No. 32 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

16
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 32
Valsequillo
A world of opportunities in the open air
Travelling around the enchanting footpaths of
Valsequillo is like taking a short journey back in
time, exploring a fundamental part of the rich history
of the Canary Islands. In the town’s pedestrian
area, curious travellers will stumble across treasures
such as the majestic Church of San Miguel, an
architectural jewel erected between 1903 and 1923
on the site that was once a quiet cemetery and
where a modest hermitage stood between 1670
and 1672. This is a corner of history that brings the
narrative of the past to life.
The area around the unique Cuartel de El Colmenar
barracks, which date back to 1530, stand as a silent
witness to a distant past, surrounded by buildings
that evoke the military life of yesteryear. This place
had the honour of being the birthplace of the father
of the renowned Canarian writer, Don Benito Pérez
Galdós. Today, it is a historical treasure, declared an
Asset of Cultural Interest by the Government of the
Canary Islands, thus preserving its legacy.
However, the true essence of Valsequillo lies in its
stunning natural landscapes. These include the imposing
head of the Caldera de Tenteniguada, with
its majestic rocks, and the winding Barranco de los
Cernícalos ravine, which stretches from La Caldera
de los Marteles to the idyllic neighbourhood of
Lomo Magullo. Valsequillo is indeed the perfect
place to enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
Amid this dense vegetation, birds, lizards, amphibians,
small mammals and a wide variety of invertebrates
thrive in harmony. In the animal kingdom,
eagles and kestrels soar majestically overhead, accompanying
the visitor over the peaks and often
peering out between the idyllic orchards and picturesque
houses.
For all these reasons, Valsequillo is a true paradise
for lovers of hiking and other outdoor sports. There
is plenty going on, such as the exciting mountain
races that take place throughout the year, cycling,
climbing, exciting horse riding excursions and
a wide range of activities in the heart of nature.
With 10 footpaths to choose from, adventurers can
combine them in multiple ways and connect with
the great island routes, spanning the majestic arc
of mountains that surrounds Valsequillo on three
sides.
And after a day of exploration, visitors can immerse
themselves in the cultural richness of Valsequillo,
either in its historic town centre or in nearby villages
such as Tenteniguada, El Rincón, Las Vegas and
San Roque, where they can delight in natural and
tasty local products, such as cheese, strawberries,
honey, wine and almonds, together with a gastronomy
that satisfies the senses with every mouthful.
Valsequillo is nestled in a fertile valley, surrounded
by mountains that rise up more than 1,600 metres
above sea level. The volcanic nature of the island
is revealed in the rock formations that emerge
abruptly and in the subsidence of the ground that
gives rise to calderas. Every corner of the municipality
features many stunning rocky shapes that
have emerged over countless millions of years.
The relatively humid climate and an abundance
of springs mean that Valsequillo is covered 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.