Updated in 2026. Isla Baja is Tenerife’s peaceful northwest: Garachico, Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte and El Tanque. It is not a separate island, but a district where the road becomes greener, the coast more volcanic and the journey slower, in the best possible sense.
If you are looking for a less obvious Tenerife, with historic towns, natural pools, viewpoints, trails, cheese, rosquetes and Teno Rural Park in the background, this area deserves a full day. But do not visit it simply to tick names off a list. Isla Baja asks you to stop, look around and stop fighting the clock.
Isla Baja at a glance
- Municipalities: Buenavista del Norte, Garachico, Los Silos and El Tanque.
- Best route: Garachico, Los Silos, Buenavista, Punta de Teno if access permits, and return via El Tanque.
- Recommended time: a full day.
- Star attractions: historic Garachico, El Caletón, Los Silos, Buenavista and Teno.
- Key advice: check access to Punta de Teno before setting off. In 2026, it remains regulated and is affected by occasional roadworks.
What is Tenerife’s Isla Baja?
Tenerife Tourism defines Isla Baja as the island’s northwest, comprising Buenavista del Norte, Garachico, Los Silos and El Tanque. It is an area associated with sport, tranquillity, contact with nature and Teno Rural Park.
You do not come here looking for hotel-lined avenues or pale-sand beaches. You come to see historic towns, a volcanic coast, cliffs, farms, trails and a more rural side of Tenerife. It is perfect if you have a car and fancy switching from the tourist island to the slower-paced north.
See Tenerife Tourism’s official information about Isla Baja
Garachico: history, natural pools and a beautiful centre
Garachico is one of the north’s most beautiful stops. It has a historic centre, squares, convents, traditional houses, views of Roque de Garachico and the El Caletón pools, formed by ancient lava flows. When the sea is calm, swimming can be memorable; when it is rough, look from outside and leave it at that.
On a first visit, walk around the square, approach San Miguel Castle, look at the Roque and go down to El Caletón without assuming that swimming is always possible. The Atlantic at Garachico is not decoration: it is in charge.
Los Silos: greenery, coast and trails
Los Silos is more understated than Garachico, and therein lies its charm. Tenerife Tourism highlights Monte del Agua and the Cuevas Negras, Las Moradas and Talavera trails, as well as a very rewarding landscape for walking. If you enjoy hiking, this area offers far more than a quick stop.
For a day by car, take a simple walk around the centre, visit the coast and save the longer trails for another day. Do not try to fit Monte del Agua, Garachico, Teno, Masca and a long lunch into the same day. That is not a route; it is an emotional house move.
Buenavista del Norte and Punta de Teno
Buenavista del Norte is the natural gateway to Punta de Teno and part of Teno Rural Park. Its centre is peaceful, has a rural atmosphere and works very well as a base for lunch, parking or taking the bus to Punta de Teno.
In 2026, access to Punta de Teno on the TF-445 is regulated. Buenavista Town Council states that access is by route 369 bus or taxi during regulated periods, and that access by private vehicle, on foot or by bicycle is prohibited every day of the week. Roadworks have also been announced that may alter the service while work continues.
TITSA route 369 connects Buenavista bus station with Punta de Teno, with a journey of approximately 20 minutes and a special fare of €1 per person each way, according to the official information consulted.
See regulated access information for Punta de Teno
See TITSA route 369 timetables
El Tanque: highlands and viewpoints
El Tanque brings the highland landscape to Isla Baja. It is a good choice for ending the route with viewpoints, rural scenery and a return road with views. If you come from Santiago del Teide or Masca, El Tanque can serve as a natural connection to Garachico and the northwest.
Do not see it only as “the place I drive through”. On clear days, the contrasts between the coast, forest and Mount Teide make it worth stopping, even if only to breathe for a moment and look down.
Recommended one-day route through Isla Baja
- Set off early from Puerto de la Cruz, Icod or the south if you have sufficient time.
- Garachico for the historic centre, Roque and El Caletón.
- Los Silos for a peaceful walk, the coast and rural atmosphere.
- Buenavista del Norte for lunch or to connect with the bus to Punta de Teno.
- Punta de Teno only if access and timetables fit your day.
- El Tanque to return through the highlands and finish with viewpoints.
If you want to add Masca, do so only if you set off very early and accept that it will be a long day. Masca deserves time and its road requires attention. If you are travelling with children or people who suffer from motion sickness, it is better not to push it.
What to eat in Isla Baja
The area is good for uncomplicated meals: fish on the coast, Canarian dishes, Teno Alto cheese, rosquetes, almogrote, mojos and produce-led cuisine. You do not need to find the trendiest place; sometimes the best plan is a simple restaurant where you are served without rushing and leave smelling slightly of the sea and mojo, which is no bad thing.
Tips for visiting Isla Baja in 2026
- Check access to Punta de Teno on the day, particularly because of roadworks, wind or weather warnings.
- Do not rely only on Google Maps. Roads in the Teno area may be closed or restricted.
- Take a light jacket if you are driving through the highlands.
- Do not swim in natural pools during heavy swell. Garachico and the northern coast are beautiful, but the sea changes quickly.
- Allow a full day if you are travelling from southern Tenerife.
Frequently asked questions about Isla Baja
Which municipalities make up Isla Baja?
Isla Baja comprises Buenavista del Norte, Garachico, Los Silos and El Tanque, in northwestern Tenerife.
Can you reach Punta de Teno by car?
In 2026, access to Punta de Teno is regulated, and the Town Council states that private vehicles, walking and cycling are prohibited during the regulation. The normal option is route 369 bus or an authorised taxi.
How long do I need to explore Isla Baja?
A full day is ideal. You can see Garachico and Los Silos in half a day, but if you add Buenavista, Teno or El Tanque, it is best not to rush.
Is Isla Baja worth visiting from the south?
Yes, but set off early. The journey from the south is long, so it is best planned as a full-day route through the northwest.
If you are going to explore this part of the island, keep our guide to what to see in northern Tenerife and the option of hiring a car in Puerto de la Cruz handy, so you can travel without depending on timetables.
