As an archipelago off the coast of Africa, Tenerife is the largest and most populous island in the Canary Islands. It boasts many of Spain’s records, like the tallest point, Mount Teide and the tallest pine tree in Spain. The island, which measures over 785 square miles, is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Divided into northern and southern parts, the Northern region of Tenerife is greener and offers rich biodiversity to explore. Some of the best things to do in Tenerife’s Northern Coast include walking along its black sand beaches, hiking in a cloud forest and exploring its centuries-old colonial towns.
Things to Do in Tenerife’s Northern Coast
Explore the Valle De La Orotava
Use Puerto de la Cruz as Your Home Base
Take in La Orotava
Visit Garachico
Head to Los Silos
Explore the Anaga Rural Park
Tour San Cristobal de La Laguna
As you travel north from the main international airport, Tenerife South Airport, the typography changes. The landscape greens and the clouds increase.
Due to its trade winds and elevation, Tenerife supports several microclimates. The weather is temperate year-round, with temperatures topping out at 85 degrees in the summer and not dripping below the mid-fifties during the winter. The exception is the volcano that sees snow at its peak.
In the northern part of the island, the landscape features many tropical plants from Norfolk Pine to Canaria Palms. I was shocked to see common house plants that flourish year-round outdoors, like Philodendron and Schefflera.
In the Northern Part of Tenerife, you can enjoy outdoor activities from hiking to beach going to strolling its historic towns. I recommend spending two to three days on the northern side of the island, exploring the colonial towns and ducking into boutiques, museums and historic churches.
How Did the Canary Islands Form?
With their close proximity to the western coast of Africa, I assumed (wrongly) that the Canary Islands were originally part of that continent. Nope, this archipelago is volcanic and grew from the seafloor over the last 20 million years.
When arriving in Tenerife, its central volcano, Mount Teide (12,188 ft) is often visible. Due to its height, it can be obscured by clouds and is a stratovolcano. Since the base of Mount Teide is on the ocean floor, it is really over 23,000 feet tall and the third highest volcano in the world after the volcanoes on the island of Hawaii.
As you explore the island, you will see evidence of its volcanic activity, like black sand beaches (lava) and the valleys carved by eruptions. Los Gigantes in the South were also formed by volcanic activity.
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Explore the Valle De La Orotava
Perched up on the side of Mount Teide, the Valley of Orotava is the gateway to the stunning coastline. As you descend, the road zigzags, hugging ancient lava flows as it heads to the Atlantic Ocean.
This area features three towns: Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotave and Los Realejos. It is also known for its agriculture, including banana plantations and wine grapes.
The Valley of Orotava offers terraced roads with frequent pullouts for photos. The area also offers stunning beaches with inky black sand.
Base Out of Puerto de la Cruz
This town is an excellent place to base your travels in the northern part of the island. The historic part of the city is walkable, with many cafes and shops to enjoy. Along its boardwalk, you can see the black sand beaches, made from lava from centuries-old eruptions.
Jardin Botanico
To get an overview of the flora of Tenerife, you can visit the Jardin Botanico first. There, I saw bromeliads six feet tall. The Jardin Botanico contains 30,000 specimens labeled in several languages, including genus names.
In the Jardin Botanico, I saw a 200-year-old Moreton Fig from Australia with massive roots hanging from its trunk. It offers a lily pond and different flowering plants.
This garden is shaded, an extra bonus for travelers, and you can see this garden in less than an hour or spend as much time as you please. Kids are welcome as well.
Located at C. Retama, 2, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Admission is €3. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Playa Martianez
With a boardwalk above, this beach is popular with residents and visitors for different reasons. Its black sand is stunning, and travelers gaze upon its squid-ink sand from the boardwalk above.
Below, residents, including families, come to play in the water. Thanks to the jetties, this area has calmer water. Playa Martianez is also a good place to learn to surf.
Located at 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Free to visit and open from dawn to dusk.
Lago Martianez
Perched next to the playa and the ocean, Canarian architect César Manrique created the Lago Martianez in the 1970s with a central pool and four saltwater pools scattered along the extensive decks.
This area overlooks the oceans and offers loungers and ample space for splashing, swimming and sunbathing. At the popular Lago Martianez, you’ll find cafes and whirlpools.
Located at Av. de Cristobal Colón, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission is €5.50 and kids are €2.50. Tickets are available onsite.
Plaza del Charco
The Plaza Charco is a central square with wide pedestrian walkways and historic buildings paired with shopping and dining. This area is frequented by residents out for an evening stroll and travelers alike.
The Plaza Charco is landscaped with Canarian Palms and a large tarro plant growing in a central planter. This area features public art, like sculptures.
Kids will find ice cream shops and playgrounds, while adults with find benches for people watching. Another plaza to enjoy is Doctor Victor Perez, located close by.
Located at 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Free to visit.
Playa de San Telmo
Like Playa Martianez, Playa de San Telmo is a black beach with more peddles than sand. It features tide pools and rock outcroppings.
Located at San Telmo, 18, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Free to visit and open from dawn to dusk.
Museum of Contemporary Art Eduardo Westerdahl
Created in 1953, a Canary Island art critic started this museum. Its collection is housed in the Casa de la Adana.
This small museum offers contemporary art by notable Canarian artists from the 20th century. It is close to the Playa del Muelle.
Located at C/ Las Lonjas, s/n. Casa de La Aduana (1ª planta) 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Loro Parque
Started in 1972, this zoo has grown to 33 acres and is one of the top destinations in Tenerife. It started as a sanctuary for parrots and now is home to over 4,000 parrots from over 350 species.
In addition to parrots, it features the largest dolphin show pool in the European Union. There is also an impressive shark tunnel where visitors can see the creatures from below.
Other top animals at Loro Parque include Orcas, Hippos, Lions, Gorillas and Chimpanzees. The penguin enclosure features an iceberg and real snow.
This is a shuttle bus from central Puerto de la Cruz. Visitors will find dining on-site along with hourly shows.
Located at Av. Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adults ( 12 and older) are €42, and kids (3 to 11) are €30.
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Take in La Orotava
With the help of a rental car, you can explore the other towns in Northern Tenerife. North of Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava offers stunning views and a historic core. In the past, wealthy residents built some of the most elaborate buildings in La Orotava in Tenerife.
Today, travelers can stroll the streets, enjoying the slower pace as they discover small shops, museums and historic architecture. Much of the architecture was built in the 17th century.
Casa de los Balcones
The Casa de los Balcones is a prime example of traditional architecture in La Orotava. On its exterior, the building features a stone exterior and the upper balconies that frequent historic properites.
Like many centuries-old buildings in the Canary Islands, the Casa de los Balcones features an interior courtyard. The second-story balcony is made of wrought iron, with the third-story balcony carved wood.
Located C. San Francisco, 3, 38300 La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Orotava Town Hall Square
Another interesting building is the Orotava Town Hall Square, built in early 1919. It features a large black-and-white pattern with a pair of sculptural benches.
It is in the plaza that the Corpus Christi carpets are created in May or June each year. Drawing large crowds, visitors can see the temporary designs made of flowers and sand.
Located at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, S/N, 38300 La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Carpet Art Centre
Inside the Ximénez Franchy house, the Carpet Art Center describes creating and crafting the annual intricate carpet displays. The building is one of the stately homes of the 17th century.
Visitors can also see photos of past carpet displays in a video. Under the temporary tents outside of the town hall, artisans craft the temporary works of art.
Located at C. San Francisco, 5, 38300 La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Gardens in La Orotava
Tenerife’s plant life is a gardener’s dream. The Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, or the Gardens of the Marquis of the Red Mansion, was built by a predominate family in Orotava for their deceased son after being denied a burial in a Catholic cemetery.
The terraced gardens are stunning and offer views of the red clay-roofed buildings below. There are also water features in the gardens, and at the top is a mausoleum that was never used.
Located at C. San Agustín, 8, 38300 La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Free to enter.
Close by, the Hijuela del Botánico, or La Orotava Botanical Garden, is a historic garden with unique species and was created in 1788. During my visit, I saw one of the largest dragon trees on the island. The native of the Canary Islands features spikey leaves and a scaley trunk.
Located at C. Tomás Pérez, 6, 38300 La Orotava, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free to enter.
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Visit Garachico
One of the more picturesque towns, Garachico, was founded in the 14th century by an Italian Genoese tradesman. It is the oldest port in Tenerife, and the town features walkable streets lined with oche-colored buildings topped with red clay roofs.
During my visit, I strolled the stone-lined streets through the Plaza de la Libertad, home to a statue of the Simon Bolivar. This space is ideal for a quick break with benches and shade-casting trees. Nearby, its City Hall features a stunning facade.
Garachio features examples of Canarian architecture, like the hand-carved balconies. The Casa de Piedra, or Palace House of the Counts of La Gomera, is crafted of dark local stone and withstood the elements over the centuries. The Church of Santa Ana is close by.
During my visit, I learned that a volcanic eruption destroyed this area in the 1700s. As you look around you can see the remnants from lava flows to black sand.
Head to Los Silos
For one of the most stunning walks along the northern side of Tenerife, then head to Los Silos. From that vantage point, you will see the rugged coastline created by volcanic eruptions.
I recommend exploring the coastline; it is one of the top things to do in Tenerife.
Charco Los Chochos
This area is a must for travelers to Northern Tenerife with several unique geological formations to see. With numerous stairs to the water, it is possible to get into the water in this location.
The first thing that most visitors notice is the mounted Baleen whale skeleton. Migrating whales can be seen from this area in the winter and early spring.
There’s a rocky beach area at Charco Los Chochos. Surfers ride the waves in this location as they break close to shore.
Travelers will also find stairs to the water in several locations. One spot to see is the Los Chochos Pools in the area. It features stairs with a handrail to a shallow seawater pool.
This area is also known for its crashing waves that have created alcoves in the lava. During my visit, we also found a blowhole nearby.
Located at 39, Carr. El Puertito, 43, 38479 Los Silos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. There is a place to park off the main road. Free to visit and open from dawn to dusk.
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Explore the Anaga Rural Park
With over 35,000 acres (14,419 hectares) at the tip of Northern Tenerife, this preserve is one of the top things to do in Tenerife. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and during my visit, it was a highlight.
For sweeping views, the first stop should be Mirador De Jardina, overlooking the valley. For nature lovers, it offers unique species to discover, like the laurel trees so dense they form forests. Once a mainstay of Southern Europe and Northern Africa, they are mostly gone. Their twisted and moss-covered trunks look like a movie backdrop.
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If you arrive early in the day, then the Forest of Enigmas trail, or Sendero Bosque de los Enigmas, is the best opportunity to see the Laurel forests. It measures 3.1 miles. However, you can do any stretch and double back. During this hike, I got close to the laurel trees in a dense forest with dabbled light.
Located at Barrio Cruz Carmen, 3, 38294 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. There is a small parking lot; however, it fills to capacity later in the day.
In this region, Canary Island spurges and euphorbia seem to spurt everywhere. I saw euphorbia growing in between stones along my path and on clay roofs.
The Anaga Rural Park is home to 26 small villages inhabited by a total of 2000 people. They are primarily farmers who grow traditional crops, potatoes and yams, grape vines and fruit trees.
Deep in the reserve, I recommend visiting Taborno. It features a church and a small bodega for drinks and snacks.
During my visit, I hiked the Sendero Roque de Taborno. This 2.5-mile hike is considered a strenuous trail with a mix of stairs, elevation climbs and a rugged path that resembles a goat path at times.
I hiked through a cloud forest and saw the uninhabited slopes of the Anaga Mountains. It was a highlight, so if you are up for it, I recommend the hike. I started at the Taborno Church and had a guide or used a detailed map.
The church is located at Diseminado Taborno, 38, 38294, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Tour San Cristobal de La Laguna
This is one of Tenerife’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated in 1999. It is unique since it’s a non-walled colonial city.
Founded on July 27, 1496, the feast day of the Catholic saint St. Christopher of Lycia. It was considered the capital of the Canary Archipelago until 1833. Set in a valley, this area was once a lake or laguna, hence how it got its name.
I was delighted by the traditional Canary Island architecture, paired with its vibrancy, thanks to the university students found in La Laguna. Its historic core features walkable streets lined with stone and stucco buildings painted in the shades of a sunset.
Walk down Calle Obispo Rey Redondo
This is the best street to use in the historic core of La Laguna. You can use the pedestrian-only Calle Obispo Rey Redondo to see the top sites in La Laguna, like the Cathedral and the Teatro Leal.
Cathedral of La Laguna
Started in 1905 and completed in 1915, this cathedral is one of the primary Roman Catholic cathedrals of the Canary Islands. However, earlier churches were located on this site for centuries.
Located at Pl. de los Remedios, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Teatro Leal
Built in 1915, this is a performing arts theater.
Located at C. Obispo Rey Redondo, 50, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Stroll Calle San Agustin
Another picturesque pedestrian street, you can use this street to see other top sites in La Laguna. It runs parallel to Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, so I recommend using both streets.
Along Calle San Agustin, I found the Casa Montones, Palacio Salazar and the Old Church and Convent of San Augustine. This street also features shops and dining.
Casa Montanes
Built in 1746 for a sergeant major in the cavalry, the Casa Montanes features three floors and many original details. The interior courtyard is lushly planted with Sago Palms and Philodendrons, both found across the Canary Islands. You’ll find wood carvings on the Casa Montanes and a coat of arms.
Located at San Agustin, 16, 38201 San Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain.
Palacio Salazar
The Salazar Palace is a mid-17th-century Canarian baroque-style building made out of blue stone. It features gargoyles and is now the bishop’s residence.
Located at C. San Agustín, 28, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Church and Old Convent of Saint Augustine
Built during the 1600s, the Church and Old Convent of Saint Augustine was a cloistered space; however, it has served several functions over the centuries. After a devastating fire, it was rebuilt in 1964 and now operates as a cultural center.
The interior courtyard is particularly stunning, with lush landscaping, including full-grown trees. I recommend taking a few minutes and enjoying its beauty.
Located at C. San Agustín, 46, 48, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open
Where to Eat in Northern Tenerife
The Canary Islands prides itself on its culinary heritage, so I recommend carving out time to enjoy meals, especially dinner. Its menus are variable, and entrees include fish, seafood, pork and beef, along with vegetarian options.
There are numerous specialties of the island including its mojo, or sauce. It’s available in rojo and verde, or red and green. The Canary Island potatoes, or Papas Arrugadas, are wrinkled after cooking in salt water. Gofio is another ingredient that is common in the Canary Islands. It is a processed grain and is used as a cereal or a base for sweet desserts.
As an island, seafood and fish are available widely. During my visit, I saw octopus, codfish, sea bass, shrimp and more. Pork is another common menu item and is often served braised. Look for goat cheese or goat meat, cabrito.
If you need a pick-me-up, I recommend a Barraquito, a layered coffee drink with condensed milk, coffee, a sweet liquor like Tia Maria and frothed milk. For beer drinkers, I recommend Dorada Especial, made in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands wine is another drink to try on Tenerife.
Muxacho in Puerto de la Cruz
With covered al fresco dining, Muxacho features a menu of Spanish and Canarian favorites. I started with its daily selection of croquettes and Wild Atlantic Shrimp with coriander and chili.
Then, I had the Pedro Ximenez Braised Pork Cheek for my entree. It was tender and flavored with the white Spanish wine. To cap off my meal, I devoured the Pavlova Muxacho with strawberries.
Located at Carr. Botánico, 28, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, Thursday to Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to midnight.
El Rebojo | Bocados de Mar y Vinos in Garachico
This understated restaurant and wine bar boasts a listing in the Michelin Guide. In front, you will find the wine bar with casual seating. This area offers an excellent selection of wines and tapas.
During my visit, I continued to a room in the back for a seated lunch. With a menu focused on seafood, I sat down for a relaxed lunch.
Our meal started with rustic sourdough bread, perfect with a formidable crust that cracked and a tender interior. It was served with olive oil and sea salt. Since I am a devoted bread lover, I limited myself to two servings of El Rebojo bread.
Then, I sampled one of Tenerife’s local potatoes with goat cheese and pickled red onions. I moved on to the local seafood, starting with a perfectly seared White Tuna accented with a pico de Gallo. Then, the Madrigal fish was served on a bed of sweet potatoes. Both were presented with care on unique plates that added to the ambiance of a European farm-to-table dining experience.
For a meat course, I dined on Black Pork Meatballs with apricot jam and cinnamon. Beautifully presented on an artisan-crafted blue glass bowl, they were tender and flavorful.
To end my meal at El Rebojo, I indulged in a dessert at lunch. A whipped goat cheese mousse topped with a strawberry puree, pomegranate seeds and gofio, a mixture of toasted Canarian grains, was a mixture of creamy and tart textures.
Located at Francisco Martínez de Fuentes 17, Garachico, 38450, Spain. Open Friday to Monday from 1 to 10 p.m.
Restaurante Cafeteria Mirador San Pedro or Bambubar in Los Realejos
For bird’s eye views of the northern coastline, stop at Bambubar. Close by, I found a terraced overlook. From there, I saw the banana plantation below and the jagged coastline beyond. I needed a pick-me-up, so I ordered a Barraquito, a layered coffee drink.
Located at 38419 Los Realejos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Restaurante Guaydil in La Laguna
Conveniently located in the historic core of Laguna, Restaurante Guaydil offers a sophisticated menu. I recommend starting with the Montadito, a sweet potato with sweet tomatoes topped with melted goat cheese topped with palm honey. Its Warm Shimp Salad is another crowd-pleaser: a bed of greens topped with avocado, smoked bacon and shrimp.
The entrees include both seafood and meat. I recommend the Cod Fish cooked over low heat with an au gratin of garlic, sweet potato and roasted almonds topped with crunchy onions. Another option is the Iberian Pork Tenderloin, tender cuts topped with a four-cheese sauce and served with fried potatoes.
Located at C. Dean Palahi, 26, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Open Monday to Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., then 8 to 10:30 p.m.
What You Need to Know About Traveling to Tenerife
Tenerife is part of Spain, so it uses the Euro. During my trip, I used a mix of credit cards and Euros, cash, especially for small purchases and tips.
In Tenerife, they speak Spanish. However, many people who work in travel speak English.
The roads are well-maintained and include guardrails in the mountainous regions. If you plan on exploring on your own, you will need to rent a car. Taxis are readily available in the towns; however, ride-share is not.
There are technically two airports in Tenerife, but international flights use the South Airport. On my trip, I flew directly from Newark on United Airlines.
If you are looking for a professional guide, I recommend Tenerife100Cultures. During my trip, I used Dario Lopez Estevez; he was fluent in English and had a wealth of knowledge about Canary Island culture, food and biodiversity.
Where to Stay in Tenerife’s Northern Coast
As a Leading Hotels of the World member, the Hotel Botanico offers a peaceful escape, blending European luxuries with a Thai aesthetic. Focused on its culinary offerings and spa amenities, the Hotel Botanico provides a getaway that rejuvenates the soul.
The expansive property offers over six acres of lush gardens, including over 200 unique plants, such as banana trees and Bonsai. The gardens also include water features with fountains and Koi fish.
Guests can enjoy the gathering space on the main level, like Bar Hall, which offers live music some nights. The Palmera Real serves a fantastic breakfast buffet with made-to-order hot items and an array of international favorites, including champagne and a juice bar. Diners can eat inside or out, overlooking the main pool.
The Hotel Botanico offers several restaurants, like La Parrilla, with a Spanish-inspired menu. The Oriental offers Asian flavors in an elegant dining room. Il Pappagallo features the best of the Mediterranean. There’s even a steak house, Brunelli’s.
One of the standout features is The Oriental Spa Garden, located in a corner of the hotel’s property. Guests can visit the Thermal Area without an appointment and enjoy an indoor-outdoor thermal circuit.
There is a Japanese Dry Sauna and an Aromatherapy Room scented with lavender and rose. Other rooms include a steam room, a laconium, and an ice room. There is also an indoor pool and whirlpool.
Outside, guests can enjoy one of two pools, one of which features hydrotherapy. Inside a cave, guests will find a secluded whirlpool. This area offers a Thai Pavilion, available for treatments.
The Hotel Botanico is located at Calle Richard J. Yeoward, 1, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Disclosure: This article was produced after a press trip.
