10 exciting Days in Tenerife, Itinerary and best Reasons to go

Vanellylife has been on the move again, after a bit of a quiet time. Nope, that’s not true!! We have been travelling in the UK and in Europe but have not been able to share everything with you. We have gathered a ton of material, meaning we need time to write about everything! That’ll come, stay tuned 👍
We wanted to share our latest long European trip: 10 days in the exciting Tenerife in the Canary Islands! Tenerife is an island of contrasts and this blog aims to present our vision of it, detailing an itinerary and pointing out some many reasons to visit.

But first of all…

A bit of context

Where’s Tenerife on the map?

Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) and part of Spain. The archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean opposite the northwestern coast of Africa. It’s only a mere 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Morocco.

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When is the best time to visit Tenerife?

Tenerife has a subtropical climate offering year-round sunshine, with hot summers and very mild winters. A paradise? Yep!

If you’re like-minded, then you will want to plan your trip between November and May, to escape the gloomy cold and dark months we have in Europe in fall and winter, to take care of your levels of vitamin D and dopamine and your overall well-being.

But if you’re looking for the highest temperatures, it’s best to visit Tenerife between June and September.

What’s the weather like in Tenerife?

The sub-tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year, warmth and very low rainfall. Taking London (UK) has a comparison, with its humid temperate oceanic climate. The humid temperate oceanic climate will offer you generous rainfall and moderate sunshine all year round.

How to travel around in Tenerife?

In terms of public transport, this is limited to taxis and buses. However, both are affordable. The bus network is very well developed, allowing you to reach (nearly all of) the most remote parts of the island. The downside is extended travel time and having to rely on bus frequency (usually 1 per hour), meaning you are losing flexibility.

The best option by far – if you have a driving licence – is to rent a car. Once again, it’s affordable (there are lots of good deals on the Internet) and rental companies provide a good service. We had an excellent experience with the Canary Islands’ local car rental company (CICAR). Another good point: the road network is in perfect shape. By far one of the best we have seen, in far far much better condition than the UK network to give a comparison.

We had an Opel Mokka X, with free of charge car seat for Nelly, rented from Queen Sofia Tenerife South Airport (TFS). After 3 days, we started to hear the brakes squeaking (worn brake pads). We called the closest rental agency (Tenerife North Airport): “no problem, just pop by, and we will exchange your car”. Went there, drop the car (without refuelling), and handed over a brand new Opel Mokka with another brand new car seat for Nelly. The whole process took about 5 minutes. No questions asked, and no changes to our rental contract. Absolutely brilliant.

Our itinerary for 10 exciting days of discovering the wild landscapes of Tenerife

Missing long walks in the wild this year, our trip was to be an active one. With hikes in the mountains, on the coasts, in the forest and high expectations to be blown away. And we have not been disappointed! We had a blast!

Have a look at our itinerary below. Hopefully, it will be a source of inspiration to plan your very own trip!

Day 1: Costa del Silencio and the South West part of the island

The schedule for the first day in Tenerife is mainly based on your arrival on the island. For travellers landing and departing from Queen Sofia Tenerife South Airport (TFS), we would advise visiting the South Western part of the island first.

Costa del Silencio is a small modern resort situated on the tip of Tenerife’s south coast, enjoying lots of sunshine all year round. The stony cove beach Playa de Montaña Amarilla is worth a visit and eventually a dip. The spot is famous for snorkelling. There is also a small beach bar “Chiringuito”, may you want or need a drink or a snack. From the playa, there is the possibility to walk along the coast, enjoying the views of the Atlantic and finally reaching bars and restaurants, where you could try a famous local drink: barraquito, a coffee liqueur, prepared using Licor 43, the most popular liqueur in Spain.

After Costa del Silencio and on our way north towards Chio, we would suggest a (quick) stop by Los Cristianos. This one, if you’re like-minded, is just to get a scary reminder of what mass tourism can be and why we are travelling the way we do. The huge party town is clean and well-kept overall. But the natural features of this part of the island and wilderness have disappeared, covered with millions of tons of concrete and tens of thousands of buildings. We found the area oppressive, due to the density of construction and people. Once seen, run away from this nightmare and start your well-deserved trip!

Day 2: Parque Nacional del Teide at the centre of Tenerife

The Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide) is home to the tallest mountain in Spain and the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic, Mount Teide (3,718m). This active volcano last erupted in 1909 and is now a popular tourist destination. If you fancy paying a visit to the top, you can take a cable car where you can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.

The National Park surrounding the volcano with its rugged landscapes makes you feel transported to another planet. There are lots of well-defined and marked paths and therefore there are plenty of possibilities for hiking, such as the circular loop from Paradores Canadas del Teide with an average altitude of 2,300m.

Day 3: Scenic mountain road to Buenavista del Norte via Masca and coastal walk to Punta del Teno

The first part of the day consists of an exceptional mini-road trip through the Teno mountains, following a narrow (but excellent) mountain road, twisting along steep slopes in successive hairpin turns.

Masca is an idyllic mountain village located in the heart of the Parque Rural Teno (Teno Rural Park). It’s known for its picturesque landscape and beautiful Canarian architecture. The hamlet is set in a stunning natural environment, with palm trees, agaves and typical Canarian buildings. A must-see!

The second half of the day is a coastal walk from Buenavista del Norte to Punta de Teno, Tenerife’s westernmost point. The whole area is part of the Parque Rural Teno. The walk follows a very calm and safe road which has been closed to motor traffic (with a few exceptions).

At the end of the walk, you will arrive at the scenic Punta, with its lighthouse built on volcanic rock and its little fishing harbour. You also have lovely views towards the iconic cliffs of Los Gigantes.

Day 4: The North Coast of Tenerife

The North Coast of Tenerife has lots of little towns, villages and viewpoints worth a visit. It is easy to spend a full day going from one point to another, stopping every few kilometres.

As a minimum, we would recommend stopping by Garachico and Puerto de la Cruz. Both towns are very different and have different atmospheres.

Garachico, a step back in time

Garachico is one of the oldest villages in the Canary Islands, dating back to the end of the 15th Century. Founded by a Genoese banker, it became quickly the main trading port on the island, linking mainland Europe and the Spanish colonies in the New World. The nearby volcano, Montaña Negra, erupted in 1706. Lava flows destroyed the main asset of the town – its harbour – and a good part of the city. Garachico never recovered its status as Tenerife’s main port. Luckily, that helped to preserve the city’s historical and cultural riches.

The atmosphere in Garachico is relaxed and inviting to take time sitting in peaceful squares and walking along its pedestrianised streets near the seafront. There is a little rocky island, el Roque de Garachico (the Rock of Garachico) that can be seen just off the coast.

Puerto de la Cruz: A Seaside Oasis

Puerto de la Cruz is an entirely different city with a different vibe. More of a seaside resort with a large variety of hotels. Usually, not our kind of place but Puerto de la Cruz is a charming town which has been able to keep its older districts. It has been a famous tourist destination since the 19th Century. A completely different type of resort in comparison with party towns like Los Christianos. Puerto de la Cruz is also a famous surf spot, with Playa del Socorro,  on the eastern side of the town centre, one of the most frequented beaches by surfers on the whole island.

Enjoy a walk in the centre, the old quarters, Plaza del Charco (bars and restaurants!), the harbour and take a bit of time to relax on the beach!

Day 5 – 6: The Anaga Rural Park and the North East part of the island

The northeastern part of the island is a must-see/must-do. Absolutely stunning. Most of our WOW moments in Tenerife were in the Anaga Rural Park.

The Anaga Rural Park is a highland of mountains with sharp peaks and deep ravines covered with carpets of laurel trees and dotted with charming hamlets. UNESCO has declared Anaga a Biosphere Reserve in 2015. A great place for hiking! And there is a complete network of high-quality trails and paths covering the whole area.

The area is popular among ramblers due to the variety of walks available and the richness of the landscapes.

There is a visitor centre at Cruz del Carmen. We strongly advise you to stop there to get a map and to enquiry about potential closures.

PR-TF-8 – AFUR – TAMADISTE – TAGANANA – A popular walk

Probably one of the most popular trails through Anaga Rural Park. It’s a beautiful circular route that runs between cliffs and laurel forests with views of the Atlantic Ocean all along. The trail is 15km (9 mi) long and intermediate level.

The path leads you to the hamlet of Taganana, which lets you end your walk with a dip in the sea.

BOSQUE DE LOS ENIGMAS – A great family walk

Another trail in Anaga Rural Park that we would recommend is the Bosque de los Enigmas (The Enigma Forest). This is a 7km (3 mi) circular walk, accessible to families and young children.

It’s a perfect walk to relax and enjoy the quietness of the beautiful laurel forest. It is also an educational walk about the forest. Signs (clue mysteries) along the path allow you to discover more about the origin and history of this place and gave its name to the forest and trail.

There are two possible starting points: the Cruz del Carmen visitor centre and the Zapata viewpoint.

THE SENDERO DE LOS SENTIDOS – Another family-friendly walk

The Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) is perfect for families with children and those with reduced mobility as it is full of interactive experiences and contact with nature. Another option for the more adventurous is the circular path around Chamorga. From there you can enjoy impressive views of the Anaga rocks and an abandoned country estate surrounded by dragon trees.

EL PIJARAL – The Enchanted Forest

Located towards the North-Eastern tip of Tenerife in the Anaga Rural Park (= remote!), El Pijaral is a Reserva Natural Integral (Integral Nature Reserve). El Pijaral is also called El Bosque Encantado (The Enchanted Forest) and that’s for a reason. The forest seems straight out of the mind of a medieval fantasy or fairytale writer: unreal, dense, rich, mysterious and magical.

There’s a path in The Enchanted Forest, the El Pijaral route, which is one of the most stunning routes in Tenerife. About 6.8km (4.3 mi) long, this circular route is of intermediary difficulty and will guide you through some of the finest populations of Tenerife’s laurels, yew trees and giant ferns (El Pijaral is the name of a 2m high fern). On the way, you will pass the scenic gems of Los Roques de Anambro and Chinobre, two great viewpoints on the Anaga forest.

Be aware that due to the fragility and singular features of this ecosystem, the influx of visitors is controlled and limited to 45 persons a day. While the Anaga Rural Park is free to access, this area will be off-limits unless you have a permit. You must submit your request within 15 days of your trip through this link (in Spanish only). Be aware that rangers are patrolling, and you are at risk of a hefty fine (600€… per person!) if caught red-handed wandering without a permit!

Day 7: On the seashore around Punta del Hidalgo

After all those walks, a bit of relaxing time but keeping your eyes and mind awake and mesmerised! We spent a good part of the day on the coastline encircling Punta del Hidalgo. The town is exposed to the Atlantic on three sides, West, North and East.

An escape to tranquillity

The town is a world away from the famous resorts that can be found elsewhere in Tenerife. Despite having been one of the main destinations up to the 1960s, the development has stopped since then. Due to its rougher weather, the mass tourism decided to head South (Good!). Today, Punta del Hidalgo is very laid-back and enjoyed by those who prefer tranquillity. The main asset of the town is the surrounding natural wonders. It’s a paradise for surfers looking for big rough waves and for hikers due to the direct access to the Anaga epic mountain trails.

It is possible to walk on the seashore all around Punta del Hidalgo, making it a very pleasant time.

A Walk Along the Seashore

Starting from the west, the shore is maybe the most “urbanised” part. There are natural seawater pools, a strip of black sand and rocks, and a walkway with a few shops and restaurants. There are lots of little pools just big enough to host little fish and crabs which would make any young child happy.

The north part of the coast, looking directly towards the ocean, is wilder. No buildings, and no sea resort infrastructure. Just the coast, the Atlantic and the sound of powerful waves crashing onto the rocks. The main attraction is the Faro Punta del Hidalgo (Lighthouse Punta del Hidalgo). Completed in 1992, it’s a 50m high lighthouse, an out-of-place modern structure facing a wild natural environment. To us, the whitish faro with its irregular angular columns aiming towards the sky has a Lord-of-the-Rings kind of atmosphere and energy. You cannot miss it and would be a shame otherwise if you stopped by Punta del Hidalgo.

The eastern part of the coast surrounding Punta del Hidalgo is our preferred one. Another big WOW moment. We sat on the shore for the best part of the day amongst pools and rocks, separated from the colossal and imposing mountains of the Anaga by the continuous flow of raging waves from the Atlantic. Again, it’s all about the light, the colours, the sound, the energy, and the emotions. The striking balance between the rage of the ocean and the tranquillity exuded by the Anaga’s massif is somehow overwhelming. Everything that encompasses this little town is enormous and impressive.

Punta del Hidalgo is a big hit for us, genuinely one of the best places to stop when exploring Tenerife. At least for like-minded people 😉

Day 8: Visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz is the main city on the island of Tenerife and is well worth visiting. About half of the population of the island (~500,000 people) lives in the area. It is the capital of Tenerife but also of the Canary Islands.

Fun fact: the Canary Islands have not only one, but two capital cities. Santa Cruz and Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria, share the administrative burden.

Founded in 1494, this is the point where Spanish conquistadores disembarked on Tenerife and started the conquest of the island. Santa Cruz has always been a port and became prevalent after the destruction of Garachico in the 18^th century. Since then, Santa Cruz has become and remains one of the most important ports on the Atlantic.

Around the port wide avenues, squares and exotic landscaped areas have been built. The city sprouts some beautiful examples of modernist architecture, such as the Auditorio de Tenerife (Tenerife Auditorium).

From exploring the oldest part of the town and its several religious monuments dating back to 1500, sampling the amazing array of food on offer at the iconic Nuestra Señora de África market, stopping by different iconic squares or the well-preserved castle of San Juan Batista, the city has plenty to offer and will keep you busy for a day.

And if you’re lucky (aka visiting in February in this case), you may even be able to second most important, most popular and internationally known carnival, after the one held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil!

Note: Admiral Nelson was injured in Tenerife (lost his arm). The cannon that took his arm is considered a national treasure. It is kept in a museum under the Plaza de España where the old Castillo de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Castle) that was protecting the island was located.

Day 9: Exploring remote villages on the South side of the Teide mountains & El Medano

For our last full day on the island of Tenerife, we decided on a little road trip on the back roads of the south side of the Teide mountains.

A mini-road trip as a starter…

We took off from Guïmar and followed the TF-28 and TF-21 at Granadilla de Abona towards Vilaflor. It’s a very good quality mountain road, so expect a good quality ride at low speed. That’s perfect to enjoy the views and plan any stop to admire something from closer.

There are several stops on the way, such as the Mirador de Pájara and its statue of a man looking inland, Ruinas de la Iglesia de San Joaquin near Fasnia, and Mirador de Las Eras.

There are also several little villages higher in the mountains, accessible via smaller roads. This may lead to very nice surprises. We took one of these roads and arrived in a small village called La Sabanita. We had a break next to the main plaza and enjoyed a gorgeous view of a terraced valley with gardens and a clear view up to the sea. A little hidden gem!

Vilaflor is a lovely and tranquil village, said to be the highest one in Tenerife, located just south of the Teide volcano at an altitude of 1,400m. It is a small village with some history, old stately houses, 2 churches and cobblestone streets surrounding a large central plaza. Looking further past the village in all directions, you will see only rural landscapes and pine trees.

Around the central plaza, we would recommend stopping at the Dulceria Hermano Pedro on the central plaza (Plaza Obispo Pérez Cáceres) and having a try at the local cookies, sweets and pastries. A delight!

We didn’t have the chance to try but there are possibilities for good hikes starting from Vilaflor, with the proximity of the Teide.

A note of warning: the TF-28 and TF-21 are favourites amongst cyclists. You are likely to meet much more cyclists than cars on this road (which was the case for us). Some are riding solo, or in pairs, but you may also meet larger groups. They are not always aware of cars, lining up or making space for you to pass, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Be. Careful.

… And a beach as a dessert

On the way back to Vilaflor, we decided to stop by El Médano. It is a coastal town on the south coast with a 750 m-long beach of golden sand, shallow waters and moderated waves.

The town is a hugely popular spot for wind and kitesurfing due to constant winds,

El Médano is a clean and well-kept family-friendly beach and town with a beach promenade with restaurants and excellent accessibility and amenities. It is one of the local residents’ favourite beaches on the island and for good reasons!

Day 10: Back to Costa del Silencio for a few hours with friends and return to the UK

Pending on your flight, you may have to travel back on Day 9 or maybe on Day 10 like us. In any case, allow enough time to go to the airport, drop the car, check-in and pass security/ border controls.

Or flight was mid-afternoon, so we had a few hours available for a last morning in Tenerife before heading to the airport. We chose to go back to Costa del Silencio for a lunch with friends and a last short walk along the coast to enjoy the views, fresh air and great weather a last time.

Then, direction Queen Sofia Tenerife South Airport (TFS) to give back the rental car keys. The whole process took less than 10 minutes and was very smooth. Once again, we warmly recommend CICAR based on our overall experience.

As usual with every major airport, you will need to allow at least two hours to pass the security and border controls. Had an extra hour if you have luggage to check in and children.

Once this is done, a bit of wait before boarding and flying back home. A last glance through the window and waiving to Tenerife.

A goodbye? No… See you next time Tenerife, we will be back of course!!

Tenerife is a stunning island of contrasts and adventure waiting to be discovered. With its sub-tropical climate, warm sunshine and mild temperatures, it’s the perfect escape from the cold and dark months of Europe.

Whether you choose to travel by bus or rent a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore Tenerife’s wild landscapes and breathtaking scenery.

We hope our 10-day itinerary is a source of inspiration for your next Tenerife adventure and you’ll have just as much fun as we did! So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to Tenerife!