Central park: Parque San Telmo
Sandwiched between the residential district of Arenales and the shopping area of Triana, Parque San Telmo’s slap bang in the middle of Las Palmas. Prices seem to be higher in the park’s cafe, where you can enjoy a range of cold and hot drinks along with light snacks, than in other nearby venues. But, as you can see from the picture, the owners must invest profits in a cleaner to keep the tiles gleaming on this art-deco building.
Transport matters
San Telmo Park houses one of the two main bus stations in the island’s capital (the other being in Parque Santa Catalina). Global buses pick up and drop off passengers travelling to and from other towns and villages on the islands inside the station whilst there are stops for the inner-city Guaguas Municipales outside. At both the Avenída Marítima and Parque San Telmo entrances. There’s also a taxi rank.
Pirates of the Atlantic
In the south-west corner of the park you’ll find the Ermita San Telmo AKA the Parroquia de San Bernando. Dutch pirates led by Pieter van der Does sacked this hermitage/parish church in 1599. Yet, it’s since been rebuilt and these days is a popular wedding venue.
Child’s play
Keeping with the naughty nautical theme, older kids will enjoy climbing up and down the life-sized model of a pirate ship. Whilst younger ones have their own, smaller playground nearby offering the classic slides-and-swings combo. At Christmas time, look out for Parque San Telmo’s mini funfair.
Fatherland
Buildings with the word Patria on them invariably give me the creeps. Sounding more Teutonic than Hispanic, these are military buildings which defend the fatherland. The Gobierno Militar certainly casts a shadow over the park. It’s where Francisco Franco declared his rebellion in 1936, starting the Spanish Civil War in the process.
on December 20, 2012 | to this post
Yes, I know what you mean by “patria”
“Todo por la patria” …. has invariably covered many sins!
on March 8, 2013 | to this post
Tell me about it, Steve. Glad you feel the same way.
on December 20, 2012 | to this post
It’s usually on Guardia Civil buildings isn’t it? Unsavoury history there. The cafe looks great – they don’t build’em like that anymore.
on March 8, 2013 | to this post
It is indeed, Robin. As for the cafe, it’s easily one of Gran Canaria’s most striking.
on December 20, 2012 | to this post
I’ve always struggled to like San Telmo despite the pretty cafe. The church used to be on the seafront before they reclaimed the land in front.
on March 8, 2013 | to this post
Alex, see where you’re coming from. However, you have to admit, the church is less susceptible to attacks from pirates now it’s not so close to shore.