For a trip to Telde, you can focus on two things: the historic centre and its quarters, and the municipality’s coast, with water sports and a seafront promenade. San Juan is the city’s founding centre; in San Francisco, the streets and houses shape the neighbourhood’s character. When deciding how to spend your time, you can choose between the city’s history, church art, museums and activities by the sea.
San Juan and San Francisco: the historic centre
The historic centre’s main civic and religious buildings are located around the original church of San Juan Bautista and the Plaza Mayor. In 1981, the historic centre—comprising the quarters of San Juan and San Francisco—was declared a property of special cultural interest as a historic-artistic ensemble. San Juan is the founding centre of Telde, making it a concrete starting point for understanding the town’s history.
A walk through San Juan takes you past grand houses whose architecture combines simple Mudéjar elements with other styles. In San Francisco, the quarter is defined by narrow streets, low houses with pitched roofs and long whitewashed walls. The two descriptions offer different architectural impressions: houses that combine several styles in one quarter, and a streetscape shaped by low buildings and whitewashed walls in the other.
The church of San Francisco also tells a story of change over time. It stands on the site of the former chapel of Santa MarĂa La Antigua and has two naves, one of which was added in the 19th century. The quarter is also home to the Stations of the Cross, which remain in their original location. They commemorate the Franciscans who settled there in 1610.
Church art and the Casa-Museo
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. There is also an altarpiece panel brought from Flanders in the 16th century. The church also houses a crucified Christ imported from the Americas, made from corn paste using a technique described as Indian. These works of art are notable for their style and date, as well as their origin and materials.
The Casa-Museo LeĂłn y Castillo is housed in the birthplace of the brothers Juan and Fernando. It is dedicated to their legacy and researches and presents the LeĂłn y Castillo brothers and their historical era. This adds a biographical and historical perspective to the architecture and church history. The house includes an educational department and educational escape rooms; the education programme may change.
Coast, nature and practical information
Activities such as diving, snorkelling and surfing are possible along the coast of Telde. Much of the coast is lined by a seafront promenade with information boards about the surrounding area. Water sports and the promenade’s information boards offer different ways to engage with the coastal region. Before taking part in water sports, check sea conditions and local safety guidance.
The Barranco de Los CernĂcalos ravine lies in the natural area of the Reserva de Los Marteles protected area and is shared by the municipalities of Telde and Valsequillo. This landscape is also part of the municipality’s character, but differs from the sights in the historic centre.
Bus route 12 runs every half hour and terminates in the urban area of Telde. Check the route and frequency again before travelling, so that your plans are based on the information valid for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: El Cortijo, La Garita, GuĂa, El Juncal, Comarca Oeste, Vega De San Mateo, Melenara, Balcon de Telde
For the broader travel overview: Gran Canaria.
