Vilaflor de Chasna, on the island of Tenerife, is the highest village in Spain, perched at an altitude of 1,400m amid lush pine forests. Surrounded by the Parque Natural Corona Forestal and close to Teide National Park, this quiet rural village offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist crowds. We were won over by its authenticity and unspoilt nature.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Vilaflor de Chasna, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Is the village of Vilaflor de Chasna worth a visit?
The village of Vilaflor de Chasna is well worth a visit. This authentic village, nestled in a protected natural area, seduced us with its tranquility and traditional architecture. You’ll discover an exceptional natural heritage with the Pino Gordo and spectacular landscapes above the clouds.
This is one of the most beautiful villages on Tenerife.
Organized tours from the south of the island make stops in this village. See options.
1. Stroll through the village
We enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets of Vilaflor de Chasna to appreciate the traditional architecture of the Canary Islands. The houses feature magnificent woodwork balconies, a testament to local craftsmanship. Discover the Casa de los Soler, the 17th-century home of the town’s founding family and a remarkable example of Canarian architecture. Casa Inglesa, built in the 19th century next to the cypress trees in the plaza of the San Pedro Apóstol church, was inhabited by the Englishwoman Mary Edwards and the Reverend Thomas Gifford Nash. It currently serves as a parish church, adding a touch of history to your walk.
- Free access in the village streets
- Parking close to the center
- A walk for everyone
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2. Visit the Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol
The Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol is the spiritual heart of Vilaflor. This parish church seduced us with its traditional Canarian architecture and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll discover a simple yet historic place of worship, witness to the religious life of the village over the centuries. The building is distinguished by its sober lines, typical of Canarian religious architecture. Nearby, century-old cypress trees add to the charm of the setting. The square surrounding the church is a meeting point for local residents and provides a pleasant setting for observing local life.
- Horaires: variable, à vérifier sur place
- Free admission
- Tenue respectueuse demandée
3. See the water mill and old wash-house
Les ruines du Molino de agua témoignent du passé industriel de Vilaflor de Chasna. Nous avons découvert ce premier moulin du village dont les travaux de construction débutèrent en 1644 et qui fonctionna jusqu’en 1915. Vous contemplerez les vestiges de cette infrastructure qui jouait un rôle essentiel dans la vie économique locale.
À proximité se trouvent les Lavaderos de El Chorrillo, ancien lavoir communal où les habitantes venaient laver leur linge. Ces éléments du patrimoine local offrent un aperçu précieux des traditions du passé et de l’organisation de la vie quotidienne au village. Cela permet de comprendre comment les habitants utilisaient les ressources en eau de la région.
- Free access
- Situé dans le village
- Intéressant pour comprendre l’histoire locale
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.
4. Contemplating the magnificent Pino Gordo
Pino Gordo is undoubtedly one of Vilaflor de Chasna’s natural wonders. We were impressed by this majestic Canarian pine measuring 9m in circumference, a living symbol of the village. This tree is one of the oldest and most imposing on Tenerife, testifying to the region’s exceptional natural wealth. You’ll marvel at its imposing stature, which dominates the surrounding landscape. The site offers a unique moment of contemplation in the face of this giant that has spanned the centuries.
- Free access
- Located near the village center
- Ideal for a nature break
5. View the panorama from the Mirador de Vilaflor
The Mirador de Vilaflor offers spectacular views of the Parque Natural Corona Forestal and its verdant flora. We were lucky enough to admire the panorama above the clouds, a unique experience that makes you feel like you’re floating above the world. You’ll see pine forests stretching as far as the eye can see and geological formations characteristic of Tenerife. The viewpoint allows you to appreciate the immensity of the protected natural area and understand why this region is so precious. The changing lights throughout the day create different moods, making each visit unique.
- Free access
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon
- Bring warm clothing at altitude
6. Hiking in the Parque Natural Corona Forestal
The Parque Natural Corona Forestal offers hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. We particularly enjoyed the PR-TF 72 Vilaflor – Lunar Landscape – Vilaflor, the best-known route in the region. The trail winds through natural Canary pine forests and along centuries-old stone paths steeped in history. You’ll reach an exceptional volcanic site nicknamed “Lunar Landscape”, a spectacular geological formation sculpted by erosion. It’s a very varied hike between lush pine forests and arid volcanic zones.
- Several difficulty levels available
- Free access to trails
- See details of the PR-TF 72 tour here
- Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and clothing suited to mountain temperatures.
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7. Discover the Santo Hermano Pedro Sanctuary
The Santo Hermano Pedro Sanctuary pays tribute to an important religious figure in Tenerife. We visited this pilgrimage site, which attracts large numbers of worshippers throughout the year. Discover the story of this man born in Vilaflor, who dedicated his life to the underprivileged. The sanctuary bears witness to the local religious fervor and the attachment of the inhabitants to their patron saint. The building’s architecture reflects the Canary Islands’ religious tradition, with its sober lines and collected interior. The visit provides a better understanding of the importance of spirituality in village life.
- Times: Variable, to be checked on site
- Free admission
- A place for meditation and prayer
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
8. Immerse yourself in the local farming tradition
Vilaflor has a rich winemaking tradition worth discovering. We explored the terraced vineyards on the slopes surrounding the village, cultivated using traditional methods adapted to the island’s climate and terrain. You can visit Bodega Reverón, which offers guided tours and tastings of local wines. At this family-run winery, you’ll learn all about the specificities of Canarian viticulture and get a taste of Tenerife’s endemic grape varieties. The wines produced in this high-altitude region offer unique characteristics thanks to the particular climatic conditions.
- Tours on reservation
- Tastings on offer
- Information from Bodega Reverón
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Other attractions in and around Vilaflor
We’ve explored the area around Vilaflor de Chasna and found some exceptional sites for you to discover during your visit.
Teide Park
A 25-minute drive from Vilaflor takes you to Teide National Park, with magnificent views of the Teide volcano and surrounding volcanic formations. A must to admire the majesty of Spain’s highest peak.
Don’t miss the Roque de Garcia.
See our complete guide.
Samara viewpoint
Also just a 30-minute drive away, this viewpoint offers a bird’s eye view of the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park. The starting point for several hikes, it offers breathtaking views of the volcanic caldera.
Find out more about hiking in Tenerife here.
How to get to Vilaflor de Chasna + parking
Where is Vilaflor de Chasna?
- In the south of Tenerife, at altitude in the Parque Natural Corona Forestal
- 45min drive from Tenerife’s south coast (Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas)
- 1h15 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- 40 minutes from the heart of Teide National Park
- The map below shows the location of Vilaflor in the south of the island:
How to get there?
By car: from the south of Tenerife, take the TF-21 towards Mount Teide. The route offers spectacular scenery as it climbs to higher altitudes.
By public transport: buses link the village to the island’s main towns, but frequency is limited. Check timetables with TITSA.
Organized tours: several agencies offer excursions including Vilaflor from the south of Tenerife.
See options.
Parking in Vilaflor de Chasna
The village has several free parking lots close to the center. You’ll easily find a place to stay, even in high season, as the village is not overrun by mass tourism.
Useful tips for visiting Vilaflor de Chasna
How long and when?
Allow between 1h and 3h to visit the village and its main sites. If you want to hike in the Parque Natural Corona Forestal, allow for a full day. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking. In summer, the coolness of the altitude is appreciated. Winter can be cold and sometimes snowy.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
Start your visit with the village center and the Parroquia San Pedro Apóstol. Then head for Pino Gordo before reaching the Mirador de Vilaflor. The streets are steep but accessible. For hikes, the level of difficulty varies according to the trail chosen. Bring good walking shoes and layered clothing, as temperatures can vary rapidly at altitude.
Visiting with children
Vilaflor de Chasna is ideal for a family visit. Children will love the playground in the heart of the village, ideal for a fun break. The Pino Gordo fascinates youngsters with its impressive size. The easy hiking trails of the Parque Natural Corona Forestal are perfect for family outings in nature.
Restaurants
We haven’t yet tested all the restaurants in Vilaflor de Chasna. But on our list, there’s Restaurant Los Cipreses de La Casa Inglesa, set in charming historic surroundings, and Restaurant Casa Pana, renowned for its traditional Canarian cuisine.
Where to sleep in Vilaflor de Chasna
To extend your stay, we recommend the Hôtel Spa VillAlba (4 stars), a quality establishment offering top-of-the-range spa services. Hotel Spa El Tejar is also an excellent option for enjoying the tranquility of the village and surrounding countryside.
See more photos.
Visiting Vilaflor in winter
Winter in Vilaflor de Chasna offers a special atmosphere, with cool temperatures and rarely snow. We enjoyed the calm of this season, when the village rediscovers its authenticity away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade. Bring warm clothing, as the altitude means temperatures are lower than by the sea. Snow-covered landscapes create a striking contrast with the beaches of the south of the island.
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