terrain can be uneven, especially in the dry lakebed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning, unique scenery of Presa de las Niñas, particularly its stark beauty even with low water levels. The camping facilities are noted as good, with clean restrooms and ample space. However, the drive can be challenging, and the drought's impact on the water level is a significant drawback for some.
"Stunning scenery. Drive up can be a little scary, if not confident driving recommend taking an excursion, also be careful driving due to lots of cyclists. But definitely worth the effort."
ROD TATE
"Absolutely stunningly beautiful area to camp. The drive down was steep and rocky in places. A permit was needed as the wardens check twice a day. The camping area is quite big and fairly level and has all the facilities motorhomes need for discharging waste and refilling. You need to do it by walking and hand as no drive over drain and the water is on a lower level. The amenities block was clean and serviced daily. No night lights or loo roll. Plenty of bbq areas and picnic tables. The water level in the lake was very low, but water could be seen in the distance. It was green and lush in the river bed with lots of flowers and insects. Lots of people used the recreational area in the day time. Plenty of walking routes and we walked down to the Reservoir Soria. The walk down was steep and hard work back up in the hot weather. The goats and sheep were nearby and it was extremely quiet at night and the stars in the night sky were amazing."
Sheila Brooks
"Presa de las Ninas, where camping under the stars meets the art of bottle recycling – a serene escape, yet a testament to the uncanny survival skills of empty beer bottles. As the dawn whispered promises of tranquility, my wife and I embarked on a hike to the lake, a journey that felt like a rendezvous with nature's own morning show.
The peacefulness of the surroundings was interrupted only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional chitchat among the local wildlife – birds, rabbits, and giant lizards who, quite commendably, adhere to a strict code of wilderness etiquette.
Now, about the bottles – someone, in a moment of uncultivated genius, decided to sprinkle the landscape with empty beer containers. It's as if they thought, "Why appreciate the beauty of nature when we can leave our liquid legacy scattered across the landscape?"
In the grand tapestry of Presa de las Ninas, the juxtaposition of untouched wilderness and the unexpected beer bottle art installation became a source of ironic amusement. It's the kind of irony that makes you ponder the mysteries of human behavior in the great outdoors – a wild partying passerby, perhaps an advocate for a "leave no beer bottle behind" philosophy.
So, if you're ready for a camping adventure where the stars are your companions, the wildlife plays it cool, and the beer bottles strive for artistic expression, Presa de las Ninas invites you. After all, where else can you witness nature's beauty and the perplexing art of bottle abandonment? Cheers to a night under the stars and the unexpected presence of wilderness-inspired bottle artistry."
Richard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Presa de las Niñas is accessible by car, with routes from Mogán (GC-605) and Tejeda. The drive from Mogán is described as steep and narrow, so drive cautiously or consider an organized excursion if you're not comfortable with such roads.
Yes, the roads, particularly from Mogán, are noted as very narrow and steep. While offering good views, they require confident driving.
Public transport options to Presa de las Niñas are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car or join a guided tour for easier access.
Many visitors arrive via Tejeda or Mogán. The GC-605 route from Mogán is scenic but challenging. Some suggest avoiding GC-605 if possible for a slightly easier drive.
Many enjoy the scenic drive, but if you prefer to focus on the destination, taking an excursion can be a stress-free option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Presa de las Niñas recreational area is generally free. However, if you plan to camp, a permit is required and checked by wardens.
The area is typically open for day visits and camping year-round. There are no strict opening or closing hours for the natural park itself, but camping is regulated.
No, there is no entrance fee for visiting the recreational area of Presa de las Niñas.
Camping permits are necessary and are checked by wardens who visit the site twice daily. It's advisable to inquire locally about the permit process before your visit.
You can visit the area during the day without a permit. However, overnight stays for camping require a permit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Due to ongoing drought, the water level is extremely low, often appearing more like a pond than a reservoir. The lakebed is dry and muddy.
Activities include hiking, picnicking, barbecuing (bring your own coal), and camping. The surrounding nature offers a unique landscape to explore.
Yes, there are walking and hiking routes. Some visitors have hiked to the nearby Presa de Soria. Be prepared for steep terrain.
Yes, it's a popular spot for families, with picnic tables, BBQ areas, and a large camping space. Even with low water, the natural surroundings are enjoyable.
The camping area has tables, BBQ grills, and clean restrooms with running water. Waste disposal and water refilling facilities are available but require manual effort.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stark beauty of the dry lakebed, the ancient Pino de Casandra, and the dramatic mountain landscapes. Sunsets here are also spectacular.
Yes, due to its remote mountain location, Presa de las Niñas offers dark skies ideal for astrophotography, with opportunities to capture the Milky Way.
Golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but the unique dry lakebed textures are always photogenic. +1
The 'Enchanted Tree' (Árbol Encantado) is a unique spot mentioned by visitors. The ancient Pino de Casandra is also a prime subject. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture details of the mountains. For night shots, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1 Trails around the area, including routes to nearby dams like Presa de Soria, provide opportunities for moderate to challenging hikes. 📸 Photographers
+1 The dark skies also make it an excellent location for astrophotography, capturing the Milky Way above the Canarian landscape. Remember to visit during the golden hours for the most captivating light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Impact of Drought
+2 This environmental shift has transformed the landscape, offering a stark visual of climate change's impact on the island's water resources. Despite the lack of water, the area retains a unique, rugged beauty that attracts visitors seeking to witness this natural phenomenon. While the drought has altered the primary function of the dam, the surrounding natural environment remains vibrant. The dry lakebed itself presents an unusual terrain for exploration, and the flora that thrives in the damper riverbeds adds pockets of green to the arid surroundings. Visitors often remark on the stark contrast between the dry dam and the resilient nature that persists.
Camping and Recreation
Many visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, especially at night, with the stars providing a spectacular celestial display.
Navigating the Landscape
Once at the dam, the terrain can be uneven, especially in the dry lakebed. Wearing appropriate footwear, like hiking boots, is recommended for exploring the area comfortably and safely.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit