Parque San Telmo, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Gardens, Park and Square in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

GC Las Palmas Parque de San Telmo
GC Las Palmas Parque de San Telmo R
CC BY-SA 2.0 /

Parque San Telmo is a small, palm-filled city park in central Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, set right by one of the city's main transport hubs. It's the kind of place you naturally pass through, then end up staying a little longer thanks to the shade, benches, and people-watching.

With a café terrace, a children’s play area, and a dedicated dog section, it works well as a practical pause between neighborhoods rather than a destination you plan your whole day around. It’s also a handy starting point for a pleasant walk toward other central landmarks.

History and Significance of the Parque San Telmo

Parque San Telmo is part of the historic fabric of central Las Palmas, sitting in an area long shaped by commerce and movement between districts. Its location beside major bus connections has made it a familiar meeting point for locals and visitors alike.

The park’s character is defined less by a single monument and more by its role as an everyday public space: a shaded place to sit, reset, and watch the city flow past. Over time, it has become a convenient gateway between the older parts of town and the more modern central avenues.

Today, its significance is practical and social. It’s where families pause with kids, dog owners take a break, and travelers regroup before heading on to Vegueta, Triana, or onward across the island.

Things to See and Do in the Parque San Telmo

Start with a slow loop under the palms and pick a bench for a short rest; the park is well-suited to a quick breather, especially if you’ve been walking around Triana or waiting for a bus connection. The greenery and shade make it feel calmer than the surrounding streets.

If you’re traveling with children, the play area is an easy win for burning off energy without committing to a big attraction. Dog owners will also appreciate the dedicated dog section, which gives the park a friendly, neighborhood feel.

For a simple treat, grab a coffee and sit outside at the café terrace. From here, it’s also a good jumping-off point for a stroll toward other central spots, including the route leading toward Fuente Luminosa.

How to Get to the Parque San Telmo

The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), which is the main international and domestic gateway to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Booking.com.

Gran Canaria does not have an intercity passenger rail network, so you won’t arrive by train; instead, most visitors use buses (guaguas) or taxis to reach the city center. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio..

By car, you can drive into central Las Palmas and park in nearby paid garages, but traffic can be slow at peak hours and street parking is limited. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Parque San Telmo

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Best time to visit: Morning for a quieter break, or late afternoon for a cooler sit-down and a coffee stop.
  • How long to spend: 15-45 minutes is plenty for a rest, a quick stroll, and a café stop.
  • Accessibility: Paths are generally flat and suitable for strollers and many wheelchairs, though busy times can mean tighter navigation around benches and café seating.
  • Facilities: Seating is plentiful, and there’s a café on site; public toilets are typically easiest to find at the nearby bus station.

Where to Stay Close to the Parque San Telmo

Base yourself in central Las Palmas around Triana/San Telmo if you want the most walkable access to transport, shopping streets, and easy connections to the rest of the city.

Hotel Parque A classic, convenient choice right by the park and transport links, ideal if you want to step out and immediately be in the center of things.

Boutique Hotel Cordial La Peregrina A stylish boutique option close to Triana’s streets, great for travelers who want design-forward rooms and a more intimate feel.

Sercotel Hotel Parque A practical mid-range stay that suits short city breaks, with an easy walk to the park and quick access to buses.

AC Hotel Gran Canaria A reliable chain hotel with a more business-like setup, good if you want consistent comfort and don’t mind being a short ride from San Telmo.

Hotel Catalina Plaza A characterful pick in the historic core, best if you want to pair your park stop with time in Vegueta’s older streets and architecture.

Is the Parque San Telmo Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you're in central Las Palmas: Parque San Telmo is worth a stop as a convenient, pleasant reset point with shade, seating, and a café, especially if you're navigating the city by bus or walking between Triana and nearby sights.

Honest Pivot: if you're short on time and looking for a big “must-see” landmark, you can skip it and prioritize Vegueta's historic highlights or the beach areas instead. Parque San Telmo shines most as a practical, local-feeling pause rather than a headline attraction.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (9,257)

Google reviewers rate Parque San Telmo highly overall (4.3/5 from a large number of visitors). People most often praise it as an easy-to-reach, central place to rest with plenty of benches, attractive palm trees, and a café with outdoor seating; families also mention the play area and dog owners like the dedicated dog section. The most common downsides are that it's relatively small and some visitors find it pleasant but not especially memorable compared with bigger attractions nearby.

Gerard Weigand
5 months ago
"Nice park with a doggie section and a great coffee shop with lots of open air seating."
V
a month ago
"OK small place to stop and rest. Toilets at the bus station nearby. The walk towards Fuente Luminosa is quite nice. An area with cacti there andbenches...."
Igor Lončar
9 months ago
"Close to bus station, has nice spots but in general nothing special."

For Different Travelers

Parque San Telmo is flexible: it can be a quick pit stop, a kid-friendly break, or a low-effort place to sit with a coffee. Your experience depends on whether you treat it as a destination or as a convenient stop between bigger plans.

Families with Kids

The play area makes this a useful break in the day, especially if you’re moving around the city center on foot. It’s easy to keep the visit short and still feel like the kids got a “win.”

Because it’s central, it also works well as a meeting point for multi-generational groups. Pair it with a simple snack or drink at the café to keep everyone happy.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is more of a casual, everyday stop than a romantic highlight. It’s best used for a relaxed coffee, a shaded sit-down, and a bit of people-watching.

If you like low-key city moments, use the park as a starting point for a walk toward nearby landmarks and neighborhoods. It’s a good way to slow down between more “planned” activities.

Budget Travelers

This is an easy budget-friendly break: you can rest, recharge, and enjoy the atmosphere without spending anything. It’s also helpful if you’re planning your day around bus routes and want a central place to regroup.

If you do spend, keep it simple with a coffee or snack rather than a full sit-down meal. The park’s main value is comfort and convenience at zero cost.

FAQs for Visiting Parque San Telmo

Getting There

Yes, it’s right by a major bus hub, which makes it one of the easiest parks in the city to reach without a car. It’s also walkable from central shopping streets in Triana.
From Triana, it’s typically a short, straightforward walk. From Vegueta, it’s still walkable, but expect a slightly longer stroll depending on your starting point.
Yes, the central location and transport activity mean taxis are commonly available nearby. If you’re carrying luggage, this is a convenient pickup/drop-off area.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public park and you can enter freely. There are no ticket lines or checkpoints.
The park itself is free, but you’ll pay for anything you buy at the café. Occasional events nearby may have their own pricing, separate from the park.
No, those areas are part of the public park. Just follow posted rules and be considerate of other users.

Visiting Experience

It’s best as a quick stop or meeting point rather than a major sightseeing destination. Most visitors spend a short time resting, strolling, or grabbing a coffee.
Generally relaxed and local, with a steady flow of people passing through due to the nearby transport connections. You’ll see families, commuters, and travelers.
Yes, the palms and greenery provide welcome shade, which is one reason it’s popular for a short break. Benches make it easy to sit comfortably.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it works well as a starting point or mid-route pause when exploring central Las Palmas. Plan it between Triana’s shopping streets and nearby city landmarks.
Some city walks may pass nearby because it’s a natural meeting point, but it’s not always a headline stop. If you’re joining a tour, confirm the meeting location in advance.
Use it as a rest stop between central neighborhoods, then continue on foot to other highlights in the historic center. It’s most useful as a breather rather than the main event.

Photography

The palm-lined views and everyday city scenes are the main draws. It’s a good place for relaxed travel photos rather than iconic landmark shots.
Light can be pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon, but the park is small and surrounded by city streets. For dramatic sunsets, coastal viewpoints are usually better.
Yes, casual photography is typically fine, but be mindful of other guests. If you’re photographing people closely, ask first.

Accessibility & Facilities

In general, yes, as it’s a central urban park with mostly level paths. Crowds and café seating can make some areas tighter at busy times.
Toilets are not always available inside the park itself; the nearby bus station is usually the most reliable option. Plan ahead if you’re visiting with kids.
Yes, benches are one of the park’s strengths. It’s a comfortable place to pause without needing to buy anything.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, there’s a café with outdoor seating that’s convenient for a quick break. You’ll also find more options in the surrounding central streets.
Generally yes for a casual snack in a public park, as long as you clean up after yourself. Keep an eye out for any posted rules during events.
There are shaded benches that work for a simple snack. For a longer picnic, larger parks elsewhere in the city may be more comfortable.

Safety & Timing

It’s a busy central area, so normal city awareness is usually enough. Keep valuables secure, especially when it’s crowded.
It can feel busier around commuting times and when buses are arriving and departing. If you want a calmer feel, aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Yes, it’s ideal for a short stop: sit down, take in the palms, and reset before continuing. Even a quick pass-through gives you a sense of the neighborhood.

Nearby Attractions to the Parque San Telmo

  • Triana: A lively shopping and strolling district with pedestrian streets, cafés, and historic façades.
  • Vegueta: The old town area known for colonial-era architecture and atmospheric plazas.
  • Fuente Luminosa: A prominent fountain and landmark that makes for a pleasant walk from the park.
  • Calle Mayor de Triana: The main commercial street nearby, great for browsing shops and people-watching.
  • Parque Doramas: A larger green space a short ride away, good for a longer, more garden-like park visit.

The Parque San Telmo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

Free

Address: Av. Rafael Cabrera, 30, 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 2 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs