No. 25 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

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GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 25
Valsequillo: discover the magical
route of the Blue Tajinaste bush
Situated in the mid-altitude hills of Gran Canaria,
Valsequillo is a charming town that sits in a fertile
valley surrounded by majestic mountains that rise
up over 1,600 metres high, giving it a natural setting
of breathtaking beauty. The island’s volcanic
origins can be seen in the steeply rising rock formations
and in the sunken calderas, creating a
stunning landscape that extends throughout the
municipality.
The relatively humid climate and an abundance of
springs cover the geography of Valsequillo with a
green carpet, and splash it with the burst of colours
in the flowering season, which, depending on the
species, lasts from December to June. Hundreds of
varieties of plants abound, many endemic to the
Canary Islands, exclusive to the island and even to
the area. Among them, the one that most attracts
visitors' attention is the blue tajinaste bush, whose
colour contrasts with the yellow of the Canary
houseleek, laburnum and broom, the white of the
white brooms and brush, and the flowers of fruit
plants, especially the white and pink of the almond
trees in February. The fauna is equally diverse, with
birds, lizards, amphibians, small mammals and a
multitude of invertebrates that thrive in this natural
environment. Among the birds, the harrier and
the kestrel stand out, with their slow flight accompanying
the visitor on the peaks and which can often
be spotted peeping out between the orchards
and the houses.
The Blue Tajinaste Route is one of the most beautiful
trails on the island, starting from the Caldera
de Los Marteles to Tenteniguada. Along the route,
which runs at an altitude of between 1,000 and
1,500 metres, at some points even higher, visitors
can admire the varied flora of the area, although
the undisputed king is the Blue Tajinaste. It is a
shrubby species that can grow up to four metres
in height, with a rough bark and branches that
support lance-shaped, rough, furry leaves. The inflorescences
are conical in shape, often branching
out at the base, and their colour can be blue, fuchsia
or white, or a combination of the three colours.
Flowering takes place between January and April,
while fruiting occurs from March to July. This Tenteniguada
tajinaste bush is hermaphrodite and reproduces
easily by seed.
Although it is true that the Blue Tajinaste Route is
a great tourist attraction at any time of the year, it
is best to visit it between January and April in order
to fully enjoy the flowering of this beautiful plant
and to have an unforgettable experience. Moreover,
along the way there are several points where
water, that scarce commodity, bubbles up in the
form of small springs, delighting visitors, who can
And while you are in Valsequillo:
In addition to walking along the Blue Tajinaste
Route, there are plenty of other tourist attractions
in the area. The Valsequillo Museum, located
in the centre of town, is an essential
place to learn about the history and culture of
the island of Gran Canaria. Another highlight
is La Sorrueda Dam, an impressive hydraulic
structure built in 1909 to supply water to the
surrounding farmland. Nowadays, it is a place
of recreation and rest for the inhabitants and
visitors of Valsequillo, where you can practice
water sports and enjoy the tranquillity of the
surroundings.
stop to take a break and enjoy its overwhelming
charm.
In short, Valsequillo is a perfect destination for
those looking for a rural tourism experience in contact
with nature. The Blue Tajinaste Route is just
one example of the natural and cultural wealth
offered by this charming town in Gran Canaria. In
addition, its mild climate and welcoming people
make Valsequillo an ideal place to take a break
from routine and enjoy a few days of tranquillity
and natural beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to
visit Valsequillo and follow the magical route of the
Blue Tajinaste, an experience that will linger long in
the memory.
As well as all this, Valsequillo holds numerous
festivals and events throughout the year, such
as the Livestock Fair, the Apple Fair and the San
Miguel Pilgrimage, all of which offer visitors the
chance to get to know Canary traditions and
culture at first hand. Alternatively, if you are into
gastronomy, in Valsequillo you can try typical
Canarian dishes, such as watercress stew, rabbit
in salmorejo sauce or bienmesabe, a dessert
made with almonds, sugar and egg. So there you
are, Valsequillo is an ideal tourist destination to
make a break with routine and enjoy a few days
of tranquillity in beautiful natural surroundings.