🗺️Insider's Guide to Tenerife

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For those who already know this island is Europe's ultimate PARADISE 🏝️and are thinking of staying for a while, don't forget you have access to the COMPLETE guide with all the spots saved for quick access through the Thatch app!

David | Tropical Spanish

🗺️Complete Insider's Guide to Tenerife

Tenerife truly stands out for its diverse panoramic views. From any point on the island you can reach an elevation above the clouds in less than an hour. Visiting its viewpoints is undoubtedly the best way to experience the island's charm. That's why I've decided to focus the guide on highlighting the 7 essential viewpoints 🤩 that should be included in any visit. You'll discover the island one viewpoint at a time. No matter how much time you have or what your interests are, your mission should be to make it to these viewpoints at all costs. Don't miss any of them. After that, you can take some time to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool...😎 The guide also includes: 📣 Essential Information: tips, towns, must-visit spots, local cuisine, top activities and more. 🍽️ 5 authentic 'guachinches' (local restaurants) 🍸 5 bars with stunning views 🍦 The best ice cream spot 🍝 4 places for international food 🍳 8 brunch spots 📍 + 100 pinned places to explore from anywhere on the island And if you still have time and energy, you can explore the list of 17 hidden gems 💎 These are lesser-known and unique places that are worth discovering. Many locals believe that sharing these places will only lead to them getting spoiled and lost forever... I'd like to think that this guide will be in good hands and that visitors will take care of the islands just as well or even better than we do🙏 Note: just click on any location within the guide or map and you'll instantly get directions on your phone's Google Maps app. Make sure to download the Thatch app for a seamless and convenient experience! P.S.: once you save this guide you’ll have it for life and can access it any time on the Thatch app. You’ll also get any updates* that I make to the guide later on🔐

Digital Nomads • Family • Backpacker • Groups • Adventure • Beach • Road Trip • Foodie • Budget • Nature • Photography • Relaxation • Mountain • Slow Travel

$12.00

Guide

Emoji Key

🏛️ Explore the town

📸 Visit popular spots

🏖️ Hit the beach

🏊🏻 Take a dip in the pool

🍽️ Savor the food

🍸 Enjoy a drink

⚡Engage in an activity

✅10 tips

1) Opt for guided tours when visiting mountainous areas if you're an inexperienced driver, especially on the roads of Teno and Anaga.

2) Wear sturdy footwear for walking on loose and abrasive terrain and use water shoes in natural pools to prevent cuts and slips.

3) Make reservations two months in advance if you plan to visit the summit of Mount Teide. Otherwise, you'll need to take the official guided tour to reach the summit. Also, secure tickets for the cable car ride and to access the Barranco de Masca and El Pijaral hike route in Anaga.

4) To hike the Masca trail, it is recommended to book a guided tour or use public transportation because there are very few parking spaces available in the town and a maximum limit of 2 hours.

5) Stay at least 2 nights in La Laguna or Puerto de la Cruz to explore the northern area. Keep in mind that traveling from La Laguna to Teno takes the same amount of time as going from Adeje (+1 h).

6) Ascend Mount Teide from La Esperanza (starting from La Laguna). This route passes through the best viewpoints of the Teide National Park.

7) Note that the natural beaches in the north only have sand during summer (Los Patos, El Socorro, El Bollullo, etc).

8) It's important to bring some warm clothing when visiting Teide National Park. The temperatures can vary significantly compared to the coastal areas, with minimums ranging from below freezing to around 15 degrees depending on the month and elevation.

10) Don't miss the chance to enjoy authentic local cuisine at a 'guachinche.' Even if you don't speak Spanish, I assure you it'll be one of the best experiences during your visit.

🤩7 Viewpoints

1. Playa de las Teresitas

Mirador de la Playa de las Teresitas

@TropicalSpanish

This beach will be the first image of Tenerife you'll see in any guidebook. With or without image retouching, this beach looks unlike any other on the island. The truth is, it has very fine sand brought from the Sahara that easily lifts with the wind and the water is very shallow in the first few meters from the shore. However, the views from the lookout point are undeniably spectacular. Definitely a must-visit. From here, you will also have access to the Anaga Rural Park, where you can choose to complete some of its trails like El Pijaral or visit Benijo Beach, a popular spot among the locals in Santa Cruz.

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🏛️ Santa Cruz de Tenerife

🏖️ Playa de las Gaviotas | Playa de Benijo | Playa del Roque de las Bodegas | Playa de Almáciga

🏊🏻 Parque Marítimo César Manrique | Zona de Charcos del Área Funcional de Valleseco

🍳 Umami Good Food

🍦 Heladería El Sueño

⚡ Palmetum | Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueología | Carnaval (Feb-Mar) | Tenerife Espacio de las Artes guided tour

⚡⚡ El Pijaral-The Enchanted Forest hike

⚡⚡⚡ Hike to Antequera beach

2. Cruz del Carmen

Mirador Cruz del Carmen

@TropicalSpanish

From this location, you can enjoy two unique experiences in the Anaga Rural Park: the breathtaking views and the laurel forest. You'll have a panoramic view of the distant silhouette of Mount Teide, as well as the Vega Lagunera and the city of La Laguna from an elevation of almost 1000 meters above sea level. This area is also the starting point for many of the park's trails, such as the Trail of the Senses. Take the opportunity to visit the Anaga Rural Park Visitor Center and inquire about the different trails available based on your available time and physical ability. Further ahead, you'll come across the Pijaral area, one of the protected natural spaces in the Canary Islands with a rich diversity of ferns and an outstanding example of laurel forest (reservation required).

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🏛️ La Laguna | La Orotava | Puerto de la Cruz

🏖️ Playa del Castillo | Playa de Arenal | Playa Maria Jiménez

🏊🏻 Lago Martiánez | Piscina Natural de Bajamar | Piscina Natural Punta del Hidalgo | Piscina natural de Jóver

🍳 The Brunch Factory | Makika & Co

🍝 Arepera La Carajita

🍸 La Baranda Chill-Out | Terrazas del Sauzal | Café Vista Paraíso

⚡Visiting Loro Parque | Visit vineyards in Tacoronte and La Orotava | Guided free tour around La Laguna

⚡⚡Sendero de los Sentidos

⚡⚡⚡ Rappelling down the Los Arcos ravine

3. Chipeque

Mirador de Chipeque

@TropicalSpanish

It's impossible to choose just one viewpoint on the way to Teide. It's impossible to resist the temptation to stop at every one of them. I've chosen this viewpoint because it's one of the best to experience one of the most unique moments Tenerife has to offer: watching the sunset over the sea of clouds. It's an incredible experience that can be enjoyed in very few places around the world and it's by far the most underrated experience in Tenerife. Teide National Park also offers some of the best stargazing opportunities on Earth, thanks to its clear skies. At night, you can see up to 83 out of the 88 registered constellations in the sky. All of this, combined with the multitude of trails to explore the park and feel like you're on another planet or conquer the highest peak in Spain (3718 m / 12,198 ft), will require at least a full day to fully enjoy it.

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🏛️ Vilaflor

🍽️ Bodegón Campestre | Restaurante El Pariente

⚡Stargazing

⚡⚡Hiking routes: Roques de García, Chinyero Volcano, Mirador de Samara and more.

⚡⚡⚡Hiking to the summit of Mount Teide (3,718 m/ 12,198 ft) | Pico Viejo (3,119 m/ 10,266 ft) | Mount Guajara (2,718 m/ 8,917 ft)

4. Punta del Frailete

Mirador Punta del Frailete

@TropicalSpanish

For many, it's a hidden gem, but for me, it's a must-visit. Few places on the island maintain their wild state like Teno. The view of the cliffs from this side is like something out of a movie. The area offers a unique opportunity to distinguish a line in the sea that separates the contrasting strong waves of the north and the south. It's a peaceful area where you can enjoy a leisurely walk, take plenty of photos, and have a swim with privileged views. You can also explore nearby towns such as Garachico or Icod de Los Vinos. For the past few years, Punta de Teno has been a protected area, requiring traffic regulation and avoiding overcrowding. Therefore, road access is prohibited from 10:00 to 19:00 in winter, and from 9:00 to 20:00 in summer. The only way to reach Punta de Teno is by using the buses that depart every hour from the Buenavista Norte bus station. The journey from the station to Punta de Teno takes about 20 minutes, and the road is really narrow and elevated. You'll get breathtaking views of the cliff!

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🏛️ Icod de los Vinos | Garachico

📸 Cueva del viento | Parque del Drago Milenario | Paisaje Protegido de Rambla de Castro | Jardín Botánico

🏖️ Playa del Socorro | Playa de Los Roques

🏊🏻 Piscinas Naturales de El Caletón

🍽️ El Rincón de Edu

⚡ Cueva del viento (wind cave)

⚡⚡Sendero Las Aguas - La Rambla

5. Masca

Mirador de Masca

@TropicalSpanish

This viewpoint deserves a special mention. The village of Masca has a unique charm that not many get to experience. In my case, it was a delightful discovery when I was already 20 years old. It turns out that it's one of those places that tourists know more than the locals. Exploring the ravine from top to bottom revealed my absolute favorite corner of the island. I had some great moments there and I hope you get the chance to experience it too.

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🏛️ Masca

📸 Mirador Altos de Baracán | Mirador De Cherfe | Charcas De Erjos

🍽️ Bodegón Patamero

⚡⚡Trekking through the Masca Valley

⚡⚡⚡ Descending Los Carrizales

6. Achipenque

Mirador Archipenque

@TropicalSpanish

This part of the island is well-known among tourists. But with good reason, the views of these cliffs, reaching up to 600 meters (1969ft), are breathtaking. Taking a swim at the beach or in one of its pools while watching the sunset with the island of La Gomera in the background is a magical experience. From Los gigantes you can also explore the Tenerife-La Gomera marine area, Europe's first Whale Heritage site. Join a unique activity that respects and protects whales and dolphins, allowing you to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

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🏖️ Playa de los Guíos | Playa de la Arena Playa del Camisón | Playa del Duque | Playa de Fañabe | Playa de las Vistas

🏊🏻 Charco de Isla Cangrejo

🍽️ El Corral del Pollo de Adeje | Restaurante Las Goteras | Restaurante El Rancho | Restaurante La Caleta

🍳 Pistacho Coffee Brunch | The burger Cafe | Palmera Coffee Brunch Tenerife Sur | Bloom Bar & Brunch | Tierra Café

🍝 Oro di Napoli | Restaurante Napule

🍸 Monkey Beach Club

⚡Barranco del Infierno Gorge Walk | Whale and dolphin watching | Paddle-boarding | Visiting Siam Park

⚡⚡Kayaking with Turtles | Diving and snorkeling | Surfing in Playa de Las Américas

⚡⚡⚡El Agujero de Los Gigantes Trail

7. El Médano

Mirador El Medano

@TropicalSpanish

From the very beach you'll have privileged views of the coast. El Médano is the go-to summer town for the locals. It's a vibrant place with plenty of activities to enjoy. You'll find many places to eat tapas and a wide variety of sports to practice. It's also the windiest area of the island, with windmills dotting the landscape and kitesurfers riding the waves.

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🏖️ Playa del Médano

🏊🏻 Piscinas Naturales Los Abrigos

🍽️ Rancho de Nino | Agua y Sal | Rincón del Marinero | Restaurante El Rocás | Restaurante El Cordero

🍸Chiringuito pirata

⚡Visiting mountain vineyards in Abona | Visiting Las Margaritas banana farm

⚡⚡Kitesurf, Surf or Windsurf in El Médano | Montaña Roja hike

🍝Local cuisine

In Tenerife, we have a wide range of local delicacies that you shouldn't miss. Some of the must-try dishes include:

- Gofio: A roasted grain flour used in various dishes and desserts.

- Bananas: Tenerife is known for its delicious and sweet bananas.

- Tomatoes: The island produces flavorful and juicy tomatoes.

- Honey: Tenerife is home to different varieties of honey with unique flavors.

- Local cheeses: Try the different types of cheeses made from goat or sheep milk.

🦞 If you're a seafood lover, make sure to taste the rejo de pulpo (octopus stew), sardinas fritas (fried sardines), camarones (prawns) and lapas (limpets).

🥩 For meat dishes, don't miss out on carne de cabra en salsa (stewed goat meat), carne fiesta (a festive meat dish), costillas de cerdo con piña (pork ribs with corn) or conejo en salmorejo (marinated rabbit).

🧑‍🍳 For traditional dishes, you can enjoy escaldón (a cornmeal dish), garbanzas compuestas (a chickpea stew), papas arrugadas with mojo sauce (wrinkled potatoes) and ropa vieja (shredded beef stew).

🍨 And to satisfy your sweet tooth, try quesillo (a type of flan), mousse de gofio or bienmesabe (a dessert made with almonds), among others...

Lastly, make sure to taste almogrote, a delicious cheese spread that you can find in many guachinches (local restaurants) and supermarket.

⭐ As of 2023, Tenerife boasts five Michelin-star restaurants, including the only two-Michelin-stars in the Canaries:

- El Rincón de Juan Carlos at the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort, known for Canarian-fusion cuisine by the Padrón brothers.

The one-Michelin-starred restaurants are:

- Abama Kabuki at the Abama hotel, offering Japanese-inspired cuisine by chef Ricardo Sanz.

- Nub, the Italian-Chilean restaurant at the Bahía del Duque hotel, run by Andre Bernardi and Fernanda Fuentes-Cárdenas, bridging Europe and America with Canary Island products.

- San-Hô at the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort, featuring a fusion of Japanese, Peruvian, and Canarian cuisine created by chefs Adrián Bosch and Eduardo Domínguez.

⚡Activities

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Exploring Teide National Park

There are endless trails through this astonishing lunarscape. Some routes to consider are:

- Chinyero Volcano (7.2 km/4.5 mi, 2 h)

- Roques de Garcia (3.6 km/2.2 mi, 1 h)

- Pico Viejo (14 km/8.7 mi, 6 h)

- Mirador de Samara (5,1 km/ 3.17 mi, 3 h)

Hiking to the summit of Mount Teide (3,718 m/ 12,198 ft)

Embark on a challenging and rewarding hike to the summit of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. It takes around five hours (9km/5.5 miles) if you hike all the way up from the foot of Montaña Blanca at 2349m (7707ft) without using the cable car.

Teide summit access permit

www.reservasparquesnacionales.es

Taking the cable car to the summit of Mount Teide

Enjoy a spectacular ride on the cable car that takes you to the summit of Mount Teide. The summit is around 40 minutes to the top from the upper cable car station at 3555m (11,663ft) along the Sendero Telesforo Bravo path.

If you don’t manage to get the permit to get to the summit, here are 2 alternatives:

- Trail No. 11 to the La Fortaleza viewpoint, with views over the northern side of Tenerife (0.58 km/ 0.36 miles, 25 min).

- Trail No. 12 to the Pico Viejo viewpoint, with views to the southern slopes of the island (0.75 km/ 0.47 miles, 30 min).

You can also climb the Teide without a permit if you book the cable car ticket with a guided tour to the Pico Viejo viewpoint.

Activities using Tenerife's Mount Teide Cable Car | Volcano Teide

www.volcanoteide.com

Teide Stargazing Experience

Teide National Park is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing because of the clear skies.

In the night 83 out of the 88 registered constellations are visible in the sky.

If you choose to do stargazing on your own, please be aware that there are very few streetlights in the national park, so keep that in mind when returning to your hotel.

Visiting the Anaga Rural Park

Embark into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with walks like the Sendero de los Sentidos (Trail of the Senses) or El Pijaral (The Enchanted Forest), which allow you to appreciate the park's biodiversity, ancient laurel forests and stunning views.

Other notable routes to consider are:

- Hiking route PR-TF3 linking Casas de La Cumbre - Valle Brosque - Casa Forestal through the laurel forest and willow trees (8km/5 miles round trip).

- Hiking route PR-TF8 linking Afur, Taganana and Tamadite beach (14km/8.5 miles round trip).

Trail reservations for El Pijaral (45 spots per day)

centralreservas.tenerife.es

Trekking through the Masca Valley

This hike takes you through dramatic canyons, towering cliffs, and lush vegetation. As you navigate the rugged terrain, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

It's a 10km (6.5-mile) round trip, taking approximately 7 hours to walk. To ensure the preservation of the area, access to the barranco is limited to weekends, and there is a daily visitor cap.

Alternatively, you can take a boat from Masca beach to Los Gigantes or Punta de Teno to avoid the steep return hike (the jetty is currently closed).

Until further notice, the Masca Gorge Trail is open on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Getting here | Camino del barranco de Masca

www.caminobarrancodemasca.com

Taking a boat tour to explore the Los Gigantes cliffs

Cruise along the coast of Tenerife, marveling at the towering cliffs that rise majestically from the sea.

Discovering the natural pools of Garachico

These volcanic rock pools have been formed by ancient lava flows, creating unique bathing areas.

Exploring the Laurel Forest of Teno Rural Park

Venture into the Laurel Forest of Teno Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore the ancient laurel trees, moss-covered landscapes, and winding trails like the Lunar Landscape hike.

Visiting the Palmetum

A botanical garden located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, dedicated to showcasing a wide variety of palm trees from around the world.

Visiting Cueva del Viento

Also known as "Wind Cave" is a fascinating natural attraction located in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos. It is one of the longest volcanic caves in the world and is formed by ancient lava tubes created by volcanic activity.

Barranco del Infierno Gorge Walk

It is a popular 3-hour return hiking trail located in Adeje. Access is limited and requires a reservation in advance.

Barranco del Infierno Gorge Walk

www.barrancodelinfierno.es

Theme Parks and Entertainment

Whale and dolphin watching

Immerse yourself in the marine world by taking a whale and dolphin watching tour and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Ocean. Popular spots for these tours include Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón and Los Gigantes.

Visiting Loro Parque

Step into the captivating world of Loro Parque, a renowned animal and theme park in Tenerife. Explore the park's diverse exhibits, which include dolphins, orcas, parrots, penguins, and more.

Enjoying a day at Siam Park

Dive into excitement and fun at Siam Park, one of the largest water parks in Europe. Experience thrilling water slides, including the iconic Tower of Power, where you plunge through a transparent tube surrounded by sharks and rays.

Karting

Feel the need for speed and enjoy the thrill of go-kart racing on the track. Karting Club Tenerife, located in Adeje, provides an exciting racing experience for both children and adults.

Golfing

Tenerife offers several golf courses for enthusiasts of the sport. Some popular golf courses on the island include Golf Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur, Amarilla Golf and Buenavista Golf.

Adventure and Water Sports

Surfing

Catch some waves in popular spots like El Médano, Playa de Las Américas and Punta del Hidalgo.

Windsurfing and kiteboarding

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you try windsurfing or kiteboarding in El Médano.

Jet skiing

Hop on a jet ski and cruise through the clear waters of Costa Adeje.

Parasailing and Paragliding

Soar high above Tenerife's coastline and enjoy breathtaking bird's-eye views with parasailing or paragliding in Adeje or Los Cristianos.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Discover the vibrant underwater world of Tenerife through scuba diving and snorkeling. Some popular spots for diving and snorkeling include Los Gigantes, Las Galletas, Costa Adeje and Radazul.

Most diving spots in Tenerife are a combination of unique lava formations that create rocky mazes and a wealth of Atlantic flora and fauna.

From tiny sea creatures to massive rays, turtles, tunas, sharks, and with some luck, dolphins and whales, you'll encounter a diverse marine life underwater.

Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking

Engage in stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast. Playa de Las Teresitas is a popular spot for paddleboarding and Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes provide excellent settings for kayaking with their scenic coastlines and rock formations.

Mountain biking

Embark on thrilling mountain biking adventures in scenic landscapes of Tenerife. Some popular mountain biking trails can be found in the Anaga Rural Park and the Las Cañadas del Teide area.

Rock climbing and bouldering

Challenge yourself with rock climbing and bouldering in designated areas like Arico or Arico Gorge.

Rappelling

Embark on an exhilarating rappelling adventure in Tenerife's stunning ravines, including Los Arcos and Carrizales.

Cultural and Historical Exploration

Visiting Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueología.

It features exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, paleontology, and geology, showcasing the islands' diverse ecosystems and indigenous cultures.

Visiting Tenerife Espacio de las Artes

Explore the modern art scene at Tenerife Espacio de las Artes. With free guided tours, you'll discover amazing works by Óscar Domínguez and a stunning collection of Canarian art.

Join a guided free tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Laguna

It's a historic town with colonial architecture. You'll have the opportunity to explore its charming streets and learn about its rich history.

Attend to the Carnivals in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

They are a vibrant and colorful celebration celebrated in the months of February or March depending on the year. The parades, music, dance, and incredible costumes create an impressive atmosphere.

Visiting Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África

It's a local market where you can discover a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies. You will find vendors selling meats, fish, seafood, cheeses, spices and other goods. The market is also a great place to find souvenirs and gifts.

Wine tasting in vineyards

Tenerife has several vineyards and wineries that produce excellent wines. Visit vineyards in regions like Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de la Orotava or Abona, and enjoy wine tastings while learning about the local winemaking traditions.

Visiting a banana farm

You'll learn about the cultivation and harvesting process of this popular fruit, as well as gain insights into the local agricultural practices. It's a great way to connect with the island's rich agricultural heritage and appreciate the importance of bananas in Tenerife's economy.

David | Tropical Spanish

🗺️Complete Insider's Guide to Tenerife

Digital Nomads • Family • Backpacker • Groups • Adventure • Beach • Road Trip • Foodie • Budget • Nature • Photography • Relaxation • Mountain • Slow Travel

$12.00

Guide

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David | Tropical Spanish

📍Tenerife local sharing insights for authentic travels. I'm passionate about immersive trips... Those that surprise you with unexpected insights even after investing countless hours in researching on Google or relying on ChatGPT. That's why wherever I go, I strive to connect with locals for the best recommendations beyond the must-visit places. 🤝It's in those connections that I often discover the true treasures. I feel fortunate to have been born in the Canary Islands and to have had the opportunity to live in other incredible places like Ireland (8 months), the Philippines (4 months) and Barcelona, my favorite city (5 years). But my greatest source of pride is the friendships I've made in every place I've been, whether it's Italy, Thailand, Bali, or countless others I've yet to explore, like Argentina or Colombia. If you'd like to follow my future travels, don't hesitate to connect with me on Twitter: 🌴@tropicalspanish

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