Parque de San Telmo

Parque de San Telmo is one of the most distinctive green squares in the historic center of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, sitting right on the border between the Vegueta and Triana districts. The more than 17,000 m² the park now occupies was reclaimed from the sea — this was once the site of the city's old harbor and its northern defensive wall, which stood until the 19th century.

How to get there?

The park sits in the very heart of Las Palmas, right at the entrance to the pedestrian street Calle Triana coming from Vegueta, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot — it makes a natural starting point for a walk through the old town. Visitors using public transport can get off at stops near Triana or Vegueta, just a few minutes' walk away. Drivers will find municipal car parks nearby, though the historic center itself is best explored on foot.

What will you see?

The heart of the park is a Modernist music kiosk designed in 1923 by Rafael Massanet y Faus. Its octagonal structure is covered in rich, colorful decoration — fruit garlands alongside imported tiles and mosaics — making it one of the small architectural gems of Modernist style on the island. Around the kiosk stretches well-kept greenery with palm trees and typical Canarian plants, creating a rare pocket of shade and calm away from the city bustle.

The site's history runs much deeper than the park itself. This was once the location of the city's northern defensive wall, and a trace of it survives today in the Castillo de Mata, a witness to the old fortifications of Las Palmas. The park takes its name from the Ermita de San Telmo, a small chapel standing on the corner with Calle Real, declared a historical monument and listed as a protected building. The chapel recalls the site's former role as a place that received travelers and sailors arriving in the city, since the first harbor of Las Palmas operated right alongside the walls.

Walking through the park, it's worth noticing the layout of paths and benches that invite a longer stop, as well as the proximity to the historic buildings of Vegueta and Triana — the city's two oldest and most representative districts, partly protected as heritage sites.

When to visit?

The park is best visited in the morning or late afternoon, when the palm trees provide pleasant shade and temperatures are more comfortable for walking. Thanks to Gran Canaria's mild climate, the spot is appealing all year round — a welcome break from the heat in summer, and a pleasant stop along the historic center walking route in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, Parque de San Telmo is an open public space and can be visited free of charge at any time of day.

How much time should I set aside? The park itself can be walked around in 15–20 minutes, but combining the visit with a stroll through the neighboring Vegueta and Triana districts easily extends it to 1–2 hours.

What's the park's main attraction? The Modernist music kiosk from 1923, decorated with colorful tiles and mosaics, considered one of the most interesting architectural details in this part of the city.

Where does the park's name come from? It comes from the nearby Ermita de San Telmo, a historic chapel on Calle Real, historically linked to the sailors and travelers who once arrived at the city's harbor.