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Teno Rural Park is considered one of the most beautiful and wild natural parks in Tenerife. It is located in an isolated area with limited access in the northwestern part of the island, and it covers nearly 19,800 acres within the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tanque, and Santiago del Teide.
We visited Parque Rural de Teno on one of our last trips to Tenerife and we were very surprised. We did not expect to find such beauty between its cliffs, laurel forests, and valleys, as well as great cultural richness. We also learned that this is the habitat of the laurel dove, an endangered species.
This park has become one of the best places to visit in North Tenerife because Punta Teno is located here. Punta de Teno is where the famous red and white painted lighthouse stands. This site is considered one of the best viewpoints in Tenerife, especially if you want to enjoy the incredible Punta de Teno sunset with the Los Gigantes Cliffs on one side.
Teno Rural Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to see in Tenerife, and you can go on your own or book an excursion if you don’t have too much time. If you choose the latter, I recommend booking this tour, which starts from Buenavista del Norte and will allow you to enjoy a walk to Punta del Teno.
If you want to know more about Teno, Tenerife, in this guide I’ll give you all the information you need about this beautiful rural park, including how to access Punta de Teno.
1. Punta de Teno Lighthouse, the most popular place in Teno Rural Park
Punta de Teno Lighthouse is one of the most popular places in Parque Rural de Teno. In fact, it creates one of the most well-known and recognizable images, as the lighthouse is painted red and white.
1. Punta de Teno Lighthouse, the most popular place in Teno Rural Park
Its construction began in 1891, but it was not finished until 1893 and it did not start operating until 1897. From that moment on, it served as the home of the two lighthouse keepers who took care of it and their respective families. As with any house at that time, it had a dining room, bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom so that the lighthouse keepers and their families could live comfortably. Nowadays, the Punta de Teno Lighthouse in Tenerife is uninhabited and works automatically.
Although it’s located in a remote area with limited access, this Tenerife lighthouse has become one of the most visited places in the park. The lighthouse is located on cliffs and when you visit you can get a postcard image with the ocean and La Gomera in the background and Los Gigantes Cliffs on one side.
2. Punta de Teno Viewpoint, the most beautiful site in Teno Rural Park
Punta de Teno Viewpoint is one of the most beautiful places in Teno Rural Park, and it’s right next to the famous lighthouse that I just told you about.
2. Punta de Teno Viewpoint, the most beautiful site in Teno Rural Park
Punta de Teno is a small peninsula that was formed millions of years ago as a result of flowing lava, which cooled and solidified when it reached the ocean. This is why, seen from the air, it is a rock formation that protrudes from the island and enters the ocean, making it the perfect viewpoint to see the Los Gigantes Cliffs.
From this scenic viewpoint, you will also get beautiful views of the ocean, with the island of La Gomera in the background, and you will be able to see one of the most beautiful sunsets on the entire island.
3. Teno Beach, a small beach with a lot of charm
Teno Beach is another great place to visit in Teno Rural Park. It is a small black sand beach located in Punta de Teno, which makes it quite special and beautiful. In fact, from here you will have beautiful views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs, so for this alone, it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Teno, Tenerife.
3. Teno Beach, a small beach with a lot of charm
However, it’s not the best option for sunbathing because of the gravelly sand. Also, I recommend you wear booties if you want to swim at this beach, or you could hurt the soles of your feet. The water here is usually calm thanks to the small breakwater that surrounds it.
Teno Beach in Tenerife usually receives very few visitors due to its location, so if you’re looking for a virgin, wild, and quiet beach, it is undoubtedly one of the best options.
4. Masca Gorge, the most popular hiking route in Teno
The Masca Gorge is another place that you should visit in Teno, Tenerife, especially if you like hiking.
This popular hike consists of descending the ravine to Masca Beach and then ascending to return to the starting point. A few years ago, you were able to do the descent and then take a boat from the Masca jetty that connected with Los Gigantes. In fact, this is what we did, since the ascent is much harder, suitable only for people in very fit.
However, this option is not available at the moment since the pier is closed.
4. Masca Gorge, the most popular hiking route in Teno
If you want to access Masca Gorge, you must request a free permit through this website. I recommend you do this in advance since the number of people who can access the ravine daily is very limited. You can also hire this tour with a guide, and the company that organizes it will process the permit for you.
If you think that the descent and ascent of the ravine are too much for you, but you want to know this essential part of the Natural Park of Teno, you can go to Caserío de Masca, from which you will get beautiful views of the mountains and ravines that surround the town.
For more information about this place in Teno, Tenerife, you can take a look at our specific guide.
5. See the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the sea
Los Gigantes Cliffs is another amazing place to see in Teno, Tenerife. Although you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the Punta de Teno viewpoint, I recommend that you book a boat or kayak excursion so you can see them from the sea.
You can take this boat excursion that leaves from Punta de Teno, Tenerife, and goes to Masca Beach, where you will have time to swim if the weather is good. Then you will return to the starting point, so you’ll be able to witness the greatness of the cliffs in both directions, as well as La Gomera.
5. See the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the sea
You can do the tour I just mentioned in a kayak if you book this excursion. Don’t worry if you’ve never been in a kayak before, as they will give you some basic guidelines and instructions, as well as proper safety measures.
We chose the kayak tour, and we liked it a lot since it made us feel much closer to the cliffs. We felt very small next to them, so I assure you that once you are in the sea, you will understand why the indigenous people of Tenerife called them the “Walls of Hell” and believed that they signaled the end of the world.
6. Monte del Agua, a beautiful laurel forest in Teno Rural Park
Monte del Agua is one of the most beautiful places in Tenerife’s Teno Rural Park. It’s located between the municipalities of El Tanque, Los Silos, and Buenavista del Norte, and the route includes laurel forests, ravines, and abandoned farmhouses. Also, this is the place where two endemic Canarian bird species live, the Laurel Pigeon and the Bolle Pigeon, so you should keep your eyes peeled.
You should also know that while there are numerous routes and various ways to get to Monte del Agua, one of the most common trails is the one from Los Silos, which passes through Las Moradas and Cuevas Negras. It’s a loop that will allow you to discover the old houses of the shepherds and farmers who lived in Las Moradas, even though most of them are in ruins. This hike also goes past the uninhabited houses that have been overtaken by the vegetation in Cuevas Negras.
6. Monte del Agua, a beautiful laurel forest in Teno Rural Park
You will also be able to visit the Bucarón Ravine and Cochinos Ravine, where you’ll find Monte del Agua’s characteristic vegetation.
You can also get to Monte del Agua from Erjos. This path is a fascinating loop trail within Teno, Tenerife, that will allow you to discover the Aceviño tree, an endemic species recognizable by its small red fruits.
7. Risco Blanco, a trail in Teno Rural Park that will astonish you
Risco Blanco is another very popular trail within Teno Rural Park, Tenerife. It’s a one-way route that starts from El Molledo, a small town that’s part of Santiago del Teide; and ends at Risco Blanco, a volcanic rock of a characteristic whitish color located in Sierra de Teno, separating the Natero ravine and Seco ravine.
7. Risco Blanco, a trail in Teno Rural Park that will astonish you
The trail is less than 1.5 miles long, so this Punta de Teno hike can be done easily in an hour and a half. Just keep in mind that it’s another hour and a half to return to the starting point. The terrain on this route is fairly even, so it’s quite easy and suitable for everyone.
The best thing about this path is the view you’ll get along the way. You can contemplate the mountainous landscape of the area from Risco Blanco and, if you look towards the ocean, on clear days you can see La Gomera. Around here you also have a good chance of seeing some wild animals in their natural habitat, such as goats. So, if you enjoy walks, Risco Blanco is a good hike to do in Teno National Park.
8. Buenavista del Norte, one of the most beautiful villages near Punta Teno
Buenavista del Norte is one of the most charming towns in Teno, Tenerife. It’s also one of the towns that maintain Tenerife’s traditions and one of the most beautiful due to its location. Buenavista del Norte is surrounded by the wildest and most virgin landscapes on the island, most of which are considered protected areas.
I recommend you walk through its old town, which although simple, has some buildings with great historical value. One of them is Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios, which was built between 1513 and 1518 and honors the patron saint of the municipality, Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios. There are other religious buildings of great importance, such as the former convent of San Francisco, the Hermitage of San Sebastián and the Chapel of the Visitation, and Hacienda La Fuente.
8. Buenavista del Norte, one of the most beautiful villages near Punta Teno
You can also walk through Plaza de Los Remedios, one of the most important squares in Buenavista del Norte where many social and cultural gatherings take place.
Because of its privileged location, you can use Buenavista del Norte as a starting point to get to know some of the most iconic places in Teno Rural Park, such as Punta de Teno Viewpoint, Los Gigantes Cliffs, or Masca Ravine.
9. Los Silos, another village you should visit in Teno Rural Park
Los Silos is another beautiful town that you should visit if you’re going to be in Teno, Tenerife. It is a small town with a lot of history and gorgeous natural surroundings. It’s also very quiet, so it’s the perfect place to spend a day away from the tourist crowds, mingle with locals, and enjoy the tranquility in a remote and wild environment.
9. Los Silos, another village you should visit in Teno Rural Park
I recommend you stroll through its historic quarter, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, houses with typical Canarian facades, and traditional mansions. You should also visit Caseta del Telégrafo, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Luz, and the former convent of San Sebastián, which was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1986. Also, you should definitely visit Salinas de La Caleta, a place that has become a way of life for generations and tells part of the history of Los Silos.
Remember that the route to Monte del Agua that I told you about before starts from this town and passes through Las Moradas and Cuevas Negras. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular hikes in Teno Rural Park, so keep it in mind if you come here.
10. Altos de Baracán, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Parque Rural de Teno
Finally, another place that you can visit in Teno Rural Park is the Altos de Baracán viewpoint.
Considered one of the best viewpoints in Tenerife, it’s located 2,640 feet above sea level and at a strategic point that allows you to see the difference in scenery between the northern and southern parts of Tenerife. More specifically, the lookout point is located right on the TF-436 road, which connects El Palmar Valley and the town of Las Portelas with Masca, right at the southeast end of the Teno Massif.
10. Altos de Baracán, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Parque Rural de Teno
Altos de Baracán also has beautiful views of Barranco de Los Carrizales, the Mountain of El Palmar, and the Valley of El Palmar.
To get to this lovely spot in Teno Rural Park you will need a car, although there are also buses that go there.
The road to Teno, Tenerife, the only way to get to Punta de Teno
Surely by now, you have many questions about how to access Punta de Teno, Tenerife since it’s a remote place that can be difficult to get to.
You can reach Punta de Teno and the lighthouse by car from the town of Buenavista del Norte via the TF-445 road. What you should keep in mind is that it’s a complicated road where landslides are frequent, so there are specified times when you can access it, which you can check here. This is to ensure the safety of visitors, as well as to protect and preserve the environment. Honestly, I’m not sure if I consider this place for a less than a 7-day itinerary to Tenerife.
You can also arrive by guagua, which is the Canarian bus. In this case, you must take line 369, which leaves from the Buenavista del Norte station and has the bus schedule posted online here. Another option to get to Punta Teno is by booking this hiking tour.
The road to Teno, Tenerife, the only way to get to Punta de Teno
There is another road in Teno, Tenerife, which will also be useful if you want to get to know Masca. It connects Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide, passing through the town. If you don’t have a car, you can take a guagua, specifically line 355, which connects Buenavista del Norte, Masca, and Santiago del Teide. You can check the schedules here.
And finally, the TF-82 highway also crosses Teno Rural Park and connects to Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, El Tanque, Los Silos, Santiago del Teide, Guía de Isora, and Costa Adeje.
Where to stay in Teno Rural Park
When we visited the natural park of Teno, we decided to stay at the Los Pedregales campsite. This is one of the best spots to camp in Tenerife thanks to its convenient location near Punta de Teno, which is accessible via public transportation or renting a car in Tenerife.
Be aware that you can only camp here in a tent since Los Pedregales does not have spaces for RVs. That said, this is undoubtedly one of the best options if you want to be in direct contact with nature, although I admit that it can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to sleeping in a tent.
Where to stay in Teno Rural Park
If you are looking for something more comfortable, Teno has some of the best rural vacation homes in Tenerife. For example, you can stay at Finca el Castillo in Buenavista del Norte, which offers well-equipped independent apartments with a shared pool, garden, barbecue area, and other facilities.
Sweet Home Masca is a good place to stay in Masca, as it’s a well-equipped rural house with beautiful views.
These are some other accommodations we recommend:
- Viña Camello, a beautiful rural house in Buenavista del Norte
- Villa Luxury Punta de Teno, an upscale villa in Buenavista del Norte
- Casa Rural Morrocatana, a rural house with good facilities in Masca
Where to eat in Teno Rural Park
You will find some very good restaurants in Teno de Tenerife. One of my top recommendations is El Guanche in Masca. It’s the oldest restaurant in the area, so it’s worth going here just for the traditional architecture and details. Here, you can order typical Canarian cuisine as well as vegan and vegetarian options. The atmosphere here is very cozy, making it one of the best restaurants in Tenerife.
Where to eat in Teno Rural Park
You can also go to Bodegón Patamero in Buenavista del Norte, specifically in the Las Lagunetas area. Here, you’ll find some typical dishes from the islands, although I recommend you order croquettes and the queso asado. Thankfully, we reserved a table in advance, and I suggest you do the same since it can get very crowded.
I also recommend Restaurante El Burgado in Buenavista del Norte. It’s in a convenient location and serves great food for a very good price. Plus, the treatment is top-notch, so we really enjoyed our time there.
Teno Rural Park map
Now that you know Teno Rural Park and everything there is to do in it, here is a map so you can locate all those places that I have mentioned:
Teno Rural Park map
I hope that this guide on things to do in Teno, Tenerife, has helped you learn more about this beautiful site so you can fully enjoy your visit. Of course, if you have any questions or want to share your experience, you can leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Enjoy your time in Tenerife’s Parque Rural de Teno!
