# Central Gran Canaria

The central part of Gran Canaria is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Due to sparse population, this volcanic-origin area is a popular destination among hikers.

## Towns
### Artenara

Location: 28.02083-15.616671 Artenara
* 28.01868-15.642711 La Ermita de la Cuevita. A cave church, where a statue of the Virgen de la Cuevita, the patron saint of cyclists and folk musicians stands. In her honour, a procession takes place on the last Sunday in August and a cycling race from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Artenara.
* 28.01991-15.646812 Church of San Matias. The local church, whose walls are decorated with colorful murals.
* Christ statue. ...with outstretched arms above the place.

### Fataga

Location: 27.88333-15.566672 Fataga
Fataga is surrounded by bizarre mountains and gorges. The traditional architecture was largely preserved in the old town center. The part is traffic-calmed - only a few neighboring vehicles are in the narrow, stone-paved streets.
* 27.88774-15.564023 Church of San José. Built in the 1880s. Every Sunday at 17:30, the fair takes place here.
* 27.89572-15.563584 The Molino del Agua de Fataga. Located about 2 km above Fataga old mill, now a restaurant and hotel. The water wheel of the mill from 1880 is comparable with a small turbine and lies within a tower.
* 27.8878-15.565545 Galeria de Arte. In Fataga, the German painter Dieter Borst has settled down, whose pictures are exhibited there.

### Mogán

Location: 27.88333-15.716673 Mogán
* 27.8722-15.73446 The Barranco de Mogán. A scenic gorge that extends inland from the coast.
* 27.87599-15.729517 A windmill in El Molino del Viento. A windmill, restored to its original after a fire.
* Also see Los Azulejos on the road to La Aldea de San Nicolás

### San Bartolomé de Tirajana

Location: 27.91667-15.554 San Bartolomé de Tirajana
A nice viewpoint 27.9181-15.57228 Mirador de Tunte of the town is approx. 2 km south. Also a restaurant is available at the place.
In San Bartolomé, you can visit a 27.92545-15.572999 basilica with an open clock tower.

### Santa Brígida

* Parish Church of Santa Brígida. The church was built in 1898 in neo-gothic style.
* 28.033-15.497610 The Casa del Vino (In the center of the village).

### Santa Lucía de Tirajana

* Fortaleza de Ansite (Fortaleza Grande). Cave-houses of the old settlers. Allegedly, in 1483 the last battle against Spaniards took place here. The king Doramas with his fighters chose rather to die than to submit.

### Other towns

* 27.95836-15.608145 Ayacata. Climbing center of the island.
* 27.96667-15.656 Tejeda.

## Other destinations

Hiking is popular in the middle of the island, for example in the following areas:
Hiking:
* 28.033333-15.4555561 Caldera de Bandama. A popular short hike, likely because a nice viewpoint is accessible by car. The former volcano is the main attraction of the region. Its name goes back to a Dutch trader, who founded the wine in the 16th century. The crater has a diameter of about 1000 m and is 200 m deep, on the terraced fields in its interior thrives fruit and palm trees grow. (updated Dec 2017)
   * Pico de Bandama. Located on the northern edge of the caldera, 575 m (1,886 ft) high. The small volcanic cone is a popular and easily accessible vantage point with 360-degree panorama.
* Caldera de Tejeda. The gigantic caledra (28x18 km) is now eroded and the same-named village sits on the eastern edge. Remnants of the volcanic eruption can be seen around though. (updated Dec 2017)
* 27.9656-15.62232 Montaña del Aserrador. (updated Dec 2017)
* 27.896-15.69153 Montaña de Tauro. A mountain massif/natural park containing huge walls, so-called Laderones. The hiking trail along the top of the walls belongs to one of the most important ones on the island. (updated Dec 2017)
* 27.961944-15.5716674 Pico de las Nieves. Highest peak of the island. (updated Dec 2017)
* 27.97089-15.6125935 Roque Nublo. Start in Ayacata, For the hike you should plan about 2 hours. You may have a good view of the adjacent valleys. In good weather you can even see Tenerife
* 27.991406-15.6418456 Roque Bentayga. (updated Dec 2017)