Windmills arrived on the islands at the end of the 18th century. They had a huge impact on Canarian society. The constant trade winds and the cereal-growing tradition of the time paved the way for the installation of many windmills and windmills throughout the archipelago. They thus became indispensable elements in the rural environment of the islands.
There are two different types of windmills we should recognize: the mills and the “molinas” (in spanish, translated as “female mill”). The main difference between both lies in their structure and function. Mills, in their traditional form, are more robust structures, often circular in shape, with several floors and blades that grind raw grain. “Molinas”, also known as “female mills”. are lighter structures, usually rectangular in shape and single-storey, which were developed to facilitate the grinding and handling of grain, especially roasted grain for gofio.
In the village of Mogán, you can visit “El Molino Quemado”, which dates back to the mid-19th century and is the largest of all the historic mills in Gran Canaria. In 2008, it was declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Ethnological Site category. It is located on the road from Playa de Mogán to the village of Mogán, near the Molino de Viento neighbourhood.