Casa de la Audiencia
Traditional tales tell that when the plague broke out on the Island in 1583, Tenerife's Council gathered here, even though its headquarters were in La…
Tegueste
Tegueste is one of those places that tempts people to stop for a quiet breather. The atmosphere carries a pure, traditional Canarian vibe dominated by farm crops, vineyards and historical buildings in the heart of the town. A walk along the road of Los Laureles rewards visitors with moments of peace and feeling at one with nature.
The town of Tegueste lies in the north-east of Tenerife, right on the edge of Anaga Country Park covering a surface area of 26.4 km2 (10.2 sq miles). Surrounded entirely by the municipality of La Laguna, there are no parts of Tegueste on the coast. In fact, it lies in a vast watershed, which is what creates its mild temperatures and luscious countryside. Although mankind has altered the area's primitive landscapes, there are still stretches of pine and laurel forests coexisting with eucalyptus trees and non-native species. The road of Los Laureles, for instance, is surrounded by laurels that belonged to the tertiary period. Tegueste is caressed by the trade winds, encouraging the growth of rainfed crops which is what the locals traditionally lived on. The municipality began to form in the early 16th century in the area known as El LLano, between the Las Tapias ravine and the Las Ceras ravine, which is where the first chapel was erected to worship San Marcos Evangelista, though that chapel was moved to its current location in 1701. Nowadays, the historic quarter of Tegueste, which was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1986, is the result of gradual urban transformations over the centuries.
Routes around the municipality
Every week there are guided tours in several languages around the historic quarter of Tegueste, which add to the routes that visitors can take on their own and to the guided tours that are offered at specific times of year, enabling visitors to learn all about the idiosyncrasies of the area, particularly its cultural and natural riches and its local produce.Tegueste has several walking routes that have been designed for visitors to discover the aspects of the region they are most interested in, whilst getting to know the countryside, the local people and the area's great climate.The trail of Travesía de los Viñedos and La Campiña de Tegueste has been designed to be taken by car, and there are several points along the way where it is safe to pull over and enjoy the scenery, which looks like a green sea of vineyards. Another option is a walk along Los Caminos del Agua, a circular route that is just 2 km (1.24 miles) long, making it great for exploring on foot. The route named Un Cauce de Historia (A Flow of History) is also a circular route and is equally as long, leading walkers to discover the cultural and historical identity of Tegueste, from the ravine of Agua de Dios to Plaza de La Arañita. (folleto: http://www.tegueste.es/dmdocuments/tur_mapa_itinerarios.pdf)
Approved trails in the municipality
There are several approved trails crossing the municipal area of Tegueste, such as the PR-TF 12, which sets off from the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre to Bajamar, and branches off onto the PR-TF 12.1 and PR-TF 12.2 trails. These trails are a great way of exploring Tegueste's landscapes, countryside and surroundings, helping visitors to truly take in the agricultural essence of the region and understand the need to build good transport systems that would link it to the municipality of San Cristóbal de la Laguna.We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Tegueste
What's the weather like in Tegueste?
The weather in Tegueste is mild and temperate year-round. Located inland at a relatively high altitude, it tends to have slightly cooler temperatures than coastal areas, especially in winter. Thanks to the trade winds, the climate is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or cultural visits.
How to get to Tegueste?
Getting to Tegueste is easy by both car and public transport. From San Cristóbal de La Laguna, it takes approximately 25-30 minutes by car via the TF-13.
In addition, several bus lines connect the town with La Laguna (lines 50, 51, and 105) and other points in the north of the island, making it easy to visit without needing your own vehicle.
What to see in Tegueste?
Tegueste combines history, architecture, and nature, offering corners that reflect its past and traditions. Among them are:
- Historic buildings: old manor houses and the old town hall, with architecture from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
- Churches and religious spaces: temples that reflect the history and tradition of the municipality.
- Traditional squares: emblematic meeting places for the community.
- Historic paths and trails: routes that connect the town and showcase its past.
- Natural areas and ravines: protected areas with archaeological and cultural value.
Where can I eat in Tegueste?
If you're wondering where to eat in Tegueste, the town is especially famous for its gastronomy. Here you'll find plenty of guachinches (traditional Canarian eateries), wineries, and local restaurants where you can sample typical Canarian dishes made with local products. Meats, cheeses, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), and local wines make Tegueste a popular culinary destination for both residents and visitors.
Where is Tegueste located?
Tegueste is a town located in the northeast of the island of Tenerife, in a fertile valley surrounded by mountains and rural areas. It borders San Cristóbal de La Laguna and is very close to the Anaga Rural Park, giving it a privileged natural environment. It is one of the few towns in Tenerife without a coastline, which reinforces its agricultural and traditional character.
When is the Tegueste pilgrimage?
The Tegueste romería, dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, is usually celebrated in late April or early May. It is one of the most important pilgrimages in northern Tenerife and attracts numerous participants and visitors each year. During the celebration, the streets fill with horse-drawn carts, traditional costumes, folk music, and local products, making it an excellent opportunity to experience the town's traditions.
Is it possible to take nature and cultural routes through the municipality of Tegueste?
Yes, Tegueste is ideal for discovering its natural and cultural surroundings on foot or via interpretive trails. Guided tours of the historic center are organised weekly in various languages, complemented by self-guided itineraries and guided routes offered throughout the year. These experiences allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Tegueste's unique character, its cultural heritage, its natural environment, and its local products.
The town has several routes designed to suit different interests:
- La Travesía de los Viñedos y la Campiña de Tegueste, designed to be done by car, with different points where you can park and enjoy a landscape that resembles a real sea of vineyards.
- El Paseo por los Caminos del Agua, a circular route of only 2 kilometers, ideal for walking and discovering old canals and elements linked to the use of water.
- Un Cauce de Historia, also circular and 2 kilometers (1.25 mi) long, which runs through emblematic places such as the Agua de Dios Ravine and La Arañita, offering a historical and cultural vision of the municipality.
In addition, several approved trails cross the town, such as the PR-TF 12, which connects the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre with Bajamar, along with its variants PR-TF 12.1 and PR-TF 12.2. These routes allow you to discover not only the nature and orography of Tegueste, but also its agricultural identity and its historical connection with San Cristóbal de La Laguna.