Center for Medicinal Plants of Tejeda

The Medicinal Plants Center of Tejeda (Centro de Plantas Medicinales) is a small interpretation center in the mountain village of Tejeda, Gran Canaria, dedicated to the island's traditional herbal knowledge. Spread across roughly 5,000 square meters, it explores the relationship between people and nature through the medicinal use of plants, old remedies and the beliefs that grew up around them in the island's central highlands.

How do you get there?

The center sits on Calle Párroco Rodríguez Vega 10, right in the heart of Tejeda — a village famous for its views over Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. Tejeda is located in the mountainous interior of Gran Canaria, roughly an hour's drive from Las Palmas or Maspalomas via the GC-15 and GC-60 roads. The route winds through switchbacks with several scenic viewpoints, so it's worth allowing extra time — the drive itself is part of the experience.

What will you see inside?

The exhibition hall displays the natural remedies used for generations by the people of Tejeda: dried herbs and plant preparations sit alongside local products closely tied to the area's herbal tradition, such as almond oil and highland honey (miel de cumbre). Guided tastings of herbal infusions let visitors experience the flavors of the plants on show, rather than just reading about them.

A separate highlight is the interpretive garden, designed as a place to sit and take in the scents, colors and textures of medicinal plants. The plants are grouped by use and property, making it easy to see which species were traditionally used for which purpose. It's an unusual chance to see a living herb collection in the same highland setting where these plants have always grown, in the center of Gran Canaria.

Near the exit, a small shop sells medicinal plants, honey and aloe vera products — a fitting souvenir that reflects what the center is actually about.

When should you visit?

The center is open daily, generally from 10:30am to 3:30pm, with admission priced at just €2 — one of the more affordable attractions on the island. It pairs naturally with a walk through Tejeda itself, often considered one of Gran Canaria's prettiest villages, and with the short trip out to the Roque Nublo viewpoints nearby. Mornings tend to be quieter, especially outside peak season, before coach tours reach the village.

Given its compact size, a visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, making it an easy stop on a day trip through the island's mountainous interior alongside other Tejeda staples, such as its marzipan bakeries and panoramic restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit the Medicinal Plants Center? General admission is €2, making it one of the more budget-friendly cultural attractions in the Tejeda area.

How long does a visit take? Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough to see the exhibition hall, try the herbal infusion tastings and walk through the interpretive garden.

Can you buy anything on site? Yes, the on-site shop sells medicinal plants, local honey and aloe vera products.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Tejeda village? Yes — the center is located right in the village center, close to the Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga viewpoints, so it fits easily into a longer walk around the area.