Biosphere Reserve
For decades, Gran Canaria has been dedicated to preserving its natural heritage. This commitment has ensured that a significant portion of the island is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visitors will discover an island of dramatic ravines, towering peaks, pristine beaches, and rural landscapes where the natural environment has been meticulously preserved. This effort is central to the island's tourism philosophy, offering travellers world-class hiking trails and protected natural areas. Here, the flow of visitors and the protection of ancient, paradisical landscapes coexist in perfect harmony. Because of this balance, millions of tourists choose Gran Canaria. They can enjoy modern tourist infrastructure near the coast while being only minutes away from some of the most breathtaking and surprising nature in the world.

Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria World Heritage Site
The island's landscape is deeply intertwined with those who inhabited it hundreds of years ago. Gran Canaria has recovered several sacred sites that have remained intact since before the Spanish Conquest. Today, these sites – along with museums that reproduce their caves and engravings – allow us to witness magical astronomical events, such as the sun entering the caves during the equinoxes and solstices. These locations served as sophisticated ancient calendars. This cultural and natural wealth has been rewarded with UNESCO’s highest honours, recognizing both the Biosphere Reserve and the Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria as World Heritage.

The Biosphere Destination Seal
Achieving the Biosphere Destination Seal is a rigorous process. It requires meeting strict standards regarding nature conservation, landscape integration, and environmental care. Thanks to the joint efforts of the island’s institutions, residents, and the hospitality industry, Gran Canaria now ranks among the top 15 European destinations with the highest number of accommodations certified with this prestigious seal. This dedication to nature, paired with a steadfast commitment to its future preservation, is further bolstered by the Biosphere Destination Seal. This prestigious recognition is notoriously difficult to obtain; it requires rigorous, ongoing audits to ensure that nature remains the cornerstone of the territory’s development. The seal promotes the consumption of "Km 0" products – locally grown goods from protected areas – and champions the development of livestock farming and agriculture as essential guardians of the landscape. By maintaining traditional farming areas, the island not only prevents environmental degradation but also enhances its natural beauty, all while encouraging a new generation of professionals to revitalise the primary sector. Furthermore, the Biosphere Destination Seal highlights the island’s innovative measures in renewable energy management and its integrated water conservation plans, which are vital to Gran Canaria’s unique habitat.

Starlight Destination
These environmental achievements are closely linked to Gran Canaria’s status as a Starlight Destination. This title is specifically held by areas where significant work has been done to conserve nature, prevent desertification, and mitigate fire risks – such as the ambitious project to recover the laurisilva (laurel forest) that blanketed much of the island centuries ago. Visitors to these protected zones will find almost zero light pollution, allowing for a crystal-clear view of constellations, planets, and the unfathomable universe that reveals itself every evening. In fact, these sunsets are among the most compelling reasons to visit Gran Canaria. Both the rise and fall of the sun each day serve as a breathtaking reward for the effort invested in maintaining the island's high environmental standards. Whether viewed from the dramatic heights of the central peaks or the tranquil shores of its beaches, the island’s skies and horizons are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is no wonder that those who visit almost always return; they seek to reconnect – with the care and respect guaranteed by these environmental certifications – with the ever-surprising landscapes of Gran Canaria.

Related Links:
World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve