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: 1 Artenara

• 1 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. 
• 2 Church of San Matias. The local church, whose walls are decorated with colorful murals. 
• Christ statue. ...with outstretched arms above the place. 

Fataga

Location: 2 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.

• 3 Church of San José. Built in the 1880s. Every Sunday at 17:30, the fair takes place here. 
• 4 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. 
• 5 Galeria de Arte. In Fataga, the German painter Dieter Borst has settled down, whose pictures are exhibited there. 

Mogán

Location: 3 Mogán

• 6 The Barranco de Mogán. A scenic gorge that extends inland from the coast. 
• 7 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: 4 San Bartolomé de Tirajana

A nice viewpoint 8 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 9 basilica with an open clock tower.

Santa Brígida

• Parish Church of Santa Brígida. The church was built in 1898 in neo-gothic style. 
• 10 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

• 5 Ayacata. Climbing center of the island. 
• 6 Tejeda. 

Other destinations

Viewpoint from Roque Nublo

Hiking is popular in the middle of the island, for example in the following areas:

Hiking:

• 1 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)
• 2 Montaña del Aserrador. (updated Dec 2017)
• 3 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)
• 4 Pico de las Nieves. Highest peak of the island. (updated Dec 2017)
• 5 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 
• 6 Roque Bentayga. (updated Dec 2017)