The peaks of the municipality crown the great depression of Tejeda, born of an immense sinking caldera, carved by the waters and flooded by volcanoes. The basaltic monoliths - geological symbols of the island - crown the municipality and are a great draw for visitors. 

This spectacular landscape was christened by Unamuno as “The Petrified Storm”.

The first evidence of settlers in Tejeda dates back to the third century A.D. The first settlers of the summit area of the island settled in the existing caves, adapting them to make them more habitable. This type of housing survives today in some neighbourhoods of the municipality.

The most important pre-Hispanic settlement is located in the Sierra del Bentayga. This impregnable fortress held the barns and silos where the locals stored and preserved their food, mainly cereals. It is also home to the almogarén, or sacred site, where they practiced their religious rites. All of these wonders form part of one of the archaeological parks of the Canary Islands.

The inhabitants of this area practiced agriculture and herded livestock, both activities supporting a sizeable number of inhabitants.

When a feudal system was established on the island of Gran Canaria, dividing it into different "states" ruled by commanders, Tejeda was governed by Texeda, hence its name, and was a very populous area, as can be deduced from the archeological finds in Roque Bentayga, the Cuevas del Rey y del Guayre, El Toscón and Las Cumbres.

After the conquest, population growth slowed and it wasn't until the middle of the eighteenth century that the figure of a thousand would be exceeded. At present, the remoteness and isolation of the Tejeda area from the island's administrative and economic centres deter people from settling there.

Nevertheless, the village of Tejeda is very welcoming to visitors, and well-accustomed to the comings and goings of tourists.

Among its residents we still find those who make their living from traditions linked to livestock, agriculture and the elaboration of cheeses.

The music of the Canary Islands is also going strong among the inhabitants of Tejeda. They play Isas, Folías, Malagueñas and other folkloric songs on tiples (a treble guitar) and guitars at all Tejeda's festivals, keeping the musical traditions of the area alive.

The climate of the Canary Islands means that parties and events can take place on the streets practically all year round. Unsurprisingly, as a result the locals are an extroverted and affectionate bunch who enjoy sharing their songs and parties with visitors. The tiple is the most representative instrument in Canary Island folk music. It is the star instrument in local music. 

Tejeda has a strong tradition of pagenats and musical parades, including for example "La parranda de los Pisaflores", "La Parranda del Botellín", "Los Parranderos de la Cumbre", "La Parranda del Carrizal", "Los Molina del Toscón" and "Los Tardíos del Juncal".

Although the local folk music is based on simple harmonic progressions, today numerous musical groups have given it a more complex modern touch. Among them, it would certainly be worth mentioning "Los Gofiones" (www.losgofiones.com).

Tejeda's agricultural production is of extraordinary quality. The perfect adaptation of the crops to the environment, along with traditional production processes, guarantee unparalleled flavours and textures. Potatoes, plums, almonds, cheese, etc. are a pleasure for the palate. 

Tejeda is famous for its almond trees, the nuts of which are used to make all manner of almond-based desserts and sweet treats.

Try the famous “Bienmesabe” which is exquisite with ice cream, or the traditional marzipan confectionary, both typical products of the municipality. The village of Tejeda has a confectionary shop where you can find a wide range of handmade treats.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry has not overlooked the properties of the bitter almond, also represented in Tejeda's fields. There are locals who swear by a bitter almond a day for keeping diabetes at bay. 

On the Canary Islands, a particular way of stewing potatoes with their skin on is common. This technique is referred to as “wrinkling the potatoes.” The final result can be seen in the photo and you can taste it in any of the restaurants in the municipality. "Papas arrugadas", or wrinkled potatoes, served with spicy mojo sauce, are the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Tejeda also produces excellent artisanal cheese. The area's cheese-making tradition has prompted some local entrepreneurs to combine traditional techniques with modern procedures, resulting in exquisite cheeses. The Canary Islands is a region with a great variety of delicious cheeses.

Tejeda's houses and buildings preserve valuable elements of the municipality's traditional architecture. Stone, wood and tile are the typical building materials used in the municipality's traditional architecture.

The close relationship between man and the environment in the Tejeda Basin finds a magnificent example in the cave-houses. Scattered throughout the municipality we can see settlements in caves such as Ronda, Cuevas Caidas or El Toscón. 

This type of traditional site had a double objective. On the one hand, safeguarding productive agricultural areas, and on the other, improving the living conditions of its inhabitants, since the caves provide warmth in winter and coolness in summer. A practical example of ecology to be conserved and enhanced.

The traditional craft of carpentry proclaims its Mudejar origin, coming from the lower Andalusia region, while certain architectural elements appear Portuguese in origin.