Tejeda

Overview

Tejeda is found in the mid-west of Gran Canaria, almost 44Km from the island's capital Las Palmas. Situated on and around mountain peaks, Tejeda is home to only 2,500 people. The mountains and forests that cover much of the terrain are protected areas, and there are only a few streets that are built for tourists. However, the lack of urbanisation does not mean that Tejeda is a dull place to visit.

The best way to enjoy Tejeda is by exploring it. Walkers will enjoy the footpaths that take them to great heights and sights, while those driving through Tejeda will be able to experience hairpin turns in the roads that wind up at the highest points of the entire island.

With more museums than some of the most popular tourist destinations, visitors can definitely get a real sense of the history and culture of Tejeda. There are also a few bars and restaurants around that give visitors a taste of the area. The most famous food products are made from their own almonds. Tejeda-made marzipan and 'bienmesabe' are reportedly the best on the whole island.

Tejeda is known for having very blue skies all year, and the temperatures can often pass 30C in the summer months. Winter is wetter than at other parts of the island, with rain coming down frequently in January.

History

The first settlers came to the mountains at around 200AD and made homes for themselves in the caves that are found in the area. The centuries old accommodation they created can be seen today as the caves have been opened up to the public, with a centre being created to commemorate these cave-dwellers.

As the Spaniards continued to conquer Gran Canaria, many Guanches searched for safer ground to live on. At 2,000m from sea level, a location known as Bentayga became the perfect place for the native people to build homes and granaries, and of course - resist the invasion. Bentayga is famous for being the scene for the last battle between the natives of Gran Canaria and the Spaniards.

As increased tourism allowed towns to prosper, Tejeda began to invest in becoming more visitor-friendly. With hikers coming from all over the world to experience the scenic walks, and many tourists stopping by to see what Tejeda is all about, it is a lesser-known town drenched in culture, just waiting to be explored.

Culture

Of what few people you will see around Tejeda, the vast majority of them will be tourists. Only 2500 people reside in Tejeda and their houses can be seen dotted around the area. The city life of Las Palmas seems a million miles away. Although it has a culturally pure feel to it, the area has a tourist friendly atmosphere. Many of the museums and exhibitions are translated into a variety of languages, with the locals also being multi-lingual.

Economy

Tourism saved the municipality of Tejeda from becoming barren land. Many families left long before visitors started to arrive, and some of them continue to move to neighbouring regions now. While some destinations have seen rapid growth since the 1960's tourism boom, the population in this area hasn't increased in over twenty years. For those who have decided to stay, a large proportion leads agricultural lives.

Almonds, amongst other crops, are grown here by the locals and although not many are exported, they provide a reasonable income for the area. Traditional 'medianeros', farmers who work other peoples' land in exchange for the harvest that it brings, still exist today. And although the medianeros and regular farmers could not economically survive without tourists spending their money in the region, many aspects of Tejeda life have remained unchanged by the shift in what keeps the area financially afloat.

How to get there:

The Global bus company run the 305 route, which makes several infrequent bus trips from Las Palmas to Tejeda, and the journey can take between 90 minutes to two hours. Route 18 runs from the San Bartolomé de Tirajana municipality to Tejeda slightly more often, with the journey taking less than an hour.

For those wishing to travel by car, connecting to the GC-811 will lead you to Tejeda.

Sights

Museo de tradiciones de Tejeda 

The museum of Tejeda traditions is a great way to learn about the transformation that has taken place in the region. The museum is built in a traditionally Canarian style, both visually and structurally. The permanent and visiting exhibitions within the museum document a wide time-scale and a variety of topics, from pre-historic findings in the area, to the important role Tejeda played in the process of the island's conquest. Not only are historical events documented, visitors are also given a sense of what life used to be like. The changes in farming, housing, religious worship, the economy, and even fashion, are all given space in this museum. Also included is an in-depth documentary about the unique people of Tejeda and the changes to their land; however this is displayed in Spanish only.

Address: Calle del Párroco Rodríguez Vega
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 to 15:00
Weekends: 11:00 to 14:00
Entry: Free

Museo de Abraham Cárdenes 

The museum of Abraham Cárdenes is a tribute to the Tejeda born sculpturer who became famous throughout the Canary Islands for his work. He was so well regarded on the island that he was able to study in Barcelona and Paris through grants given to him by the Canarian government. The museum content changes from month to month as many of his items travel around. With a large collection of his work, the museum also acts as a tourist centre for Tejeda. It is from here that you can find out about available activities in Tejeda and the rest of the island at the time of your visit.

Address: Calle Lecadio Cabrera
Opening Hours: Everyday: 11:00 to 14:15 - 15:00 to 17:00
Entry: Free 

Centro de Plantas Medicinales

Only opening its doors in 2007, the centre of medicinal plants is an attractive, entertaining and educational museum. It is not a traditional museum with static exhibitions and long hallways, it is literally alive. As the main attractions are the plants themselves, visitors to the museum have the opportunity to view several unique areas.

The garden is a significant part to the plant museum. With a wide array of native and imported plants, it is also a good place to simply relax and absorb the atmosphere. The exhibition hall is where the main activity occurs. Displays of how local people have historically used the plants for traditional therapeutic uses are met by examples of how plants can be used in today's modern pharmaceutical environments. The multi-purpose hall is where many experiments take place, often interactive ones. Demonstrations are given showing how the natural healing effects of plants can be manipulated for human gain.

The centre makes a welcome change to the less hands-on museums around and offers a wealth of knowledge that is not often shared. Some displays are in English and demonstrations are given in several languages.

Address: Calle del Párroco Rodríguez Vega
Opening Hours: Mondays: Closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 to 15:30, Sundays: 11:00 to 16:00
Entry: Free

Museo de Tres Cruces 

Much like the museum of Tejeda traditions, the museum of three crosses shows what life used to be like in Tejeda. With more emphasis on agriculture, the museum has a good selection of displays. There are a variety of tools that were used hundreds of years ago for farming and raising livestock available for viewing. Illustrations of what previous landscapes would have looked like, and diagrams of how different agricultural activities took place, are also on show.

Address: Calle del Párroco Rodríguez Vega
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 to 15:00 Weekends: 11:00 to 14:00
Entry: Free

Walking tours

Tejeda's most unique sights come from joining a walking tour. If your physical condition allows it, a walk to the very top of the 2,000m peaks would see you literally on top of Gran Canaria. There are well sign-posted paths that take you on different routes; alternatively you can arrange a walk with the tourist centre at the Museo de Abraham Cárdenes. With camping facilities and cabin accommodation around the peak, you don't have to come down on the same day. If a walking tour is not your idea of fun then it is possible to drive to the very top. Whether you go on foot or by car, along the way you'll see some very special sights. It is even possible to spot Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife from the top.

Roque Bentayga

Found almost in the centre of the island and Tejeda, is Roque Betayga. At over 1,400 metres above sea level, it is both a natural and a religious wonder. In pre-Hispanic times many native people lived in and around the rock formation. Over 100 separate caves were found to have housed these people. Stone-carvings were also discovered on the walls, and they can be viewed by the general public. On the eastern side of the rock a 'almogarén' was built as a place of worship. The historical and religious significance of the rock, along with its incredible beauty, led to it being chosen as a scared and protected place for the aborigines.

When the area was first opened up to the general public there were concerns that the sacred rock would be damaged. Thankfully it has remained as it originally was, and so far has not had any problems. As the skies in Tejeda are often clear, the view from Roque Bentayga provides some spectacular sunsets. Tourists visit Tejeda not only to experience nature at its most dramatic, but also to learn a little about the area. An interpretation centre exists nearby to explain the habits of the natives who lived here and the meanings of the stone-carvings.

Roque Nublo

Around the 1,800 metre mark a large rock clearly stands out. Roque Nublo is an 80 metre tall free standing rock formed millions of years ago from volcanic activities. It is found along many walking routes and makes for a beautiful photograph. With its name translating to 'Rock in the Clouds' it is little wonder that many natives saw it as a sacred place of worship. With a car park nearby and a connecting footpath, this sight is easily accessible.

Beaches

As the area does not have a coastline, no beaches can be found in the area.

Festivals

La Fiesta del Almendro en Flor

Held in February, the festival which celebrates the flowering of the almond trees is also a festival announcing that spring has arrived. Ironically the celebrations were first created many years after the decline of almond cultivation, but it is more of a reminder that the winter months are over and that good things are to come. Market stalls selling handicrafts, and folklore musicians performing on the streets are a common sight at this time. Over the years an increasing number of tourists have also come to see the festivities.

La gran devoción a la Virgen del Socorro

The great devotion to Our Lady of Socorro is a month long event in May where every Sunday a different district from Tejeda lays flowers from the temple of the Virgin to the altar, forming a carpet for her to walk across.

La festividad de la Virgen del Socorro 

In September a religious ceremony takes place to celebrate the Virgin of Socorro. After the ceremony the effigy is paraded through the village streets. The population swells as those who once left the town return to be reunited with their families. Traditional clothes are worn and local food is eaten to the soundtrack of folklore tunes.

Nightlife

There are a few small bars located around the town, but the best places to have a few drinks can be found on Calle Doctor Domingo Hernández Guerra. The restaurants on this street are often also bars and although the town isn't at all known for having lively nights, you may be lucky enough to catch some local folklore musicians playing a few songs.

Shopping

As the town has only a small population and its main tourist attractions are thousand of metres above the town centre, shopping in Tejeda isn't the main reason to visit. To the same degree as the nightlife, the town is not fully equipped for an extensive shop, and there aren't any designer retailers. Local shops and markets provide all the necessities, meaning you'll be more than able to get by with what Tejeda has to offer.