In this post we want to tell you about all the things to do in Valsequillo in Gran Canaria. And we say “in Gran Canaria” because there is another town with the same name in Andalusia. It is located in the interior of the island, about 30 minutes by car from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It stands out for being one of the largest producers of strawberries in the Canary Islands, as well as for its cheeses, Almond Blossom festivals and the endemic Tajinaste Azul.
Things to do in in Valsequillo
Below we share with you everything we know about this municipality of Gran Cnaria and our favorite places to eat.
✔ Valsequillo village
The center of Valsequillo village is of undoubted beauty, not only for its surroundings, but also for the historic houses that surround it. The town is very small, so in less than 20 minutes you can walk to appreciate the most beautiful.
In the town stands out its church of San Miguel, the Town Hall, the metal sculptures, the old houses and pedestrian streets. In addition, from the same town you will be able to observe spectacular views towards the San Miguel ravine.
✔ Los Cernícalos ravine, things to do in Valsequillo
Hiking through the Los Cernícalos ravine is one of the main tourist attractions in Valsequillo. A walking route of approximately 7 kilometers accompanied by the largest waterfalls in Gran Canaria. Although the channel of the ravine is shared with the municipality of Telde, part of the path occupies the territory of Valsequillo.
✔ Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve
Another thing to do in Valsequillo is visiting the Los Marteles Special Natural Reserve. Here the Caldera de Los Marteles stands out, from where various hiking routes of moderate difficulty start. At the same time, many mountain bikers choose this area of the island to enjoy this sport in the open air.
✔ Blue Tajinaste, hikes to do in Valsequillo
Another of the best known trails in Valsequillo is the Tajinaste Azul hike, also within the Los Marteles Special Nature Reserve. Along this path you will be able to appreciate the beautiful blue tajinaste or Tenteniguada tajinaste. Of course, only during the months of January to April.
The blue tajinaste is an endemism of Gran Canaria that can reach up to 4 meters in height. In Tenteniguada is where we will find the largest population of this plant. If you want to do this trail, we have a track so that you can follow it on your own and thus be able to appreciate this exclusive species of Gran Canaria. The track is in .gpx format. If you don’t know how to download it and follow it from your GPS or smartphone, we’ll explain it to you here.
✔ El Troncón picnic area
It is a picnic area where you can also grill in the barbecues surrounded by nature. Specifically, it is located between the towns of Las Vegas and Tenteniguada. It has public restrooms and a children’s park. To use the picnic areas, you must request a permit here. This recreational area was recently renovated and among its attractions we highlight a zip line.
✔ Almond Blossom festival, one of the best things to do in Valsequillo
Another reason why many locals and visitors congregate in Valsequillo is to enjoy the Almond Blossom festival and see these trees in their splendor. Usually the festivities take place on a weekend in February. Here, different stalls selling products from Gran Canaria, crafts, Canarian folklore performances, etc. are installed.
✔ Perro Maldito or Evil Dog festival
Another thing you can do is come to the San Miguel festivities. The most famous takes place every eve of San Miguel, patron saint of Valsequillo. Every September 28 at night, a large part of its inhabitants congregate in the town square, as well as visitors from other municipalities. That night takes place the Feast of the Evil Dog: a theatrical show around hell, the devil, fantastic creatures, etc. Later, once it is 12:00 pm, some of the best fireworks on the island take place.
At the same time, another of the famous San Miguel festivals is the Miguelito pub. Also celebrated in the church square, but always on a Thursday. Here they will make you collect all kinds of coins to be able to enter, pass a gymkhana and once inside, dance!
Restaurants in Valsequillo
Then we tell you our five favorite places to eat in Valsequillo. Let’s go!
1. Asador Hijos de Ortega
One of our favorites to eat in this municipality. Both for the environment in which it is located, and for its delicious Canarian food. It is one of the few places on the island with good knuckle and snails. Before it was named Monzón Restaurant or Ca Eusebito.
2. El Escondite
Here they are specialized in Mediterranean cuisine, all exquisite. They have spectacular cheek pieces. It is also a short walk from San Miguel square.
3. Guachinche Viña Cantera, Valsequillo
Guachinches are home-cooked food houses in which they serve you wine of their own production. At Viña Cantera restaurant you can order products from their farm such as Valsequillo strawberries for dessert, tomato and avocado salad, avocado omelette, etc. Also, you can buy strawberries, avocados, honey, potatoes, oranges, etc. to take away.
4. La Cantina, Valsequillo
Next to the football field in the town we have one of the best Italian restaurants in Gran Canaria. Delicious fresh pizza and pasta at a good price.
5. La Culata II, Las Vegas
This restaurant is perhaps one of the least known, since all visitors from other municipalities usually go to El Guajara (it is already closed). However, they have good grilled meats, ropa vieja and raw materials in general.
Things to do in Valsequillo: two awesome hikes
Then we leave you with two videos that pass through the municipality of Valsequillo. One in which we show you the Los Cernícalos ravine and the village of Valsequillo and another one of the famous blue tajinaste route. We encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel so as not to miss more videos of the island.
We recommend the following articles just in case you want to combine your visit to Valsequillo with the neighboring municipality:
We hope that this walk through Valsequillo and its gastronomy has been helpful. Finally, keep in mind that in our Guides section you will see all the options that we give you to get to know Gran Canaria on your own. If you are one of those who like to know the places that the locals go to (like the ones we mentioned before), you will be interested in our restaurant guide.
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