Telde is a town steeped in history in eastern Gran Canaria. We enjoyed the old town center, with its shady squares and colonial buildings that bear witness to centuries of Canarian life. You’ll be seduced by the contrast between the heritage of the old quarter and the wild beaches of the surrounding area.
Discover our ideas for what to do in and around Telde, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is Telde worth a visit?
Yes, the town of Telde is well worth a visit. We found its historic center rich and well-preserved, with the imposing San Juan Bautista church, stately homes and cobbled streets of the San Francisco district. You’ll also discover pleasant squares and a colonial heritage rare to the Canaries.
It didn’t make our top 10 of the most beautiful cities because Gran Canaria is a rich island, but it’s not far off! We ranked it 15th.
1. Admire the Church of San Juan Bautista
The Church of San Juan Bautista is Telde’s most emblematic monument. We were struck by its dark volcanic stone facade, which contrasts with Gran Canaria’s blue sky. Built in the 15th century, this religious building blends Gothic and Mudejar styles.
Inside, you can admire a Flemish altarpiece in polychrome wood, considered to be one of the most precious in the archipelago. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet visited the interior.
- Located on Plaza de San Juan, in the heart of the historic center
- Free admission
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
2. Visit Casa Condal
Casa Condal is a stately home that traces the history of Telde’s noble families. We found its architecture remarkable, especially the interior patio lined with wooden columns and the balconies typical of the Canary Islands. The building dates back to the 16th century and bears witness to the city’s prosperity in colonial times.
Here, you’ll find Mudejar-influenced decorative elements, a style inherited from the Hispano-Arabic tradition and present in many of the island’s buildings. Inside, a museum on local life and crafts.
- Located in the historic district of San Juan
- Opening hours: last I heard, open every day from 9am to 2pm, but there’s no official website.
3. Explore the Casa Museo León y Castillo
We also discovered the Casa Museo León y Castillo, a museum dedicated to two illustrious Telde brothers: Fernando León y Castillo, a 19th-century Spanish diplomat and politician, and Juan, the engineer who designed the port of La Luz in Las Palmas. The museum is housed in their birthplace.
You’ll find documents, period furniture and personal objects that shed light on the role of these two figures in Gran Canaria’s history. We found the visit instructive for understanding the political and economic evolution of the island. And the traditional pation is superb!
- Free admission
- Closed Mondays, open all other days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Official website here
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
4. Discover the Telde aqueduct
Walking through the town, we came across an aqueduct that reminds us of the importance of water management in Gran Canaria’s history. This construction bears witness to the irrigation techniques developed over the centuries to supply the region’s crops.
Its stone arches blend seamlessly into Telde’s urban landscape. The structure is an interesting vestige of how water, a scarce resource on the island, shaped the organization of the territory.
What’s more, the vistas make the place very photogenic!
5. Relax in the Parque de Santa Rosalía
The Parque de Santa Rosalía is a pleasant green space to take a break from your visit to Telde. We enjoyed relaxing in the shade of the trees. The park is well-maintained, with walkways ideal for strolling.
You’ll find benches, children’s play areas and a calm atmosphere that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the city center. It’s also a good starting point for walking to the various historic districts.
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6. Ermita de San Pedro Mártir and Plaza de los Guanartemes
The Ermita de San Pedro Mártir is a small hermitage located in the San Francisco district. We found this discreet building full of charm. Its sober construction, typical of Canary Islands religious architecture, features whitewashed walls and a modest bell tower.
Inside, you’ll discover simple decorative elements that reflect local popular devotion.
The Plaza de los Guanartemes is named after the ancient native kings of Gran Canaria, the Guanartemes, who ruled the island before the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. We found this place very pleasant. You can stop here to observe local life, admire the statue and enjoy the shade of the trees.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
7. Stroll around Plaza de San Juan and the San Francisco district
Plaza de San Juan is the heart of Telde’s historic center. We enjoyed crossing it to admire the facades of the colonial houses that surround it. Right next door, the San Francisco district reveals cobbled streets, houses with wooden balconies and carved doors.
ou can stroll around and discover a well-preserved architectural heritage, such as the San Francisco church. One of the city’s oldest districts, it offers a calm, authentic atmosphere. We found the walk between these two districts particularly pleasant.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
What to do in Telde: other nearby attractions
In addition to the city, the Telde region offers other experiences that you can combine in the same day: nature, archaeology, beaches, gastronomy…
8. Cueva de Cuatro Puertas
La Cueva de Cuatro Puertas is a pre-Hispanic archaeological site located a few kilometers from Telde. This cave, carved out of volcanic rock, owes its name to its four openings. It probably served as a place of worship or meeting place for the island’s ancient inhabitants, the Guanches.
We found the site impressive for its elevated position, with unobstructed views of Gran Canaria’s east coast. It’s on our list of top archaeological sites.
- From Telde = 15 min
- Free access
- Park at the bottom of an unpaved road, then climb up to the house, the entrance gates are behind.
- Wear good walking shoes.
- The main cave is easy to access, but it’s not clear how to get to the other sights.
9. Playa Hoya del Pozo
Playa Hoya del Pozo is a golden sand beach, quieter than its neighbors. We loved the peaceful setting, ideal for swimming or relaxing in the sun. There are a number of services nearby and easy access from the coastal road.
We really enjoyed the walk along the seafront with its different views of the beach and neighboring Playa del Hombre.
It is one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beaches.
- From Telde = 10 min
- street parking and small parking lot nearby
- Toilet, shower
- Monitored in season
- Limited catering options, children’s games
10. Playa El Hombre
Playa El Hombre is a popular beach for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. We found it lively and pleasant. The wind is often present, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- From Telde = 10 min
- Street parking
- Shower
11. Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo
The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo is Spain’s largest botanical garden. Located in a barranco between Telde and Las Palmas, it boasts a collection of plants endemic to the Canary Islands and Macaronesia.
We enjoyed strolling among the cactus, dragon and palm trees. Here you can spend a good hour discovering the local flora in a verdant setting.
- From Telde = 20 min drive
- Be careful, this is a hike. You can easily discover the lower part, but the rest of the garden requires climbs over stone steps and small paths.
- If you’re doing more than the lower portion, bring good shoes and water.
- free access
- Schedules
Monday to Friday: 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and until 7 p.m. in summer
Friday, Saturday and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Latest information on the official website here
12. Tufia
Tufia is a small coastal hamlet south of Telde. We found the place charming: a few white houses by the ocean and a small sheltered beach. A pre-Hispanic archaeological site is also nearby. Enjoy the unspoilt setting and clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Access and useful information
- From Telde = 15 minutes
- Parking lot at village entrance
- Black sand and rocks
- Unsupervised beach
13. El Bufadero
El Bufadero is a natural coastal phenomenon in which waves rush into rock cavities and throw water upwards. We found the spectacle breathtaking, especially when the sea was rough. You can observe these natural geysers from the shore, close to the Telde coast. But even if the sea is calm, the little pools between the rocks are very photogenic.
- From Telde = 10 min
- In the village of La Garita
- Easy parking
- Free access
14. Pico de Bandama
The Pico de Bandama rises to 569m and offers a 360° panorama of Gran Canaria. We were impressed by the view of the 200m-deep volcanic crater of the Caldera de Bandama. You can also see Las Palmas and the east coast from the summit.
- From Telde: 25 min drive
- Free access
- A few parking spaces at the top. A lot of cars come here just to admire the view, so it’s a fast-paced affair.
- Crater hikes are possible: one of less than 1 hour and one of 3 to 4 hours.
15. Museo del Vino / Finca el Mocanal
The Museo del Vino is located at the foot of Pico de Bandama. We found this tour an interesting way of understanding Gran Canaria’s winegrowing tradition, which dates back to the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. Here you can discover local grape varieties and winemaking techniques specific to the island. Tastings are available on site.
- From Telde = 25 min drive
- Guided tour 2 times a day on weekdays, duration: 90 minutes
- Book online here
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How to get to Telde, map, parking
Where is Telde
- East of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands
- From Las Palmas: 20min drive
- From Maspalomas: 40min drive
- From Puerto de Mogan: 50 min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
Meet us in Telde by car, the best way to get around the island in our opinion. Here are our tips for renting a car in Gran Canaria.
Buses are also available. From Las Palmas, several lines serve Telde regularly.
Very few organized tours stop at Telde.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Parking in Telde
We found parking close to the historic center. Several parking lots are located around the San Juan district. As the streets in the center are narrow, we advise you to leave your car on the outskirts and continue on foot.
However, the modern city is densely populated and it can be difficult to find parking as people working in Telde are also looking for it.
Useful tips for visiting Telde
How long and when?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to visit Telde’s historic center. If you’d like to explore the surrounding beaches and sites, plan a full day. Spring and autumn are ideal times to enjoy pleasant temperatures without too many people.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We began our visit with the Plaza de San Juan and the church, then explored the San Francisco district on foot. The streets are sometimes steep and cobbled. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. The center is easily reached on foot in a 2km loop.
Visiting with children
Telde can be visited by the whole family. Parque de Santa Rosalía has play areas for children. Nearby beaches such as Playa Hoya del Pozo are accessible and suitable for family bathing. We also believe that the Cueva de Cuatro Puertas can arouse the curiosity of younger visitors thanks to its caves and pre-Hispanic history. The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo finally offers a green and pleasant setting for an outdoor outing.
Visiting Telde in winter
Gran Canaria in winter and therefore Telde are pleasant destinations. Temperatures remain mild and the days sunny. We appreciated the tranquility of the historic center in the off-season, away from the summer crowds. You can enjoy city walks and coastal excursions in ideal conditions.
Restaurants
We haven’t yet tested Telde’s restaurants.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
