No. 30 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

26
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 30
El Burrero
The great little coastline of
the municipality of Ingenio
Despite its modest coastline measuring just 15 kilometres
in length, this area pertaining to the municipality
of Ingenio in the southeast of the island encompasses
a wide variety of landscapes, including
both golden sand and black rock beaches, sinuous
cliffs and picturesque areas that offer opportunities
for recreation and exploration.
Starting with a little bit of history, it should be noted
that the term "Ingenio", literally meaning "ingeniuty",
in this case does not refer to what is commonly
associated with creativity or mental ability, but
rather to the specific industrial activity of sugar production
that took place many years ago in the area.
Sugar production was the central activity in the region's
economy, so the name "Ingenio" became an
appropriate reference to the town, alluding to the
sugar mills. This is the name given to the group of
industrial facilities dedicated to the milling and processing
of sugar cane that dominated the region.
Indeed, the names of the majority of Canary Island
towns are closely related to their geographical, historical
or economic characteristics.
Currently, for visitors to immerse themselves in the
true essence of Ingenio, especially during the summer
months, it is essential to head for the coast. On
the coastline of this charming municipality, there
is a spot that concentrates all its vitality: the beach
of El Burrero and its brand new promenade. Those
who choose this destination this year will find a
series of exciting new features. This space is much
more than just a walk by the waterside; it stands as
the beating heart of the community, playing a crucial
role in many aspects of local life.
El Burrero quay reveals two clearly distinct areas
along this promenade that stretches out for almost
a kilometre and a half. To the south, the route extends
to the mouth of the Guayadeque ravine, while
to the north it reaches El Burrero viewpoint.
Located more than 50 metres above sea level on
the rocky elevation known as Vista Alegre, El Burrero
viewpoint offers an incomparable panoramic
view. An 80-metre flight of stairs connects this high
point to the beach. At the top of the viewpoint, the
walkway meanders in a manner similar to the silhouette
of a horseshoe-shaped crater, paying tribute
to the lava flows that once emanated from it.
The path adapts to the terrain with a sinuous layout
and is always raised above the ground so as not to
impede the free passage of the sand, as well as varying
in width, thus evoking the organic nature of the
environment. The seating at the lookout point is designed
in a practical way to enable visitors to enjoy
the views in complete harmony with the landscape.
The short walk from the viewpoint to the beach reveals
the rich geological, botanical and archaeological
features of Ingenio's main cove. Among its treasures
are the remains of an archaeological site, with
three stone houses and aboriginal caves which, although
their conservation has suffered greatly, still
have a fascinating story to tell. Information panels
tell us that this path crosses the habitat of two protected
botanical species: the "Lotus arinagensis"
and the "Convolvulus caput-medusae", as well as
a small beetle. In addition, the proximity to the volcanic
cone and Playa de Atrás, also known as Playa
de San Agustín, adds another level of charm to the
experience. This golden sandy beach separates the
area of El Burrero from the Gando region, accentuating
the diversity and richness of this stretch of
coastline.
If we look over to the southern part of the promenade,
which continues along the beach and extends
to the mouth of the Guayadeque ravine, we
can glimpse an urban area with modern lighting,
benches and litter bins in a minimalist style. These
are designed to blend in perfectly with the environment,
adopting the shapes, textures and colours of
the surrounding volcanic landscape. However, what
really captures the attention in this section is the
inclusion of a truly unique element: a machine gun
nest dating back to the Spanish Civil War. Amazingly,
this historic site has been carefully restored and
positioned to the side of the walkway, adding an
intriguing dimension to the experience of the tour.
The entire promenade provides a safe and healthy
environment and promotes an active lifestyle for
the benefit of all visitors. This space fully respects
the environment and its surroundings, using nature-friendly
materials to minimise any impact on
this natural area while maintaining all its attractive
features.
The promenade constitutes and attraction for those
who wish to soak in the scenic beauty and engage
in seaside activities, while enjoying the revitalising
sea breeze. This particular spot is perfect for exploring,
enjoying, relaxing or spending time outdoors,
as it prides itself on offering recreation and entertainment
options that go beyond water activities.