No. 32 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

24
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 32
Guayedra
The valley of an ancient king
By Mathias Valles
We are always extolling the virtues of Gran Canaria's
amazing diversity of landscapes, ranging
from the sun and sea in Playa del Inglés to hiking
through the clouds in San Bartolomé de Tirajana,
just 40 minutes away. But beyond the usual tourist
destinations lies a hidden gem: Guayedra.
Guayedra is a hidden spot in the north of Gran
Canaria, and is noted as being one of the most
beautiful natural environments in the northwest
of the island. It boasts a wealth of endemic flora
and fauna, as well as being of great geological, archaeological
and, as we shall see below, historical
value. Located within the Tamadaba Natural Park,
very close to the port and the town of Agaete, this
region has a unique and enchanting environment,
as the terrain in Guayedra is extremely varied, with
elevations that extend from the foothills of the
Tamadaba Mountains down to the seashore, with
sharp changes in altitude.
Generally speaking, to get to Guayedra beach,
one of the island’s finest attractions, most people
negotiate the trip on foot. This is because, at
the beginning of the dirt road that takes you to
the beach, there is a small car park. Therefore, it
is not advisable to cover this last kilometre by car,
as it turns out to be a very straightforward route to
walk along while enjoying the surroundings. Hiking
is quite common around here, and many visitors
even hike to this spot from the port of Agaete.
Awaiting us at the end of the route is a beach
approximately 600 metres in length, which combines
areas of black sand and stones, surrounded
by palm trees and volcanic formations that enhance
its geological beauty. The sunsets in Guayedra,
with the majestic Teide mountain in Tenerife
in the background on the clearest days, are a spectacle
that this enclave, which is well off the beaten
tourist track, offers visitors.
As for the local flora, Guayedra is home to remarkable
flower, namely the "Guayedra Daisy", listed as
an endangered species by the Spanish Catalogue
of Threatened Species. This beach indeed reveals
an exceptional biodiversity that unfolds during the
hiking routes. Guayedra is not just a beach for sunbathing;
it is a versatile place that offers the possibility
of carrying out a whole range of activities.
Nature lovers can explore the crystal clear waters
by snorkelling, although caution should be exercised
as the swell can be strong due to the wind
at certain times of the year. The periods of low tide
offer the opportunity to enjoy a gentle swim. In addition,
the beach has a designated area for those
who prefer nudism, allowing them to feel fully at
home with their natural surroundings.
In the midst of the stunning vegetation that adorns
this valley nestles a charming rural hotel known as
Redondo de Guayedra. This name evokes the rich
historical heritage that gives identity to this hidden
corner, a history that often goes unnoticed by
most. To fully understand its significance, we must
go back to the days of the conquest of this island
by the Castilian explorers.
As has already been mentioned on other occasions,
last pre-Hispanic king of Gran Canaria, or
Guanarteme as the aborigines called him, was Tenesor
Semidán, who was captured by the Spanish
conquistadors and taken to the mainland to be
presented to the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Isabella
I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragón. At
that historic moment, a crucial agreement was
reached: Semidán, this renowned Canarian leader,
understood the need to persuade his people of
the importance of making a pact to avoid imminent
extermination and enslavement, given the
remarkable disparities in the weaponry possessed
by the conquerors. Offering resistance to the powerful
Spanish invaders would have been totally futile.
As a consequence, Tenesor Semidán was baptised
as Fernando Guanarteme, in an act that marked
his commitment of loyalty and obedience to the
monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand. In those times,
baptism was an essential requirement for acquiring
legal personality and the capacity to negotiate
with the afore-mentioned monarchs.
With the agreement settled and the aborigines
having surrendered, allowing the conquest of the
island by the Spaniards, the Catholic Monarchs
showed their gratitude to Fernando Guanarteme
by granting him the right to remain in a territory of
Gran Canaria together with 40 families of his tribe,
under his full command, that is, with complete dominion
and jurisdiction to legislate and govern all
that concerned the people who resided in his possessions.
In other words, the area became a separate
enclave from the rest of colonial society. The
territory chosen by Fernando Guanarteme was
none other than Guayedra, and it was not a casual
choice, as it was a vast territory with abundant water,
wood for construction, land for cattle grazing
and a large quantity of shellfish along its coastline.
Therefore, this magical and historical natural spot
was the last territory of Gran Canaria where the aborigines
lived free and in harmony with nature, as
it was the valley of the ancient king Tenesor Semidán.