In this article we want to share with you what to see in Tejeda, charming town located in the interior of the island of Gran Canaria at about 1.000 meters altitude. It belongs to the Association of Most beautiful villages in Spain, making it one of the essential places what to see in Gran Canaria. Next we are going to tell you what to visit in this inland town. Pay attention!
What to see and do in Tejeda, Gran Canaria
1. Tour the town of Tejeda on foot
The historic center is not very large, you can practically explore it in 20 minutes on foot. Here you can visit the Church of Our Lady of Socorro, next to the Tejeda Town Hall, as well as its different pedestrian streets. The town is located surrounded by mountains and the image made up of its white houses with traditional architecture is beautiful.
From here you will have views mainly towards the Roque Bentayga, but also to The Roque Nublo from some parts of the hull. All this landscape is part of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, World Heritage Site.
2. Visit Roque Nublo, one of the best things to see in Tejeda (surroundings)
Whether it is your first time in Gran Canaria or not, given the proximity, a visit to Tejeda is usually combined with the small path that leads to Roque Nublo. We recommend that you take a look at our article on the The Roque Nublo with recommendations for your visit regarding parking and other aspects to take into account.
3. Take a photo in La Cesta de Tejeda with Roque Bentayga
Leaving the town in the direction of Roque Bentayga (by car) we meet this traditional giant basket, ideal for taking a photo and thus taking a beautiful postcard from the island of Gran Canaria.
This large basket is a work by the Portuguese artist Rita Loureiro and is made of metal. It symbolizes the hard work of agriculture and, specifically, the task of collecting almonds and potatoes in Tejeda with traditional baskets. In addition, next to the basket you will find a commemorative plaque from the Tejeda City Council to remember the Tejedense family who died during a strong storm in 1946.
4. Visit Roque Bentayga
After the stop instagrameable, we recommend that you continue along the same road to visit the Roque and its Interpretation Center, since it is about 10 minutes by car from the town center. Here you can learn everything about the archaeological complex of the Sierra de Bentayga. Access is free. On the other hand, the trail is done in less than an hour (round trip).
5. Charco de La Paloma and the Cruz de Timagada
From the Roque Bentayga basket that we showed you previously, starts a circular hiking route that passes through the well-known La Paloma Puddle, La Culata de Tejeda and La Cruz de Timagada. If you just want to visit this small waterfall, it is only about 15 minutes from Cesto. Keep in mind that if you go in summer and autumn, there may not be a drop of water. It is only recommended after rainy days. In any case, the circular route that passes through here is highly recommended and you can combine it with one of the restaurants that we suggest below.
6. Visit Cruz de Tejeda
Also a few minutes by car from the town we have the famous Cross of Tejeda. A stopover for thousands of cyclists and walkers. Also for those who are driving, as it is ideal for making a stop for a coffee, eat, watch the sunset, buy Canarian products or go on a hiking route. We recommend the Cruz de Tejeda circular that passes through the town of Tejeda.
A few steps from this same cross is the Tejeda Parador where you can spend the night, spend a spa day or eat with views of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria.
7. Dulces de Tejeda: Nublo candy store
Another mythical thing what to do in Tejeda is to visit the Nublo candy store, founded in 1946 and specialized in making sweets with Tejeda almonds. Typical products include: almonds, chocolate palm trees and Bienmesabe. Bienmesabe is a sweet made mainly from almonds, sugar and egg. It is usually taken as an accompaniment to desserts such as flan and ice cream. ¡Eating a chocolate palm tree here is almost a tradition!
They have two sweet shops on the main street of the town, in one of them you will find up to 33 different flavors of palm trees. In the previous photo we show you the Oreo one.
8. Medicinal plants center, another thing to see in Tejeda
In the helmet there is also a medicinal plants center which can be visited for free to learn about the benefits of each plant and, if you want, you can also buy them.
9. Almond Blossom Festival (February and March only)
Almond trees abound in Tejeda and in the months of February/March you can enjoy this tree in bloom. A fruit tree with white and pink flower. During these dates, the town celebrates its Almond Blossom festivities for a weekend with crafts, dance, music and native sports. In addition, stalls are set up to sell local products.
10. Hiking in Tejeda
If you are a hiking lover, in addition to the routes that we mentioned before, both the Charco de La Paloma along the Timagada Cross, such as the Cruz de Tejeda circular that we mentioned before and climb Roque Nublo or Bentayga (shorter). Also, you should know that through this municipality passes the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria. A route of hiking in Gran Canaria what should you do if you want get to know the island in depth and discover the contrasts in the landscapes that the island offers. In the previous link you have all the details in case you want us to help you prepare the route.
Restaurants in Tejeda
If you also want to know where to eat in Tejeda, we recommend you The Almond House that shares premises with one of the El Nublo candy stores that we mentioned before. We also suggest you take a Artisan ice cream at La Lexe ice cream parlor, located inside the Dulces de Tejeda candy store. Do you dare with him bienmesabe ice cream or with gofio?
Lastly, if you want To eat with views of Roque Nublo, we invite you to travel about 10 minutes by car to the hamlet of La Culata de Tejeda. Here we find the Roque Nublo restaurant with a terrace with views. Although its interior is super cozy and has been completely renovated. On winter days they light the fireplace as we show you. Essential the grilled smoked cheese, gofio, fabada and torrija with bienmesabe for dessert.
Hotels and rural houses in Tejeda
Finally, you should know that there is a wide range of hotels and rural houses in Tejeda, one of the best places where to stay in Gran Canaria for connect with nature and that many mountain athletes choose. We, if you can afford it, recommend the Cruz de Tejeda Parador for its incredible facilities and views. You can also search for rural houses and other hotels below.
Weather in Tejeda
You should know that given its location and altitude, it is one of the coldest towns and areas of the island, so if you visit it, it never hurts to bring a jacket. Note that During the winter months it can be perfectly below 10 degrees during the day. In the same way, the sky in these months is usually covered with clouds, which makes the climate more humid.
How to get to Tejeda
As we told you, this municipality is located in the center of the island and, therefore, depending on where you are, it will be easier to take one road or another. If you come from the south, the most beautiful is the road that goes from Maspalomas and passes through Fataga. The Global bus line 18, also takes you along this road from the Maspalomas Lighthouse (be careful with the curves). If you come from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, there is no direct public transportation. The best option is to rent a car and take the road that passes through Santa Brígida or San José del Álamo. If you come from the north (Agaete or Arucas), we love the road that passes through Valleseco.
Video about what to see in Tejeda
Don't miss our video that runs through the entire town. Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss the next one!
Guides to discover Gran Canaria on your own
Finally, if it is your first time on the island, we are sure that the following articles will be of great help to you as you continue discovering the island.
If you don't want to be reading information here and there about what to do and where to eat, thus wasting your valuable time, we invite you to take a look at our digital guides to Gran Canaria with complete itineraries, eating recommendations and tips. They are all available in Spanish and English and you can see them below.
Hello! I am Ruth, Canarian with a traveling soul. With training and experience in the tourism and digital marketing sector. In this blog I tell you all the tips you need to get to know the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own. I also share my travel guides to all the places in the world that I am visiting so that you can discover the destinations like a local and save time planning. In addition to traveling, I love gastronomy and sports. I run and hike in the mountains with my “dog-children” (Silver and Plata). In all these adventures my partner accompanies me, Jorge, which you will also see a lot on this blog.
Mamid says
Hi the Global Linea 303 will take you from San Telmo bus station to Dan Mateo.
Thé Global Linea 305 will tell you from San Mateo to Tejeda.
Cheers
Ruth González says
Hi! Thank you! but this is Tejeda, not San Mateo!
joelle says
Good morning, how wonderful. So many things to see and enjoy. Little-known towns to discover.
Thanks for all the information. It is not always easy to find places off the beaten path.
See you soon Joelle
Local Guide Gran Canaria says
Hi Joelle! Thank you very much for your comment, we love knowing that what we do is helpful to people like you (like us when we travel). A hug