Nestling on the north-western tip of the island of Tenerife, the village of Teno Alto offers magnificent scenery and splendid panoramic views. It’s an unspoilt hamlet in the Teno Rural Park, the starting point for many hiking trails.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Teno Alto village.
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
Why visit the village of Teno Alto?
Is the village worth a visit? Our opinion:
Teno Alto is definitely worth a visit. With its typical architecture, this traditional hamlet offers an authentic immersion in Canarian culture. Located in the Teno Rural Park, this is the place to sample local products such as honey, goat’s cheese and wine, which bear witness to preserved local know-how. But above all, we really appreciated the beauty of the lunar landscapes a little higher up above the village.
This is one of the best activities near Los Gigantes.
Our favorite moments
We particularly appreciated it:
- The striking variety of landscapes, alternating between lush green mountainous areas and lunar mineral expanses
- Thepeaceful atmosphere, far from the usual tourist circuits
- Access to the Camino del Risco hiking trail, leading to Punta de Teno
A LITTLE MORE patience
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How to get to Teno village: access and map
Where is the village of Teno?
- In the north-west of the island of Tenerife
- In the heart of Teno Rural Park
- 1h15 drive from Puerto de Santiago
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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.
How to get there? Access road
The village can be reached via a small, winding road that meanders through the landscape. Access is possible by car or public transport, although the latter is a little more complicated. Find out more here.
A guided tour combining a visit to Teno Rural Park and Teide National Park can be an excellent option for discovering this part of Tenerife. See prices, photos and availability.
Parking
Parking is available near the village square. This one’s not very busy, so you shouldn’t have any trouble parking.
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)
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The village is open all year round and free to visit. We went there in December and found the conditions perfect for the visit. With few tourists, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere whatever the season.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow around 1 hour to explore the village and the lunar landscapes beyond. The access road is narrow and winding, and you have to take a dirt track past the village to reach the geological formations.
Advice on how to visit
We first visited the village before setting off to explore the lunar landscape. But you can also do the opposite.
Visiting with children
Children will love theplayground in the village square and the opportunity to explore the rural environment, including goat farms.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
Bar Teno Alto welcomes you to the village. There is another establishment on the square, but it was closed at the time of our visit. We didn’t spot any public toilets.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
A winding road lined with greenery
The village of Teno Alto lies at the end of a spectacular route through the Teno Rural Park, an isolated volcanic massif. We loved this narrow road through terraced farmland, with its beautiful panoramic views. It’s a unique landscape of exotic vegetation, typical of the Canaries.
An isolated, unspoilt hamlet
Nestling on the north-western tip of Tenerife, Teno Alto is the last stop before Punta de Teno. We were seduced by the authenticity of this rural village, which has preserved its traditional architecture. You’ll feel transported to another time as you stroll through its narrow streets. The hamlet, perfectly integrated into the surrounding rural park, offers a valuable insight into traditional Canarian life.
A stopover to discover local flavours
The Teno Rural Park is the ideal place to discover local produce. Here you can sample local specialities such as honey, wine and the famous goat’s cheese. The village is surrounded by goat farms where ancestral farming traditions are perpetuated. You’ll have the chance to taste these authentic products that tell the story of the history and culture of this unspoilt region.
A discreet chapel full of charm
In the village’s central square stands the San Jeronimo Chapel, a small religious building of elegant simplicity. We were charmed by its typical rural architecture, with lime-rendered walls and an exterior bell tower overlooking the façade. This place of worship is a perfect example of traditional Canarian architecture, uncluttered but full of character.
Trails for hiking enthusiasts
The village is the starting point for many hiking trails, including the famous Camino del Risco. This historic road once served as a communication route between Buenavista del Norte and Punta de Teno, via Teno Alto. But we did notice many other hiking trails that let you enjoy the spectacular scenery of the rural park.
Breathtaking lunar landscapes
A little higher up than the village, the Lunar Landscapes are a striking sight, with gradations of color from sand to brown, punctuated by touches of green. We felt as if we’d been transported to a Western setting, such is the amazing panorama. You’ll be dazzled by these magnificent arid expanses, with the road winding through the middle of this grandiose setting. It’s a unique picture of nature!
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Teno with others nearby:
- La Punta de Teno: a desert landscape at the end of the world, with a small beach, an isolated villa and a lighthouse,
- The village of Masca: another traditional (and much-visited) village with stone houses and narrow streets opening onto breathtaking views,
- Los Gigantes cliffs: impressive cliffs rising 800m above the Atlantic Ocean.
Frequently asked questions
What precautions should I take when visiting Teno Alto?
To make the most of your visit, we recommend that you:
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking
- Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen
- Check public transport timetables if you’re not coming by car
- Check the weather forecast before you leave
Can we sleep in Teno?
- The village has no hotel facilities, but we have spotted a number of guesthouses nearby.
- During our stay, we chose to sleep by the sea, at theHotel Klayman Diamond, in Puerto de Santiago. See prices, photos and availability.
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
