Trip made in May 2021
Duration: 9 days
Welcome to Tenerife !!
Welcome to the Canary Islands! The Canary Islands include 7 islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Today I’m going to tell you about Tenerife. Island with a thousand facets and ideal temperatures all year round! In Tenerife you will not get bored with the diversity of landscapes such as the majestic Teide volcano and its splendid national park, natural pools, gigantic mountains, intriguing forests and long beaches of fine white and black sands. I invite you now to immerse yourself in the incredible history of Myoxybubble Tenerife !
Sommaire
- Welcome to Tenerife !!
- Tenerife, the volcanic island!
- Advice
Our itinerary
You can click on all the photos in this article in order to view them in large format
Tenerife, the volcanic island!
Day 1: Anaga Forest
# Hike from Cruz del carmen to Chinamada!
On the way to an 11km loop with 420m of elevation gain in the Forest of Anaga. Count 5 hours of hiking at a normal pace and without stopping. The departure is to Cruz del Carmen via the TF10 trail.
Go to the visitor center and bring a map of the chosen hike.
Be well equipped with hiking shoes and adequate clothing. Take plenty of water and food with you.
On your way, you will appreciate the landscape composed of terraced fields (sweet potatoes, potatoes etc.), orange trees, cacti, field flowers and many multicolored lizards.
Chinamada is a small isolated village in the mountains. It is composed of charming traditional cave houses still inhabited by the local population. This is what makes its charm.
The village offers breathtaking views of the volcanic valley and the sea!
Continue your hike to the Aguaide viewpoint. It is a viewpoint with a splendid view of the sea and its vertiginous cliffs.
Be careful, do not miss the view of Roque Los Pinos just after Chinamada!
The return is via Las Carboneras by taking the PR TF 10.1 trail.
# El Camino Viejo al Pico del Ingles.
In the forest of Anaga, you will be immersed in a world with wonderful landscapes. I promise you that you will feel like in a fairy count. Starting with this unusual place located a few hundred meters just before going to Pico del Ingles. Don’t miss El Camino Viejo del ingles. This is the ideal spot for a little Instagram shot!
The place is idyllic and will leave you dreaming. This ancient path offers a change of scenery worthy of an enchanted count with its high walls lined with vegetable moss and lichens. This vegetal corridor forms a tunnel with the branches of the trees intertwining just above your head.
A special atmosphere emerges from this magical place. The vegetation goes through several shades of colors ranging from green to red. Many graffiti have been carved into the rock.
As for parking, you will need to park along the road perpendicular to the chemiin. Your photo shoot ended in this little corner of plant paradise, head to the Pico del ingles viewpoint. You will admire a panoramic view of the island and the volcano.
# El bosque de Los Enigmas – El mirador de Zapata
Count 2 hours of hiking with a well-marked path starting from El bosque de Los Enigmas to the mirador of Zapata. You can find this hike on the Visorando app or on their website.
The hike is a circular loop of 5km. You will be immersed in the heart of the Forest of Anaga, in the middle of lush laurels.
A passage of lying trees makes the walk very mystical and enchanting. You will take yourself for abandoned snow white in the middle of a wood!
All that is missing are the animals of the forest and the 7 dwarves! See even the wicked queen! Upon your arrival, the Zapata viewpoint will offer you a very nice viewpoint as a reward.
Day 2: From roque de las bodagas to Cruz del draguillo
Drive to the free parking of the restaurant “la Holla” in Roque de las Bodegas. Here is the starting point of the hike. Our route starts is a bit longer than the one proposed by Visorando here. It just starts a little and goes along the coast before joining it.
Before your walk, do not hesitate to go around the Roque de las Bodegas, just across the road, because the panorama of the ocean, its volcanic black sand beach and the mountain ranges that surround it is exceptional.
A real breath of fresh air and a pure nature. The hike is a loop of 4h30. You will have to follow the PR TF 6.2 trail then the 6.3. It passes through the playa de Almaciga.
Then along the path you will land at the playa de benijo. You will appreciate the different points of view to get there. Playa de Benijo is a beach of fine black sand, soft and shiny. The place is wild and preserved.
The view is breathtaking with volcanic rocks rising from the sea! The place is peaceful with the sound of the waves slamming against the rocks. On the other hand the beach can be dangerous to swim for children because of the waves and the current.
Continue your walk to the hamlet El Draguillo and go up to Cruz del Draguillo (Attention climb of 1 hour very steep!) but the view on the way down is just exceptional!
Attention, 600 meters of elevation gain! At the top a breathtaking view of Benijo awaits you! On your return, a rest on the beach will be well deserved!
Day 3: La Oratava and Charco de la Laja
# The public botanical garden
We wanted to visit it but unfortunately it was closed. It is a (very) small free botanical garden adorned with several tropical species dating back more than 200 years for some. It is the oldest garden in the Canary Islands. We could still see it from the outside, through the gates. It’s a small tropical jungle where I think it’s good to stroll because of its freshness in the city center.
# Victoria Garden
The Victoria Garden is a must-see terrace garden. The entrance is right in front of the public botanical garden. You will enjoy an exceptional view of the city of Oratava and its rooftops. In the center, a pretty mausoleum sublimates the garden.
Stroll in the middle of this very flowery park. The place is quiet and relaxing with its many fountains.
You will also enjoy a nice view of Mount Teide. Do not hesitate to sit down for a coffee on the terrace at the small restaurant in the garden!
# Liceo de Taoro
Liceo de Taoro is a very beautiful architectural achievement “villa-palace” that contributes to access to culture with many exhibitions all year round. This building also serves as a bar-cafeteria area.
Just in front of the palace stands the Constitution Square with a very nice kiosk and a beautiful view of the sea and the city.
Do not hesitate to circulate in the city to the town hall. Depending on the period, you can admire sand drawings that enliven the city or its famous carnival. Unfortunately, there was nothing at the time we went there. They were in full preparation.
# La casa de Los balcones
The entrance to the casa de Los balcones will cost you 5€, beer included! It is a colonial house with traditional furniture. The peculiarity of its architecture are the wooden balconies of the period. The tour allows you to understand how the locals lived at that time.
The patio is nice and nice. We enjoyed contemplating it quietly, sitting on a bench in the sun, the time to quench our thirst with our beer. It is a tourist place with its adjoining shop but it is still worth a look. It’s up to you!
# Charco de la Laja (nudist)
Be careful, there are 2 charco de la Laja ! We landed here by mistake looking for the other Charco de la Laja (see below). It is located next to the Bajamar Nautical Club.
The place is normally reserved for nudists but there was no one on the day we went there. The place is beautiful.
We took the opportunity to do some drone sequences. The passage to get there is located in a small unusual passage between 2 houses, leading to a vacant lot.
Upon arrival, you will discover this very wild place.
# Charco la Laja (Puesta del Sol)
Here we go! Indicate “San Juan de la rambla” on the GPS to get to my private natural pool! The place is idyllic and beautiful!
The pool is fed by very large and beautiful waves that can prevent swimming according to the tides and the hustle and bustle of the sea. You just have to be careful not to get too close to the edge communicating with the ocean.
Access to the site is well laid out and clean. You will not tire of contemplating this wonderful show that will take place before your eyes. The temperature of the sea was as warm as that of the air. A real moment of happiness and relaxation!
Small advice, prefer to go there early in the morning or at the end of the day, at the time when everyone goes to have an aperitif, if you want to have the privilege of having the pool for yourself.
Day 4: Along the coast
# The Water Mill of Rambla de Castro
On the way to another spectacular, not to say haunted, viewpoint! Direction “Paisaje protegido de Rambla de Castro” in the GPS and park at the car park (free). The start of the hike is to the right of the car park. Follow the sign “El Burguado”.
It is a 30-minute walk to the mystical and ancient water mill that was once used to feed the banana plantation crops of the surrounding villages. Today, the mill is abandoned at the edge of the cliff and seems stranded like a ship.
The trail is well laid out. The view on arrival is exceptional and is even more so with an aerial view!
# Charco del Viento
Be careful, the way to get to Charco El Viento by car can be dangerous because of a lack of visibility due to a narrow and winding road.
Do not hesitate to honk before each corner because two cars can not cross. Upon arrival, parking is free. The place is unique, wild and preserved.
I advise you to take water shoes for swimming. Also bring an umbrella if you plan to settle because the place is not very shaded. I do not recommend swimming with children as there is a lot of current and waves. A “Malibu alert” buoy is available on the site in case of difficulty.
# El Draguo
The entrance to the Botanical Garden El Draguo will cost you 5€. The day we went there, we were let pass for free. We believe this was due to work done in the garden. The name of the garden is due to a dragon tree over 2000 years old which is the centerpiece of this site.
The tree is beautiful and majestic both in its height and in its many ramifications. It feels very small next to this giant. It is also visible from a belvedere in the main square, in front of the church. The park that surrounds it is shaded, vast, pleasant and relaxing. Possibility to picnic there.
Its visit is very enriching because it includes many tropical species (palm trees, cacti, banana trees …..). You will also enjoy an exceptional view of the second giant of the island: El Teide !
# The art of Garachico!
Make a stop at garachico docks and admire the white marble sculptures titled “Tensei Tenmoku” meaning “door without door”. This is modern art made by a Japanese artist named Kan Yasuda. His work can be seen on the pier of the port.
Through the doorless doors, you will admire the ocean and the islet Roque de Garachico, like an art painting. Parking is free but spaces are expensive!
# The natural pools of El Caleton
A few hundred meters from the docks are the natural pools of El Caleton. These pools carved into the rock are part of a very old lava flow.
This bathing area is very popular with tourists.
The pools are equipped with ladders allowing easier access to swimming.
Some areas can be dangerous for swimming because they communicate with the ocean.
A landscaped path allows you to move freely from pool to pool through the lava flow rocks.
You will be able to find your little piece of paradise to refresh yourself.
Day 5: Chinyero and Los Gigantes
# Hike to Chinyero Volcano
Position your GPS on “calle de la punta del Lomo” in San José de Los Llanaos. The starting point is 100m from the car park. The hike is available on the visorando app here.
The hike is very easy and interesting. It has a spectacular scenery with a diversity of landscapes between pine forest, impressive lava flows and several small volcanoes that follow one another such as Montanas Negras, Chinyero or Montana Del Estrecho.
The walk will also offer you a great diversity of flowers. Count 4 hours of hiking.
# The cliffs of Los Gigantes
In Los Gigantes the cliffs are gigantic, hence their name. They are beautiful and majestic. Too bad the hotel constructions around spoil the landscape!
It is a seaside resort too touristy and concrete for my taste. Very disappointing! The cliffs are magnificent view from the sea. This makes it possible to realize their real magnitudes. Many sea excursions are possible from the port, by reservation only. The beach of Los Gigantes is very pretty but very small, as is the port.
Parking in the vicinity is subject to a fee.
Possibility to swim at the natural pool of Los Gigantes. The place does not make you dream, I have seen others more idyllic!
The sea view is beautiful but the tourist setting spoils everything.
Day 6 : Hike loop from Guama – Tamaimo
This hike on the heights offers magnificent views. The circuit is available on the AllTrails app or on their website here.
It is a loop of 5.5km with 475m of elevation gain, so some steep passages !! But the reward is there with breathtaking views.
On your return from hiking, take a break at a café and take the opportunity to taste a local specialty: barraquito !
It is a hot drink based on coffee, composed of 4 layers thanks to the different densities of its ingredients, which are, from bottom to top, condensed milk, liqueur, espresso and sparkling milk. It is embellished with cinnamon powder and lemon zest.
Very beautiful and above all delicious!!
Day 7: Teide Volcano
# The ascent of Mount Teide
On the way to discover the symbol of Tenerife: Teide ! I advise you to park your vehicle at the Tabonal Negro viewpoint. The hike is a loop that will require taking the funicular on the descent. Count 3 hours of walking by taking the path of the Montaña Blanca to the refuge of Altavista., then another 1 hour of walking from the refuge to the funicular, or 4 hours of ascent, breaks included.
Departure at 2300 meters above sea level to arrive at 3550 meters or 1250 meters of elevation gain! The refuge is located at 3360 meters above sea level; .
If you want to climb to the top of the Peak of Teide, you will have to take the path number 10 (from Telesforo Bravo to the peak of Teide).
Access to trail number 10 requires prior authorization required. Places are limited: 200 permits per day. The climb to the highest point of Mount Teide is a real privilege. On the spot, guards check that you are in possession of your pass. Access is via a path with a metal barrier at the entrance. I advise you to register several weeks or even months in advance on the national park reservation site (minimum 3 months). Registration in the national park is free. Not knowing it in advance, I unfortunately could not climb to the top of the giant of the island of Tenerife.
The hike to the funicular is already very satisfying with a lunar landscape with orange and ocher colors.
During the ascent, you will be able to observe fumaroles and smell the smell of sulfur.
The volcano is not extinct even if its activity is low. The view of the caldera is breathtaking. On your way, you will not be able to miss the impressive Huevos del Teide, in English “the eggs of Teide” which are huge balls of lava.
Some varieties of lonely flowers such as the Tenerife Viperine grow in this desert and sublimate the landscape. Viperine is an emblematic plant of Tenerife that can reach up to 3 meters in height.
This hike requires a certain physical condition. If you do not feel like doing it on foot, you always have the possibility to climb directly with the funicular. The descent by funicular will cost you 21€. For a round trip, I advise you to consult the prices on the volcanoteide.com website.
Be careful, at the top, you do not have the possibility to buy your downhill ticket at a ticket office. they do not take cash or credit cards. You must be equipped with a smartphone (with still battery, it’s better) and a data plan (no WiFi on pace). You will flash a QR code made available to you to pay for your ticket directly online.
Wearing a mask is mandatory in the funicular area. This excursion is a must on the island! I recommend!
# Los roques de Garcia
Los Roques de Garcia is an emblematic place in Tenerife.
I offer you this little free walk to do in an hour before or after your ascent of Mount Teide. The place is ideal for families. The rock called Roques Cinchado is the centerpiece of the site. The décor reminds me of the American West with a breathtaking view of the caldera of las canadas!
The sunset magnifies the colors of the rocks. Los Roques de Garcia are rock formations. The place also offers on a clear day a very nice view of Mount Teide. You will not regret your stop in this western setting!
Day 8: Paisaje Lunar
Are you thirsty for unusual hikes? I invite you to discover a lunar landscape !
Here we go!
Direction the village Vilaflor at the parking lot of the sanctuario del Santo Hermano Pedro
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Allow 4 hours in total to make the loop, not counting the photo breaks, videos and lunch. The starting point of the hike is at the water reservoirs.
If you can’t find the tanks, ask the nice shopkeeper at the store called “Hermane Pedro”. .
She is very nice. Do not hesitate to take him some specialties of the country!
We discovered delicious very fluffy almond cookies, a homemade tuna slipper (we had taken it to go) and a delicious local beer. Follow the marked path but pay close attention to the fork at the very beginning of the hike. It is not very visible.
Be careful, it climbs! There is a positive altitude difference of 700m. I guarantee you a lunar change of scenery throughout your hike and your efforts will be largely rewarded when you arrive!
Day 9: South of the island
# Montaña Roja
The montaña Roja is a very popular little hike from the south coast of Tenerife to Granadilla de Abona. You will appreciate this nature reserve with a small red volcano. Be careful, The site is always very windy. It blows your mind!
Arrived at the top, you will enjoy a magnificent 360 degree view of the ocean and its surrounding islands, the surf beach “le medano” on one side (many kite-surfers), the long sandy beach “la tejita” on the other and a view of the Teide volcano and the surrounding mountains. I advise you to go there for sunset. The colors of the red mountain will be sublimated. The place is popular with young people because it is the ideal spot to practice water sports such as surfing or windsurfing. Do not hesitate to walk along the coast to admire them.
In the evening, we highly recommend the Rosso Sul Mar restaurant.The meal and the view is exceptional and romantic. Service at the top! Booking is recommended and essential because it is very popular. It is a very good Italian restaurant with a lounge and cozy setting. The cuisine is fine, hearty and delicious.
# El Arco de Tajao
The Arco de Tajao in Tenerife reminds me of the Wadi Rum desert and its natural rock bridges! I am a fan of such geological phenomena. The visit will be short because the site is on the side of the road and easy to access. The arch due to erosion is very pretty. Provide sneakers to be able to climb it easily!
# Accommodation Finca Punta Del Lomo
Finca Punta Del Lomo is an oasis of peace in the south of Tenerife. The estate is surrounded by a huge banana plantation. Possibility to visit the banana plantation.
The place is enriching, pleasant and exotic. The cottages are spacious and clean. You will appreciate the solarium located on the roof of your accommodation.
Relax by the heated pool. It is surrounded by palm trees and an exotic décor!
The estate has private parking and CCTV cameras for security, although the area is very quiet and safe.
# Airbnb Accommodation in Tacoronte
The apartment is close to the main roads to walk throughout the island. It is located to the north at Tacoronte. It is an apartment with a very clean, bright and spacious loft design. All amenities are gathered such as the washing machine, a kitchen area, towels, sheets etc. The residence has a very nice communal pool and a magnificent sea view. The sunset is splendid!
Our host Esther had left us everything we needed for breakfast. We greatly enjoyed it (coffee, bread, jam, orange juice and bottled water). We recommend this accommodation without hesitation.
That’s it, our journey is coming to an end! We didn’t know Tenerife at all and it was a great discovery. An excellent quality/price/change of scenery, not far from the France, while remaining in the Europe zone (it helps in times of Covid). The island has a wide variety of landscapes and many beautiful hikes to discover. We will definitely stay there again.
If you want to discover even more activities and places to visit in Tenerife, we invite you to click on the banner below:
I hope you enjoyed this trip with me. I look forward to seeing you soon for new adventures with a new Myoxybubble destination!
Feel free to leave your comments on this article and share your own experiences (the form can be found a little further down).
Need advice to organize your trip? Contact me!
Advice
Transport
We strongly advise you to rent a car to be autonomous and free. in addition, out of season, the prices are unbeatable: 10 € / day !! No reason to deprive yourself of it at this price, especially since gasoline is cheaper than France.
We went through the price comparator bsp-auto.com.
No particular difficulty for driving, just a few winding roads that climb from time to time.
Money
We are in the Eurozone, so the same currency as in France.
No particular point of vigilance. CB is accepted just about everywhere.
The standard of living is lower than in France, food and restaurants are more affordable.
Before you go
Do not forget to take:
– sunscreen and sunglasses
– Hiking shoes, windbreaker for the ascent of Mount Teide, and rain clothing for the Forest of Anaga
For the electrical outlets, they are to the same standards as in France. No need for an adapter.
