10 + 1 Things to Do in North Tenerife, Canary Islands + MAP

There are many places to visit in North Tenerife, from the main tourist centers to the beautiful natural sceneries. This part of the island is full of incredible landscapes, impressive architecture, and delicious cuisine, so you’ll have a great time here.

If I were to provide my perspective, I’d say that numerous attractions in northern Tenerife outperform those in the south. That isn’t to say that there aren’t amazing activities available in south Tenerife, but that region is more popular among beachgoers and partygoers. Meanwhile, the north of Tenerife offers a respite from the noise and crowds, with expansive natural areas, hiking paths, history, and culture.

Fortunately, this island isn’t very expansive, so you can make the most of your trip to see everything here, especially if you spend a week in Tenerife. We have a complete guide with the top attractions in Tenerife, but for now, I’m going to tell you the primaryactivities in Tenerife North.

1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the best cities in north Tenerife

First, exploring the northern region of Tenerife would not be complete without traveling to the island`s capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. As the capital since 1833, this location offers visitors an ideal chance to learn more about this Canary Island.

To obtain a general overview of the city, one option is to participate in this complimentary guided tour, which visits several noteworthy locations such as the Insular Palace, the fortified San Cristóbal Castle, the Church of La Concepción, and the Our Lady of Africa Market. Along the route, the guide will offer insights into this city’s rise to prominence.

Of course, there are other fascinating places to explore here, especially if you have an interest in museums. The Museum of Nature and Archeology, the Museum ofHistory and Anthropology of Tenerife, and the Museum Municipality of Fine Arts are all located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

You likewise can`t miss the Palmetum, one of the most intriguing attractions in northern Tenerife. This botanical garden houses the largest assortment of palm trees in Europe, with close to 500 distinct palm species. It`s a popular place to visit, so it`s a good idea to get your ticket in advance.

Undoubtedly, this northern Tenerife town demands a visit, and ideally you should invest at least one night here. I advise remaining in one of the top lodgings in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and using it as your home base as you explore other sites in the region. Several of the premier tours in Tenerife depart from this city, so you don’t even require a vehicle.

2. Anaga Rural Park, one of the best places to visit in Tenerife north

Anaga Rural Park is another one of the most notable places to explore in the northern part of Tenerife. This protected area has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to numerous endemic species, making it a valuable natural environment. It’s also among our favorite locations on the island, thanks to its stunning laurel forests.

Throughout the park, you’ll encounter various walking paths through forests, along the beach, and past cliffs. The scenery here appears as if taken from a fairy tale, so you truly must see it to trust it. If you only take one route, be sure it’s the Trail of the Senses, one of the finest hikes in Tenerife that go through the magical laurel forest.

In addition to the Trail of the Senses, we also undertook the return hike to Afur and Tamadiste Beach, which begins and concludes in Taganana. It was a beautiful route that enabled us to admire the different scenic areas of the park, and it wasn’t too difficult.

During our visit to Anaga Rural Park, we made the most of our time by staying at the Albergue Montes de Anaga. It’s a simple accommodation, but it was ideal for us because we could wake up early and explore the park before it filled up with tourists. Of course, if you prefer hiking with a guide, this tour is one of the bestactivities to engage in in Tenerife North.

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3. San Cristóbal de La Laguna, another lovely city in Tenerife north

San Cristóbal de La Laguna is the only site on the island designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it stands as one of the top destinations to explore in northern Tenerife. This town is notable for its colonial-era architecture and urban planning dating back to the 15th century.

If it’s your first time here, I suggest taking this free tour to view the main sights in La Laguna, like the Plaza del Adelantado, the Palacio de Nava, Casa de la Alhóndiga, and Casa del Corregidor. It’s also worth visiting Teatro Leal, the San Cristóbal de La Laguna Cathedral, and Casa Salazar.

Additionally, if you’re interested in night attractions in Tenerife north, La Laguna has shops, eateries, and bars where you can socialize and sample some local cuisine.

4. See the Drago Milenario in Icod de los Vinos, north Tenerife

Another municipality in northern Tenerife worth exploring is Icod de los Vinos. Here, a person can see the renowned Drago Milenario, the oldest living dragon tree.

The 800-year-old tree has been declared a National Monument since 1917 and continues attracting visitors from all around the globe. It stands 60 feet in height and measures 65 feet in diameter at its base, so it’s quite impressive. While you can see it from San Marcos Square, it’s worth purchasing a ticket to enter the park and see it from nearby.

After visiting the dragon tree, make the most of your time to explore some other places in Icod de los Vinos, like the Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres, the Plaza de Pila, and the Guanche Museum. Icod de los Vinos is also home to the Cueva del Viento, an amazing northern Tenerife attraction that I`ll discuss later.

Naturally, if you’re brief on time or you want to ensure you see all the primary points of interest, take into account doing this complimentary tour through Icod de los Vinos.

5. Puerto de la Cruz, another interesting place to visit in north Tenerife

Following Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz is the most significant city in the northern part of Tenerife, so you cannot miss it. This place stands out for its captivating maritime history, which persists today.

Exploring Timanfaya feels otherworldly, with the landscape exhibiting a stunning array of reds, blacks, ochres, and oranges resembling a vibrant artistic work. You can explore the park by taking one of the bus tours, which is among the top excursions in Lanzarote, and visiting the magnificent Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains).

While visiting, you should check out Lake Martínez, the San Felipe Castle, the Botanical Garden, Plaza del Charco, and the La Paz lookout, where incredible views can be had. This city is also home to the lovely Playa Jardín beach, although if water sports appeal, I suggest Martínez Beach, considered one of northern Tenerife’s finest beaches. Here, even surfing lessons can be taken for beginners.

As an alternative, factoring in preference for this town over Santa Cruz de Tenerife, taking up residence here and employing it as a base while touring other locations in Tenerife North merits consideration. First-rate hotels in Puerto de la Cruz assure finding accommodations fulfilling any needs and budget.

6. Teno Rural Park, the best place in north Tenerife to go hiking

Teno Rural Park is another majestic organic area on Tenerife north, therefore I necessitate mention it. It’s the most extensive natural zone on the island, covering 19,770 acres moreover extending the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tanque, along with Santiago del Teide.

Also, if you’re searching for outdoor activities to partake in in northern Tenerife, Teno Rural Park has a variety of trails you can take through its laurel forests, cliffs, and valleys. There is also the Punta del Teno, the park’s most renowned attraction and one of the best scenic spots in Tenerife. Here, you can see the iconic red-and-white lighthouse and gaze out at the Los Gigantes Cliffs.

Furthermore, there are several excellent touring possibilities in this region that will allow you to gain better perspectives of the park, the cliffs, and the island as a whole. For views from the sea, do this boat excursion or this kayaking experience, and if you want to stay on land, I advise this hiking tour through the park.

Without doubt, Teno Rural Park is one of the most beautiful places in northTenerife, particularly for nature lovers. It’s a bit secluded and more difficult to access, but it’s worthwhile for the wild, untouched landscapes.

7. Go swimming in El Caletón, a fun thing to do in northern Tenerife

There are numerous natural pools in Tenerife, and the most serene ones are located in north Tenerife. One of the top swimming areas, orcharcos, is El Caletón in Garachico, a stunning town in Tenerife north.

I suggest arriving early at El Caletón to avoid crowds and fully enjoy this stunning natural pool. It formed after the 1706 eruption of Trevejo Volcano when its solidified lava interacted with cooler ocean waters. The hardened lava acts as a barrier, so swimming here has no concern for strong currents or waves.

Enjoying the water here is a fun activity to do in northern Tenerife as a family, and you can make the most of your time by exploring the nearby attractions in Garachico. Walking through the peaceful streets of this town is a pleasure on its own, and you’ll see the picturesque arch leading to the harbor.

Of course, if time is limited, you can join this complimentary tour to get an overview of Garachico and see notable sites like the San Miguel fortress, the statue of Simón Bolívar, and the buildings and lookout towers that were once applied to detect pirates at sea.

8. La Orotava, a charming village you must see in Tenerife north

While you’re on the north side of Tenerife, I suggest going to La Orotava, a historic town with lovely architecture and unique buildings.

One of the iconic architectural works located here is the Casa de los Balcones, which was constructed in the 18th century using the traditional Canarian style. The home still maintains its original wooden framework, so visitors can view the old interior courtyards and outdoor balconies that were common during that time period. Access to the building requires a ticket to enter, and once inside, more information can be learned about typical Canarian activities and crafts such as basket weaving and embroidery.

There are other interesting things to observe in La Orotava, like its namesake valley, the Gardens of the Marquesado de la Quinta Roja, and the Church of Our Lady of the Conception, one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the Canary Islands. There is even a free tour you can take to gain a general overview of La Orotava’s history and culture.

9. Cueva del Viento, one of the most unique places in northern Tenerife

Previously, I brought up the Cueva del Viento in Icod de los Vinos. This constitutes one of the most interesting places in northern Tenerife, given that it represents one of the world’s largest lava tubes. Access is limited to a small segment of it solely, but it contains intriguing rock formations and fossil remains, rendering a visit worthwhile.

Venturing into the Cueva del Viento is rather an escapade since you’ll must descend the lava tube. Be certain to wear comfy shoes and to bring layers since the air currents make the temperatures a bit cooler. After all, Cueva del Viento translates to “cave of the wind”!

As one could envision, this is a popular attraction in northern Tenerife, so if planning to visit, you should book your ticket ahead of time. Another choice is reserving this guided tour, which includes your entry pass and a tour of Garachico and La Orotava.

10. Visit Benijo Beach and the other beautiful beaches of Tenerife north

The entire coastal region of the island showcases scenic beauty, so be sure to explore some of the finest sandy areas in northern Tenerife. A personal favorite is Benijo Beach, a beach featuring dark volcanic sand located in the Anaga district. What we enjoy about this place is its rural and rugged landscape paired with its unique sands, presenting a rather magical setting.

That said, the waves and currents here can be very strong, so it’s not the ideal place to go swimming. Even so, it’s a picturesque locale in Tenerife north, so if you want to visit here, head to the El Mirador Restaurant and follow the neighboring path to the beach.

Another beach located in Tenerife that offers natural beauty is El Bolullo Beach in La Orotava. With a semi-tropical climate alongside banana plantations and beach bars, it provides an enjoyable setting. Moreover, Socorro Beach is a northern Tenerife coastline where watersports can be practiced, while Las Teresitas Beach has golden sand, clear waters, and a prime location near Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

10+1. Climb Mount Teide, something you must do in north Tenerife

While the Teide National Park is centrally located on the island, climbing to its peak is one of the most impressive activities in northern Tenerife. Mount Teide is recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional global importance and is part of the Natura 2000 Network, signifying its high environmental value. It`s also the highest summit in Spain and the third largest volcano on Earth, making it one of the most spectacular sights in Tenerife North. That is why I suggest experiencing it both in our weekly itinerary for Tenerife and our 5-day trip to Tenerife route.

If you aim to climb Mount Teide, there are two approaches to accomplish this. Most travelers take the cable car from the bottom station, which is 7,730 feet above sea level, and ride it to La Rambleta, at 11,665 feet. From there, you can gain access to the top of Mount Teide by walking the last section of the Telesforo Bravo trail (Trail 10). Be aware that you must apply for a permit in advance to use Trail 10. Otherwise, you can take Trail 11 from La Rambleta, which connects to the Mirador de la Fortaleza viewpoint, or Trail 12, which goes to the Pico Viejo Viewpoint.

During our initial visit to Mount Teide, we opted to ascend via hiking route Sendero 7 or Montaña Blanca. This trail is approximately 5 miles long and took around 4 hours to arrive at La Rambleta. We spent the night at the Altavista Mountain Refuge and rose early the next day to watch the sunrise from the summit. This approach meant we did not require a permit as these are not needed if reaching the peak before 9:00 a.m.

If you prefer not to hike on your own in Mount Teide National Park, you can partake in one of the best organized excursions through Teide. For instance, this activity covers the required permit and cable car tickets, but there is also this guided trek that reaches La Rambleta using the cable car. It is also worthwhile looking into this complimentary tour (in Spanish), which takes visitors around the breathtaking surroundings of the volcanic mountain, such as the Cañadas delTeide landscape, Roques de García, and Roque Cinchado rock formations.

Where to stay in northern Tenerife – Best hotels in Tenerife north

We`ve lodged at some of the best North Tenerife hotels, and our top choice is the H10 Tenerife Playa in Puerto de la Cruz. On top of its superb location, the accommodations has bright roomy rooms with private balconies likewise as a restaurant, gym, and pool. Overall, it provides great value for the money, so I highly recommend it.

If you’re searching for additional choices, we have other guides on where to reside in Tenerife, such as the finest villas, apartments, and lodging.

Where to eat in northern Tenerife – Best restaurants in Tenerife north

Happily, there are lots of tasty places to eat in northern Tenerife where a diversity of dishes and traditional Canarian cuisine can be found.

While in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, I suggest dining at a cozy family-run restaurant known for reasonable prices and traditional Canarian cuisine. In Puerto de la Cruz, we enjoy a place specializing in Argentinian dishes.

In Garachico, one of the top restaurants is El Rebojo, where you can order a variety of meat and fish tapas along with vegetarian and vegan alternatives. The prices are great too, so you can dine well without spending much money.

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Map of northern Tenerife, Canary Islands

To wrap up, I’m sharing a map of northern Tenerife with all the attractions, hotels, and restaurants I discussed.

You can download and utilize this map to plan your ideal route through Tenerife`s north region, even though we also have other tourist maps of Tenerife if you’d like to see a specific area in more depth.

Finally, I recommend hiring a car in Tenerife so you can make the most of your holiday in Tenerife. We always use DiscoverCars, a website that compares various rental companies to find the best offers and prices.

That said, if you don’t want to drive, you have the choice of taking local buses. The public transportation network remains well-connected to northern Tenerife`s primary towns, but it caters mainly to residents, so circumnavigating the island by such means would expend significantly more time. A superior choice might involve participating in some of the highly rated tours of Tenerife, most of which set off from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Puerto de la Cruz.

That’s it from me! I hope you enjoyed learning about all the wonderful things to do in northern Tenerife. If you have any questions or encounters in North Tenerife that you’d like to share, leave me a comment below. Have a great time exploring this Canary Island!