18 Surprising Hidden Gems in Tenerife That’ll Leave You Speechless!

These are the best hidden gems in Tenerife!

Tenerife is a popular vacation destination known for its stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. However, beyond the typical tourist attractions lies a world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From secluded natural wonders to quaint local villages, the island offers countless unique experiences that often go unnoticed by the average traveler. Get ready to uncover these 18 magical hidden gems in Tenerife!

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About Tenerife

Tenerife is the biggest island in the Spanish Canary Islands. The island group consists of 8 volcanic islands located only 100 kilometers from the coast of Morocco. This means that, like Morocco, the weather in the Canary Islands is very sunny and warm all year round.

Even though they’re so close to Africa, the Canary Islands are a part of Europe, Spain to be exact. With Spanish as the most common language and the Euro as currency, these islands are very popular with European tourists.

Of all islands, Tenerife is one of the most popular islands to visit, and with good reason… This island is so incredibly diverse in its landscapes, there are simply too many places to see!

18 hidden gems in Tenerife

Besides the amazing other activities Tenerife offers, many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds and stray off the beaten path, keep reading to find the most amazing hidden gems in Tenerife!

Let’s get into it!

Hidden gems in Tenerife

Taganana

As you venture through Anaga Rural Park, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. The lush greenery and winding paths lead you to quaint villages that seem to have frozen in time, capturing the essence of traditional Canarian life.

One of these villages is Taganana. This admirable hidden gem is filled with the most spectacular sights that’ll leave you breathless!

Make sure not to miss:

Mirador Bailadero
Playa del Roque de las Bodegas
Mirador Risco Amogoje
Playa de Almaciga
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Nieves Church

Besides the most beautiful landscapes, you will also find some of the best typical Canarian cuisine in Taganana. You should indulge yourself in the most delicious food at:

Casa Picar
Guachinche Bibi y Mana
Restaurante Playa Casa Africa

Taganana is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss!

Playa de Benijo

Located close to the Taganana hamlet, you’ll find one of the most stunning beaches in Tenerife: Playa de Benijo.

As you walk along the coast surrounded by rugged cliffs and crashing waves, you can’t help but feel the raw power and natural beauty of Playa de Benijo.

Tourists often overlook this hidden gem, making it the perfect escape for those seeking a more authentic and unspoiled experience. The contrast of the black sand against the turquoise waters creates a mesmerizing scene with the most beautiful views of the fascinating rock formations in the sea.

Trust me, mere words can’t do justice to this picturesque beach; you’ll have to see it yourself!

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Another hidden gem tourists usually skip is La Laguna. With colorful streets, charming architecture, and rich history, La Laguna is a must-see!

This beautiful city has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

From its impressive cathedral and bustling markets to its lively cafes and welcoming locals, there is much to discover in this enchanting corner of the world!

Don’t miss out on:

Admire Plaza del Adelantado
Visit the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Snap a photo of the Church of the Immaculate Conception
Be fascinated by the Museum of the History of Tenerife
Wander down the picturesque Calle La Carrera and Calle San Agustín.

And this is just a fraction of the activities in La Laguna!

One thing is sure; La Laguna is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss!

Garachico

Often described as the most beautiful town of Tenerife, Garachico is truly something special…

Over 3 centuries ago, this wonderful town was the main town of Tenerife. With a huge port too, Garachico used to be the most important town on the island! But this only lasted up until 1703, when the volcano erupted and devastated the port.

When visiting Garachico, you’ll be able to admire a surprising number of noble houses, enjoy the natural pools, and relax in the laid-back vibes of this picturesque little town!

Punta de Teno

One place that blew me away is Punta de Teno. This picturesque westernmost point of the island will leave you in awe!

With marvelous sea cliffs, amazingly blue crashing waves, a magical lighthouse, and so many bright green cactuses, Punta de Teno is a must-see!

This place is perfect for:

Relaxing and swimming in the sea/natural pools
Hiking
Climbing (there’s an incredible deepwater solo spot here!)
Enjoying the views of the Los Gigantes cliffs and the lighthouse

When we visited this place we did all of the activities listed above. Enjoyed the views while hiking to the deepwater solo, swimming in a natural pool, and climbing the cliffs. And it was one of the highlights of my trip!

Ps. To get to Punta de Teno is not hard, you just have to know how to do it. All you have to do is park your car at this exact spot: 28.366109, -16.861791, and then wait for the bus that goes up to the cliffs every hour until 7 pm. It’s only 1,- euro per person per ride.

Vilaflor

This hidden gem is a very special one. Vilaflor is a picturesque little village nestled within the Corona Forestal National Park. On a height of no less than 1400 meters, Vilaflor is even the highest town in the Canary Islands!

When walking through Vilaflor, you’ll feel like entering another world. In less than an hour, you can go from a tropical beach to this charming mountain town, offering stunning mountain views. The town is so quiet and peaceful, you can hear the birds all around you!

Vilaflor is the perfect stop before hiking the Corona Forestal National Park. We had some typical Canarian lunch here before hiking the Paisaje Lunar and it was so good! Sitting on the terrace of Restaurante Casa Pana to enjoy some delicious food is something I highly recommend!

Paisaje Lunar

While writing about Vilaflor, I realized that the Paisaje Lunar hike is a hidden gem too! I can’t remember running into anyone while doing this hike.

Paisaje Lunar means Lunar landscape and that’s exactly what you can expect to find here. The landscape has been formed by volcanic eruptions with lava that has hardened into striking rock formations.

There are several routes you can take, check out this Paisaje Lunar hiking guide for all the information you need!

You shouldn’t miss out on this hike!

Chinyero Volcano

Another place I somehow stumbled upon is the Chinyero Volcano. I had a very chaotic time trying to find an entrance point to the Montañas Negras hiking area and at some point, I just drove to Sendero del Chinyero, parked the car by the road, and started walking.

And that’s when I started seeing signs of a hike that felt right to do; the Chinyero Loop, of only 7,3 kilometers at an easy level. And I had no words… It was so beautiful, I couldn’t believe I found this place by accident!

Read how to hike the Chinyero loop here!

La Orotava

A hidden town you need to see on your trip to Tenerife is La Orotava. Nestled in the lush green valleys and surrounded by majestic mountains, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for any traveler!

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, La Orotava offers a unique and unforgettable experience. There are many things to do in La Orotava:

Admire the historical Casa de los Balcones
Visit the Garden Hijuela del Botánico
Get lost in the Victoria Gardens
Wander through the picturesque old town of La Orotava

Make sure La Orotava is part of your Tenerife itinerary!

Playa Los Patos

Tenerife is very famous for its many picturesque black-sand beaches. But some of these beaches stand out, while staying hidden from tourists. Playa Los Patos is one of them.

Imagine walking down a wooden walkway into the most beautiful beach with the blackest sand you’ve ever seen, creating the perfect contrast with the blue crashing waves…

Playa Los Patos is a beach with the most volcanic sand in the Canary Islands. Also, this beach is a bit difficult to reach, but not impossible. And that means you’ll have a peaceful experience, exploring this magical beach!

Elevador de agua de Gordejuela

If you like exploring abandoned places, this one’s for you.

Built in 1903, this ‘’water elevator’’ was used to pump water from the Gordejuela springs to the banana plantations in the Orotava Valley. The system used the first steam engine in Tenerife!

Now the place has been abandoned and has turned into a beautiful ruin. As of 2019, it’s not allowed to go inside anymore because it’s too dangerous.

However, the view of this amazing ruin is so worth seeing, make sure to check it out!

Los Gigantes cliffs

Not so hidden anymore, but still, the Los Gigantes cliffs should be on this list. Los Gigantes is a place that’ll blow your mind!

These colossal rock formations, located on the western coast of Tenerife, have been captivating visitors for centuries. From their towering heights to their striking colors and intricate shapes, Los Gigantes are a true marvel of nature.

There are several things to do in Los Gigantes:

Take a refreshing dip in the natural pools (Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes)
Relax on Los Guíos Beach
Take in the views from the Archipenque viewpoint
Go on a kayaking excursion

Although Los Gigantes is not that hidden anymore, it still feels authentic and it’s not too crowded in the off-season. One thing is sure, you have to see these incredible cliffs!

Icod de Los Vinos

Are you a wine lover? Then make sure to pay attention to this hidden gem!

With the sweet scent of grapes and endlessly flowing wine, Icod de Los Vinos is an amazing off-the-beaten-path destination in Tenerife!

Its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned wine production makes Icod de los Vinos a must-visit destination for any wine lover or avid traveler!

Here are some activities you can’t miss in Icod de Los Vinos:

Snap a photo of the famous Drago Milenario (Dragon Tree)
And enjoy the botanical garden around it (Parque del Drago)
Enjoy the charms of Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres
Fall in love with the butterflies of Mariposario del Drago
Learn about wines at the Malvasia Museum

Icod de Los Vinos is a town filled with the most surprising sights, you simply have to see them for yourself!

Cueva del Viento

This amazing network of underground passages is situated very close to Icod de Los Vinos. Formed 27.000 years ago in the first eruptive phase of the Pico Viejo volcano, these volcanic tubes are very unique!

This ‘’Cave of the Wind’’ is one of the largest lava tube systems in the world, extending over 17 kilometers and reaching depths of up to 95 meters below the surface.

The cave is inhabited by interesting insects and there are quite some fossils to be found, like skeletons of a gigantic rat and lizard.

The cave can only be visited on a guided tour of 3 hours. Tickets for this tour are €20,- per adult.

Charco de la Mareta

Don’t be mistaken, unlike the town of Mareta, Charco de Mareta is a natural pool that can be found on the north side of the island on Punta de Juan Centellas. El Charco de la Mareta is the perfect place for a refreshing dip on the coast of Icod de Los Vinos.

This natural pool is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the entire island of Tenerife! The reason it’s a bit off-the-beaten-path is because Charco de Mareta is a bit secluded and quiet, and requires a small hike.

So, if you’re willing to take a short hike and escape the crowds, Charco de Mareta is definitely worth adding to your Tenerife itinerary!

Montana Roja / Playa La Tejita

One of my absolute favorite places in Tenerife is Montana Roja. Maybe it’s just because it was my view for a full month, but it surely left a mark on my heart.

Montana Roja (Red Mountain) is famous for its red glow that matches a perfect contrast to the blue waters below! This volcanic wonder in El Médano is so worth checking out!

You can climb the Montana Roja to a stunning viewpoint, but you can also enjoy the mountain from below, by visiting Playa La Tejita. Whatever you do, make sure Montana Roja is part of your itinerary!

Natural Pools Los Abrigos

Another personal favorite is the natural pools of Los Abrigos! With the clear blue water crashing into the volcanic black rocks, leaving the most stunning natural pools behind, these natural pools have to be on your Tenerife bucket list!

Even though they’re not as hidden as some other places, you can still come here for a quiet time enjoying the ocean. Luckily it’s easy to reach, especially if you’re already in El Médano, you should check out this spot!

Small Tenerife travel guide

Weather in Tenerife

Tenerife is an amazing island to visit all year round, weather-wise.

January is the coldest month, with high temperatures of 20°C and lows of 14°C (68°F / 57°F). August is the hottest month with high temperatures of 28°C and lows of 20°C (82°F / 68°F)

I was in Tenerife in February, and constantly enjoyed temperatures between 23°C and 26°C during the day.

Check this website for the annual weather in Tenerife.

Where to stay in Tenerife

Tenerife has several good places to base yourself in. Here’s a list of the best places in the south, followed by the best places in the north.

By clicking on the place names you’ll instantly be directed to the best accommodations in that place.

Best places to stay in the south of Tenerife:

Los Gigantes
Adeje
Playa de las Americas / Los Cristianos (super touristy though)
El Médano

Best places to stay in the north of Tenerife:

How to get around in Tenerife

Tenerife is only a small island and getting from one place to the other isn’t that hard.

Public transport

In Tenerife, there is a fairly good bus network. It’s easy to go from one city to another. However, if you want to go to places like Teide National Park and Anaga Rural Park, it’s gonna be harder to get there by bus.

In this case, you can book a tour and make sure that the transport is included.

If you’re going to Tenerife for sunbathing and relaxing most of the time, using the public transport system should be fine for you and will save you quite some money.

Renting a car

However, if you’re keen to see more of the island, you should rent a car!

It’s easy to get deals from €50 to €80 per week. With a car, you’ll have the freedom to drive anywhere.

I rented a car for a few days on my month-long trip and it was so simple! It was amazing to have the freedom to drive anywhere. I highly recommend renting a car in Tenerife, especially because it’s not so expensive. Gasoline is also very cheap on the island.

Final thoughts on hidden gems in Tenerife

I loved finding these hidden gems on Tenerife, I never expected to find so many of them! And now it’s your time to explore them…

Which ones are you going to visit first? Let me know in the comments below! 😉