Punta de Teno

Tenerife


When Plato mistook the Canary Islands for Atlantis, it must have been because of places like Punta de Teno. This beautiful spot, jutting into the Atlantic and the most northwestern point on Tenerife, is no secret. But it retains a wildness that visitor numbers simply can’t overturn. Waves crash against a black, volcanic beach, solitary mountains rise like giants in the background, and there are some to-die-for sunsets. You can fish off the point, splash along the rocky coast or just absorb the view.

Think twice about heading out here if there have been recent heavy rains, as mud- and rockslides are common.

Take the TF445 highway towards Buenavista del Norte from Garachico and keep following the signs to the Punta, around 7km further on. Note that the access road is not open to cars on weekends or holidays. If you want to visit on the weekends, take the bus from Buenavista del Norte. Bus 369 (€1, 25 minutes) runs to Punta de Teno every hour between 10.10am and 6.05pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Buenavista del Norte's bus station.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tenerife attractions

1. Iglesia de San Fernando Rey

7.21 MILES

This charming church is a peaceful haven in Santiago del Teide, with a marble-floored interior emblazoned with red, green and gold.

2. Acantilados de los Gigantes

8.13 MILES

These astonishing, dark rock cliffs soar sublimely 600m from the ocean, forging a magnificent natural geological spectacle right on the edge of Los…

3. Playa de los Gigantes

8.23 MILES

This tiny beach of volcanic sand beside Los Gigantes’ port offers a breathtaking view of the Acantilados de los Gigantes to the north.

4. Lookout Point

8.28 MILES

For superb views of the Acantilados de los Gigantes head to the end of Calle Tabaiba to a natural lookout point over the marina below, but take care and…

5. Playa de la Arena

9.21 MILES

This beach of dark, volcanic sand is excellent for families and sunbathing, and has views over to the island of La Gomera.

6. Castillo de San Miguel

9.8 MILES

This squat stone fortress by the sea was built in the 16th century and contains photos and explanations of the area’s flora and fauna, as well as a…

7. Parque de la Puerta de Tierra

9.83 MILES

Another rare remnant of Garachico's volcanic activity is in the cute and lovingly well-tended Parque de la Puerta de Tierra, just off Plaza Juan González …

8. Iglesia de Santa Ana

9.85 MILES

Near the Plaza Libertad is the evocative and gorgeous Iglesia de Santa Ana, with a dominating white bell tower, original 16th-century doors, a lovely…