Telde

Overview

Upon reaching the periphery of Gran Canaria’s second city, your first impression probably won’t be a favourable one. Coated by a stratum of uninspiring industrial outlets, Telde, at first glance, appears to be a rather drab affair.

However, if you choose to delve a little deeper towards the nucleus of its historic centre, you will be rewarded by cobbled streets, gardens pervaded by lush geraniums, grand old houses and a magnificent church that dates back to the 15^th century.

Telde's close proximity to the blue flag beach of Melenara also makes it a good location for sun seekers, whilst the town has an adequate smattering of restaurants and bars for those planning to make a night of it.

History

Prior to the Spanish conquest, Telde was the principal settlement in the east of the island and home to a significant number of Doramas dwellings.

The town was officially founded by papal decree in 1351 by a group of monks from Mallorca, seeking to set up a Bishopric in the Fortunate Isles.

Not long after the conquest, a social divide began to emerge between the conquistadors, that based themselves within the opulent surroundings of the San Juan district of the town, and the local peasants who worked on the numerous sugar plantations in the area.

Even up until the late 1970s, much of Telde was still subjected to poverty with official figures at the time suggesting that only 20% of its population had access to mains electricity whilst, shockingly, 15% of children attended school. Thankfully, this has changed considerably over the last 30 years due to the concentrated efforts of municipal authorities and a burgeoning commercial economy.

Culture

Like many Hispanic towns, Telde is deeply Catholic with the churches of San Juan and San Francisco (see Sights) often packed to the rafters come Mass. This devoutness is also evident in the religious fiestas and events hosted throughout the year (see Fiestas and Events).

Economy

Due to being situated in the Gran Canaria's most fertile area, for many centuries Telde’s economy was driven by agriculture, its main produce comprising of sugar, bananas and tomatoes.

However, since the 1980s, mass real estate and more commercial industries have driven the Telde's wealth- seemingly with little empathy for its surrounding area, which is now punctuated by a number of unprepossessing factories and warehouses.

How to get there

By Bus:
Buses 12 and 80 run frequently to/from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (every 30 minutes). Journeys take 20 minutes.
There are also a number of services to the neighbouring towns of Ingenio and Agüimes. For more information on bus schedules, visit www.globalsu.net.

By Car:
If driving from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, take the GC-1 out of town which runs directly along the coast to Telde.

Sights

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista

Situated in the heart of the San Juan barrio’s resplendent whitewashed colonial buildings, this 15^th century church is notable for its interior which contains a gilt altarpiece, supporting a statue of Christ constructed from corn dough by Tarasco Mexican Indians.

Where: Plaza San Juan, s/n, 35200 Telde, Gran Canaria.
Telephone: +34 928 690 285

Iglesia de San Francisco

A short walk from Plaza San Juan, amongst the lush gardens and orange and banana groves of the San Francisco barrio, sits another comely church which houses three polychrome altars and an ornate coffered ceiling.

Parroquia de San Gregorio de Telde

Situated in the San Gregorio district of town, home to several businesses and craft shops, this church includes neoclassical altarpieces and a carving of the Virgen de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows).

Where: Calle Calderín López 17, 35200 Telde, Gran Canaria.
Telephone: +34 928 690 202

Tourist information office

If seeking any further information, the town has a tourist office, situated just off Plaza de San Juan.

Where: Calle León y Castillo 2, 35200 Telde, Gran Canaria.
Opening hours: Monday- Friday 08:00 - 15:00

Museums

Museo León y Castillo

Perhaps a little too esoteric for some, this museum is devoted to the town’s most famous inhabitant, Fernando León y Castillo, the 19^th century politician and diplomat. The building, Castillo’s former home, is absolutely lovely and well worth the visit, even if Spanish politics may not be your thing.

Where: Calle León y Castillo 43, 35200 Telde, Gran Canaria.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 14:00
Admission: Free

Beaches

Playa de Melenara

Located a short three kilometres from the town centre, Melenara is a blue-flag beach consisting of fine white sands. If seeking a spot of sunbathing in peace, it’s the perfect place as the stretch is rarely busy.

The calm seas also make for favourable swimming conditions- make sure to look out for the sculpture of King Neptune that stands proudly amidst the waves. If you fancy a bite to eat, the adjacent promenade has a host of cafes and bars.

You can reach the beach by taking the GC-102 road out of town.

Other Beaches

Amongst the other contenders for the municipality’s finest stretches, Gando beach has a lovely sandy bay and holds historical pertinence as purportedly being Gran Canaria’s first port.

Just north of Gando beach, you will also find the beaches of Salinetas and Tufia which remain popular with bathers and also offer a range of bars and restaurants along their seafronts.

You can reach the beach by taking the GC-102 road out of town.

Festivals