No. 33 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

16
GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 33
A green oasis in Gran Canaria:
Los Tilos de Moya
By Mathias Valles
As we look forward to the arrival of the gentle Canary
winter, which is always much milder in comparison
with other regions of Spain, we head to a
magical spot in the north of Gran Canaria. At this
time of the year this place unfurls a palette of autumnal
colours, different to what the island is accustomed
to, inviting us to go on a unique adventure.
Los Tilos de Moya stands as a green oasis in the
heart of Gran Canaria, offering a haven of freshness
and tranquillity to visitors, in stark contrast to the
golden beaches and bright sunshine that characterise
other parts of the island.
As we make our way into Los Tilos de Moya, located
in the Doramas Rural Park, we soon realise that this
special nature reserve is one of the last remaining
bastions of laurel forest in Gran Canaria. This forest,
covering some 90 hectares, is home to trees from
the Tertiary Era, with charming paths and lush vegetation.
It also holds the distinction of Protected
Natural Area, which is crucial considering that the
current area of Los Tilos de Moya, although a natural
jewel, represents just the remnants of an ancient
and vast forest known as Doramas Jungle, which
originally covered almost 20,000 hectares and was
reduced in size due to logging by the first Hispanic
settlers in search of new agricultural land.
Laurel tree forests, such as Los Tilos de Moya,
have high humidity and moderate temperatures
throughout the year. They are home to an abundance
of evergreen vegetation, composed mainly
of laurel trees, known as laurisilva. This forest is characterised
by the presence of laurel trees, fayas (fire
trees), ferns and an abundance of lime trees, hence
its name, which give it a lush appearance and rich
diversity. The laurel forest is characteristic of an area
known as the Macaronesia region, which comprises
Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands, although
its absence in the eastern islands such as
Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa is partly
due to climatic and soil conditions, as an arid and
dry climate is not conducive to this type of forest.
As we turn our attention to the flora and fauna in
this reserve, we can see how nature throws a real
party, a feast for botany lovers and a perfect setting
for birdwatchers. This forest is home to an astonishing
variety of hundreds of plant species, including
heather, Canary Island laurel, paloblanco and leafy
lime trees, more than 50 of which are endemic. In
addition, it is home to an attractive fauna, where
the sight of valuable species such as the common
ring-dove, the elegant buzzard, the mountain canary
and the slender black-capped woodpecker,
provide excitement in every corner of the forest.
The main activity, which is practically obligatory, not
only for adventure lovers but also for anyone who
wishes to discover the richness of this natural area,
is to follow the easy and enjoyable Ruta de los Tilos
(Lime Tree Route). This approximately 2-kilometre
route can be completed in little more than half an
hour, making it ideal for anyone with little or no hiking
experience. There are several rest points along
the way that will allow you to appreciate the wonderful
surroundings even more. The trail begins at
the Los Tilos Visitor Centre, where hikers have the
opportunity to enrich their understanding of the
reserve, namely its flora, fauna and history. The centre
is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:00 and
offers, free of charge, a complete overview of what
can be found in the heart of this nature reserve and
the location of each route.
Having completed the first route, there is a second
trail, also circular and as well signposted as the
first route. However, this one is almost 10 km long
and takes approximately three hours to complete.
Despite its greater difficulty, it is perfect for those
seeking more adventurous experiences.
It is also a good idea to visit the town of Moya, featuring
one of the most emblematic icons of the
municipality, the majestic church of Our Lady of La
Candelaria. It is worth stopping off here to admire
its stone carved naves and central rose window. It is
located in the Plaza de la Candelaria, the epicentre
of numerous events and festivities held throughout
the year. The fabulous views afforded from
the viewpoint behind the sanctuary are not to be
missed either, from where you can see the Azuaje
ravine and, just on the other side, the picturesque
village of Firgas.
The experience of hiking in the Tilos de Moya is,
without a doubt, a highly recommended pursuit. It
enables visitors to appreciate the exceptional landscape
of this laurel forest, a protected environment
of great historical value that deserves to be explored
to fully enjoy its uniqueness.