What to See

If you truly appreciate volcanic landscapes, the Arco de La Puente in Güímar offers much more than just a curious shape. It's a natural arch carved into volcanic tuff within the ravine, sculpted by erosion over millennia. When you arrive, you don't just see a rocky "gateway"; you understand how water and time have shaped the terrain. It's a little-known spot, incredibly photogenic, and possesses a wild quality that makes it truly special.

If you enjoy discovering unique places, the Presa del Río in Arico has that special something. It's not just a natural setting; it's an abandoned dam, which lends it a curious and somewhat mysterious air. You can stroll around the area, explore its structures, and appreciate the contrast between the ravine and what remains of the construction. It's a little-known spot, perfect for getting off the beaten path.

If you're looking for a peaceful getaway near Santa Cruz with a unique twist, the Los Campitos Dam has something special. It's not just nature: it's an abandoned structure that lends a distinctive character to the surroundings. You can stroll around, explore, and discover the contrast between the natural landscape and what was left unused. It's a little-known spot, perfect for disconnecting and discovering something different without going too far.

If you need a quiet place in the heart of Santa Cruz to stop for a moment, the TEA Art Library is perfect for escaping the city's hustle and bustle. Here you can sit and read, study, or simply spend some time in silence surrounded by books and contemporary architecture. The space is spacious, bright, and very pleasant, ideal for those seeking tranquility, culture, and a different atmosphere within the city.

If you love feeling immersed in unspoiled wilderness, this viewpoint in Anaga, Cabezo del Tejo, will leave you speechless. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself literally stepping onto a natural balcony overlooking the north coast of Tenerife. From here, you'll see the Roque de las Ánimas, the cliffs of Benijo and Almáciga, and the entire Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. Surrounded by laurel forest and the mists of the trade winds, it's one of those places where the landscape remains pristine.

When you arrive at the San José Mines, you feel like you've landed on another planet. The reddish soil, ochre tones, and volcanic formations create an almost Martian landscape that changes with the light every minute. It's one of those places near Mount Teide where you'll find yourself stopping to take photos without even realizing it, but beyond the striking image, you also perceive the geological force that defines this part of the island.

If you enjoy discovering hidden gems while strolling through Garachico, Tensei Tenmoku will captivate you. It's a contemporary sculpture called "Gate Without a Door," created in Carrara marble by the artist Kan Yasuda and placed facing the sea at the fishing pier. You walk up to it, admire it from different angles, and each time it transforms against the backdrop of the blue Atlantic—it's one of those places that always looks great in photos and simply makes you smile.

If you love literature, this staircase will bring a smile to your face. Right on the Paseo San Amaro, you'll see steps transformed into the spines of Agatha Christie books, painted in vibrant colors and bearing recognizable titles. It's a tribute to her visit to Tenerife in 1927. When you climb them, you're not just walking; you're traversing a part of her history and her connection to Puerto de la Cruz.

At kilometer 32 of the TF-5 highway, near El Rincón, a sign painted on the hillside surprises thousands of drivers every week. Its witty phrases, signed "Anoniman," blend humor, current events, and reflection, transforming a stretch of morning traffic into a brief moment of inspiration.

The hamlet of La Hoya, in San Miguel de Abona, is one of those places that helps you understand what life was like in southern Tenerife before tourism. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest as an Ethnological Site, it preserves traditional architecture, historic paths, water sources, and agricultural terraces in a rural setting that has changed very little over time.

El Montillo Natural Park in La Matanza de Acentejo is a vast green space where you can enjoy the fresh air without leaving the city. It's a complete park, with children's play areas, a café, lakes with waterfalls, picnic areas, viewpoints, a dog park, a beach soccer field, a climbing wall, and a skate park, all surrounded by lush vegetation and tranquility—ideal for a unique day out.

When you arrive at the Hacienda de Las Palmas de Anaga, an old, abandoned farmhouse, you feel as if time has stood still. You are in one of the oldest rural estates in Tenerife, surrounded by ravines, what were once vineyards, and silence. Walking through its central courtyard, you see the dragon trees, the stonework, the adjoining chapel, and you quickly understand that this is not just any ruin: it is living history of northern Anaga, raw, authentic, and unvarnished.

If you visit the Sitio Litre Orchid Garden in Puerto de la Cruz, you'll find the oldest garden in Tenerife, a historic space planted around an 18th-century mansion. I remember the contrast between tropical plants, tranquil paths, and an imposing dragon tree, while colorful orchids set the pace of your stroll. It's a place where the greenery makes you feel disconnected and transported to another era.

Bocacangrejo is a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Tenerife, very close to Santa Cruz, where the sea sets the pace and the houses face directly onto the Atlantic. Here you'll find a tranquil atmosphere, volcanic coves, waterfront terraces, and a distinct sense of a lived-in village. It's a place to stroll slowly, gaze at the sea, and enjoy leisurely meals.

The Tajao Arch, also known as the Bijagua Arch, is a natural volcanic formation located on the southeast coast of Tenerife, in San Miguel de Tajao (Arico). This rock bridge, sculpted by erosion on volcanic tuff, stands out for its clean lines and its arid surroundings of cardon cacti and tabaiba plants, offering one of the most unique and accessible geological landscapes on the island's southern coast.

San Miguel de Tajao is a fishing village in southeastern Tenerife where the sea sets the pace. You walk among low houses and beached boats, with the Atlantic always in front of you and the smell of fresh fish wafting from the restaurants along the coast. Here, pebble coves, volcanic sand, and an arid landscape coexist, giving the place a very distinctive and recognizable character.

The Esrengado Pine is a tree almost unknown to the public and one of the most unique in Tenerife. Twisted, leaning, and almost creeping, its crown grows horizontally as if the wind had stopped it mid-swing. Despite its defeated appearance, this Canary Island pine has withstood droughts, fires, and gales for over three centuries, becoming a silent symbol of survival.

Standing before the Piedra de la Rosa (Rose Rock) makes you realize that nature also knows how to sculpt delicate forms. This volcanic formation resembles a giant flower blooming in the middle of the mountain, with rocky "petals" unfurling towards the ravine. It's one of those places that many overlook, but when you look at it closely, you can't help but linger for a long time, admiring it.

Standing before the Pino Gordo in Vilaflor de Chasna is truly awe-inspiring. It's not just big: it's colossal. Standing over 45 meters tall with a trunk so wide it takes several people to encircle it, this Canary Island pine conveys an almost tangible sense of age and resilience. Looking up at it is dizzying and makes you feel small before one of Tenerife's great natural giants.

Mirador La Garañona, in El Sauzal, is one of those natural viewpoints that takes your breath away from the very first moment: sweeping views over the cliffs of Acentejo, Arena Beach (La Garañona), and the endless Atlantic Ocean. The landscaped area with benches and pathways allows you to enjoy the panorama in a relaxed atmosphere, and you can even have a coffee on the terrace while admiring the scenery.