{"id":27840,"date":"2023-12-18T18:38:33","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T17:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leo-reuter.de\/siebeninseln\/?p=27840"},"modified":"2024-10-20T19:07:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-20T17:07:05","slug":"cruz-de-tejeda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leo-reuter.de\/siebeninseln\/en\/gran-canaria-en\/cruz-de-tejeda\/","title":{"rendered":"Cruz de Tejeda – Great circular walk in the geographical centre of Gran Canaria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Picturesque Village of Tejeda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The small village of Tejeda is the second smallest on the island of Gran Canaria. Approximately 1800 residents (as of 2022) live here at an altitude of 1050 meters. The main source of income for the inhabitants is tourism, as agriculture alone is not an easy livelihood in this remote high-altitude location. Every February, the traditional Almond Blossom Festival is celebrated in the village. The typical Canarian village of Tejeda, situated on the slope of a crater, is surrounded by picturesque terraced fields, orchards, and farmland. In the surrounding caves, numerous archaeological remains, such as ancient cave drawings by the indigenous people, can still be discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The described hike takes you from the Mirador Degollada de Becerra down to the village of Tejeda. If you like, you can take your time exploring the beautiful old historic town center. Afterward, you ascend to the well-known Cruz de Tejada, the geographical center of Gran Canaria, on the slopes. From there, you can hike back, perhaps after a short rest, along a ridge trail with magnificent views to the Mirador Degollada de Becerra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"the<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cruz de Tejeda – Geographical and Touristic Center of the Island<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The location known as Parador Cruz de Tejeda is situated on a ridge of a mountain pass at an altitude of 1580 meters above Tejeda. There, you will find a large dark stone cross marking the geographical center of the island. Around Cruz de Tejeda, you’ll find beautiful green landscapes. Plant enthusiasts can enjoy hundreds of endemic plants, and the blooming landscapes look especially beautiful in spring. However, it’s worth noting that this popular viewpoint is surrounded by many tourist restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops catering to all tourist needs. Just a few meters from Cruz de Tejeda, solitude begins on well-maintained hiking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Green<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Especially on weekends, Cruz de Tejeda can be very crowded, as locals also gather here for coffee and walks, in addition to the many tourists. There are many local specialties, such as honey, available for purchase. Cruz de Tejeda is also a major hiking intersection with many trail options. The paths are all well-signposted on large boards. During this hike, you are free to take a short detour (300 meters from the trail) to Cruz de Tejeda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Track<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

General Information about the Cruz de Tejeda Hike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Starting Point and Access<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You start your hike at the Mirador Degollada de Becerra car park on the GC-150 at KM 2.3 at an altitude of 1550 meters. Parking spaces are available at Mirador de Becerra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Starting<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Driving Directions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can reach the central part of the island from all sides. You can either come via Artenara and the GC-15, which will take you to Mirador Degollada de Becerra via the GC-150. Or you can come from the east and choose various routes leading to the GC-150.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus Access<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is no bus service to Mirador Degollada de Becerra. Therefore, you can only reach it by car (possibly taxi).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I prefer not to provide general time estimates for hiking tours, as times can vary significantly. We took 3 hours and 45 minutes for this round, including breaks and a visit to Cruz de Tejeda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Elevation<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Elevation Difference and Distance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The elevation difference is approximately 670 meters, and the distance is just under 12 kilometers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You hike the entire time on well-maintained hiking and dirt roads. There are no exposed areas, but due to the length and elevation gain, good fitness is recommended. For this reason, I have classified the hike as moderately difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refreshments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants, bars, and shops are available in Tejeda (a short detour is necessary) and at Cruz de Tejeda. However, please carry enough water and snacks for the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Track<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Variants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mirador Degollada de Becerra, Tejeda, and Cruz de Tejeda are veritable hiking intersections. There, you will encounter a flood of signs for hiking trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this hike is too long for you, on SiebenInseln, you can find a small picturesque panoramic circular hike starting at Degollada de Becerra <\/a>that also offers beautiful views. The long circular hike to the hamlet of La Culata<\/a> starts at the same point, which you can easily combine with this hike. Short sections of the route are even identical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Paved<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Circular Hike Cruz de Tejeda<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Section from Mirador Degollada de Becerra to Tejeda Culata Junction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You start your hike at Mirador Degollada de Becerra and follow the hiking trail uphill along the Cumbre. Even though Cruz de Tejeda is signposted in the other direction, you initially follow the GR 131 towards Playa del Burrero or the GR 138 towards Los Llanos de La Pez. The path takes you over the Cumbre for some time with magnificent views of Roque Nublo and the surrounding ridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Start<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Initially, you ascend, and then you continue at a consistent altitude for some time. Then the path turns left, and immediately afterward, your hiking trail branches off to the right. Occasionally, the path is marked as S-85 Circular de Tejeda – Cruz de Tejeda. In any case, it takes you quickly downhill on large stone-paved switchbacks. At a junction, you turn left towards Culata. However, you keep to the right downhill towards Tejeda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"View<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Section from Tejeda Culata Junction to Tejeda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You now hike for a long time, first on the left and then on the right side of a mountain ridge downhill. During this time, you can enjoy magnificent views of Roque Nublo and, in clear weather, all the way to Tenerife. Finally, the path merges onto a road, which you follow to the right for a short time. Before a water reservoir, the hiking trail leaves the road to cut across the road with a switchback ridge path. You cross the road again. Then, the hiking trail, well-signposted, continues downhill towards Tejeda. For a long time, you follow the unmistakable downhill hiking trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"after<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the hiking trail merges into a dirt road, which, after a short time, brings you to the GC-60. You could follow the road to the right towards Tejeda. However, it’s nicer to ascend immediately to the right between the houses. There, you will meet the hiking trail towards Tejeda. You follow this trail above the slope parallel to the road until you descend to the GC-60 at a restaurant. Now, you are in Tejeda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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