Teno Rural Park is considered one of the most beautiful and wild natural areas in Tenerife. It covers nearly 19,800 hectares within the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tanque, and Santiago del Teide, located in an isolated region with limited access in the northwestern part of the island.
We visited Parque Rural de Teno on one of our past travels to Tenerife and we were very amazed. We did not expect to find such splendor between its cliffs, laurel woodlands, and valleys, as well as great cultural wealth. We also learned that this is the habitat of the laurel dove, an endangered animal type.
This recreational area has become one of the top destinations to visit in North Tenerife because it is home to Punta Teno. Punta de Teno is where the famous red and white painted lighthouse resides. This scenic viewpoint is deemed one of the best in Tenerife, particularly if enjoying the stunning Punta de Teno sunset together with the Los Gigantes Cliffs appeals to you.
Undoubtedly, Teno Rural Park is one of the prime places to see in Tenerife, and you can go alone or reserve an expedition if you lack too much time. If you opt for the latter, I suggest scheduling this guided walk, which commences from Buenavista del Norte and will permit you to enjoy strolling to Punta del Teno.
If you want to learn more about Teno, Tenerife, in this guide I’ll provide you with all the necessary information about this beautiful rural park, including how to access Punta de Teno.
Table of Contents
1. Punta de Teno Lighthouse, the most popular place in Teno Rural Park
Punta de Teno Lighthouse is one of the most frequented places in Parque Rural de Teno. Indeed, it develops one of the most recognizable and iconic representations, as the lighthouse is painted with red and white colors.
Its creation commenced in 1891, however it was not finished until 1893 and it did not start operating until 1897. From that moment onward, it served as the home for the 2 lighthouse keepers who took care of it and their respective families. As with any residence at that time, it had a dining room, bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom so that the lighthouse keepers and their families could live comfortably. Nowadays, the Punta de Teno Lighthouse in Tenerife is unoccupied and works automatically.
Although situated in a remote area with limited accessibility, this Tenerife lighthouse has become one of the most visited places in the park. The lighthouse sits upon cliffs where guests can obtain a postcard-worthy image with the ocean and La Gomera in the background and Los Gigantes Cliffs on one side.
2. Punta de Teno Viewpoint, the most beautiful site in Teno Rural Park
Punta de Teno Viewpoint is one of the most beautiful areas in Teno Rural Park, and it lies near the well-known lighthouse that was previously mentioned.
Punta de Teno is a small peninsula that was molded millions of years ago as a consequence of flowing lava, which cooled and hardened when it arrived at the ocean. This is why, seen from above, it is a rock formation that extends from the island and enters the ocean, making it the perfect vantage point to see the Los Gigantes Cliffs.
From this scenic viewpoint, you will also receive beautiful views of the ocean, with the island of La Gomera in the background, and you will be able to see one of the most beautiful sunsets across the entire island.
3. Teno Beach, a small beach with a lot of charm
Teno Beach is another excellent place to visit within Teno Rural Park. It is a small black sand beach situated in Punta de Teno, giving it quite a unique and scenic quality. Actually, from here you will have beautiful panoramas of the Los Gigantes Cliffs, so for this alone, it deserves inclusion on your list of things to do in Teno, Tenerife.
However, it’s not the best option for sunbathing because of the stony sand. Also, I recommend you wear booties if you want to swim at this beach, or you could hurt the soles of your feet. The water here is usually calm thanks to the small breakwater that surrounds it.
Teno Beach in Tenerife typically has very few visitors owing to its location, so if you seek an untouched, wild, and peaceful beach, it is unquestionably one of the best choices.
4. Masca Gorge, the most popular hiking route in Teno
The Masca Gorge is another place in Teno, Tenerife that you should visit, particularly if you enjoy hiking.
This popular hike involves a descent into the ravine reaching Masca Beach followed by an ascent back to the starting point. A few years ago, you could do the downhill portion and then take a boat from the Masca jetty connecting to Los Gigantes. In fact, that`s what we did, since the upward trek requires a very high level of fitness.
However, this choice is not available at the moment since the pier is closed.
If you want to access the Masca Gorge, you must request a complimentary permit through this website. I advise doing this beforehand as the daily number of individuals who can access the ravine is quite limited. You may also hire this guided tour, and the organizing company will process the permit for you.
For those who feel descending and ascending the canyon poses too much exertion yet wish to experience this essential part of the Natural Park of Teno, visiting Caserío de Masca allows beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and gorges enveloping the town.
For more data about this place in Teno, Tenerife, you can check out our specific guide.
5. See the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the sea
Los Gigantes Cliffs is another amazing place to behold in Teno, Tenerife. Although beautiful panoramic views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs can be enjoyed from the Punta de Teno viewpoint, I recommend booking a boat or kayak tour so they may be seen from the sea.
You may take this boat tour departing from Punta de Teno, Tenerife, journeying to Masca Beach, where time allows swimming if weather permits. Then you will return to point of origin, enabling observation of the greatness of cliffs in both directions, as well as La Gomera.
You are able to do the tour I just mentioned in a kayak if you pre-book this excursion. There is no need to worry if you have never been in a kayak before, as they will provide some basic guidelines and instructions, as well as appropriate safety measures.
We chose the kayak tour, and we liked it quite a bit since it made us feel much closer to the cliffs. We felt very small next to them, so I assure you that once you are in the sea, you will understand why the indigenous persons of Tenerife called them the “Walls of Hell” and believed that they signaled the end of the world.
6. Monte del Agua, a beautiful laurel forest in Teno Rural Park
Monte del Agua is one of the most scenic places in Tenerife’s Teno Rural Park. Located between the municipalities of El Tanque, Los Silos, and Buenavista del Norte, the route takes visitors through laurel forests, ravines, and abandoned farmhouses. This area is also home to two endemic Canarian bird species, the Laurel Pigeon and the Bolle Pigeon, so keep your eyes peeled for a sighting.
It`s important to note that while several routes and means exist to reach Monte del Agua, a commonly used trail originates in Los Silos, passing through Las Moradas and Cuevas Negras. This looped path allows discovering the old homes of former shepherds and farmers in Las Moradas, though most lie in ruins now. Hiking this route also involves passing uninhabited structures overtaken by flourishing vegetation in Cuevas Negras.
You will also have the option to visit the Bucarón Ravine and Cochinos Ravine, where you’ll find Monte del Agua’s characteristic vegetation.
You can also access Monte del Agua from Erjos. This trail comprises a fascinating loop within Teno, Tenerife, allowing discovery of the Aceviño tree, an endemic species identifiable by its small red fruits.
7. Risco Blanco, a trail in Teno Rural Park that will astonish you
Risco Blanco is another exceedingly well-liked trail within Teno Rural Park, Tenerife. It’s a solitary direction course that starts from El Molledo, a modest town that’s part of Santiago del Teide; and concludes at Risco Blanco, a volcanic rock of a characteristic light color situated in Sierra de Teno, dividing the Natero ravine and Seco ravine.
The trail along Punta de Teno is less than 1.5 miles long, therefore this hike can easily be completed in about an hour and a half. However, it is important to note that returning to the starting point will take another hour and a half. The terrain along this route is quite consistent, therefore it is very accessible and suitable for everyone.
This path astonishes through its vista. One can observe the mountainous landscape including Risco Blanco while clear days permit glimpses of La Gomera from across the ocean. Wildlife viewing prospects here include goats in their natural habitat, rendering Risco Blanco a suitable hike through Teno National Park.
Buenavista del Norte is one of the most charming hamlets in Teno, Tenerife. It additionally maintains Tenerife’s traditions and natural beauty due to its scenic location. Buenavista del Norte is surrounded by the wildest and most pristine landscapes on the island, most of which are considered protected areas.
I suggest exploring the historic downtown area of the town, which while straightforward, houses some architectural structures very significant to the past. One of them is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios, which was constructed between 1513 and 1518 honoring the patron saint of the municipality, Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios. There are other important religious buildings, such as the prior convent of San Francisco, the Chapel of the Hermitage of San Sebastián and the Visitation, and Hacienda La Fuente.
You can also stroll through Plaza de Los Remedios, one of the most significant squares in Buenavista del Norte where many social and cultural gatherings regularly occur.
Given its privileged location, you can use Buenavista del Norte as a starting point to explore some of the most iconic places in Teno Rural Park, such as Punta de Teno Viewpoint, Los Gigantes Cliffs, or Masca Ravine.
9. Los Silos, another village you should visit in Teno Rural Park
Los Silos is another gorgeous town worthy of a visit while in Teno, Tenerife. It is a small community with significant history and stunning natural surroundings. It`s also very peaceful, making it ideal for spending a day away from tourist crowds, mingling with locals, and enjoying serenity in a remote and wild setting.
I would recommend exploring its historic district, where you`ll find cobbled streets, homes with typical Canarian facades, and traditional mansions. You should also visit Caseta del Telégrafo, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Luz, and the former convent of San Sebastián, which received a Historic-Artistic Monument designation in 1986. Additionally, you should definitely visit Salinas de La Caleta, an area that has become a way of life for generations and shares part of the town`s history.
Remember that the route to Monte del Agua that I mentioned to you before begins from this town and passes through Las Moradas and Cuevas Negras. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular treks in Teno Rural Park, so keep it in mind if you come here.
10. Altos de Baracán, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Parque Rural de Teno
Additionally, another location that you can visit in the Teno Rural Park is the scenic Altos de Baracán viewpoint.
Considered one of the premier scenic spots in Tenerife, it rises 2,640 feet above sea level and occupies a strategic position allowing views of the variances in scenery between the northern and southern areas of Tenerife. Specifically, the viewpoint sits directly on road TF-436, connecting El Palmar Valley and the town of Las Portelas to Masca, precisely at the southeastern end of the Teno Massif.
Altos de Baracán also has beautiful views of Barranco de Los Carrizales, the Mountain of El Palmar, and the Valley of El Palmar.
To reach this lovely location in Teno Rural Park, an individual will need a motor vehicle, although public buses also travel there.
The road to Teno, Tenerife, the only way to get to Punta de Teno
Surely by now, you have many inquiries about how to access Punta de Teno, Tenerife since it’s a remote place that can be difficult to reach.
You can access Punta de Teno and the lighthouse by car from the town of Buenavista del Norte through the TF-445 road. Something vital to bear in mind is that it’s a complex road where landslides frequently occur, so there are specific times when you can use it, which you can check here. This is to ensure visitor safety, while also protecting and preserving the environment. Frankly, I’m uncertain if I deem this place suitable for less than a 7-day Tenerife itinerary.
You can also arrive via guagua, which is the regional bus on the Canary Islands. In this situation, you must take line 369, which leaves from the Buenavista del Norte station and has the bus timetable posted online here. Another choice to get to Punta Teno is by booking this hiking tour.
An additional road in Teno, Tenerife is helpful if wanting to explore Masca. It connects Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide, passing through the town. If vehicle access is unavailable, travelers can take public transportation service, specifically route 355, linking Buenavista del Norte, Masca, and Santiago del Teide. Schedules can be viewed here.
Additionally, the TF-82 highway also crosses Teno Rural Park and connects to Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, El Tanque, Los Silos, Santiago del Teide, Guía de Isora, and Costa Adeje.
Where to stay in Teno Rural Park
When we visited the great natural park of Teno, we decided to stay at the Los Pedregales campground. This is one of the optimal spots to pitch a tent in Tenerife thanks to its convenient location near Punta de Teno, which is accessible via public transit or renting a vehicle in Tenerife.
Be aware that you are only able to camp here using a tent since Los Pedregales does not have spaces for recreational vehicles. Though I recognize that it can be inconvenient if you’re unused to sleeping in a tent, this is unquestionably one of the best options if you want to be in direct contact with nature.
If you are searching for a more cozy option, Teno offers some of the top rural vacation homes in Tenerife. For instance, you can remain at Finca el Castillo in Buenavista del Norte, which provides well-furnished autonomous apartments with a shared pool, garden, barbecue area, and other facilities.
That’s it for the best apartments in southernTenerife. Before I go, here is a map to help you locate them all as you plan your expedition to Tenerife:
Some other lodgings we recommend:
- Viña Camello, a beautiful rural home located in Buenavista del Norte
- Luxurious Villa in Punta de Teno countryside, an upscale residence in Buenavista del Norte
- Rural Home Morrocatana, a countryside lodging with good conveniences in Masca
Where to eat in Teno Rural Park
You will find some highly regarded restaurants in Teno de Tenerife. One of my top recommendations is El Guanche in Masca. It’s the oldest eatery in the area, so it’s worth visiting here just for the traditional design and details. Here, you can order characteristic Canarian cuisine as well as plant-based and vegetarian alternatives. The environment here is very cozy, rendering it one of the highest rated restaurants in Tenerife.
Another excellent dining option lies at Bodegón Patamero in Buenavista del Norte, located specifically within the Las Lagunetas region. Here one will find many classic regional delicacies, though I suggest ordering croquettes and the queso asado. Thankfully, we made reservations in advance as it can become crowded, a practice I recommend for others as well.
I also recommend Restaurante El Burgado in Buenavista del Norte. It’s conveniently located and serves excellent food at a very reasonable price. In addition, the service is top-notch, so we really enjoyed our time there.
Teno Rural Park map
Now that you are aware of Teno Rural Park and everything there is to do within it, here is a map so you can situate all those places that I have mentioned:
I hope highlighting attractions in Teno, Tenerife assists with learning more about this beautiful area to fully appreciate your time there. Please share comments or experiences below. I`d enjoy feedback!
Enjoy your time in Tenerife’s Parque Rural de Teno!
