No. 27 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

10
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 27
Hiking trails for enjoying
the beauty of Valsequillo
Valsequillo sits in a fertile valley and is surrounded
by mountains that reach an altitude of over 1,600
metres. The island’s volcanic nature is clearly apparent
in its rock formations that rise up abruptly,
as well as in the calderas that sink deeply into the
ground. The entire territory of the municipality is
dotted with the sometimes surprising shapes that
this beautiful rock has adopted over millions of
years.
The relatively humid climate and an abundance of
springs cover the geography of Valsequillo with a
green carpet. The burst of colours of the flowering
season, which runs from December to June, are
a sight to behold. Hundreds of varieties of plants
abound, many endemic to the Canary Islands, exclusive
to the island and even to the area, all of
which blend together. 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 lush vegetation in Valsequillo is home to various
species of birds, lizards, amphibians, small
mammals and a multitude of invertebrates. The
fauna of the area is also impressive, boasting birds
of prey such as the eagle and the kestrel that,
with their slow flight, accompany visitors from the
peaks to the orchards and around the houses.
Valsequillo is a paradise for hiking, with different
routes that enable visitors to enjoy the geology,
flora and fauna of the area. The walks are
accessible to anyone in good physical shape and
allow visitors to try out the local products, such
as cheese, wine and strawberries, which are the
main features along these routes.
The municipality has no less than 10 sign-posted
local hiking trails, one of which is in the process
of being adapted for walkers with reduced mobility.
The routes offer the possibility of an infinite
number of combinations, ranging from the simplest
family routes to the most demanding hikes.
If, as well as walking, visitors are looking to spend
a dream weekend away, the Casa del Senderista
in Era La Mota, along with numerous rural houses
and holiday lets, offer a wide range of accommodation.
In short, all the trails are of great interest due
to their wonderful flora and fauna, geology, archaeological,
ethnographic and historical heritage.
In Valsequillo, it is possible to buy and taste
local products, and there are guided routes organised
by hiking groups and companies held
throughout the year. For more information, go to:
www.turismovalsequillo.com