TENERIFE: 15 SECRET PLACES
Tenerife is an island full of dream places. Places in Tenerife that ordinary travelers do not usually visit, because many places are not included in the main travel recommendations.
We want to show you some of the island 's best kept secrets and we can assure you they are worth a visit.
Coast gems of Tenerife
Tenerife is an impressive explosion of black, green and vertical land in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Around this island, the sea draws two very different faces:
The beautiful north, with black sandy beaches with volcanoes, green valleys and traditional villages, and the desert south, with white sandy beaches and countless tourist attractions, is full of beach bars, entertainment and many surf spots, such as Los Cristianos and Las Americas.
These are some of the little-known spectacular beaches that locals love.
1. Los Patos Beach
- Location: La Orotava. The north coast of Tenerife.
Situated in the spectacular Orotava Valley with the Teide in the background, the volcanic sand of this unspoilt beach grows in summer and at low tide, making it the largest bathing area in the north of Tenerife.
It has some difficulties getting in and out, due to the fact that it can only be reached on foot. However, every visitor who visits will fall in love.
2. Cliffs of Los Gigantes
- Location: West Coast.
The "Acantilado de los Gigante" is one of the most spectacular landscapes of the island. The imposing stone wall leaves you speechless. It is located at the westernmost point of Tenerife. The Guanches (ancient aborigines of the islands) considered these cliffs sacred. For them, it represents the end of the world, and once we go, we will really understand why.
Under its feet, the seabed, about 30 meters deep, contains an enormous natural wealth, which attracts lovers of diving and deep-sea fishing.
To contemplate them better, we recommend sailing in a kayak to discover its secret caves. They are impressive and a unique experience that you must live.
In addition, if you want to explore the magnificent fauna that navigates its waters, you can see all kinds of cetaceans from an ecocatamaran for 5 hours: bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, even small sperm whales that are migrating in Canary Islands waters.
3. Benijo
- Location: Taganana. Northeast coast.
"If I had to decide on the most beautiful beach, without a doubt, I would choose the most beautiful beach, Benijo would say with my eyes closed.'' With this sentence, John Carrigan sums up what Benijo beach is all about.
Located in the natural reserve of Anaga, and with one of the most beautiful sunsets we know, this place will transport your mind away from the problems and the day to day. We can only say that this is our favorite beach in Tenerife.
This wonderful beach is located within the Anaga Rural Park . You will be able to enjoy its unique and autochthonous nature, making a guided path through the Laurisilva forest, to finish eating in a "Guachinche", restaurant of homemade and typical food of Tenerife. All a tasting of Canarian flavors. To lick your fingers!
4. La Tejita
- Location: El Médano. South coast.
Playa La Tejita is one of the most spectacular and beautiful beaches in the south of the island. On the beach, you can admire the magnificent view of the Montaña Roja volcano, there is a path you can climb if you feel like it. The view from the top of the volcano is worth it, and you can admire the beauty of the beach at a glance. This is one of the nudist beaches in Tenerife, on the side closest to the mountain. There is even a "hidden" cove at the foot of the mountain for more privacy.
In La Tejita there are no restaurants or cafes to stroll around, so I suggest you bring drinks and food to spend the day. You will be amazed by its extensive almost "virgin" beach and its desert-like appearance. If you want to visit Tenerife, this place is a must.
This natural beach is located in the area of El Médano . El Médano is very famous among its visitors, since it has a peculiar climate, perfect for water sports. It is so important that World Surfing, Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Championships have been held here. We recommend that you try any of these sports in this beach with the best natural conditions for the realization of the same. You will not regret this unique experience.
If you are passionate about waves, we recommend that you try surfing. Numerous surfers take advantage of the waves of this wonderful place.
If, on the other hand, you like to try less usual sports, we recommend that you try the Windsurfing, Kitesurfing o Wingfoil.
5. Natural Swimming Pools in Los Abrigos
- Location: Granadilla. South coast.
The natural pool of Granadilla is a unique place in Tenerife. The whimsical shapes of the volcanic rocks will form small pools in which you can lose yourself and disconnect from the tourist pace of the island. All around you, Tenerife's alpine landscape reaches for the sky while the waves break against the edge of the natural pool in which you float peacefully.
The natural pools of Los Abrigos are the perfect place to connect with the sea. They are easily accessible and highly recommended to go with children and family.
Near this wonderful place, you can perform one of the most spectacular activities of the whole island of Tenerife: Diving next to sea turtles and manta rays.. This activity takes place in the cliffs of El Palmar, Las Galletas, where the area of Malpaís de la Rasca is located. This is a protected Special Natural Reserve where there are beautiful volcanic landscapes and natural coves.
Unique landscapes and viewpoints in Tenerife
6. Zapata Viewpoint
One of the best windows from which to enjoy beautiful views of the valley that makes up San Cristóbal de La Laguna, with a view of the downtown area of the city and the nuclei of Mercedes, Canteras or Jardina and hopefully and if the day is clear even of Teide.
This viewpoint is a must on your visit to Tenerife. In addition, from it, there are several easy trails to cross. These trails are located in the Anaga Rural Park. This environment is characterized by a native forest called Bosque de Laurisilva .Do not miss the opportunity to walk through this forest, through its magical trails, with a specialized guide, to finish the tour tasting a canarian food house demoniada "Guachinche".
7. Aguaide viewpoint
- Location: La Laguna. North coast.
A route through the Degollada de Las Escaleras will take us to the wonderful Mirador de Aguaide in Chinamada.
The Mirador de Aguaide is, without doubt, one of the best viewpoints in Tenerife. An impressive balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the edge of a 500-metre high cliff, from which you can enjoy magnificent views of La Punta del Hidalgo and Roque de Los Hermanos.
An ideal place to enjoy the tranquility in a spectacular setting. Beware of vertigo!
8. Viewpoint of Degollada de Cherfe
- Location: Masca, Teno. East.
Masca is one of the most special places in Tenerife. The volcanic landscape is unique and majestic. It is located at the top of the Teno Massif and from this viewpoint, you can immerse yourself in this sea of ravines and vegetation.
If you have an adventurous profile, we recommend that you discover its landscape through its trails. This hiking through the Masca Gorgewill remind you of the movie Jurassic Park. The path ends in a paradisiacal cove, surrounded by the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, about 450 meters high.
But be careful, it is not for everyone, you will need a certain level. It is a 10 km round trip trail, with descent and ascent from the summit to the coast. Only suitable for the brave.
Undoubtedly, it is one of the most spectacular hiking activities that we can do on the island of Tenerife.
Very unknown and special towns
9. The Lagoon
- Location: northeast. Near Santa Cruz.
La Laguna is our favorite place to visit. Its magical houses and historic buildings will make you feel at home instantly. This city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
The gastronomy of La Laguna is of the best quality and there is no better place in Tenerife to enjoy wine and foodthan this small town. In addition, La Laguna has a wide cultural offer that will surprise you, there are always events that deserve our time.
10. Icod de Los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos is a town in the north of Tenerife. It is home to the mythical Drago Milenario, a National Monument of Spain since 1917 as this precious tree is estimated to be almost 900 years old.
In this town, vineyards are cultivated where renowned wineries make wine with this unique grape variety in the world. It is an extraordinary place if you want to know the local culture and enjoy a while with wine and good company.
11. La Orotava
- Location: North.
The Orotava Valley is, with apologies to others, the most beautiful place in the north of Tenerife. A beautiful valley that reaches all the way to the sea where the land has created a comfortable place of welcome for the people of La Orotava.
This city breathes the essence of the Canary Islands in each of the stones of its beautiful streets. You can visit La Casa de Los Balcones, a museum of Canarian art and culture that will surprise you from the first minute. Again, as in all places in the north of the island, you must be prepared for exquisite food and walks full of peace and tranquility.
On clear days you will have a view of Teide in which you will believe that it protects the entire valley with its volcanic mantle, as the aboriginal Guanches believed of this volcano, the highest peak in Spain. On your visit to the island, you should not miss the opportunity to crown the highest mountain in Spain, 3715 meters, climbing to its peak, in an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
12. Garachico
- Location: Northwest
In the northwest of the island, we find Garachico, called the most beautiful town in Tenerife.
It is undoubtedly a special place. Few people know that more than 3 centuries ago Garachico was the main town of Tenerife, its port was the most important and its streets were full of noble houses and citizens that betrayed prosperity. Until the year 1706, when the eruption of the volcano devastated the port.
On a walk through Garachico you will be surprised by the number of noble houses such as the Casa de los Marqueses de Villafuerte, the Casa de los Marqueses de Quinta Roja, the Casa de los Condes de La Gomera or the Hacienda El Lamero. In addition, you can enjoy its natural pools, one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands.
It is a wonderful place that you should not miss.
Hidden places!
Tenerife is the most populated island in Spain, yet there are several hidden places which blow our minds every time go there.
Here are some of the best hidden places on the island.
13. Punta de Teno Lighthouse
- Location: Teno. west
Teno is one of those magical places that you never get tired of visiting, and especially this lighthouse of Teno that stands in harmony with the coast creating a very special feeling with the environment. While your eyes are on the Atlantic, you can take a majestic swim in the virgin and crystalline coast of Teno.
The Punta de Teno lighthouse is one of the seven lighthouses that signal the coasts of the island of Tenerife, definitely a place to visit.
14. The Cave of the Wind
- Location: Icod de los Vinos, Northwest.
The Cueva del Viento, located in Icod de los Vinos, is one of the largest volcanic tubes in the world. This is one of the wonders offered by an island formed 100% by its volcanoes. The volcanic tubes are the result of an eruption of magma that covers the surface of Tenerife with its mantle and random shapes.
Visiting it makes you feel like you're on another planet. Perfect for the most adventurous.
15. Pool of La Mareta
- Location: Icod de los Vinos. Northwest.
Back in Icod de los Vinos, we come across one of the best kept secrets of the locals. Although this puddle is difficult to access, the reward is far greater than the effort.
You will find a magical place to spend the day enjoying one of the most relaxing and pleasurable baths you can find.
If you like mysterious and secret places, you should take a look at the abandoned places in Tenerife, which will undoubtedly surprise you.
