Presa de Soria
An immense concrete dam in Gran Canaria, famous for its challenging cycling routes and dramatic, often arid, landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness potential waterfalls
Presa de Soria
Best Time
Witness potential waterfalls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An immense concrete dam in Gran Canaria, famous for its challenging cycling routes and dramatic, often arid, landscapes.
"Spectacular landscape threatened by the aberrant idea of building a hydroelectric plant where there are no rivers and hardly any rain."
Check Water Levels First
The dam can be nearly dry. Recent videos show fluctuating water, so check conditions before you go!
Cycling Paradise
A popular spot for cyclists! Expect challenging climbs and rewarding views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dam Structure
Presa de Soria
An impressive feat of engineering, this large concrete dam stands as a testament to ambitious construction in a challenging landscape.
Scenic Cycling Routes
Surrounding roads
Popular with cyclists, the routes offer challenging climbs and breathtaking descents with stunning valley views.
Potential Waterfalls
After rainfall
Following significant rain, temporary waterfalls can form, adding a dramatic spectacle to the arid landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Water Levels & Current Conditions
Chira-Soria Hydroelectric Project
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Water Levels First
The dam can be nearly dry. Recent videos show fluctuating water, so check conditions before you go!
Cycling Paradise
A popular spot for cyclists! Expect challenging climbs and rewarding views. +2
Potential for Waterfalls
After heavy rain, you might see spectacular waterfalls forming. +2
Controversial Project Area
Be aware of the Chira-Soria hydroelectric project and ongoing works. 
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Water Levels First
The dam can be nearly dry. Recent videos show fluctuating water, so check conditions before you go!
Cycling Paradise
A popular spot for cyclists! Expect challenging climbs and rewarding views. +2
Potential for Waterfalls
After heavy rain, you might see spectacular waterfalls forming. +2
Controversial Project Area
Be aware of the Chira-Soria hydroelectric project and ongoing works.
Drone Photography Allowed
Capture stunning aerial shots of the dam and surrounding landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale of the Presa de Soria dam and the stunning, albeit sometimes arid, landscape. The area is a major draw for cyclists seeking challenging routes and rewarding views. However, many note the low water levels, which can be disappointing, and some express concerns about the environmental and transparency issues surrounding the Chira-Soria hydroelectric project.
"Largest work in the Canary Islands in used concrete. Once the hydroelectric turbines begin to produce electricity, the island will be self-sufficient."
juan manuel caballero gonzalez
"Spectacular landscape threatened by the aberrant idea of building a hydroelectric plant where there are no rivers and hardly any rain. Subsidies and corruption are killing this island and impoverishing those of us who live there."
Jose L. Porta
"The lake must have dried up years ago. There's absolutely no water to be seen."
Martin Niemann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Presa de Soria is located between the municipalities of Mogán and San Bartolomé de Tirajana in Gran Canaria. The most common way to access it is by car, with routes often starting from Maspalomas. Cycling routes are also very popular, with some starting from Maspalomas and heading up to Soria. +2
Public transport options directly to the dam are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car or as part of a guided cycling tour for easier access.
Many cyclists start from Maspalomas and ascend towards Soria. The route is known for its challenging climbs and rewarding views. +2
Parking availability can be limited, especially during peak cycling times. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transport if possible.
Yes, Presa de Soria can be visited as a day trip from Las Palmas. The drive takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Presa de Soria is an outdoor natural attraction, and there is typically no entrance fee to visit the dam and its surroundings. +1
As an outdoor area, Presa de Soria does not have set opening hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment. +1
No, tickets are not required as there is no admission fee. You can visit freely. +1
While generally accessible, be mindful of any ongoing construction related to the Chira-Soria project and respect the natural environment.
Yes, you can get a good sense of the dam and its scale with a relatively short visit. However, exploring the surrounding cycling routes or enjoying the landscape can take longer. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Water levels at Presa de Soria can vary significantly. Some recent content shows it can be nearly dry, resembling a pond, while other times it holds more water, especially after rainfall.
The main attractions include the impressive concrete dam structure itself, the scenic surrounding landscape, and popular cycling routes. After rain, temporary waterfalls can also be a sight.
While not a primary hiking destination, the area offers opportunities for walking and exploring the landscape, especially for cyclists who stop to take in the views.
The dam, the vast landscape, and potential waterfalls offer great photography opportunities. Drone photography is also popular here.
Facilities can be scarce directly at the dam. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby towns like Mogán or San Bartolomé de Tirajana before or after your visit. Some cycling routes mention restaurants at the summit.
🎫 🚴 Cycling & Adventure
Absolutely! Presa de Soria is a renowned cycling destination in Gran Canaria, famous for its challenging climbs and spectacular downhill segments. +2
The routes offer a mix of tough ascents and thrilling descents, with panoramic views of the valleys and the dam. It's a popular spot for both local and visiting cyclists. +2
The climbs can be quite demanding, so it might be challenging for absolute beginners. However, experienced cyclists will find it a rewarding challenge.
While there might not be rentals directly at the dam, many sports shops and rental companies in tourist areas like Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés offer road bikes suitable for these routes.
The 'Valley of Tears' is a nickname for a challenging cycling climb in the area, known for its steep gradients that can feel like a test of endurance.
🎫 💧 Environmental & Project Concerns
The Chira-Soria project is a plan to build a reversible hydroelectric power plant in Gran Canaria, aiming to store renewable energy.
Concerns have been raised about a lack of transparency, potential environmental impacts, and the ownership of water resources, with some groups advocating for the protection of the area.
Yes, the Presa de Soria has experienced periods of very low water levels, sometimes appearing almost dry, which has been noted in recent observations.
Critics point to potential devastating environmental impacts and the alteration of natural landscapes. There are also concerns about archaeological sites being affected.
There have been discussions and concerns regarding water ownership, particularly after rainfall, with questions raised about whether it belongs to private entities or the community.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the area is very popular with cyclists, so keeping a close eye on children is essential, especially if visiting during peak cycling times. Facilities like playgrounds or dedicated family attractions are not present at the dam itself. Consider combining a visit with other family-friendly spots in Gran Canaria, like the nearby coastal towns or natural parks, to create a more varied day out.
🚴 Cyclists and Adventure Seekers
Expect to encounter many other cyclists on the road, especially during weekends and mornings. The area offers a true test of endurance and skill, with routes that can be tailored to different fitness levels. For those seeking adventure, the thrill of the downhill segments and the sheer scale of the dam are significant draws. Ensure you have adequate hydration, nutrition, and bike maintenance knowledge, as services can be sparse on the route.
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of the area. While the reservoir's water levels can be low, the geological formations and the expansive views are captivating. Visiting after rain can reveal a different, more vibrant side of the landscape, with the chance to capture the dynamic flow of water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Chira-Soria Hydroelectric Project: Ambition and Controversy
However, the project has been met with considerable controversy. Critics and local activists have raised serious concerns about transparency, citing the alleged concealment of key reports regarding structural issues and environmental impacts. There are also significant worries about the devastating environmental impact on the natural landscape, including potential damage to archaeological sites and the alteration of watercourses. The ownership of water resources, especially after rainfall, has also become a point of contention, with some questioning private control over natural assets.
+1Despite the debates, significant investment has been made in maintenance and upgrades for the Presa de Soria as part of this larger initiative. The ongoing works aim to ensure the correct exploitation of the dam, but the surrounding community remains watchful, advocating for greater transparency and environmental protection throughout the project's development.
+1Cycling Paradise: Conquering the Soria Climb
The journey is often described as challenging but incredibly rewarding. As cyclists ascend, they are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Gran Canarian landscape, the winding valleys, and the imposing structure of the dam itself. The descent is equally exhilarating, providing a fast-paced ride back down. It's common to see a high volume of cyclists tackling this route, highlighting its popularity among the cycling community.
While the climb is demanding, the sense of accomplishment and the stunning scenery make it a must-do for many visiting cyclists. It's advisable for those planning to cycle here to be well-prepared, with appropriate gear and fitness levels, and to start early to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the tranquility of the morning.
The Shifting Sands: Water Levels and Natural Spectacles
However, this natural phenomenon also creates unique spectacles. Following significant rainfall, the area can transform. Temporary waterfalls are known to form, cascading down the rocky terrain and adding a dramatic, dynamic element to the landscape. These moments are particularly captivating and offer a different perspective of the area's natural beauty.
Visitors hoping to witness these waterfalls should monitor weather forecasts closely. The contrast between the arid, sometimes dry dam bed and the sudden appearance of flowing water after rain highlights the dynamic nature of Gran Canaria's environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit