Discover San Bartolomé De Tirajana

San Bartolomé De Tirajana offers visitors a range of ways to explore the area: Tunte’s historic heritage, a volcanic landscape in the island’s interior, and trails of varying lengths and routes. Tunte lies at the foot of the Morros del Pinar, along the Barranco de Tirajana and at an altitude of 890 metres. Its location in the centre of the Caldera de Tirajana made it a historic communications hub between the north and south of Gran Canaria. The municipality is part of the Canary Islands’ network of protected natural areas, which includes the Paisaje Protegido de Fataga. This offers two perspectives when choosing a destination: local history and landscape.

Historical heritage in Tunte

The historic centre of San Bartolomé de Tunte is considered the most interesting part of the municipality’s architectural heritage. The Mudéjar-style church of San Bartolomé de Tirajana stands in the town centre. Its basilica-style interior has three naves, Tuscan columns and a wooden Mudéjar ceiling. The church also houses a wooden sculpture from the late 15th century known as Santiago “El Chico”. Architecture and religious art come together here within a closely connected theme.

The streets and historic buildings also tell the story of the town. The cobbled Callejón Princesa Guayarmina has a distinctly Canarian character. Tunte’s cemetery has a Neo-Gothic façade and is listed as a monument. The Lavaderos del Rosal were inaugurated on 9 April 1955: the complex comprises 24 washbasins over an area of 62 square metres. The three-storey Centro Cultural Pancho Guerra, with its typical Canarian architecture, is also located in the historic centre. When it opened, the building included a centre for Canarian studies, a library, a conference and event hall, exhibition rooms and workshop spaces.

Festivals and local traditions

Recurring festivals in Tunte include the Fiestas Patronales in honour of the apostles Santiago and San Bartolomé. They last ten days each year in July and August; the exact programme dates may vary. The Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol are celebrated on 25 July and take on particular significance when the date coincides with a Holy Year of the Way of St James. The Romería de Santiago el Chico is also among the town’s festival traditions.

Another local tradition is Guindilla, a cherry liqueur that has been made in the Tunte area for many years. The Ruta de la Heredad de Tunte connects ethnographic themes with the history of water and agriculture. Its listed features include six watermills, a brick kiln, three small dams and Canarian flora. Access to individual structures may be restricted. Tunte also has three surviving traditional brick kilns: two are near the town, and another is opposite the hamlet of El Sequero.

Trails and outdoor activities

On Gran Canaria, the Camino de Santiago entre Volcanes runs from Maspalomas via Tunte towards Gáldar and is 70 kilometres long in total. Three route options are available for the section between Maspalomas and Tunte. The trail can be completed on foot, by bicycle or using a combination of both. After completing it, pilgrims can receive a certificate issued by the parishes of Tunte and/or Gáldar. If you are planning a hike, check the current trail conditions and certificate requirements.

The historic mountain trail Paso de la Plata is now used by tourists, mountaineers and hikers. Over a distance of about half a kilometre, it climbs around 160 metres. These approximate figures describe the distance and elevation gain, not the trail’s current conditions. Another option is the Tunte mountain-running route: it forms a loop, starts in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and returns via the Camino de la Plata and the Riscos de Tirajana.

The Pilancones Tunte Trail is also a recurring fixture in running events in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. At its ninth edition on 17 January 2026, the route passed through the Parque Natural de Pilancones. Races of 9, 25 and 34 kilometres were offered; future editions and distances may differ. Together, these trails offer different scales for planning a trip: from the short, steep section of Paso de la Plata to the 70-kilometre Camino de Santiago entre Volcanes.

Discover more destinations

Maspalomas, Montaña La Data, Los Cercados, Fátaga, El Tablero, Pasito Blanco, San Agustin, Playa Del Águila, Aldea Blanca, Castillo Del Romenral, Playa Del Ingles

For the main travel overview: Gran Canaria.