Updated in 2026. Vilaflor de Chasna is one of those places that many travellers pass through on their way to Teide and later remember with the feeling that “we should have stayed a little longer”. It lies in the upper part of southern Tenerife, surrounded by pine forest, mountain roads, wineries, trails, and the dry highland air that completely changes your idea of the island.
This guide is designed for visiting Vilaflor by car, stopping at a relaxed pace, knowing what to see, how to include the Lunar Landscape, when it is worth continuing up towards Teide, and which details you should check before putting on your walking boots.
Vilaflor: quick summary
- Best plan: historic centre, Pino Gordo, Pino de las Dos Pernadas, and the route towards Teide.
- Star trail: PR-TF 72 to the Lunar Landscape, demanding if you complete the entire route.
- Recommended time: half a day for the village and viewpoints, or a full day if you are hiking.
- For families: a short walk, the monumental pine trees, and a relaxed meal are better than the entire long trail.
- Key advice: check the trail status, take water, and do not underestimate the altitude.
What to see in Vilaflor de Chasna
Vilaflor is not a destination full of huge monuments. Its charm lies in the whole setting: the historic centre, quiet streets, pine forests, viewpoints, hiking routes, and the feeling of being in a higher, drier, and quieter Tenerife.
Vilaflor historic centre
The historic centre deserves an unhurried stop. You can walk around the church, look for examples of traditional architecture, and have something to eat or drink before continuing your route. It is a good place to slow down if you are arriving from the south coast.
Pino Gordo and Pino de las Dos Pernadas
These are two of the easiest and most rewarding stops in Vilaflor. They are close to the road, take little time to visit, and help you understand the scale of the Canary Island pine forest. If you are travelling with children or do not want a long hike, this is a simple way to see nature without complications.
Lunar Landscape
The Lunar Landscape, in Los Escurriales, is Vilaflor’s main hiking attraction. Its pale, eroded formations look as though they came from another planet, surrounded by pine forest and old paths. The official PR-TF 72 route starts in Vilaflor and is circular, but it is not a short stroll: you need to go prepared.
PR-TF 72 trail to the Lunar Landscape: what you need to know
The PR-TF 72 Vilaflor–Lunar Landscape–Vilaflor trail follows the old Camino Real de Chasna, crosses pine forest, and reaches the Los Escurriales viewpoint. Tenerife Tourism classifies it as an officially approved trail of medium difficulty and recommends checking the condition of the path before setting off.
- Route type: circular from Vilaflor.
- Difficulty: medium, with uphill sections and altitude.
- Equipment: hiking footwear, water, sun protection, and a light warm layer.
- With young children: it is best not to complete the whole route unless they are accustomed to walking.
- Best time: early, to avoid the heat and return without rushing.
Advice: if your plan is simply to “see the Lunar Landscape”, check the route carefully first. You cannot arrive, park, and stand in front of the formations ten minutes later. This is a real hiking trail, and the more clearly you understand that, the more you will enjoy it.
See official information about the PR-TF 72 Lunar Landscape trail
Vilaflor as a route to Teide
Vilaflor is one of the most beautiful gateways to Teide National Park from the south. If you are staying in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, or El Médano, driving up through Vilaflor gives you a route full of contrasts: coast, highlands, pine forest, and volcanic landscape.
A very well-rounded route would be to leave the south early, stop in Vilaflor, see the monumental pine trees, and continue towards Boca Tauce, Llano de Ucanca, and Roques de García. If you want to take the cable car or walk in regulated areas, check the permits and conditions beforehand.
Related guide: driving up to Teide in 2026.
Recommended driving route around Vilaflor
- Depart from southern Tenerife.
- Stop in Vilaflor’s historic centre.
- Visit Pino Gordo and Pino de las Dos Pernadas.
- Start the PR-TF 72 trail if you are prepared for the walk.
- Continue up towards Teide on the mountain road.
- Visit Roques de García or the park’s viewpoints if the weather is suitable.
If you only have half a day, leave out the long trail and concentrate on the historic centre, monumental pine trees, and viewpoints. If you have the whole day, then you can consider the Lunar Landscape or a more leisurely drive up to Teide.
Practical tips for visiting Vilaflor
- Take something warm. You are at altitude and the temperature can be considerably lower than on the coast.
- Do not improvise the trail. Check its status, duration, and difficulty before setting off.
- Always take water. You will feel the need for it more than you expect on pine-forest routes and at high altitude.
- Respect the surroundings. Do not leave the trail or climb on delicate formations.
- If you are driving towards Teide, take it calmly. There are bends, viewpoints, and changes in light.
Frequently asked questions about Vilaflor
Is Vilaflor worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you are driving up to Teide from the south or enjoy combining highland villages, pine forest, and hiking. This is not a beach visit; it is a different side and pace of Tenerife.
Can you see the Lunar Landscape without hiking?
Not conveniently, as you might see a viewpoint beside the road. The Lunar Landscape is part of a hiking route, so you need to plan it with suitable footwear, water, and enough time.
Is Vilaflor a good stop on the way to Teide?
Yes. It is one of the most beautiful routes up from the south and lets you create a very complete itinerary towards Boca Tauce, Llano de Ucanca, and Roques de García.
How much time should you spend in Vilaflor?
Half a day if you only want to see the village and monumental pine trees before continuing towards Teide. Allow a full day if you plan to walk the Lunar Landscape trail.
