Between beaches, mountains and cliffs, Tenerife also boasts a rich architectural offering: colorful houses, churches and cathedrals, Canarian balconies…
In this article, we share our selection of Tenerife’s most beautiful towns and villages.
Note: This article talks about towns and villages to visit. If you’d like to discover the best towns to stay in Tenerife, check out our other article (coming soon).
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Most beautiful towns and villages in Tenerife: summary + Map
Map
Tenerife offers a beautiful variety of towns and villages with different architectural styles.
Here’s the map with our top 10 places to visit:
Which towns in Tenerife to visit? Quick response:
If you only need to visit 4, to get an overview of the different styles:
- San Cristobal La Laguna (city)
- La Orotava (city)
- Masca (village)
- vilaflor (village)
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
1. San Cristobal La Laguna
Why we love it
San Cristobal La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a town that impressed us deeply with its historic charm. Its wide cobbled streets and colorful colonial buildings bear witness to a rich past. We were transported back in time.
The city is also home to numerous churches and convents, including the majestic Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.
What’s more, we particularly appreciated the atmosphere in its squares and cafés.
Attractions
- Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
- Concepción church and tower
- Tenerife Museum of History and Anthropology
- Casa de los Capitanes Generales
See all La Laguna attractions (coming soon).
Access
- North of the island
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 9 km (15 minutes by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 35 km (35 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 81 km (1 hour by car)
2. La Orotava
Why we love it
La Orotava, nestled in a fertile valley, is an architectural gem, with houses featuring finely crafted wooden balconies that bear witness to a rich colonial past. The Casa de los Balcones is a remarkable example of traditional Canarian architecture. She charmed us.
The town offers a mix of gardens, churches and historic buildings. Every turn in the historic center brings a fascinating new angle. Take a look at this photo of Victoria gardens and colorful houses:
Attractions
- Casa de los Balcones
- Victoria Gardens
- Concepción Church
- Ibero-American Crafts House Museum
- Plaza de la Constitución
See all attractions in La Orotava (coming soon).
Access
- West coast, above Puerto de la Cruz
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 35 km (35 minutes by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 4 km (10 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 87 km (1 hour and 10 minutes by car)
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
3. Masca
Why we love it
Now here’s a completely different experience.
Masca is a tiny village perched in the Teno mountains. It’s the most picturesque in Tenerife. We were captivated by its spectacular location, nestled in a landscape of vertiginous gorges.
In addition to the spectacular scenery, the traditional stone houses, clinging to the mountainside, are charming.
Attractions
- Panoramic view of the village and gorges
- Conception Church
- Barranco de Masca hike
See our article on visiting Masca (coming soon).
Access
- Western tip of the island
- Be careful, the access road is winding and narrow, and the parking lot isn’t large. For best results, visit early or late in the day.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 80 or 110 km along the coast (1 hour and 30 minutes by car in either case)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 50 km (1 hour and 10 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 36 km (1 hour by car)
4. Puerto de la Cruz
Why we love it
Puerto de la Cruz, a historic seaside resort in northern Tenerife, harmoniously combines colonial charm with modern attractions. We were seduced by the relaxed atmosphere of its historic center and waterfront.
Between gardens, churches, typical houses and street art, you can sit on the terraces of many cafés to enjoy this unique mix.
Attractions
- Historical center
- Double church
- Botanical Gardens and many other gardens (not in the historic center)
- Castillo de San Felipe
- Plus more modern attractions
See all Puerto de la Cruz attractions (coming soon).
Access
- West Coast
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 37 km (35 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 89 km (1 hour and 10 minutes by car)
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5. Candelaria
Why we love it
Candelaria, famous for its imposing basilica dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands, is an essential place of pilgrimage. It really is at the heart of the city and its culture. This oceanfront basilica is adorned with monumental statues representing the Guanche kings.
We also particularly enjoyed the promenade along the waterfront, with its statues and black sandy beach.
Attractions
- Basilica of Candelaria
- Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias
- Seafront promenade: Los Menceyes
- Cueva de Achbinico
- Alfarero de Candelaria Museum
See all Candelaria attractions (coming soon).
Access
- North-east of the island
- South of Santa Cruz
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 21 km (20 minutes by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 57 km (45 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 70 km (50 minutes by car)
6. Vilaflor
Why we love it
Vilaflor, in the hills above Tenerife, offers a magnificent natural setting. Surrounded by pine forests, it is the ideal starting point for numerous hikes in the Teide National Park.
We were charmed by the peaceful atmosphere of its narrow streets. The 17th-century church of San Pedro is the historic heart of the village. And wine lovers will appreciate the surrounding vineyards.
Attractions
- San Pedro Church
- Viewpoints
- Hikes to the rock formations of Paisaje Lunar
- Bodegas Reverón
- Pino Gordo (century-old pine)
See all Vilaflor attractions (coming soon).
Access
- Central south of the island
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 64 km (1 hour by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 61 km (1 hour by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 28 km (30 minutes by car)
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
7. Garachico
Why we love it
Garachico, the former capital of Tenerife, is a town that won us over with its historic charm and natural surroundings. It was rebuilt after a volcanic eruption in the 18th century.
We loved the combination of the few historic buildings with the view of the cliffs and lava formations. By the sea, this creates natural pools. You can swim here at low tide, but we recommend the show at high tide when the waves create splashes and whirlpools.
Attractions
- El Caleton natural pools
- Santa Ana Church
- Plaza de la Libertad
- Castillo de San Miguel
- Ex-convent of San Francisco
See all Garachico attractions (coming soon).
Access
- Northwest of Tenerife
- West of Puerto de la Cruz
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 60 km (1 hour by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 34 km (40 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 71 km (1 hour by car)
8. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Why we love it
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital, is a dynamic city offering a blend of modernity and tradition. From one neighborhood to the next, the experience varies greatly.
We particularly enjoyed the Tenerife auditorium, designed by Santiago Calatrava. This architectural masterpiece dominates the waterfront.
We also loved the parks and gardens (like the Palmetum), museums and urban beaches.
Attractions
- Tenerife Auditorium
- Palmetum
- García Sanabria Park
- Mercado Nuerstra Senora de Africa
- Casa del Carnaval
- …
See all attractions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (coming soon).
Access
- North-east of the island
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 37 km (35 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 84 km (1 hour by car)
9. Icod de los Vinos
Why we love it
Icod de los Vinos is famous for its thousand-year-old dragon tree. But it’s also a dynamic city with other tourist attractions, but full of locals.
The historic heart of the town has well-preserved colonial buildings, and the park around the Drago Milenario offers an enchanting interlude.
But beware, it’s a very steep city!
Attractions
- Drago Milenario and the surrounding park
- Iglesia de San Marcos
- Banana House
- Butterfly aviary
- Parque del Drago
- …
See all attractions in Icod de los Vinos (coming soon).
Access
- Northwest of Tenerife
- West of Puerto de la Cruz
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 51 km (50 minutes by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 25 km (30 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 62 km (55 minutes by car)
10. El Médano
Why we love it
El Médano is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. The town itself isn’t the most interesting in terms of architecture, but the combination with the surrounding nature won us over.
It offers a relaxed atmosphere around its long beaches overlooking the Montaña Roja volcano.
The village retains its authentic charm, with narrow streets and colorful houses.
Attractions
- El Médano Beach
- Montaña Roja
- Atmosphere with bars and restaurants
- Craft market
See all El Medano attractions (coming soon).
Access
- South of the island
- East of Costa Adeje
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 65 km (50 minutes by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 80 km (1 hour by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 20 km (30 minutes by car)
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4 Tenerife towns we love for their scenery
Los Gigantes
The main attraction of Los Gigantes is its position at the start of the impressive cliffs on the western tip of the island. The cliffs, rising more than 600 metres above the ocean, are a spectacular sight.
The best way to admire them is to visit the marina and the Plya de los Guios.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 100 km (1 hour and 20 minutes by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 80 km (1 hour and 10 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 28 km (30 minutes by car)
Buenavista
Buenavista is a quiet little town with colorful houses and a pretty church. Above all, it is the gateway to the Punta de Teno volcanic zone at the foot of the giant cliffs. The combination of landscapes is magnificent.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 70 km (1 hour by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 37 km (45 minutes by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 52 km (1 hour by car)
Igueste and Taganana
Igueste and Taganana, nestled in the Anaga mountains, are picturesque villages that amazed us with their beauty and natural surroundings: white or colored houses, surrounded by lush green landscapes. This creates an idyllic setting.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 30 km (40 minutes by car)
- From Puerto de La Cruz: 50 km (1 hour by car)
- From Costa Adeje: 75 km (1 hour 15 minutes by car)
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
