Tacoronte is one of the municipalities in northern Tenerife that best combines a historic centre, wine, guachinches, a volcanic coastline and nature. It does not always appear on a traveller’s first list, and that is precisely part of its appeal: it feels local and agricultural, and it is very close to La Laguna, El Sauzal and the coast at Mesa del Mar.
Why visit Tacoronte
Tenerife Tourism places Tacoronte in the north of the island, between El Sauzal, El Rosario and La Laguna, with agricultural mid-altitude land, vineyards and a coastline shaped by cliffs. It is perfect for a half-day or full-day route if you want to leave the obvious places behind without driving too many kilometres.
- For culture: the historic centre, Santa Catalina, El Calvario and La Alhóndiga.
- For the coast: Mesa del Mar, Playa de La Arena and El Pris.
- For nature: Agua García Forest and routes through the mid-altitude countryside.
- For food: guachinches, Tacoronte-Acentejo wines and local produce.
- For shopping: the Farmers’ Market at weekends.
What to see in the centre of Tacoronte
Tacoronte’s historic centre is best explored without rushing. This is not a visit made up of one major monument after another, but a route connecting churches, squares, traditional houses and corners that convey the character of a northern town.
- Santuario del Santísimo Cristo de los Dolores: one of the municipality’s main religious landmarks.
- Church of Santa Catalina: closely linked to Tacoronte’s historical origins.
- La Alhóndiga: a traditional building associated with agricultural and commercial life.
- El Calvario: a pleasant heritage setting for a short stop.
- Plaza de la Estación: a good place to get your bearings and find tourist information.
If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, combine the town centre with Tacoronte Farmers’ Market, one of the best known in the north. It is ideal for buying fruit, cheese, honey, flowers or something tasty for the journey.
Mesa del Mar and Playa de La Arena
Tacoronte’s coastline has plenty of character. Mesa del Mar is its best-known settlement, and Playa de La Arena has volcanic sand, generally calm water and unusual access through a tunnel. Tacoronte Travel also notes that it has Blue Flag status, a natural pool, a sun terrace, free parking and a small jetty.
The road down to Mesa del Mar has bends and a steep gradient, so drive calmly and avoid the busiest times if you are uncomfortable with narrow access roads. At the bottom, the landscape provides its reward: cliffs, the open sea and a feeling very different from the urban beaches in the south.
El Pris: fishing neighbourhood and natural pools
El Pris is a very authentic stop where you can see Tacoronte’s seafaring side. It has natural pools, the atmosphere of a fishing neighbourhood and beautiful Atlantic views when the sea is calm. If the swell is strong, it is better to look than to swim: on the north coast, the ocean—not the calendar—is in charge.
Mesa del Mar and El Pris work well together on the same descent, but you should not visit in a hurry. These are places to spend some time, have a drink, look at the sea and decide whether you feel like swimming or simply taking a walk.
Agua García Forest and Hamilton Gardens
If you prefer greenery, Tacoronte has an option for that too. Agua García Forest is one of the surviving areas of laurel forest highlighted by Tenerife Tourism. It is a good place to walk in shade and humidity when the coast is windy or when you want to exchange the beach for nature.
Hamilton Gardens complete this quieter side of the municipality. They work well as a short stop if you are taking a route through the mid-altitude countryside or want to slow down after a generous lunch. And yes, slowing down after a guachinche is not defeat: it is elegant survival.
Guachinches, wine and the Farmers’ Market
Tacoronte lies in an area with strong ties to grape growing and cooking based on local produce. If you are looking for guachinches, go with a local mindset: a short menu, house wine, simple food and opening hours that may change. It is best to call or check before going, especially during the week.
- What to order: escaldón, chickpea stew, carne fiesta, ribs, grilled cheese, ropa vieja or seasonal dishes.
- Driving: if you are going to taste wine, the person who is not drinking should drive, or you should take a taxi. The route has bends.
- Market: Saturdays from 8:00 to 14:30 and Sundays from 8:00 to 14:00, according to local tourist information.
- Useful purchases: fruit for the car, cheese, honey or flowers if you are staying in an apartment.
Recommended one-day route around Tacoronte
- Morning: the Farmers’ Market and a walk around the historic centre.
- Midday: a guachinche or winery in the mid-altitude countryside.
- Afternoon: Mesa del Mar, Playa de La Arena and El Pris if the sea is calm.
- Green alternative: replace the coast with Agua García Forest if the weather is unsuitable.
From Tacoronte you can continue to El Sauzal, Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo or La Laguna. That is why it works so well on a route through the north: it does not force you to retrace your steps and always leaves another option nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What should you see in Tacoronte, Tenerife?
The best approach is to combine the historic centre, the Santuario del Cristo, Santa Catalina, Mesa del Mar, Playa de La Arena, El Pris, Agua García Forest and the Farmers’ Market.
Is Mesa del Mar worth visiting?
Yes. Mesa del Mar and Playa de La Arena offer a volcanic coastline, access through a tunnel, a natural pool and scenery very different from the urban beaches in the south.
Is Tacoronte a good area for eating at guachinches?
Yes. Tacoronte and the Tacoronte-Acentejo district are good areas in which to look for guachinches, local wine and simple Canarian food. Check opening hours before going.
How much time do I need to visit Tacoronte?
You can see the town centre and coast in half a day. With a full day, you can add the market, a guachinche, Agua García Forest and a nearby stop such as El Sauzal or La Laguna.
If you are going to explore this part of the island, it will help to keep our guide to what to see in North Tenerife and the option to hire a car in Puerto de la Cruz close at hand, so you can travel without depending on timetables.
