Tejeda is a mountain village perched in the heart of Gran Canaria. We were seduced by its spectacular panoramic views of the island’s peaks, its traditional houses and its peaceful atmosphere. You’ll also be charmed by its museums, local delicacies and proximity to iconic rock formations like Roque Nublo.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Tejeda, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go. 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.
Is the village of Tejeda worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Tejeda is well worth a visit. We found this mountain village full of charm, with its narrow streets lined with houses with wooden balconies and panoramic views of Gran Canaria’s peaks. You can also sample local sweet specialties and explore Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.
This is one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful villages.
If you don’t have a car, you can discover it on an organized tour. Many itineraries stop here. See options.
1. Contemplating the view from the mirador above the village
Before descending into the village, we stopped at the viewpoint above Tejeda. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the town’s rooftops, the valley and the surrounding volcanic relief. You can see the village silhouetted against a backdrop of mountains, and appreciate the vastness of the landscape. We found this stop ideal for taking some great photos and getting a feel for Tejeda’s exceptional location, nestled into the mountainside with Roque Nublo on one side and Roque Bentayga on the other.
- Free access
- Located on the road leading to the village
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. Admire the village from the path to the parking lot
Leaving the parking lot for the center, we discovered a remarkable view of the village. The path descends gently, revealing Tejeda’s tiled roofs, colorful facades and terraced gardens. You’ll enjoy a peaceful setting to observe the local architecture and the vegetation that surrounds the village. We appreciated this initial approach on foot, which allowed us to soak up the atmosphere of the place before exploring its narrow streets.
3. Enjoy mountain views from the village
The views of Gran Canaria’s mountains from the village promenade are superb. This is really the main reason to visit this village. We admired the jagged peaks and deep ravines surrounding Tejeda.
On the one hand, Roque Nublo stands out like a thumbs-up. On the other, Roque Bentayga looks more massive.
There are benches and gazebos in the center where you can sit back and enjoy the view. We recommend that you take the time to observe the reliefs, whose shapes are particularly impressive.
4. Details of houses with wooden balconies
Along the main promenade, take time to look at more than just the view: the traditional Canarian houses. Dark wood balconies, whitewashed facades and wooden or colored doors create a harmonious whole.
The village is compact and easily accessible on foot. It’s not the richest in terms of architecture, but there are some fine examples.
5. Visit the Church of Our Lady of Socorro
Notre-Dame de Socorro church stands in the heart of the village. We liked its sober facade and its bell tower overlooking the rooftops of Tejeda. The building is dedicated to the Virgen del Socorro, patron saint of the town. You can observe the Canary Islands’ religious architecture and the setting of the square that surrounds the church. We found the place ideal for a break, both to admire the building and to enjoy the tranquility of the square.
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
6. Taste the delicacies of La Dulcería
Tejeda is famous for its sweet specialities and its Dulcería, not to be missed. We tasted local sweets made with almonds, one of the region’s star products. Here you’ll find handcrafted cakes and confectionery that reflect Canarian savoir-faire. An opportunity to take a gourmet break during your visit to the village.
7. See the village sculptures
Take a stroll through the center of Tejeda and you’ll come across several sculptures. We spotted some in the main square, near the Church of Our Lady of Socorro: a bust dedicated to a local doctor and a more contemporary work in abstract style. These pieces add an artistic touch to the village’s alleyways. We thought it would be interesting to discover them around the squares, as they testify to the town’s attachment to its figures and to art.
Doctor José Domingo Hernández Guerra was born in Tejeda. He was one of the leading figures of the Spanish physiological school, making important contributions.
8. Discover the Museo Abraham Cárdenes
The Museo Abraham Cárdenes pays tribute to a Tejeda-born sculptor. You’ll see a collection of works that illustrate the talent of this local artist: sculptures in stone and wood, whose subjects are often linked to rural life and Canarian traditions. The small museum is quick to visit and offers an overview of the island’s artistic creation.
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:
9. Visit the Medicinal Plants Centre
The Centre de Plantes Médicinales de Tejeda offers an immersion in Gran Canaria’s botanical heritage. You’ll learn about the island’s endemic species and their properties, and how local inhabitants used plants for therapeutic purposes. The site also features a small museum tracing the history of traditional Canarian medicine.
10. Hike to Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is one of the symbols of Gran Canaria. This basalt monolith, some 70m high, stands atop a volcanic plateau near Tejeda. We took the hiking trail that leads to it, and the walk takes about 30min from the parking lot. You’ll be rewarded with a 360° view of the island and, on a clear day, of Tenerife’s Mount Teide. We found this Gran Canaria must-see for any visitor to the interior of Gran Canaria.
Please note, however, that the hike is no longer freely accessible. Reservations are required.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
11. Explore the Roque Bentayga
Roque Bentayga is another major natural and archaeological site near Tejeda. This imposing volcanic rock was a sacred site for the ancient Canarians, the Guanches. We visited the interpretation center at the foot of the roque, which explains the ritual and astronomical significance of the site. You can also take a trail to get closer to the rock formation and admire the views over the Tejeda caldera. We found the place fascinating, both for its history and its landscape.
If you’re afraid of heights, this hike is not for you.
What to do in Tejeda: other ideas
Tejeda has other surprises in store, which we’ve spotted:
- La Cesta de Tejeda, a popular stopping-off point close to the village. People like to take pictures with the basket pierced by the rock.
- La Cruz de Tejeda, a pass in the island’s highlands, a starting point for hikes and a meeting point for Gran Canaria’s mountain roads.
- You can also visit other villages in the island’s interior, such as Artenara, Gran Canaria’s highest village.
- And, of course, there’s plenty of hiking in the Tejeda Caldera to discover exceptional volcanic landscapes.
How to get to Tejeda + parking
Where to find Tejeda
- In the center of Gran Canaria, in the heights of the island, in the Canary Islands
- From Las Palmas: about 1 hour’s drive
- From Maspalomas: about 50min drive, if the direct Gran Canaria-60 road is open, otherwise 1h30.
How to get there
Meet us in Tejeda 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.
Or let us guide you on an organized tour.
Many tours stop in Tejeda: in combination with Roque Nublo, with other towns and villages… See options.
Parking in Tejeda
Tejeda has several parking areas near the village center. We recommend parking in the main parking lot and walking down into the village. The village is compact and can be visited entirely on foot.
May choose to visit early, as the village is very popular during the day.
Useful tips for visiting Tejeda
How long and when?
Allow between 30min and 3h to visit the village, depending on whether you include the museums and a terrace break. In summer, the cool heights are a welcome change from the heat of the coast. In winter, the days remain mild and sunny. Gran Canaria in winter is a very pleasant destination indeed.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We started by stopping at the viewpoint above the village, then parked and walked from the parking lot to the center. We then strolled through the narrow streets, visited the church and the museums, before lingering at the Dulcería. Outside the main promenade, the streets are on a slope, as it’s on a mountainside.
Visiting with children
Tejeda is ideal for a family visit. Children will enjoy strolling through the narrow streets, taking in the views and stopping off at the Dulcería to sample the local sweet specialties. The Centre de Plantes Médicinales can also arouse their curiosity.
Visiting Tejeda in winter
Temperatures remain mild in the higher elevations and days are often sunny. We were there over Christmas in December and enjoyed the quietness of the village at that time of year. You’ll enjoy a more leisurely visit, away from the summer crowds.
Restaurants
We haven’t tried out any of Tejeda’s restaurants yet.
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
