North Tenerife: things to do & places to visit
Green, traditional and dramatic, the north of Tenerife is the island's lush side — the resort town of Puerto de la Cruz, the historic centres of La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos and Garachico, the ancient laurel ('laurisilva') forests of Anaga, the cliffs and ravines of Teno, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of La Laguna. The Atlantic is wilder here and the landscape wetter and greener than the south.
- Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos & Garachico
- Anaga laurel ('laurisilva') forest — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- La Laguna — UNESCO World Heritage city
- Greener, cooler and more traditional than the south
Top places in North Tenerife
Attractions and landmarks across the region.
Whale WatchingTicketsAcantilados de Los Gigantes
Sheer sea cliffs rising up to around 600 metres straight out of the Atlantic on Tenerife's west coast.
Guanche & ArchaeologyAgua de Dios Ravine Archaeological Zone
A protected ravine near Tegueste and La Laguna with important Guanche archaeological evidence in caves and shelters.
ViewpointsBajamar Lighthouse
A small waterfront lighthouse beside Bajamar’s natural pools on Tenerife’s north coast, a distinctive landmark above the Atlantic promenade.
ViewpointsCampeches, Tigaiga and Ruiz Protected Landscape
A protected north-Tenerife landscape of steep ravines, cultivated slopes and humid native woodland between Los Realejos and San Juan de la Rambla.
Museums & CultureCaptains General House (Casa de los Capitanes)
A major historic house in La Laguna associated with the island’s governing elite and distinguished by its traditional Canarian courtyard architecture.
Museums & CultureCasa del Vino de Tenerife
A 17th-century Canarian estate in El Sauzal devoted to Tenerife wine, honey and rural products, with museum spaces, traditional presses, gardens, tastings and a restaurant.
ViewpointsCherfe Viewpoint
A dramatic road viewpoint above Masca, looking across the Teno mountains and deep ravines toward the west coast.
ViewpointsCosta de Acentejo Protected Landscape
A long protected stretch of steep north-coast cliffs extending across six municipalities, with dramatic scenery and protected flora and fauna.
ViewpointsCruz del Carmen Viewpoint
A famous Anaga viewpoint and trail hub surrounded by laurel forest, with views toward La Laguna and the island’s green northeast.
Things to do
Explore by interest across Tenerife.
North Tenerife map
Tap a marker for details.
Good to know
- Getting around
- Anaga and Teno are reached by narrow, winding mountain roads — allow extra time and drive carefully.
- Weather
- The north is greener and cloudier than the south; bring a light layer even in summer.
- Beaches
- Mostly dark volcanic sand and rock pools; Playa de las Teresitas uses imported golden sand.
North Tenerife guides
Anaga & Teno Nature Guide
A practical guide to Tenerife’s two ancient mountain massifs — Anaga’s laurel forest and Atlantic ridges, and Teno’s ravines, Masca and dramatic western coastline.
Read guide →Masca, Tenerife: Experience Guide
A guide to Masca — the remote mountain village in the Teno massif, its famous gorge hike and how to reach it.
Read guide →
Best Scenic Drives & Viewpoints in Tenerife
A practical guide to Tenerife’s most rewarding scenic drives and viewpoints — from Teide’s volcanic highlands to Anaga’s cloud forests and the mountain roads of Teno and Masca.
Read guide →
North vs South Tenerife
A practical comparison of north and south Tenerife — climate, beaches, towns, scenery, nightlife and which side works best for different kinds of trips.
Read guide →Scenic routes
Anaga Scenic Drive
Ancient laurel forest, knife-edge ridges and remote hamlets in the island's wild, misty north-east.
North Tenerife Scenic Loop
Green, traditional and historic — banana country, colonial towns and the ancient dragon tree of the verdant north.
Teno & Masca Route
Deep ravines, the famous mountain village of Masca and the towering sea cliffs of Los Gigantes in the rugged west.