Discover Telde: History, Coast and Culture

Telde reveals its historic core in the San Juan district, the founding centre of the city. When choosing a holiday apartment in Telde, compare travel dates, apartment size and cancellation policies on the respective listing page. For your own trip planning, you can also decide whether culture, walks, natural areas, the promenade or water sports should be the main focus.

In 1981, the historic centre of Telde, comprising the San Juan and San Francisco districts, was declared a site of cultural interest as a historic-artistic ensemble. The most important civil and religious buildings in the historic centre are located around the original church of San Juan Bautista and the Plaza Mayor.

Culture

A walk through San Juan takes you past stately homes whose architecture combines simple Mudéjar elements with other styles.

The main chapel of the Church of San Juan Bautista contains two altarpieces: one in the Gothic-Flemish style and another from the 18th century, which frames the older one; it also houses a winged altarpiece brought from Flanders in the 16th century. The same church contains a crucified Christ imported from America, made from corn paste using a technique referred to as Indian.

The San Francisco district is characterised by narrow streets, low houses with pitched roofs and long whitewashed walls. The Church of San Francisco stands on the site of the former Santa María La Antigua chapel and has two naves, one of which was added in the 19th century. In the historic San Francisco district, the Stations of the Cross stand in their original locations. They commemorate the Franciscans who settled there in 1610.

The Casa-Museo León y Castillo is located in the birthplace of the brothers Juan and Fernando and is dedicated to presenting their legacy. Its mission includes researching and presenting the León y Castillo brothers and their historical period. The Casa-Museo has an educational activities department as well as educational escape rooms.

Nature

The Barranco de Los Cernícalos ravine lies within the natural area of the Reserva de Los Marteles protected area and divides the municipalities of Telde and Valsequillo. Activities such as diving, snorkelling and surfing are possible on the coast of Telde. Much of Telde’s coastline is lined by a promenade with information boards about the surrounding area.

Urban history, religious art, educational activities, natural areas, the promenade and water activities are presented as distinct themes. You can choose the focus of your days freely between culture, activity and the coast.

More destinations

Other linked destinations include El Cortijo, La Garita, Agüimes, Trasmontaña, San Lorenzo, Tafira Baja, Cazadores and La Sorrueda.

Bus route 12 runs every half hour and terminates in the urban area of Telde.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gran Canaria.