Discover the most beautiful towns in Tenerife, the nicest parts of the island, and authentic villages worth a day trip or an overnight. From UNESCO-listed streets to cliffside hamlets and surfy beach towns, this guide helps you decide where to go, what to see, and where to stay across north, south and the highlands.
Contents
- Quick Overview: Where is the nicest part of Tenerife?
- Top 12 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages in Tenerife
- Extra-Scenic Spots (Shortlist)
- Suggested Day Trips & Itineraries
- Practical Tips for Visiting Old Towns in Tenerife
- FAQ: Nicest towns, old towns, and where to stay
Quick Overview: Where is the nicest part of Tenerife?
Ask ten travelers and you’ll get ten answers. If you love historic streets, green valleys, traditional villages and dramatic coastlines, many consider the north to be the nicest part of Tenerife. If you prefer guaranteed sun, easy beaches and resort vibes, the south usually wins. The best plan is to enjoy both—distances are short and the road trips are gorgeous.
North vs South Tenerife at a glance
| Region | Vibe | Best For | Representative Towns |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Green, authentic, historic, cooler nights | Old towns, hiking, scenic drives, local food | La Orotava, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos, La Laguna, Taganana, El Sauzal |
| South | Sunny, beachy, resort-friendly | Swimming, watersports, easy access, nightlife | El Médano, Los Gigantes, Alcalá, coastal resort areas |
| Central / Highlands | Mountain villages, pine forests, Teide access | Hiking, viewpoints, stargazing | Vilaflor, Arona (town) |
Top 12 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages in Tenerife
This curated list blends the most picturesque old towns with character-packed villages, including several under-the-radar places. Use the “Why go” and “Best for” sections to match each stop to your style. These picks help answer common searches such as prettiest towns in Tenerife, nicest town in Tenerife, best villages in Tenerife, old towns in Tenerife and north Tenerife towns.
1) La Orotava – Heritage Old Town in a Lush Valley
Why go: La Orotava is one of the most complete old towns in Tenerife: cobblestones, stately mansions with carved wooden balconies, garden viewpoints and graceful plazas. It’s the place many travelers name when asked for the nicest town in Tenerife.
- Highlights: Wooden-balcony houses, formal gardens, ornate churches, scenic overlooks across the valley.
- Best for: Architecture lovers, photographers, culture hunters.
- Time needed: Half-day wandering; consider one overnight for golden-hour magic.
- Seasonal note: Early-summer festivities decorate streets with artistic carpets—arrive early for quieter lanes.
2) Garachico – Reborn on Lava, Full of Character
Why go: Once the island’s key port, Garachico was rebuilt after an 18th-century eruption. Today, it’s a time-capsule of historic streets, stone churches and lava-rock sea pools, perfect for a coastal ramble.
- Highlights: Natural lava pools, small coastal fort, palm-lined plazas, artisan corners.
- Best for: Easy strolls, heritage, gentle sea-watching; swimming only when conditions allow.
- Pair with: Icod de los Vinos and west-coast viewpoints.
3) Icod de los Vinos – Dragon Tree, Wine Tradition & Steep Streets
Why go: Iconic Dragon Tree, leafy squares, traditional balconies and a strong local wine culture. It feels lived-in and welcoming, with plenty of small discoveries.
- Highlights: Emblematic tree and park, old-town lanes, tasting rooms, artisan shops.
- Best for: Culture, history, relaxed food & wine stops.
- Time needed: 2–4 hours; longer with vineyard detours.
4) San Cristóbal de La Laguna – UNESCO-Listed Colonial Grid
Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage center with broad cobbles, colorful facades and calm courtyards. It’s one of the best places to sample everyday island life among historic architecture.
- Highlights: Churches and convents, courtyards, lively cafés, small museums.
- Best for: Urban explorers who love heritage and street life.
- Tip: Cool mornings and evenings make wandering especially pleasant.
5) Masca – The Island’s Most Dramatic Mountain Village
Why go: A tiny settlement perched among vertiginous ridges in the Teno mountains. The views are world-class and every corner begs for a photo.
- Highlights: Gorge-and-peak panoramas, stone cottages, trailheads.
- Best for: Hikers, road-trippers, sunrise/sunset chasers.
- Pro tip: Arrive early or late to avoid parking pressure on peak days.
6) Puerto de la Cruz – Historic Seaside With Garden Spirit
Why go: A north-coast classic that blends old-town charm with coastal promenades and lush gardens. It’s a brilliant base for exploring the north without losing the sea breeze.
- Highlights: Historic streets, small fort, landscaped waterfront pools, street art corners.
- Best for: Walkable hub with heritage and ocean views.
7) El Médano – Beach Town With Wind, Waves & Trails
Why go: Long sandy bay, casual cafés and a surfy spirit. With Montaña Roja as a backdrop, it’s the south’s most atmospheric town for relaxed coastal time.
- Highlights: Broad beach, dunes, coastal paths to volcanic cones.
- Best for: Windsports, budget stays, chilled sunsets.
8) Los Gigantes – Cliffs, Marina & Laid-Back Seaside
Why go: Framed by towering basalt walls, this west-coast town is relaxed, scenic and great for simple seaside days.
- Highlights: Cliff viewpoints, marina promenade, black-sand beach.
- Best for: First-time south-coast visitors, gentle boat trips, easy dining.
9) El Sauzal – Balcony Over the Orotava Valley
Why go: A quieter municipality perched on cliffs with panoramic viewpoints across the valley, vineyards and ocean. Sunsets here are superb.
- Highlights: Lookouts, landscaped parks, nearby wineries, café terraces.
- Best for: Slow travel, scenic coffee stops, photography.
10) Taganana – Wild North in Anaga’s Green Mountains
Why go: Deep in Anaga Rural Park, Taganana and nearby hamlets feel far from the resorts: winding roads, ravines, laurel forests and black-sand beaches backed by rugged cliffs.
- Highlights: Trailheads, ocean viewpoints, small village eateries.
- Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, “alternative Tenerife” seekers.
11) Candelaria – Coastal Town of Tradition & Devotion
Why go: A seafront old town known for its basilica square, statues along the promenade and gentle coastal walking.
- Highlights: Basilica plaza, waterfront sculpture line, relaxed cafés and a small black-sand beach.
- Best for: Culture, history, tranquil strolls.
12) Vilaflor – Highland Calm, Pine Forests & Trailheads
Why go: One of Spain’s highest villages, Vilaflor sits amid pine forests with quick access to Teide National Park. Expect stone alleys, viewpoints and clear night skies.
- Highlights: Historic church, high-country views, trails to unique rock formations.
- Best for: Hikers, stargazers, cooler nights, quiet rural stays.
Extra-Scenic Spots (Shortlist)
- Bajamar – Atlantic pools, big winter swells, coastal eateries; pair with the next stop.
- Punta del Hidalgo – Lighthouse walk, sea pools, dramatic headlands and inland hikes.
- Buenavista – Colorful town that’s the gateway to Punta de Teno’s cliff views.
- Alcalá – Quiet seafront, small beaches, scenic coastal path; upscale stays nearby.
- Arona (town) – Mountain-framed base for lesser-known south-side hikes.
Suggested Day Trips & Mini-Itineraries
1) North Old-Town Chain (Full Day)
La Orotava → Icod de los Vinos → Garachico. Start with balconies and gardens, continue with the Dragon Tree and tastings, finish with lava pools and a sunset promenade. Ideal for travelers searching for the prettiest towns in Tenerife in one loop.
2) Wild Anaga Circuit (Full Day)
La Laguna → Taganana coastline → forest viewpoints. Mix UNESCO streets with ravines, black-sand beaches and laurel forest overlooks. Pack layers—microclimates change fast.
3) West Cliffs & Coast (Half–Full Day)
Los Gigantes → Buenavista / Punta de Teno. Combine cliff promenades with “end-of-the-island” scenery. Check road advisories for the lighthouse approach and go early for calm photos.
4) South Breeze & Volcanic Cones (Half Day)
El Médano → Montaña Roja. Easy coastal hours with a short hike for sweeping views. Add a plaza snack and a sunset bay stroll.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tenerife’s Nicest Old Towns
- Rent a car for flexibility. Public transport connects main hubs, but tiny villages and scenic chains are smoother by car.
- Arrive early/late to popular spots (e.g., Masca, Garachico) for easier parking and soft light.
- Footwear: Cobblestones and slopes call for stable shoes; coastal rocks can be slick.
- Microclimates: The north is cooler/cloudier; pack a light layer even in summer.
- Swimming: Natural pools and wilder beaches are weather-dependent—follow local safety signs.
- Eat local: Seek rural eateries (guachinches) around the Orotava Valley and highlands for seasonal dishes and wines.
- Photography: Early and late hours bring out textures on balconies, lava stone and pastel facades.
FAQ: Nicest Towns, Old Towns & Where to Stay in Tenerife
What is the nicest town in Tenerife?
Many travelers pick La Orotava for its historic architecture, gardens and valley views. If you want coastal charm with heritage, Garachico is a close rival. For mountain drama, Masca is unforgettable.
Which part of Tenerife is the most beautiful?
If you love old towns, green valleys and cliffy coasts, the north often wins. If you prize sunny beaches and resort convenience, the south is ideal. Mix both for balance.
Are there genuine old towns in Tenerife?
Yes. La Orotava and La Laguna have outstanding historic centers. Garachico, Icod de los Vinos and Candelaria add variety with plazas, promenades and lava-stone details.
Where should I stay for a first visit?
For a walkable seaside base with heritage, stay in or near Puerto de la Cruz. For sun and easy beaches, choose the southwest and day-trip north. For hiking and quiet nights, consider Vilaflor or a rural stay above the Orotava Valley.
What are the best towns in north Tenerife for a scenic road trip?
La Orotava → Icod de los Vinos → Garachico is the classic loop. Add El Sauzal for sunset viewpoints or detour into Anaga for Taganana’s wild coast.
Are there non-touristy places in Tenerife to explore?
Yes. Taganana, the Orotava Valley hamlets, Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo feel refreshingly local—especially outside weekends and holidays.
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Final note: Tenerife’s beautiful towns and villages are close together. With a flexible plan you can visit several of the nicest places in Tenerife in one unforgettable day—then come back for the ones you missed.
