What to See in North Tenerife in 2026

North Tenerife feels close, but it has a completely different soul.

If you are staying in the south of the island, it is easy to think that North Tenerife is just a short drive away. And it is. But once you cross the mountains, the landscape changes, the air feels fresher, the towns become greener and the island shows a quieter, more traditional side.

North Tenerife is perfect if you want more than beaches and hotel areas. Here you will find volcanic pools, old towns, green valleys, forests, viewpoints, dramatic cliffs and some of the most beautiful roads in Tenerife. It is also a good area to visit at any time of year. Even in winter, the weather is usually mild, although the north can be cloudier and cooler than the south, so it is always worth bringing a light jacket.

If you are wondering what to see in North Tenerife in 2026, this guide will help you plan your route without wasting time. Some places are easy to visit by car, while others need a little more planning because access rules have changed in recent years.

Mount Teide National Park

Mount Teide National Park is one of the great symbols of Tenerife and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although many visitors associate it with the centre of the island, it is one of the best day trips you can do from the north, especially from Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava or Icod de los Vinos.

The drive itself is part of the experience. As you climb from the green north towards the volcanic landscape of Las Cañadas del Teide, the scenery changes completely. Pine forests, lava fields, strange rock formations and wide open views make this one of the most impressive routes in Tenerife.

If you only want to visit the viewpoints and enjoy the national park by car, you can do it easily. If you want to hike to the summit from La Rambleta through the Telesforo Bravo trail, you need prior authorisation. In 2026, access to some sensitive trails in the Teide National Park is managed through TenerifeON and public fees may apply depending on the route, time slot and visitor profile.

Practical tip: do not leave the Teide permit until the last minute. Places are limited and can sell out quickly.

View Mount Teide National Park on Google Maps

Check the official Telesforo Bravo trail information

La Orotava

La Orotava is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Tenerife. It sits above the valley, with old Canarian houses, wooden balconies, quiet streets and views towards the sea and Mount Teide.

It is a place to walk slowly. Visit the old town, stop at the Casa de los Balcones, look at the traditional architecture and enjoy a coffee or lunch before continuing your route. La Orotava is also a very good stop if you are driving up to Mount Teide from the north.

Practical tip: parking in the historic centre can be limited, so it is better to arrive early or use one of the public parking areas nearby.

View La Orotava on Google Maps

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz is one of the classic places to visit in North Tenerife. It has the charm of an old seaside town, but also plenty of life, restaurants, shops, hotels and coastal walks.

You can explore the old fishing area of La Ranilla, walk along the seafront, visit Playa Jardín, enjoy the Lago Martiánez pools or spend a few hours in the Botanical Garden. It is a good base if you want to discover the north without changing hotel every night.

If you travel with children, Puerto de la Cruz is also home to Loro Parque, one of the most visited attractions in Tenerife. It is not a hidden corner, but it can be a useful family plan if you want a full day activity in the north.

View Puerto de la Cruz on Google Maps

Anaga Rural Park

Anaga Rural Park is one of the most magical areas in Tenerife. It is green, wild and full of narrow roads that cross ancient laurel forests, deep ravines and small villages that still feel far away from the busiest tourist areas.

If you enjoy nature, Anaga is a must. You can visit viewpoints such as Cruz del Carmen, drive towards Taganana or continue down to Benijo, one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in the north of the island.

Some trails in Anaga require advance booking or have specific access rules, especially protected routes such as El Pijaral. Other routes may be free to access, but the rules can change, so it is best to check TenerifeON before planning a hike.

Practical tip: the roads in Anaga are beautiful but narrow and winding. Drive slowly, avoid rushing and check the weather before going, because mist and rain can appear even when the rest of the island is sunny.

View Anaga Rural Park on Google Maps

Check official Anaga trail permits

Punta de Teno

Punta de Teno is the westernmost point of Tenerife and one of the most spectacular corners of the island. The landscape is simple but powerful: cliffs, ocean, wind, the lighthouse and views towards Los Gigantes.

It used to be common to drive there freely, but access is now regulated. In 2026, due to works and traffic restrictions, private vehicle access can be limited or prohibited at certain times, and visitors may need to use public transport, taxis or authorised vehicles. TITSA line 369 connects Buenavista del Norte with Punta de Teno.

Practical tip: before driving to Buenavista del Norte, check the current access rules and bus timetable. The road is narrow and conditions can change because of weather or roadworks.

View Punta de Teno on Google Maps

Check TITSA line 369 timetable

Icod de los Vinos and the Ancient Dragon Tree

Icod de los Vinos is famous for the Drago Milenario, the ancient dragon tree that has become one of the natural symbols of Tenerife. Even if you only stop for a short visit, it is worth seeing the tree, walking around the historic centre and enjoying the views towards the north coast.

The town also has a traditional Canarian feel, with small squares, local shops and places to try wine and typical food. It works very well as part of a route that also includes Garachico and Buenavista del Norte.

View the Drago Milenario on Google Maps

Garachico and El Caletón Natural Pools

Garachico is one of the most charming towns in North Tenerife. Its history is marked by the volcanic eruption of 1706, which changed the old port and helped create the lava formations that today shape the natural pools of El Caletón.

El Caletón is one of the best known natural swimming areas in Tenerife. On calm days, it is a beautiful place for a swim in the Atlantic, surrounded by volcanic rock and the old town of Garachico. When the sea is rough, it is better to enjoy the view from outside the water. The north coast can be powerful, and safety always comes first.

Practical tip: do not assume the pools are always suitable for swimming. Check the sea conditions on the day, especially in autumn and winter.

View El Caletón in Garachico on Google Maps

Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo

Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo are two excellent places to enjoy the wilder side of the north coast. Bajamar is known for its seawater pools, while Punta del Hidalgo has a more open, rugged feeling, with views towards the Anaga mountains.

This area is ideal if you want a coastal plan without the atmosphere of the busiest resorts. It is also a good place for a walk, a simple lunch by the sea or a sunset stop after visiting La Laguna or Anaga.

Practical tip: the sea in this area can be rough. If the pools or coastline are closed or the waves are strong, do not take risks.

View Bajamar on Google Maps

View Punta del Hidalgo on Google Maps

Benijo Beach

Benijo Beach is one of the most photographed places in North Tenerife, and for good reason. The black sand, the cliffs, the rocks in the sea and the feeling of being at the edge of the island make it unforgettable.

It is not always a beach for swimming. Waves and currents can be strong, so many visitors go mainly for the views, the walk and the sunset. The road down is narrow and parking is limited, so it is better to go with time and patience.

View Benijo Beach on Google Maps

Two easy routes by car through North Tenerife

If you have only one day, choose your route carefully. North Tenerife has many places worth visiting, but trying to see everything in a few hours usually means spending too much time in the car.

Is it worth hiring a car to visit North Tenerife?

Yes, especially if you want to see more than one place in the same day. Public transport reaches many towns, but a car gives you much more freedom to stop at viewpoints, small villages, natural pools and beaches that are not always easy to combine by bus.

The only exception is Punta de Teno, where access is regulated and you may need to leave the car in Buenavista del Norte and continue by bus or authorised transport. For the rest of the north, driving is usually the most comfortable way to explore the island at your own pace.

North Tenerife is not a place to rush. It is a part of the island to enjoy slowly, with time to stop, look around, take the smaller roads and let Tenerife show you its greener, quieter and more local side.

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