Hidden Gems in Tenerife: 18 Off-the-Beaten-Path Places Worth Seeking Out
Tenerife rewards those who look beyond the poolside. From mist-draped laurel forests and cave-dwelling communities in Anaga to surreal pumice formations near Vilaflor and a perfectly preserved colonial town on the west coast, these are the places that reveal what the island is really made of.
Most visitors to Tenerife never venture far from the southern resort strip, which means the island's most extraordinary places remain refreshingly uncrowded. The ancient Anaga Rural Park alone could fill a week of exploration, while the remote villages of the Teno massif and the volcanic oddities of Teide National Park offer experiences you simply cannot replicate anywhere else on earth. One important note: several of Tenerife's most protected natural areas now require advance permits. The Masca Gorge trail needs booking via caminobarrancodemasca.com, and specific Anaga trails like El Pijaral operate under a free but quota-controlled permit system. Plan ahead and you will have these places almost to yourself.
✨ Pro tip
Many of Tenerife's protected trails now require advance permits. Check caminobarrancodemasca.com for Masca Gorge and the Cabildo's reservation system (centralreservas.tenerife.es) for Anaga's strictly protected zones before you travel. Hiking without a permit in controlled areas can result in fines of around €600.
Ancient Forests & Wild Highlands
Tenerife's northern highlands preserve a landscape that predates mass tourism by millions of years. The laurel forests of Anaga and the volcanic wilderness of Teide are covered in detail in our hiking in Tenerife guide, but the spots below go beyond the standard routes.
1. Walk Through the Enchanted Forest of Anaga
This short loop through ancient laurel trees draped in moss and lichen is one of Tenerife's most atmospheric walks. Access to El Pijaral requires a free advance permit (around 45 people/day), so book via the Cabildo's online system before your trip.
Explore1. Walk Through the Enchanted Forest of Anaga
This short loop through ancient laurel trees draped in moss and lichen is one of Tenerife's most atmospheric walks. Access to El Pijaral requires a free advance permit (around 45 people/day), so book via the Cabildo's online system before your trip.
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2. Explore Europe's Last Surviving Laurel Forest
The Anaga massif is blanketed in primeval, mist-draped laurel forest covering twisted trees and fern-filled ravines. Most trails here are free to walk without a permit; only a handful of strictly protected enclaves require advance authorisation.
Explore2. Explore Europe's Last Surviving Laurel Forest
The Anaga massif is blanketed in primeval, mist-draped laurel forest covering twisted trees and fern-filled ravines. Most trails here are free to walk without a permit; only a handful of strictly protected enclaves require advance authorisation.
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3. Hike the Dramatic Ravine from Afur to Taganana
This rewarding Anaga trail descends through a steep ravine to the coast, passing through laurel forest with views of the rugged northern shoreline. No permit required, but wear proper footwear as trails are often slippery with moisture.
Explore3. Hike the Dramatic Ravine from Afur to Taganana
This rewarding Anaga trail descends through a steep ravine to the coast, passing through laurel forest with views of the rugged northern shoreline. No permit required, but wear proper footwear as trails are often slippery with moisture.
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4. Find Tenerife's Surreal Lunar Landscape Near Vilaflor
Eroded white pumice towers rising from pine forest near Vilaflor create one of Tenerife's most otherworldly scenes. Reached via a scenic forest trail in Teide National Park, this spot sees a fraction of the crowds that visit the main caldera.
Explore4. Find Tenerife's Surreal Lunar Landscape Near Vilaflor
Eroded white pumice towers rising from pine forest near Vilaflor create one of Tenerife's most otherworldly scenes. Reached via a scenic forest trail in Teide National Park, this spot sees a fraction of the crowds that visit the main caldera.
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5. Descend Into One of Europe's Longest Lava Tubes
Over 18 kilometres of volcanic tunnels run beneath Icod de los Vinos. Guided tours reveal extraordinary lava formations and unique cave ecosystems. Slots are limited and sell out quickly, so book in advance through the official visitor centre.
Explore5. Descend Into One of Europe's Longest Lava Tubes
Over 18 kilometres of volcanic tunnels run beneath Icod de los Vinos. Guided tours reveal extraordinary lava formations and unique cave ecosystems. Slots are limited and sell out quickly, so book in advance through the official visitor centre.
ExploreSecret Villages & Forgotten Towns
Tenerife's interior and remote coastlines hide villages that feel entirely removed from resort life. For a deeper look at the island's architectural heritage, the Tenerife historic towns guide covers several of these in full detail.
6. Visit Chinamada, Where People Still Live in Cave Houses
In the heart of Anaga, Chinamada's residents live in homes carved directly into volcanic rock, a tradition stretching back centuries. The approach via a narrow ridge path through laurel forest makes the arrival all the more dramatic.
Explore6. Visit Chinamada, Where People Still Live in Cave Houses
In the heart of Anaga, Chinamada's residents live in homes carved directly into volcanic rock, a tradition stretching back centuries. The approach via a narrow ridge path through laurel forest makes the arrival all the more dramatic.
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7. Discover Taganana, One of Tenerife's Oldest Villages
Perched above wild Atlantic coastline in the Anaga highlands, Taganana has a 16th-century church and access to some of the island's most untamed beaches. The road down from the ridge is narrow and spectacular.
Explore7. Discover Taganana, One of Tenerife's Oldest Villages
Perched above wild Atlantic coastline in the Anaga highlands, Taganana has a 16th-century church and access to some of the island's most untamed beaches. The road down from the ridge is narrow and spectacular.
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8. Slow Down in Garachico's Perfectly Preserved Old Town
Destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706 and rebuilt in colonial style, Garachico is one of northern Tenerife's great surprises: a 16th-century castle, grand mansions, and a quiet main square that most south-coast visitors never see.
Explore8. Slow Down in Garachico's Perfectly Preserved Old Town
Destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706 and rebuilt in colonial style, Garachico is one of northern Tenerife's great surprises: a 16th-century castle, grand mansions, and a quiet main square that most south-coast visitors never see.
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9. Drive to Masca Village Along a Vertiginous Mountain Road
Clinging to a knife-edge ridge in the Teno massif, Masca is dramatic from every angle. The village itself remains accessible without any permit; it is only the gorge hike below that now requires advance booking via caminobarrancodemasca.com.
Explore9. Drive to Masca Village Along a Vertiginous Mountain Road
Clinging to a knife-edge ridge in the Teno massif, Masca is dramatic from every angle. The village itself remains accessible without any permit; it is only the gorge hike below that now requires advance booking via caminobarrancodemasca.com.
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10. Puzzle Over the Mysterious Step Pyramids of Güímar
Six pre-Columbian-style step pyramids on Tenerife's east coast remain unexplained by mainstream archaeology. The surrounding ethnographic park explores theories of ancient transatlantic contact, making it a genuinely thought-provoking stop.
Explore10. Puzzle Over the Mysterious Step Pyramids of Güímar
Six pre-Columbian-style step pyramids on Tenerife's east coast remain unexplained by mainstream archaeology. The surrounding ethnographic park explores theories of ancient transatlantic contact, making it a genuinely thought-provoking stop.
ExploreWild Coastlines & Natural Pools
Beyond the manicured resort beaches, Tenerife has a rugged Atlantic coastline full of character. Our natural swimming pools guide covers the best volcanic bathing spots in detail.
11. Watch the Sunset from Benijo, Tenerife's Most Dramatic Beach
A wild black-sand beach backed by towering volcanic cliffs at the far end of the Anaga coast. No sunbeds, no facilities, no crowds: just crashing Atlantic waves and a sunset that turns the cliffs gold. Arrive by 6pm to secure a spot.
Explore11. Watch the Sunset from Benijo, Tenerife's Most Dramatic Beach
A wild black-sand beach backed by towering volcanic cliffs at the far end of the Anaga coast. No sunbeds, no facilities, no crowds: just crashing Atlantic waves and a sunset that turns the cliffs gold. Arrive by 6pm to secure a spot.
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12. Swim at Charco del Viento, the North Coast's Lava Pool Secret
Jagged lava formations enclose this natural seawater pool on Tenerife's north coast, creating a sheltered swim spot that most visitors to Puerto de la Cruz never discover. Best visited in calm weather when Atlantic swells are low.
Explore12. Swim at Charco del Viento, the North Coast's Lava Pool Secret
Jagged lava formations enclose this natural seawater pool on Tenerife's north coast, creating a sheltered swim spot that most visitors to Puerto de la Cruz never discover. Best visited in calm weather when Atlantic swells are low.
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13. Swim in the Wild Rock Pools at Punta del Hidalgo
At the far northeastern tip of Tenerife, these natural rock pools come with crashing Atlantic waves and views of the Anaga cliffs. The drive through Anaga to reach them is half the experience. Go early on weekdays to have them to yourself.
Explore13. Swim in the Wild Rock Pools at Punta del Hidalgo
At the far northeastern tip of Tenerife, these natural rock pools come with crashing Atlantic waves and views of the Anaga cliffs. The drive through Anaga to reach them is half the experience. Go early on weekdays to have them to yourself.
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14. Escape the Crowds at Playa de La Tejita Near El Médano
One of the few undeveloped beaches left in the south, La Tejita is backed by the volcanic cone of Montaña Roja and free from the hotel infrastructure that dominates nearby coasts. Locals come here precisely because tourists tend not to.
Explore14. Escape the Crowds at Playa de La Tejita Near El Médano
One of the few undeveloped beaches left in the south, La Tejita is backed by the volcanic cone of Montaña Roja and free from the hotel infrastructure that dominates nearby coasts. Locals come here precisely because tourists tend not to.
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15. Eat Fresh Fish on the Waterfront at Playa de San Juan
This quiet fishing village beach on Tenerife's west coast has a genuine local feel: small boats, a handful of seafood restaurants on the promenade, and none of the package-holiday infrastructure of the main southern resorts.
Explore15. Eat Fresh Fish on the Waterfront at Playa de San Juan
This quiet fishing village beach on Tenerife's west coast has a genuine local feel: small boats, a handful of seafood restaurants on the promenade, and none of the package-holiday infrastructure of the main southern resorts.
ExploreDramatic Viewpoints & Remote Landscapes
16. Reach the Wild Westernmost Tip of Tenerife
A windswept headland with a lighthouse and some of the island's most untouched lava coastline. Access is regulated to protect the environment, meaning visitor numbers are low. The views across to La Gomera and La Palma are exceptional on clear days.
Explore16. Reach the Wild Westernmost Tip of Tenerife
A windswept headland with a lighthouse and some of the island's most untouched lava coastline. Access is regulated to protect the environment, meaning visitor numbers are low. The views across to La Gomera and La Palma are exceptional on clear days.
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17. Explore the Remote Ravines of Teno Rural Park
Tenerife's northwest corner protects ancient volcanic rock, deep ravines, and traditional hamlets that feel untouched by tourism. Teno is one of the geologically oldest parts of the island and one of the least visited by foreign visitors.
Explore17. Explore the Remote Ravines of Teno Rural Park
Tenerife's northwest corner protects ancient volcanic rock, deep ravines, and traditional hamlets that feel untouched by tourism. Teno is one of the geologically oldest parts of the island and one of the least visited by foreign visitors.
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18. Hike the Red Volcanic Cone Above El Médano's Beach
This protected volcanic monument rises sharply from the beach at El Médano. The summit hike takes under an hour and rewards with sweeping views over the southeast coast, the Teide massif, and across to Gran Canaria on clear days.
Explore18. Hike the Red Volcanic Cone Above El Médano's Beach
This protected volcanic monument rises sharply from the beach at El Médano. The summit hike takes under an hour and rewards with sweeping views over the southeast coast, the Teide massif, and across to Gran Canaria on clear days.
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19. Stand Above the Masca Gorge at Tenerife's Most Vertiginous Viewpoint
The viewpoint above Masca village looks directly down into the gorge and across the Teno massif to the Atlantic. No permit needed to stand here and take it all in: this is the free, accessible alternative to the regulated gorge hike below.
Explore19. Stand Above the Masca Gorge at Tenerife's Most Vertiginous Viewpoint
The viewpoint above Masca village looks directly down into the gorge and across the Teno massif to the Atlantic. No permit needed to stand here and take it all in: this is the free, accessible alternative to the regulated gorge hike below.
ExploreCulture & Architecture Worth Seeking Out
Tenerife's cultural highlights tend to cluster in the north, particularly around La Laguna and La Orotava. Both towns reward several hours of slow exploration.
20. Walk the Streets of La Laguna, Tenerife's UNESCO Colonial City
La Laguna's perfectly preserved 15th and 16th-century street grid served as the urban planning model for colonial cities across the Americas. A weekday morning walk reveals local life largely unchanged by tourism: students, markets, and colourful mansions.
Explore20. Walk the Streets of La Laguna, Tenerife's UNESCO Colonial City
La Laguna's perfectly preserved 15th and 16th-century street grid served as the urban planning model for colonial cities across the Americas. A weekday morning walk reveals local life largely unchanged by tourism: students, markets, and colourful mansions.
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21. Find La Orotava's Hidden French Garden Above the Valley
The formal Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja above La Orotava are one of the island's most elegant and undervisited spots: symmetrical topiary, fountains, and a full-frame view of the Orotava Valley with Teide rising behind it.
Explore21. Find La Orotava's Hidden French Garden Above the Valley
The formal Jardines del Marquesado de la Quinta Roja above La Orotava are one of the island's most elegant and undervisited spots: symmetrical topiary, fountains, and a full-frame view of the Orotava Valley with Teide rising behind it.
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22. See Serious Contemporary Art at the Herzog & de Meuron-Designed TEA
Santa Cruz's contemporary arts centre, designed by the architects behind London's Tate Modern, houses Tenerife's best modern art collection. The permanent Oscar Domínguez gallery alone justifies the visit, and entry is reasonably priced.
Explore22. See Serious Contemporary Art at the Herzog & de Meuron-Designed TEA
Santa Cruz's contemporary arts centre, designed by the architects behind London's Tate Modern, houses Tenerife's best modern art collection. The permanent Oscar Domínguez gallery alone justifies the visit, and entry is reasonably priced.
Explore💡 Local tip
La Laguna and La Orotava are easy to combine in a single day trip from the north or south. Both are accessible by public bus (TITSA), and neither charges entry for the historic streets themselves. Go on a Tuesday to Thursday when they are quietest.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike in Anaga Rural Park?
Most trails in Anaga are free to walk without any permit. Only a small number of strictly protected enclaves, such as El Pijaral (Bosque Encantado), require advance authorisation. These permits are currently free but limited to around 45 people per day. Book via the Tenerife Cabildo's online reservation system (centralreservas.tenerife.es) before you travel. Hiking in restricted areas without a permit can result in fines of around €600.
Can I still visit Masca village without booking the gorge hike?
Yes. Masca village is accessible by car or minibus without any permit. Only the gorge hike descending to the beach requires advance booking via caminobarrancodemasca.com. As of the mid‑2020s, the gorge operates with capacity-controlled time slots and limited operating days, so spontaneous attempts will be refused at the trailhead.
What is the best area of Tenerife for off-the-beaten-path experiences?
Anaga Rural Park in the northeast and the Teno massif in the northwest are the two regions that see the fewest tourists relative to their quality. Anaga offers ancient laurel forest, cave villages, and wild Atlantic beaches. Teno is geologically older, even more remote, and protects villages and ravines largely untouched by development.
Are Tenerife's hidden gems accessible without a hire car?
Some are. La Laguna, La Orotava, Garachico, and Puerto de la Cruz are all reachable by TITSA bus. However, places like Chinamada, Punta de Teno, Playa de Benijo, and the Teno Rural Park are genuinely difficult to reach without your own transport. A hire car makes a significant difference for exploring the island's more remote corners.
When is the best time to visit Tenerife's natural hidden gems?
Anaga's laurel forests are atmospheric year-round due to persistent mist, but spring (March to May) brings lush green vegetation and fewer visitors than summer. The south's volcanic landscapes such as Montaña Roja and Paisaje Lunar are best visited outside the July-August peak. Winter months (November to February) see more rainfall in the north but are excellent for hiking in the south and at altitude in Teide.