A natural gem within Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife has successfully attracted beach-goers and outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers can enjoy winding mountains, black sand beaches, and mist-coated temperate forests on the mesmerizing island. Moreover, Tenerife is less popular than the neighboring Gran Canaria, making it a relatively relaxed destination. You might find large crowds in the main city of Santa Cruz or star-rated Las Americas Beach during the high season. So, explore beyond the tourist’s map by checking out these 12 hidden gems in Tenerife.
Hidden Gems in Tenerife – Summary
- Playa Castro
- Playa La Tejita and Montaña Roja
- Playa de Benijo
- El Charco de Mareta
- Paisaje Lunar
- Chinyero Volcano
- Cueva del Viento
- Mercedes Forest
- San Cristobal de La Laguna
- Garachico
- La Orotava
- Vilaflor
Playa La Tejita and Montaña Roja
Nestled in southern Tenerife, Playa La Tejita is often overlooked by tourists. At the same time, it might be the most incredible beach to see in Tenerife. Playa La Tejita covers a massive area of 166 hectares. Soft golden sand veils the coastline and kisses the sparkling blue sea. Moreover, the crimson Montaña Roja ‘volcano’ stands as a backdrop. Not only does it look close to the beach, but also can be reached by a short walk. Hike to the top of this remnant of eruption for a breathtaking bird-eye view of the area. Then, if you love chasing sunsets, Playa La Tejita might give you the best one.
Playa Castro
Head to a beach only locals know and a few would like to visit. Reaching Playa Castro requires you to do a 25-minute walk along pebbled and steep trails. Although the walk is not the easiest, the scenery makes it worthwhile. Obsidian-black pebbles shroud the shores, waves crash into towering cliffs, and an aquamarine sea tailors the beach’s landscape. With little to no crowd, Playa Castro provides serenity and relaxation. Sit on the pebbly shores or take pictures of the beautiful rock formations. It is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Tenerife to check out.
Playa de Benijo
This unspoiled beach in northeast Tenerife will take your breath away. Playa de Benijo features a dramatic scenery comprising jagged rocks, gradients of blue in the sea, and pebbled shores. It is tucked beneath the island’s rocky slopes. Although the beach welcomes you for a swim, the frequently strong currents make it better for sightseeing. You can see the roaring waves crashing into volcanic rocks from the viewpoint. Alternatively, sit in one of the local restaurants lining the viewpoint. Enjoy simple Tenerife dishes while enjoying a picturesque view. Therefore, Playa de Benijo is one of the best hidden gems in Tenerife.
El Charco de Mareta
Tenerife boasts a wealth of natural wonders, including the natural pools of El Charco de Mareta. It stays as one of the hidden gems in Tenerife as only a few tourists have heard about it. Sitting on the north side of Tenerife, El Charco de Mareta provides a serene escape. It features several natural pools formed by volcanic rocks, containing turquoise-blue waters. They are veiled with green vegetation, soothing your sights. Therefore, a visit to El Charco de Mareta means taking a well-deserved relaxation.
Paisaje Lunar
Feel like an astronaut voyaging through the moon’s surface in Paisaje Lunar. It translates as ‘lunar landscape’, which fully reflects what the scene looks like. Paisaje Lunar comprises a series of white-washed limestone rock formations. They follow a unique curtain-like shape created by years of volcanic activity. Moreover, the ground is covered with pale sand, resembling the moon’s landscape. Paisaje Lunar is one of the hidden gems in Tenerife you would want in your phone gallery. Other than that, it offers a scenic hike depicting lush pine forests and meadowed hills.
Chinyero Volcano
Tenerife houses the most volcanoes compared to other islands in the Canary archipelago. Thus, Chinyero Volcano takes you on a journey of volcanic activities on the island. It keeps the record of Tenerife’s last volcanic eruption in 1909. Hit the hiking trails to Chinyero Volcano and see the surreal landscapes. Dried lava covered in thin grass, an extensive area of volcanic sand, and a burnt forest are some of the scenes you can find in the trails. Moreover, the vegetation and verdant forests remind us that beautiful things can grow from damaged things.
Cueva del Viento
Tenerife is known for its terrific mountains and gorgeous beaches. However, little did everyone know that the island keeps a spectacular cave. Cueva del Viento or ‘Cave of the Wind’ is a 17 kilometers-long lava tube system that reaches depths of 95 meters below the surface. The cave’s incredible size makes it one of the largest underground passages in the world.
Inside the cave, you can find impressive rock formations, gigantic stalagmites, and endless passages. Moreover, Cueva del Viento has witnessed the prehistoric days. It keeps fossils of animals like giant rats and prehistoric lizards. You can take a guided tour to explore the cave, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Therefore, Cueva del Viento is one of the must-visit hidden gems in Tenerife.
Mercedes Forest
Stepping into Mercedes Forest makes you feel like entering a fairytale. The forest features giant laurels entangled in tunnel-like formations. The subtropical climate invites soft mist to cover the forest, enhancing its enchanting atmosphere. What makes Mercedes Forest more interesting is its age, as it is the oldest area of Tenerife dating back to 15 million years ago.
You can find the forest in the Anaga Mountains, which sits nearby the capital. As travelers look for sun and sea, Mercedes Forest stays as one of the hidden gems in Tenerife. Nonetheless, it should be on every adventurer’s itinerary.
San Cristobal de La Laguna
Delve into Tenerife’s history and cultural wonders in San Cristobal de La Laguna. Sitting between the Anaga Mountains, the town takes you back traveling in time. A single glance at San Cristobal de La Laguna might remind you of Cuba’s Havana. It boasts a series of 15th-century colonial buildings tinted in bright colors. Therefore, La Laguna is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stroll around the city and enjoy its nostalgic vibes. Moreover, there are many activities to choose from like shopping, culinary tours, and museum visits.
Garachico
This seaside town holds a historical significance, making it unmissable. Three centuries ago, Garachico housed Tenerife’s main port and became a major trading center. For that reason, the city is packed with vintage mansions, centuries-old buildings, and monuments. Find the historic quarter of Garachico which features colorful antique buildings and churches. Moreover, statues of important figures, such as liberator Simon Bolivar, stand in the city. Other interesting sites await your visit, including the San Roque hermitage and Motin del Vino monument. Yes, it is such a win once you can explore this hidden gem in Tenerife.
La Orotava
Are you looking for a quiet moment after crazy beach hops and hikes? La Orotava is for you to visit. The clock ticks slower in this charming seaside town. La Orotava was the getaway place for the nobles in the 16th century. It is dotted with opulent Canarian-styled houses, jaw-dropping mansions, and beautiful botanical gardens. La Orotava’s picturesque scene has attracted photographers while not being known by casual tourists. It is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Tenerife. So, head to La Orotava and explore the lavish houses to put yourself in the 16th-century nobles’ shoes.
Vilaflor
No ‘hidden gems in Tenerife’ list would be complete without the local villages. Vilaflor shines as an authentic and beautiful village in Tenerife. It sits in the southern part of Tenerife, staying away from the influx of tourists. Tucked between meadowed mountains, Vilaflor features an incredible natural scene as its backdrop.
The village houses a series of humble white-washed houses, a lovely local church, and mineral springs. Visiting Vilaflor gives you a glimpse of the locals’ everyday life and culture. One of the best ways to do that is by sitting in a local restaurant. Sample locally-produced goat cheeses, Spanish sweets, and biscuits typical of Vilaflor.
These hidden gems in Tenerife will take your adventure to the next level. Well, the best way to find amazing hidden gems is by traveling with locals. JoinMyTrip connects you with local TripLeaders that hosts trips in their beloved hometown. In Tenerife, we have TripLeader Angelica who has been hosting trips for a year. She would love to show you the secret spots in Tenerife!
Our local TripLeaders are ready to show you the way in 900+ destinations across the globe. Whether it is in Tenerife or other places in Spain, there is always someone that welcome you with open arms. Join them in an exciting and out-of-the-ordinary adventure!