Within a small territory, the island of Tenerife has a wide variety of landscapes and temperatures, making it ideal for many during summer, as it offers a wide range of activities and options.
Both the island's south and north, with their very different climates and vegetation, are worth visiting for their unique nature. In the north, the landscape is lush and the climate is more humid than in the south. An adventure on this island goes far beyond what to see in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Besides its renowned beaches and landscapes, getting to know Tenerife's 31 towns and villages is a great way to discover the area's culture and history. These are the 10 best villages near Santa Cruz de Tenerife that you can't miss this summer.
Taganana
Located in the Anaga Rural Park and one of the most beautiful villages in the north of Tenerife, Taganana has great views of cliffs and beaches. This village is an oasis of peace near the city that stands out for its landscapes, rich history and traditions.
For outdoor enthusiasts, trails through laurel forests and ravines will take you to natural viewpoints from where you can look out over the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, Benijo Beach, known for its magical sunsets, is perfect for relaxing in a unique natural setting. You can also visit the village of Chamorga in the area, ideal for hikers.
Taganana is one of the towns that belong to Tenerife. It is close to the capital, but given the area's mountainous relief, it will take you approximately 40 minutes by car to cross the landscapes of the Anaga Rural Park.
Tacoronte
Tacoronte, also in the north of Tenerife, boasts the Tacoronte-Acentejo Wine Route. It is an ideal area for visiting centuries-old wineries and tasting Denomination of Origin local wines in a setting that is also home to architectural gems such as Cristo Church and San Agustín Convent.
The Wine Route offers an immersive experience in the area's wine tradition, where you can learn about the winemaking process and take part in delectable tastings. In addition, Tacoronte's historic architecture adds significant cultural value to your visit, with buildings dating back centuries.
Tacoronte is just a 20-minute drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You could also stop off at San Cristóbal de la Laguna, which is en route.
El Médano
El Médano is a top spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers thanks to its perfect weather conditions almost all year round. This small town, located in the south of the island, offers a lively atmosphere.
As well as being a paradise for water sports, El Médano is home to the Cueva del Santo Hermano Pedro, a historic and spiritual site where the first Canarian saint took refuge. Today it's a place of pilgrimage and reflection.
El Médano is a direct journey from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to the south of the island, which will take you approximately 45 minutes by car along the dual carriageway.
Masca
The village of Masca, known for being nestled in a ravine, is a must for nature and adventure lovers in Tenerife. This picturesque village offers challenging hiking trails but also history and legends.
Masca's hiking trails allow you to explore natural landscapes and lead you to hidden beaches that are real treasures to be discovered. The village is also popular for the legend that pirates hid their treasures in the caves and ravines in the area. It is said that they found Masca to be a perfect hiding place due to its difficult access and rugged surroundings.
Masca (which belongs to Buenavista del Norte) is about an hour and a half's drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Its location in the west of the island and a mountainous environment makes the journey somewhat longer, but well worth it.
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Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz, one of Tenerife's popular towns, offers an exceptional mix of culture and leisure from the emblematic Lago Martiánez, a complex work of art designed by César Manrique, to its lively nightlife.
Lago Martiánez is not just a place to cool off and enjoy the sun, it is an artistically designed pool complex that integrates natural elements with sculptures and gardens, creating a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Puerto de la Cruz is also famous for its festivals and cultural events ranging from live music to art exhibitions.
From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it will take you approximately half an hour by car to get to Puerto de la Cruz, making it perfect for a day trip.
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La Orotava
La Orotava is a true reflection of Tenerife's historical and natural charm. This town, located in the valley of the same name, is surrounded by lush landscapes and has cobbled streets and balconies adorned with flowers that decorate the surroundings.
The Casa de los Balcones is a must during your visit to La Orotava. This historic building is famous for its traditional Canarian architecture and for housing a museum that showcases island life and customs in past centuries. In addition, the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción church is another outstanding monument, known for its Baroque architecture and its deep cultural and religious significance in the area.
La Orotava is also the gateway to the Teide National Park, as the town lies at the foot of Spain's highest peak (3,715 metres above sea level). From Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it takes about half an hour's drive to get there.
San Cristobal de La Laguna
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is known for its cobblestone streets, brightly painted colonial houses and modern plazas inviting you to enjoy its cultural richness.
In addition to its rich history, La Laguna is known for its university life and vibrant cultural scene. The town has important buildings such as the former San Agustin Convent and La Laguna Cathedral, which combine architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Baroque. The town is also famous for its festivities, such as Holy Week (Semana Santa lagunera), offering a spectacular display of local tradition and devotion.
One of San Cristóbal de La Laguna's advantages is that it is so close to the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It's a neighbouring city and home to the airport, so it will only take you 15 minutes to get there by car.
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Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos is not only renowned for its emblematic 1,000-year-old dragon tree, but also for being one of Tenerife's vital winegrowing centres. This village, located in the northwest of the island, offers a unique combination of natural history and winemaking tradition. The area produces Malvasia wine, known for its sweetness and exceptional aroma.
The ancient Drago tree - one of Tenerife's most beloved symbols - can be found in the Parque del Drago. This tree, estimated to be over a thousand years old, is one of the oldest and largest specimens of its species and has been named a national monument. This park is also home to a botanical garden with other endemic species of Canary Island flora.
From the city, getting to Icod de los Vinos will take you approximately 50 minutes by car. If you're thinking about which towns to visit on the island of Tenerife and you're a passionate wine aficionado, this area is perfect for you.
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Garachico
After being partially destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706, this village has been rebuilt and transformed into a tourist attraction that stands out for its natural beauty and historical heritage. Garachico is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the south of Tenerife and is close to Icod de los Vinos.
One of the main attractions is the El Caletón natural pools, formed by the solidified lava of the Arenas Negras volcano and perfect for swimming and relaxing while enjoying the view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky landscape. Garachico is also home to numerous historic buildings such as the San Miguel Fortress, the former San Francisco Convent and the Santa Ana Church.
It takes about an hour by car to reach this picturesque village from the city. It's close to other destinations on this list such as Icod de los Vinos, so you can do a road trip and see several towns.
Candelaria
On the east coast of Tenerife, this town is known for Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Basilica, which houses the statue of the Virgin of the same name, the Canary Islands' patron saint. The Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, right in front of the basilica, is another point of interest. It's an open space featuring statues of the Menceyes, the ancient Guanche kings.
A stroll through the streets of Candelaria shows the town's traditional essence with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. The Punta de Rasca lighthouse, although not as well known, offers great views and is an excellent spot to enjoy the area's natural beauty. The Plaza de Teror and the Dominican convent of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria are also must-sees.
Candelaria, on the east coast of the island, is just 20 minutes from the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife via the motorway connecting the north and south.
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