Torreón de San Pedro Mártir
Historic 16th-century coastal defense tower in Las Palmas, offering sea views and neighborhood charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Torreón de San Pedro Mártir
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 16th-century coastal defense tower in Las Palmas, offering sea views and neighborhood charm.
"A nice historical place, but be careful with the sea water splash on the pavement!"
🌊 Watch for Sea Spray
Be cautious of waves splashing onto the pavement, especially during high tide. Stay alert!
🌅 Capture the Dawn
The Torreón offers incredible views at sunrise, perfect for photographers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Torreón de San Pedro Mártir
San Cristóbal neighborhood
A historic 16th-century defensive tower, also known as Castillo de San Cristóbal, guarding the coast.
Sunrise/Sunset Views
Exterior of the Torreón
Capture breathtaking coastal vistas and dramatic skies from this vantage point.
San Cristóbal Neighborhood Charm
Surrounding streets
Wander through this authentic maritime barrio with local eateries and a relaxed atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring San Cristóbal
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Watch for Sea Spray
Be cautious of waves splashing onto the pavement, especially during high tide. Stay alert!
🌅 Capture the Dawn
The Torreón offers incredible views at sunrise, perfect for photographers.
🍽️ Enjoy Local Eats
The surrounding San Cristóbal neighborhood has great restaurants and bars to explore.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Take a pleasant walk along the seafront promenade near the Torreón.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Watch for Sea Spray
Be cautious of waves splashing onto the pavement, especially during high tide. Stay alert!
🌅 Capture the Dawn
The Torreón offers incredible views at sunrise, perfect for photographers.
🍽️ Enjoy Local Eats
The surrounding San Cristóbal neighborhood has great restaurants and bars to explore.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Take a pleasant walk along the seafront promenade near the Torreón.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Torreón de San Pedro Mártir to be a small but historically interesting site, particularly appreciated for its location in the charming San Cristóbal neighborhood. While some note its size, many enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to explore local restaurants and coastal views. The sea spray can be a minor hazard, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile, historical stop.
"Not a lot to see, very small for a castle, and slightly off shore. Nice walk along the promonade. An "intesting" area to visit, just off the main road."
D&M
"Nothing special, nothing in there to enjoy if not only the uncomfortable stone to lie down 😉"
Stefano Luci
"Seafront barrio (neighborhood) of Las Palmas. Good restaurants and bars available. Well worth a visit."
Tino Gonzalez Lacoste (Tino)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Torreón is located in the San Cristóbal neighborhood of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You can reach it by car, taxi, or local bus services. It's situated just off the main road, making it accessible for a quick visit.
Street parking is available in the San Cristóbal neighborhood, though it can be limited during peak times. Consider arriving earlier in the day or during off-peak hours.
It's a bit of a walk from the main city center, likely over an hour. Taking a bus or taxi is more convenient if you're not keen on a long stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Torreón is an exterior historical site, and generally, there's no admission fee to view it from the outside. You can walk around the area freely.
As an outdoor monument, it's accessible at any time. However, for the best experience and photography, consider visiting during daylight hours or for sunrise/sunset.
No, there is no entrance fee to see the Torreón de San Pedro Mártir (Castillo de San Cristóbal) from the exterior.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at the Torreón. The golden hour hues create stunning visuals against the sea and the historic structure.
The promenade offers excellent vantage points for capturing the Torreón with the ocean as a backdrop. Experiment with different angles along the coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the Torreón with its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant sea views. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the San Cristóbal neighborhood is known for its good restaurants and bars. You can find local seafood and other traditional Canarian dishes nearby.
Expect fresh seafood, tapas, and authentic Canarian cuisine. It's a great place to experience local flavors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open space around the tower allows kids to move around, but parents should be mindful of the sea spray, especially if the children are very young.📸 Photographers
The rugged coastline and the sea spray can add dynamic elements to your shots. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the tower against the vast sea, and a tripod for stability in low light conditions. The surrounding San Cristóbal neighborhood also offers charming street photography opportunities.🚶♂️ History Buffs
While the structure itself is modest, its historical context as a coastal fortification is significant. Exploring the San Cristóbal neighborhood further enhances the historical immersion, connecting the tower to the maritime life of the era.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The tower has witnessed numerous historical events, including direct assaults on the city by corsairs and military forces from various nations.Over time, the structure underwent reconstructions, notably after suffering damage from pirate raids in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The current form reflects these historical adaptations, standing as a testament to the city's resilience. Visiting the Torreón offers a tangible connection to the maritime past and the strategic importance of Gran Canaria in historical trade routes.
While the Torreón itself is relatively small, its historical significance and location in the vibrant San Cristóbal neighborhood make it an interesting stop. It's a reminder of the island's past as a key port and a target for maritime powers.
Experiencing the San Cristóbal Neighborhood
Travelers often highlight the excellent restaurants and bars found in San Cristóbal, making it a perfect spot to combine sightseeing with a culinary experience. You can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal community.
Beyond the Torreón, a walk along the promenade offers pleasant views and a chance to observe the daily routines of the residents. The neighborhood's charm lies in its unpretentious authenticity and its connection to the sea, providing a refreshing contrast to more developed tourist areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit