Telde, Spain
Region: Canary Islands
Geographic Coordinates: 27.998500, -15.416700
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Mild and subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall is highest in winter months.
Population: 102769
Language: Spanish
Telde is a city with a long history located on the eastern coast of Gran Canaria, One of the Canary Islands. With a population of around 100, 000 inhabitants, It’s one of the oldest cities in the archipelago and boasts a rich cultural heritage that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. One of Telde’s most impressive features is its historic center. The old town has many well-preserved buildings that showcase traditional Canarian architecture with wooden balconies adorned with flowers and colorful facades. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time.
The San Juan Bautista church is an excellent example of this style with its Gothic-Mudejar architecture dating back to 1483. Another must-see attraction in Telde’s old town is La Casa Museo León y Castillo which was once home to two famous brothers who played an important role in Spanish politics during the late 19th century. Aside from historical sites, Telde offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking trails through lush forests or along rugged coastlines dotted with secluded coves ideal for swimming or sunbathing.
For those interested in shopping, Telde has several markets where locals sell fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables alongside handicrafts made from natural materials like wood or clay. One popular market takes place every Sunday morning at Plaza de San Juan where vendors set up stalls selling everything from clothing items to handmade jewelry. Telde also has beautiful beaches worth mentioning! Melenara Beach (Playa de Melenara) stands out among them all due to it being one of Gran Canaria’s longest stretches of sand beach (over 600 meters long).
In addition, It offers crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and water sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing. Telde blends its rich history with modern amenities making it a destination that offers something for everyone. From the stunning architecture of its old town to outdoor activities like hiking and swimming at one of its many beaches, Anyone visiting Gran Canaria should make it a point to explore this charming city and experience everything it has to offer.
- Basilica of San Juan Bautista: This historic church is the most famous landmark in Telde and one of the most important religious sites in Gran Canaria.
- Casa-Museo León y Castillo: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of two influential brothers, Fernando and Juan de León y Castillo, who played a key role in shaping Telde’s history.
- Playa de Melenara: One of Telde’s most popular beaches, Melenara offers golden sands, clear waters, and plenty of amenities for visitors.
- Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM): Located just outside Telde’s city center, this contemporary art museum features works by local and international artists.
- Bufadero de La Garita: A natural blowhole located near Melenara Beach that provides an impressive display as seawater rushes through a narrow channel into a cave below.
- Barranco de los Cernícalos: A stunning natural canyon with waterfalls and lush vegetation that offers hiking trails for visitors to explore.
- Museo Canario: Located nearby in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this fascinating museum showcases the prehistoric Guanche culture that once inhabited Gran Canaria before the arrival of Spanish colonizers.
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Construction
- Services
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Education
- Industrial Sector
- Manufacturing textiles
- Manufacturing furniture
- Food products
- Machinery
- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
- Technology startups
- Renewable energy
- Pre-Hispanic era: Telde was one of the main centers of aboriginal culture in Gran Canaria before the arrival of the Spanish.
- Conquest by Spain: In 1483, Castilian forces under Pedro de Vera conquered Telde, which marked the end of pre-Hispanic rule on Gran Canaria.
- Antonio Padrón: A famous painter from Telde who is known for his depictions of local landscapes and traditions.
- San Juan Bautista Church: One of the oldest churches in Gran Canaria, built in 1483 after the conquest by Spain.
- Feast Day of San Juan Bautista: This festival is celebrated every year on June 24th and includes traditional dances, music, and processions through the streets.
- Francisco Hernández González: A politician from Telde who served as Mayor from 1979 to 1995 and again from 2007 to 2011.
- Guayadeque Ravine: A natural wonder located near Telde that features stunning views and ancient cave dwellings used by indigenous peoples centuries ago.
- El Hoyo Beach: One of several beautiful beaches near Telde that offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy some sunbathing or swimming in crystal-clear waters.
- La Garita Beach Promenade: A popular spot for locals to stroll along while enjoying views out over the Atlantic Ocean.
- José Viera y Clavijo: Famous historian born in Agüimes who lived part his life at La Casa Verde (The Green House) situated between Agüimes-Telde road at Lomo Magullo neighbourhood.
- Casa-Museo León y Castillo is a museum that pays homage to the lives and works of two of Telde’s most renowned brothers, Juan and Fernando León y Castillo.
- Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is a stunning church that boasts Gothic and Renaissance architecture, dating back to the 16th century.
- Centro de Arte La Regenta is an art center that showcases contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.
- Museo de Historia de Telde is a museum that exhibits the history and culture of Telde from ancient times to modern-day.
- Parque Arqueológico del Cenobio de Valerón is an archaeological site featuring ancient cave dwellings utilized for storage by the indigenous Canarii people.
- Plaza de San Gregorio is a charming square with colonial-era architecture, including the iconic Torreón (watchtower).
- Mirador de los Faycanes offers picturesque views overlooking Telde town and its surrounding landscapes.
- Paseo Marítimo Taliarte comprises a seaside promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and shops offering fresh seafood dishes alongside local products.
- Teatro Municipal Juan Ramón Jiménez serves as a theater hosting plays, concerts, dance performances, cinema screenings among other cultural events throughout the year.
- Centro Comercial Las Terrazas- A shopping center where you can find national brands as well as international ones like Zara or H&M.
- Fiesta de San Juan: This festival is celebrated on June 23rd and is known as the Night of San Juan. It involves bonfires, fireworks, and rituals to ward off evil spirits.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week in Telde is a time of religious processions, with the most important being on Good Friday.
- Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana: This festival takes place in July and celebrates the patron saints of Telde with music, dancing, food, and parades.
- Feria de la Piedra: Held in August, this fair celebrates the local stone industry with exhibitions of stone carving and other crafts.
- Festival Internacional de Danza Contemporánea: This contemporary dance festival takes place in October and features performances by international dance companies.
- Festival Internacional de Guitarra Clásica Andrés Segovia: Celebrated in November, this festival honors the famous Spanish guitarist Andrés Segovia with concerts by classical guitarists from around the world.
- Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal La Mareta: This weekly market takes place every Sunday morning and features local produce, crafts, and traditional foods from Telde and surrounding areas.
- Papas arrugadas: small potatoes boiled in salt water and served with a spicy sauce called mojo.
- Queso de flor: a cheese made from goat milk and flower rennet.
- Gofio: a flour made from toasted grains that can be used in various dishes.
- Sancocho canario: a fish stew made with salted fish, sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic.
Some popular restaurants in Telde include:
- La Casona del Vino: This restaurant serves traditional Canarian cuisine along with an extensive wine list.
- La Parrilla de Juan Carlos: A steakhouse that offers grilled meats cooked to perfection.
- El Rincon del Arroz y la Carne: This restaurant specializes in rice dishes and meat dishes such as beef tenderloin and Iberian pork loin.
- Casa Julio el Guanche: A cozy restaurant that serves homemade Canarian food including stews, soups, and grilled meats.
- El Equilibrista: A modern bistro-style restaurant serving creative fusion cuisine using local ingredients.
- Parque Franchy Roca is a large public park that boasts walking paths, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
- Parque de San Juan is a green space with a lake, picnic areas, and a children’s playground.
- Plaza de San Gregorio is a square located in the center of Telde that has benches and trees for shade.
- Piscina Municipal de Telde is a municipal swimming pool that opens to the public during summer months.
- Campo de Golf El Cortijo Club de Campo is an 18-hole golf course situated on the outskirts of Telde.
- Playa del Hombre Beach is an attractive beach for surfing and other water activities located just outside of Telde.
- Museo León y Castillo showcases the history of Gran Canaria and its famous residents, brothers Fernando León y Castillo and Juan León y Castillo.
- Centro Comercial Las Terrazas offers various stores, restaurants, and movie theaters for entertainment in Telde’s shopping center area.
