What to see in tenerife in a week routes for summer
THERE IS A LOT TO SEE IN TENERIFE IN ONE WEEK, FROM COASTAL TO MOUNTAIN PLANS. HERE IS A SEVEN-DAY ROUTE TO EXPLORE THE ISLAND AND ITS CHARMING CORNERS.
In this post we propose a seven-day route around the island suitable for spring and summer. Surely you know that in the Canary Islands, temperatures do not suffer great differences between summer and winter, however, we believe that in summer you can enjoy some plans more linked to the sea and water activities.
Garachico
Day 1.
Route by the low island and the north zone
The northern part of the island is a natural spectacle, its municipalities are located on coasts with a volcanic character or between slopes and valleys full of vegetation. If you are planning to visit Tenerife you should not miss it, it is an enclave with a lot of personality and it will not disappoint you.
Puddle of the Wind
The first stop we propose is a bath in the Charco del Viento, this natural pool is located in the municipality of La Guancha, and is a space conditioned for easy access. There is a natural pool area and a small cove, to choose the mode that you like. You’ll enjoy crystal clear waters, protected from the waves, remember to bring goggles and snorkel to practice snorkeling and booties not to slip.
It is common to find people from the area fishing, because the rocky coasts usually shelter schools of tasty fish like the old or samas rock.
We recommend that this is the first stop because there is not much parking, try to get there early. The road is narrow with double access and you should drive carefully.
Icod de Los Vinos
Another of the most charming enclaves in the northern area is the municipality of Icod de los Vinos. We recommend that you take a walk through its historic centre, stroll through its cobbled streets and enjoy the traditional architecture while you stroll around in peace and quiet.
In this place is the Drago Milenario, a specimen that has become a symbol of the island. This tree is actually a hundred years old, but it is closely linked to the region’s past. Many Guanche legends, that is to say, from the ancient inhabitants of the island, are linked to this tree. Some speak of its sap of healing powers, others of its being the meeting point of the menceyes, the Guanche kings.
You can see it from the square next to the Church of San Marcos, or enter the Drago Park and get to know it more closely, check out its 16 metres in height and walk around the gardens while discovering other endemic species.
If you want to get closer to Tenerife’s gastronomy and craftsmanship, you can take a leap through The House of DragoThe restaurant is located next to the Parque de El Drago, a cafeteria where you will find wines and cheeses from the Canary Islands, examples of basketwork and souvenirs from the area.
Garachico
After the stop in Icod de Los Vinos, we recommend you go on to Garachico. If you have not eaten, it is an opportunity to try one of the most typical fish of the island, the vieja. Before reaching the old town, in an area known as El Guincho, you will find the restaurant The DragoA small restaurant where every morning they go fishing, so the freshness of the fish is guaranteed. They usually have octopus, shrimps and other fish besides old ones. If you like pineapple, try their traditional dessert of this fruit.
After a tasty lunch, go on your way to Garachico. You will recognize that you have arrived at your destination for two things, one because you will cross a tunnel with circular windows overlooking the sea, and the other because you will find a large rock in the sea, a very visible reminder of a volcanic eruption.
Garachico was for decades a crucial port in the commerce of the island, from its wharf traditional crops were exported, and it was also an entry point for foreign products. We recommend that you stroll around its historical center, enjoy its cobblestone streets, but above all, we invite you to come along to El Caletón, a series of natural pools formed from steep volcanic rocks. In summer, it will be full of locals bathing in this curious formation, jumping from high points into the sea and catching the sun on its esplanades.
Teno
If you still have a day ahead of you, we recommend a visit to Punta de Teno, both for a swim in the open sea and in the small coves that dot its coast. The views of the area are spectacular, on clear days you can see other islands such as La Gomera and La Palma, and the profiles of Los Acantilados de Los Gigantes.
Prepare your camera, there is a lot to photograph in this area, like the lighthouse, or the beautiful sunsets. The views as you descend to the coast are a surprise.
Access to Punta de Teno can only be done by public transport, so we recommend parking in Buenavista and getting there by bus or taxi. Remember that in summer you can only get there until 8:30 pm.
Puerto de la Cruz
Day two.
La Orotava Valley and Teide National Park
The Valle de La Orotava in the north of Tenerife, consists of 3 municipalities: La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz and Los Realejos. We propose you to visit the first two, starting with the fishing town.
Puerto de la Cruz
This fishing village was one of the first tourist enclaves on the island. In this municipality, important figures such as Agatha Cristie spent their summers looking for a place with mild temperatures and a quiet pace of life.
Among the things we recommend you visit is Lake Martiánez, a complex of seawater swimming pools designed by the Canarian architect César Manrique, where you will enjoy the sun, and bathing by the sea. You can buy the tickets to access them at the same doors.
Walk around the pier area in Puerto de la Cruz, visit the Casa de la Aduana (Customs House), a building linked to the history of trade on the island. Go up to the Punta del Viento, and watch the views of the small San Telmo beach, and discover all the murals in Puerto Street Art, an initiative that has turned the façades of Puerto de la Cruz into canvases for famous international plastic artists.
Another point of special interest is the Botanical Garden, a garden with both endemic and American species. It was called the Acclimatization Garden because plant species were introduced into this garden to acclimatize, after being sent to the Iberian Peninsula. However, this initiative did not have any effect, the species could not be introduced into the peninsula, and remained in Tenerife. Nowadays, you can enjoy a beautiful garden with Canarian and other South American species.
If you want to eat in Puerto de la Cruz, you can find it in the Calle de La Verdad, Mika House, a place where you can enjoy both traditional Canarian dishes and others of an international nature. The alley in which it is situated is very beautiful and picturesque.
La Orotava
After lunch, we propose you to go up to the centre of La Orotava, a place that preserves the history in its streets with cobblestones, houses of traditional Canarian architecture and spaces dedicated to tourism such as La Casa de Los Balcones or La Casa Lercaro. A walk that includes the Church of La Concepción, the Town Hall Square and its surroundings will take you back to times gone by, and will serve you to disconnect and relax in this town that has joined the Slow philosophy.
You can walk around the Victoria Gardens, and take a look at the Valley from there, or buy traditional sweets at the Taoro Confectionery.
Once you have finished your tour of the hull, it is a good time to begin your ascent of the Teide National Park.
Teide National Park
When you climb the Teide, a range of interesting points in the ascent open up, from viewpoints to curious geological formations.
The ascent is made by a road with many curves, to cut the number of them, we suggest you to take the Camino Bebedero. When you start your ascent, you will have to take a detour along the slope just before the Guachinche Romance. Here is the point where you should turn off: https://goo.gl/maps/LpFPvypQRpwJjYzS7
We suggest that you make several stops on your way up, the first one at the Mataznos viewpoint, with a spectacular view and a picture of the Teide. Sometimes, if the clouds are below this height, you can enjoy a phenomenon called Sea of Clouds, where the clouds look like a real ocean.
The second at the Mirador de la Rosa de Piedra. This place offers on the one hand, beautiful views of the valley on clear days and on the other hand, a very curious geological formation, a stone rose or daisy which can be accessed from the viewpoint by a small walk under the road.
From here, go up the road to Las Cañadas, once you get to the top, you can visit the Roques de García and the Llano de Ucanca, go up the Teide by cable car or have a coffee with spectacular views in the Parador.
The National Park presents a very impressive volcanic landscape, where you can see formations of lava flows, malpaíses where walking is impossible, and glimpses in the stones that correspond to the obsidian, a black rock that shines with the rays of the sun.
To close the day, we suggest that you watch the sunset from above and hire a star-watching activity. The skies of the Canary Islands are exceptional for enjoying the stars, especially on the islands of La Palma and Tenerife, because of the altitude. That is why they are home to large international telescopes, and there is a law of light to preserve the quality of the sky.
Playa de Las Teresitas
Day 3.
Enjoy the eastern side of the island, head to a World Heritage city, and visit black and white beaches.
The Lagoon
San Cristóbal de La Laguna was the first capital of Tenerife, and since 1999 has held the title of World Heritage Site granted by UNESCO. This distinction has been granted by its model unwalled colonial city, something unique in its time. It is worthwhile to visit its old town, walk around the main streets and visit some of its museums, such as the Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife.
In the historical center you will find the Cathedral, the church of La Concepción, the Plaza del Adelantado or the Casa Salazar. In the different cake shops in the streets of the centre, you can taste typical cakes such as the laguneros.
After a couple of hours walking around this city, we suggest you take a jump to one of the most spectacular black sand beaches in Tenerife.
Benijo Beach
This beach of black volcanic sand has incredible views of the Roques de Anaga, is very isolated, and reach requires avoiding a road with some curves. Although it retains a very wild character, this beach has access with stairs to reach the sand. Consult the sea, because to fully enjoy it, you must go when the tide is low.
This beach has strong currents, so we suggest you visit it in summer, when there is a lifeguard service all day. In any case, if you see that there are waves, watch out for the currents.
If you have an appetite, you can jump into the Taganana area until Africa HouseA restaurant to enjoy fresh fish, shrimp and its star dish: fried octopus.
Las Teresitas
After your visit to Taganana beach, we propose a visit to a radically different beach. Las Teresitas is the beach par excellence of Santa Cruz, white sand dotted with palm trees, is ideal for families to enjoy. A breakwater makes the currents almost non-existent, and in its depths, lives a protected and harmless species, the angel sharks that hide among the sand of the shore to feed.
On this beach there are showers, accessible walkways, changing rooms, toilets and parasol and hammock rental.
We suggest that you stay on this beach until sunset, and enjoy the sunset. You can have a drink at the different kiosks and beach clubs.
Holy Cross
The last stop of the day, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island. This city concentrates the Parliament of the Canary Islands and the Island Council, we propose a walk through the center that includes a visit to the Plaza de España and its beautiful artificial lake, and then a jump to the Auditorium of Tenerife, a work of Calatrava that has become a symbol of Santa Cruz, and that coexists with the Black Castle or Castle of San Juan, a key point in the defense of the island against attacks by foreign armies in the seventeenth century and XVII.
Siam Park
Day four.
During this day, we propose that you visit the best Water Park in the World according to TripAdvisor users, and then enjoy an afternoon of shopping and leisure.
Siam Park
Siam Park, has been chosen many times as the best water park in the world. Why? Because of its amazing attractions, which range from almost vertical slides, through winding rapids, to wave pools, paddling pools and slow rivers.
Inside the Park you will find all the services you need, from a wide range of restaurants to the purchase of souvenirs or water and sun protection products.
You can buy tickets in advance and save unnecessary queues.
We recommend that you arrive early so that you can find parking easily.
Siam Mall
After a day of swimming, we suggest you jump into Siam Mall, the shopping centre located about 600 metres from Siam Park, where you will find fashion brands such as Guess, Mango, Havaianas or Timberland, or sophisticated jewellers such as Swarovski or Tous.
You will also be able to enjoy a varied offer of restaurant services, and dynamic activities such as exhibitions or events.
We suggest that you have dinner in the restaurants of the shopping centre or that you jump into the White MillThis is a restaurant of international cuisine with a very picturesque decoration, which is especially magical at night.
Nightly Leisure
To round off this day, we propose a little enjoyment of the nightlife that the south of Tenerife has to offer. The whole coast of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos is full of pubs and places of good music, among the most famous are the Monkey Beach Club and Papagayo Beach Club, in Playa de Las Americas.
La Jaquita
Day 5
On your trip to Tenerife, you can not miss the sighting of cetaceans. The island is the best European location for whale and dolphin watching.
Cetacean watching + Los Gigantes cliff
The southwest coast of the island is the perfect place to meet the bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, also called pilot whales. There is a fixed population of these two species, which coexist with the occasional appearance of other species such as spotted dolphins, rorquals, striped dolphins and very occasionally killer whales.
There are many departure points for whale watching excursions, but we suggest that you leave from Puerto de Los Gigantes, and take advantage of the natural wonder of Los Acantilados de Los Gigantes, a vertical cut that reaches 600 meters in height at some points, and that merges with a deep blue sea.
In order to enjoy the sighting with tranquility and far from overcrowding, we propose you to make the crossing in a sailboat. If you want to make the most of the day, you can choose early excursion times, with departures at 10:00. You can make a reservation, here.
The Jaquita
After the sea adventure, we suggest you go to Alcalá, so you can enjoy La Jaquita, an area with natural pools and small coves where you can disconnect. You can have lunch in a Mediterranean food restaurant with a very good pasta, the Saúco Restaurant.
In the Jaquita, you will enjoy black sand coves and natural pools, where you can swim with small fish.
Basílica de la Virgen de Candelaria
Day 6
Another municipality to see in Tenerife in a week is Candelaria, for reasons such as its basilica or its famous fishermen’s guild.
Candelaria
The municipality of Candelaria has the basilica of the Virgin of Candelaria, the religious patron saint of the Canary Islands. This place symbolizes the encounter of the Guanche population, the aborigines of the island, with the Christian religion. We recommend that you visit the basilica and the San Blas Hermitage, which is very close and can be reached comfortably by a promenade.
In the Basilica Square you will find statues representing the main menceyes of the island. It is a beautiful fishing enclave, where you can enjoy fresh fish in such authentic places as the Fishermen’s Guild of Our Lady of Candelaria. We recommend you to arrive early, it is very successful among the local public.
El Médano
El Médano is another place with a magical coast on the island of Tenerife. This area offers both some small beaches next to the most populated area, and other larger beaches next to Montaña Roja.
If you are travelling with your family, we recommend the bathing area in the village, which is quieter and has less waves. If you are travelling without children, you can go to the Montaña Roja area and explore the different beaches, where wind water sports such as kitesurfing or windsurfing are common.
Vilaflor
Day 7
Before saying goodbye to Tenerife, you should visit a winery. Wines are part of the history of the island, the wine tradition goes back centuries. The volcanic character of the land gives the wines a differential taste.
Tenerife and the Canary Islands have traditionally exported their wines, you can find references in books by Shakespeare or Virginia Wolf.
Altos de Trevejos Winery
We suggest that you visit the Altos de Trevejos WineryIf you go to the Museum, you will see a large house of traditional Canarian architecture that dates back to 1800, and which has been designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest.
It is a large estate, where varieties are grown that result in white, red and brute wines. You must book in advance.
Vilaflor
After the visit to the winery, we suggest a jump to the historical centre of the municipality of Vilaflor, a charming inland village. This municipality has historical places like The Chorrillo Laundry Facilities o The Water MillThis was essential in supplying the municipality from 1664 to 1915.
Vilaflor is above all nature, that’s why we propose you to come to The Big PineA specimen with a height of more than 45 meters, and whose age is more than 700 years.
After visiting this unique species, we suggest you go to the Moon Landscape, a natural film setting. We suggest that you drive to the Mother of Water Camp, and from there start the ascent to this landscape that seems taken from another planet. You can download this route to guide you easily, this path has a certain difficulty, you must have a moderate form to complete it, it is 10 kilometers with significant unevenness.
Remember to do this route always with adequate footwear, with enough water and food in your backpack, with a cap or other protection against the sun and avoiding the hours of maximum heat. Always carry warm clothes in case the weather changes.
As you will see, this route tries to offer you a quite complete vision of the island, visiting the most relevant and significant places of Tenerife. The distance and difficult access to some points, leads us to recommend you to rent a car, so you can optimize your time and reach remote but spectacular places.