No. 33 - Its Gran Canaria Magazine

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GET TO KNOW GRAN CANARIA I CONOCE GRAN CANARIA EDICIÓN 33
Hiking trails in Valsequillo,
exploring a world of possibilities in the open air
Taking a walk around Valsequillo, a municipality
set in the heart of Gran Canaria, is like
embarking on a journey back in time, an experience
that submerges you in the rich history
of the islands. Here in this pedestrianised
area, historical treasures await curious travellers.
One such treasure is the majestic Church
of San Miguel, an architectural jewel erected
between 1903 and 1923 on the same site
that was once a quiet cemetery and home to
a modest hermitage between 1670 and 1672.
This corner of history brings to life the narratives
of the past, connecting the present with
the legacy of the Canary Islands.
The barracks at Cuartel de El Colmenar, dating
back to 1530, stand as a silent witness to times
gone by, surrounded by buildings that evoke
the military life of yesteryear. In addition to
its historical importance, 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 for future generations.
However, the true essence of Valsequillo lies
in its stunning natural landscapes. From the
imposing head of the Caldera de Tenteniguada,
with its majestic rocks, to the winding
Barranco de los Cernícalos ravine, which
stretches from La Caldera de los Marteles to
the idyllic neighbourhood of Lomo Magullo.
Valsequillo nestles in a fertile valley, surrounded
by mountains rising to over 1,600 metres
above sea level. The volcanic nature of the
island is revealed in the rock formations that
rise up steeply and in the subsidence of the
ground that gives rise to calderas. Every corner
of the municipality is marked by the astonishing
shapes that the rock has acquired
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 attracts visitors'
attention the most 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.
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
Valsequillo is a true paradise for lovers of
hiking and other outdoor sports, 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 a wide
choice of 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 long 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.
The hiking trails of Valsequillo are a gateway
to a world of outdoor possibilities, where history
intertwines with nature, and where every
step brings you closer to the beauty of Gran
Canaria in all its splendour. In Valsequillo, adventure
and serenity come together in perfect
harmony, waiting to be explored by those
seeking an unrivalled experience in a unique
corner of the world.