San Bartolomé de Tirajana – Culture, Caldera and Mountain Trails

San Bartolomé lies in the interior of the island at the Caldera de Tirajana, in a volcanic landscape with rugged relief and lush vegetation. Tunte lies at the foot of the Morros del Pinar along the Barranco de Tirajana at an altitude of 890 metres. San Bartolomé de Tirajana is part of the network of protected natural areas of the Canary Islands, including the Paisaje Protegido de Fataga. Tunte’s location in the centre of the Caldera de Tirajana historically made the town a communications hub between the north and south of Gran Canaria. Line 18 runs from Faro de Maspalomas via San Bartolomé de Tirajana to Tejeda.

Landscape

The surroundings combine protected natural areas with distinctive paths and a pronounced elevation. The historic mountain path Paso de la Plata is now used by tourists, mountaineers and hikers. It gains around 160 metres in elevation over a distance of approximately half a kilometre. The Tunte mountain-running route forms a loop that begins in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and returns via the Camino de la Plata and the Riscos de Tirajana.

Culture

The historic centre of San Bartolomé de Tunte is considered the most interesting part of the municipality’s architectural heritage. In the centre of Tunte stands the Church of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, designed in the Mudéjar style. Its basilical interior has three naves, Tuscan columns and a wooden Mudéjar roof. The church houses a wooden sculpture from the late 15th century known as Santiago “El Chico”.

Tunte Cemetery has a Neo-Gothic façade and is designated as a monument. Callejón Princesa Guayarmina is a cobbled street with a distinctly Canarian character in Tunte. The Lavaderos del Rosal were inaugurated on 9 April 1955 and comprise 24 washbasins covering 62 m². The historic centre is also home to the three-storey Centro Cultural Pancho Guerra, with typically Canarian architecture. When it opened, it included a centre for Canarian studies, a library, a conference and events hall, exhibition rooms and workshop rooms.

In the vicinity of Tunte lie the ruins of the Ermita del Pinar in the Pinar de Santiago, on the road to the district of Cercados de Araña and the Chira Reservoir; the original chapel was made of stone and clay and had a roof of wood and tiles. Three traditional kilns for firing tiles have been preserved in Tunte: two are located near the town, and another opposite the hamlet of El Sequero. The Ruta de la Heredad de Tunte is an ethnographically significant route with six water mills, a tile kiln, three small dams and Canarian flora.

Festivals and Traditions

The Fiestas Patronales in honour of the apostles Santiago and San Bartolomé take place in Tunte every year for ten days in July and August. The Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol are celebrated in Tunte on 25 July and are particularly significant when the date coincides with a Holy Year of the Way of St. James pilgrimage. Tunte’s festival traditions include the Romería de Santiago el Chico. Guindilla, a cherry liqueur, has traditionally been produced in the Tunte area for many years.

Paths and Races

The Camino de Santiago entre Volcanes runs across Gran Canaria from Maspalomas via Tunte towards Gáldar and is 70 kilometres long. Three route variants are designated for the section between Maspalomas and Tunte. The Camino de Santiago entre Volcanes can be completed on foot and/or by bicycle. Upon completion, pilgrims can receive a certificate issued by the parishes of Tunte and/or Gáldar.

The recurring Pilancones Tunte Trail takes place in San Bartolomé de Tirajana; the 2026 edition passed through the Parque Natural de Pilancones nature area and offered races over 9, 25 and 34 kilometres. The different route lengths and trail types provide a clear basis for comparison when planning individually.

Other Locality Pages

Other locality pages in San Bartolomé de Tirajana: Fátaga, Maspalomas, Montaña La Data, Playa Del Ingles, El Tablero, Pasito Blanco, Los Cercados, Castillo Del Romenral, San Agustin, Playa Del Águila and Aldea Blanca.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gran Canaria.