Ermita de San Telmo 3
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San Telmo Chapel

4.4
·247 reviews·Puerto de la Cruz, Spain

Ancient cliffside chapel with breathtaking ocean views, offering a dramatic contrast of white architecture against the blue sea.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late weekend afternoons

Higher chance of being open

CrowdLow
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Ermita de San Telmo 3

San Telmo Chapel

Best Time

Late weekend afternoons

Higher chance of being open

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient cliffside chapel with breathtaking ocean views, offering a dramatic contrast of white architecture against the blue sea.

4.4
(247 reviews)

"A beauty of a little gem in the gorgeous coast and cliff side of Puerto de la Cruz."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Hours

The chapel is frequently closed. Try late weekend afternoons for a chance to get inside. :clock10:

Capture the Scenery

The cliffside location offers amazing photo opportunities. White walls contrast beautifully with the blue sky. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cliffside Vistas

Cliffside Vistas

Exterior

Dramatic ocean views from the edge of a high cliff. A truly breathtaking natural backdrop.

Architectural Details

Architectural Details

Exterior

Whitewashed walls with striking basalt stone porticoes and a unique belfry. Simple yet elegant design.

Baroque Altar Paintings

Baroque Altar Paintings

Interior (if accessible)

Intricate Baroque decorative paintings framing the altar, a testament to artistic skill.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

San Telmo Chapel is often closed, so plan your visit for late weekend afternoons. Check local schedules for events like weddings, which might offer a rare chance to see inside. The stunning cliffside location is accessible anytime for breathtaking views.

Photography Opportunities

The chapel's stark white walls against the deep blue ocean offer incredible photo ops. Capture the dramatic cliffside setting and the contrast of the architecture with the natural landscape. Be mindful of potential closures if your primary goal is interior photography.

Best Times

When
Late weekend afternoons
Why
Higher chance of being open
Crowd
Low
When
Anytime
Why
For stunning cliff views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#tenerife #puertodelacruz #canarias
@dasha_drifts
15.9K likes • 216.4K views

Check Opening Hours

The chapel is frequently closed. Try late weekend afternoons for a chance to get inside. :clock10:

Capture the Scenery

The cliffside location offers amazing photo opportunities. White walls contrast beautifully with the blue sky. :camerawithflash:

🤔 ¿Sabías que la ermita de San Telmo es uno de los lugares más desconocidos, pero con mayor encanto del Puerto de la Cruz? Su ubicación sobre un acantilado ofrece unas vistas impresionantes que, año tras año, protagonizan las fotografías de miles de turistas. Apúntala en tu lista y descúbrela en tu próxima visita ✅ 🤔 Did you know that the chapel of San Telmo is one of the most unknown but most ...
skyviewhoteltenerife
6 likes • 278 views
Lovely day trip with mama & papa to visit the breathtaking site of San Telmo chapel, Zumaia and Zarautz beach ( All of this is only a few kms away from San Sebastián ) 😍😍😍😍 ( via a giant home cooked chorizo and fried peppers omelette baguette #ricoricoyconfundamento 😛 ) #daytrip #mamaandpapa #ermitadesantelmo #gipuzkoa #basquecoast #euskadi #elnorte #basquecountry #ochoapellidosvascos #londonart #...
iggstamatic
33 likes • 316 views

Explore Nearby Battery

Don't miss the remains of the old San Telmo battery nearby, including a guard booth and palisade. :ruins:

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Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Hours

The chapel is frequently closed. Try late weekend afternoons for a chance to get inside. :clock10:

Capture the Scenery

The cliffside location offers amazing photo opportunities. White walls contrast beautifully with the blue sky. :camerawithflash:

Explore Nearby Battery

Don't miss the remains of the old San Telmo battery nearby, including a guard booth and palisade. :ruins:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(247 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the breathtaking cliffside location and stunning ocean views, calling it a beautiful gem. However, many note that the chapel itself is frequently closed, leading to disappointment for those hoping to explore the interior. The architecture is appreciated for its simplicity and contrast with the natural landscape.

"A small church, which does not impress in anything. There are several similar churches on the island, all equally ordinary. What is beautiful is the location, right on the edge of a high cliff, from where you have a beautiful view of the ocean. I passed through the area many times and it was always closed, with the exception of one late weekend afternoon, when it was hosting a wedding."

Paul Ciprian

"It is a rectangular building with a gable Arabic tiled roof. The walls are made of masonry and smeared with lime. Two identical basalt stone porticoes are the only decorative elements that interrupt the whitewashed walls. Both were located on simple pilasters supporting two semicircular arches.

The main facade is oriented to the west. There is a belfry with two bodies on a small moulding, in the upper right part: the first, in which the bell is located, has a quadrangular shape and cornice; the second is smaller and ends with a top. The frontispiece ends with a small cross.

The peduncle passes through two facades (north and west), which have a portico like a basement. The marsty, at the head of the temple, has other proportions from the rest of the building: the roof is single-sloped and lower in height; there is also a small door in front.

Inside the hermit, we can evaluate the root armour of the mudejar, a pair and a joint in the shape of a gutter. The shoulder straps decorated with carved geometric motifs and lace rest on pairs of carved guns in the form of curls.

On the back wall, behind the altar, decorative paintings on fallen leaves, cartouches, etc.; typical Baroque decoration, framing and complementing the altar and extending vertically to the board, occupying part of the roof (up to the first bracket).

The remains of the old San Telmo battery adjoin the square: a guard booth and palisade - a medium-height wall and pointed piles - are in front of the pediment, towards the presbytery, at the top of a cave dug by the sea, we find a small round room with a vault: a powder barrel."

oksana osiniene

"Rusty bell and tower of Ermita de San Telmo cliffside historic white chapel, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands
A beauty of a little gem in the gorgeous coast and cliff side of Puerto de la Cruz. Take time to go inside but outside has many great vantage points and options for photography. The chapel's white walls contrast greatly with the ever dark blue sky"

Komeil Karimi

What People Like

Spectacular ocean views
Dramatic cliffside setting
Striking white architecture

What People Dislike

Chapel often closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Telmo Chapel is located on a cliffside in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. While specific public transport routes might vary, it's often best accessed by car or taxi, especially given its somewhat remote cliff location. Parking availability can be limited, so consider arriving early if driving. The dramatic setting makes the journey worthwhile. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to San Telmo Chapel can be scarce. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes that get you close to Puerto de la Cruz and then consider a short taxi ride or a scenic walk to the chapel. Reddit

From Puerto de la Cruz, you can typically reach San Telmo Chapel by car or taxi. The drive offers glimpses of the stunning coastline. Walking is also an option for the more adventurous, allowing you to soak in the coastal scenery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no admission fee to visit San Telmo Chapel. However, the chapel is frequently closed, so entry is not guaranteed. It's best to check for any local events or services that might be taking place. Reddit

The opening hours for San Telmo Chapel are inconsistent, and it is often found closed. Visitors have reported success visiting during late weekend afternoons. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding interior access. Reddit

No, San Telmo Chapel is not always open. Many visitors report finding it closed. The best chance to see inside is often during late weekend afternoons, or if there's a special event like a wedding. Reddit

While a wedding might mean the chapel is closed to general visitors, it does indicate a time when the chapel is open. Some visitors might be able to observe from a distance or inquire about brief access if appropriate. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of San Telmo Chapel, with its white walls against the dramatic blue ocean and cliffside setting, is incredibly photogenic. The surrounding coastal views also offer fantastic vantage points for capturing the chapel's beauty. Reddit

If you are fortunate enough to enter San Telmo Chapel, photography of the interior, particularly the Baroque altar paintings, is usually permitted. However, always be respectful of any ongoing services or private events. Reddit

There are generally no specific restrictions on exterior photography. For interior photography, it's always best to be discreet and respectful, especially if services are being held. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

San Telmo Chapel features a simple, rectangular design with a gable Arabic tiled roof and whitewashed masonry walls. It is characterized by two identical basalt stone porticoes with semicircular arches. The belfry on the main facade adds a distinct element. Reddit

The chapel itself is an ancient Catholic place of worship. Adjacent to it are the remains of the old San Telmo battery, including a guard booth and palisade, hinting at its historical defensive role. Reddit

Inside, you might find Mudejar-style roof armor, with decorative geometric motifs. The rear wall behind the altar features Baroque decorative paintings, typical of the era, framing the altar. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the chapel itself might be small and often closed, the dramatic cliffside location offers a unique experience for families. The expansive ocean views can captivate children, and the open space around the chapel provides room to explore safely (with supervision). Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The nearby remnants of the San Telmo battery might also spark curiosity about history. Reddit

📸 Photographers

San Telmo Chapel is a dream for photographers. The contrast of the white chapel against the vibrant blue ocean and sky is iconic. Capture wide-angle shots of the dramatic cliffside setting, or focus on the architectural details like the basalt porticoes and belfry. Golden hour light can create particularly stunning images. Be prepared for potential closures if interior shots are a priority. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For those seeking a moment of quiet contemplation or a romantic backdrop, San Telmo Chapel's cliffside perch is ideal. The serene ocean views offer a peaceful escape. If the chapel is open, a brief visit inside can be charming. Otherwise, simply enjoying the scenery together is a memorable experience. Consider visiting during sunset for an extra touch of magic. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dramatic Setting

San Telmo Chapel is renowned not for its interior grandeur, but for its spectacular location. Perched dramatically on a high cliff overlooking the vast ocean, the chapel offers unparalleled panoramic views. The stark white of its walls provides a striking contrast against the deep blue of the sea and sky, making it a photographer's dream. Visitors often describe the setting as breathtaking and a highlight of their visit, even if the chapel itself is closed. Reddit

The surrounding coastline is rugged and beautiful, adding to the chapel's dramatic appeal. It's a place where the power of nature meets a touch of human devotion. The sound of the waves crashing below and the salty sea air contribute to a truly immersive experience. Reddit

Architectural Features

The chapel itself is a relatively simple, rectangular structure with a traditional gable roof covered in Arabic tiles. Its walls are constructed from masonry and finished with lime plaster, giving them a clean, whitewashed appearance. The primary decorative elements are two identical porticoes made of basalt stone, featuring semicircular arches supported by simple pilasters. These break the uniformity of the whitewashed facade and add a touch of classic design. Reddit

A notable feature is the belfry, located on the upper right part of the main west-facing facade. It has two distinct bodies, with the lower, quadrangular section housing the bell and the smaller upper section culminating in a top. The frontispiece is crowned with a small cross. The chapel's design emphasizes a blend of functional simplicity and understated elegance, allowing its stunning natural setting to take center stage. Reddit

Historical Context: The San Telmo Battery

Adjacent to the chapel's square are the remnants of the old San Telmo battery. This historical site includes a guard booth and a palisade, which is a medium-height wall with pointed piles. These structures offer a glimpse into the area's past defensive strategies. Reddit

Further exploration reveals a small, round room with a vault, designed as a powder barrel, situated at the top of a cave carved by the sea. This historical military outpost, situated near the chapel, adds another layer of interest to the site, suggesting a strategic importance of this cliffside location throughout history. Reddit

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