The best towns and villages in Tenerife

Hey everyone, I’m back with an article about the island of Tenerife! This time, I’ve put together a complete guide to the best towns and villages in Tenerife to visit. In my view, touring the main towns is one of the must-do things in Tenerife. And just a heads up, I had quite a few crushes on the towns and villages on this island. They’re all different and full of great surprises. Things also change quite a bit between those in the south and the north, especially in terms of climate and therefore scenery.

I’d say the towns in the north feel more authentic and charming because, with the more humid climate, they sit in a tropical setting (mostly in the northwest). In the south, with the hot, dry (even arid) climate, you’ll find fishing villages or seaside resorts.

Let’s just say the vibes are very contrasting from one place to another within just a few minutes by car. In any case, I really recommend taking the time to visit a few of them, because there are some real gems. I know there are quite a lot, so depending on how long you’re staying in Tenerife, you’ll probably need to make a selection. Especially for those who prefer to do the tour of Tenerife’s beaches or go hiking all over the island.

I think that depending on what you want to do, you should plan a mix of everything for your Tenerife itinerary, because it may not look like it, but it’s a big island with tons of things to do. Anyway, I’m getting a bit carried away because I loved Tenerife so much that I want to share as much as possible about it. But let’s get back to the towns and villages of Tenerife that I’ll present below, grouped by type to make it easier to organize your trip.

Let’s start with the colonial and picturesque towns that tell a bit of the story of the island and the Canary archipelago. They have a certain charm with their cobbled streets, colorful houses, and typical wooden balconies. It’s super pleasant to stroll around and stop for a snack or a coffee on a terrace. I find that this kind of town is where you feel Tenerife’s authenticity the most, even though it’s the most touristy and developed island in the Canaries. Personally, these are the four towns that impressed me the most!

Ah, La Laguna, a big favorite! I want to say it’s no coincidence that its historic heritage is UNESCO-listed. You walk through a small center made up of colonial houses in pastel colors—red, green, blue—surrounded by palm trees. You immediately feel good and relaxed. Even though it attracts a lot of tourists, I think it’s managed to keep its authenticity. You’ll see plenty of locals, students, and lots of little cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants run by residents. There are no big chains, except Starbucks.

I recommend wandering at your own pace, sitting on a terrace, and visiting the cathedral as well as the Church of La Concepción, which are emblematic. Also, since the church is made of dark stone and surrounded by palm trees, it contrasts a lot with the color of the houses and is very typical of northern Tenerife. For the record, when I went there, there was a wedding, which added even more atmosphere in the street; it’s a nice memory. In short, you can’t miss La Laguna! You should also know that there are some beautiful places to stay in San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

Another favorite, even though I wasn’t expecting it at all: La Orotava! It’s really one of those towns where I thought, “why didn’t I come sooner?”. The first time I was in Tenerife, I stayed in the south and the road from Teide to La Orotava was closed, so I couldn’t go… And honestly, I missed out on something!

To give you an idea, La Orotava’s historic center is gorgeous, with typical houses featuring wooden balconies, cobbled and flowered streets, and views over the valley and the ocean since it’s on higher ground. On site, I recommend going to the Jardines Victoria, which are very pretty and lush. I think La Orotava really reflects the charm of the island’s north while being much less touristy than La Laguna. We were relaxed there and had a great time!

Most of the time, travelers come to Garachico for its natural pools at El Caletón. They were originally formed by lava and are now developed for swimming. Pathways have been created so you can easily move from one pool to another. You’ll see crowds at the first ones, but if you’re a bit patient and go to the last, you’ll be almost alone. Locals don’t go there because they prefer undeveloped natural pools with fewer people; that’s understandable too.

Even if you spend time in the natural pools, I also recommend a quick stroll through the historic center. It’s made up of white houses with green shutters and small cobbled streets. It’s great to explore and much calmer than the pools! If you like ice cream, don’t miss the La Abuela ice cream shop: it’s super good! As you can see, there are nice things to do in Garachico besides swimming in its natural pools.

Right next to Garachico is Icod de los Vinos, a typical northern Tenerife town. As you can guess, the local specialty is wine. In fact, the town is surrounded by vineyards. If you want to taste wine in Tenerife, this is the place. Another local specialty is bananas; you can even visit the Casa del Plátano.

Beyond these specialties, Icod de los Vinos is known for its famous Drago Milenario. It’s a dragon tree considered millennial, although in reality it’s more like 800 years old. In any case, it’s one of the island’s most famous symbols. You can see it up close by visiting the Parque del Drago (entry: around €5), but here’s a tip: if you want to see it for free, head to Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres. From there, the view is sublime and you see it quite close! Don’t forget to wander through the little cobbled streets, with colorful houses and small local cafés. That’ll make for a complete visit!

After the colonial towns in the north, let’s head to the fishing villages on the coast. Here, the setting is very different, with white houses, quiet little ports, and colorful boats. These villages are simple and authentic, perfect for strolling but also for eating fresh fish. I had a great time while being immersed in local life.

Located right next to the famous fine-sand (from the Sahara) beach of Las Teresitas, San Andrés is an adorable fishing village that has managed to keep all its charm despite its proximity to the capital. There are no big hotels, just colorful houses and quiet lanes. Coming here right after Santa Cruz and Las Teresitas, you immediately feel calmer. It feels great!

I recommend going right after the beach: you’ll eat well in a little restaurant facing the Atlantic, enjoying fresh fish with the famous Canarian potatoes, papas arrugadas. What I take away from San Andrés is its simple side and local atmosphere. It’s great for ending the day on a more peaceful note!

If you want to eat by a harbor, Los Abrigos should please you! It’s a southern coastal village that has kept a local vibe. It’s quite different from the very busy resorts right next door. Honestly, and without exaggeration, this is where I ate the best fish on the whole island. It was super fresh and much cheaper than in other parts of Tenerife.

There are several little restaurants on the harbor, each with its own small terrace. I particularly recommend Restaurante La Tasquita del Puerto. You’ll spot it quickly because it’s always full. But the service is quick and the fish excellent! Special mention for the seafood linguine! If you have some time after the meal, I recommend going to Arco de Tajao, a magnificent natural arch formed from rock.

Just a few kilometers from Los Abrigos, Las Galletas is another charming fishing village with a local, laid-back vibe. There’s nothing fancy here: just the sea, boats, and a lovely seaside promenade. I recommend having a coffee on a terrace and eating in a local tavern.

Plus, the playa de Las Galletas is close by for a swim or just a splash. I’ll admit, it’s neither the biggest nor the prettiest beach, but it has a simple, pleasant feel that makes you want to stop by!

You’ll see, Puerto de la Cruz is quite different from the fishing villages I mentioned just above. It’s a town on the northwest coast that’s much livelier and more touristy. It’s more of a mix between a resort and a local town, with pretty spots here and there. I enjoyed walking along the harbor and through the shopping streets. It’s often the base for staying in northern Tenerife. Simply put, it’s where you’ll find the most hotels in the northwest.

And even though it’s a touristy town, it keeps a typical Canarian vibe, with its little flowered squares and terraces. Even if it’s not usually my favorite type of town, I really liked Puerto de la Cruz. Plus, this is where you’ll find the famous animal park, Loro Parque.

After the sea and the fishing villages, let’s head up to Tenerife’s highlands! Once again, the landscapes change (greener). It’s this variety of scenery that I loved on the island. The roads wind, and each turn offers a different panoramic view. However, you also feel the temperature change: it’s much cooler. And with the microclimates, temperatures vary very quickly. Come on, let me show you some of Tenerife’s most beautiful perched villages, with superb views as a reward!

I couldn’t talk about Tenerife’s mountain villages without mentioning Masca. First, stopping at the Mirador de Masca is immediately impressive. You get a clear panoramic view over the entire valley and the village in the distance. Between the peaks and the cliffs, it’s just wow. You simply can’t be afraid of heights. However, there are a lot of people and cars: I suggest heading up around 8 a.m.

Between the tight turns and cars struggling uphill, you sometimes smell strong exhaust… But once there, you quickly forget the drive: the panorama is just incredible. The village is gorgeous, between cliffs and colorful houses; it’s a must-see. You almost feel disconnected from the rest of the island, at peace.

Perched at over 1,400 meters (4,593 ft) above sea level, Vilaflor de Chasna is the highest village in Tenerife. Needless to say, it’s peaceful and you can really breathe the mountain air. The setting is unique: surrounded by pines and hiking trails, with volcanic landscapes in the background.

The village is tiny but charming, with stone houses, flowered streets, and little squares. You’re far from the island’s tourist zones. It’s another great surprise Tenerife has in store (told you so!). It’s on the way to Teide if you take the northern TF-21 road. I recommend stopping there before or after your visit to Teide National Park.

Santiago del Teide is a small, quiet town nestled between the mountains and, of course, Teide National Park. It’s a good stop if you’re heading up to the park from the south or coming down from Masca. It’s not as photogenic as the villages we’ve already seen, but the vibe is very nice.

I stopped here for a hearty bocadillo and a coffee: it felt good to refuel after the heights of Masca. What I take away here is that it’s a town that sets the mood: you can already feel the coolness of the highlands. Its simple, local atmosphere is always pleasant. It’s more of a stopover village than a must-see. But since it’s on the way to must-sees, you might as well stop!

To finish, here’s a tour of the towns that are perfect for families in Tenerife. Very often, these towns offer direct access to beaches, accommodations, and fun activities like water parks, promenades, excursions, etc. I think this will help you find the right balance between rest, comfort, and activities, so you can fully enjoy your family trip to Tenerife.

I had to talk about the capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. I had quite a few preconceptions, because in general, an island’s capital is rarely the most interesting. I admit I was wrong. I think it’s a city with plenty to do, in a warm atmosphere. You can do cultural visits, stroll around town, and even spend time at the beach. Speaking of the beach, you’ll be just about a fifteen-minute drive from Las Teresitas.

I found Santa Cruz to be a good compromise between a lively city and a seaside setting. Plus, the capital is well connected to the rest of the island, whether by roads or the transport network. If you want to know more, I invite you to read our complete guide to Santa Cruz.

South of Santa Cruz, on the island’s east coast, Candelaria is a small, peaceful town that’s especially full of charm. It’s a wonderful place to stay with family or to enjoy a nice break between the island’s north and south. Even though many people come for its basilica, with the sea as a backdrop, there’s still a gentle, pleasant atmosphere. I still recommend coming early in the morning because parking is often difficult.

Below, there’s also Candelaria’s beach, small but nice for a swim. Plus, facing the sea, you’ll find small cafés and local restaurants where you can eat fresh fish in a beautiful setting. In short, you immediately feel the family-friendly, peaceful seaside vibe: I find it super soothing!

All the way south, Adeje is the sought-after, elegant town of southern Tenerife! This is where you’ll find the most beautiful hotels, often 4 or 5 stars. It’s the town where you need to plan the biggest budget to stay in Tenerife. If you’re interested, we’ve written an article about the best places to stay in Costa Adeje.

What I liked is that the town is well maintained: it’s pleasant to stroll and make your way to Playa del Duque, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches (with white sand). Simply put, it has everything: golden sand, palm trees, and a superb seaside promenade. Plus, since it’s an upscale resort, there are numerous second homes, shopping centers, elegant restaurants, and luxury car rentals. It’s a bit like the Saint-Tropez of Tenerife. But what’s great is its calm and peaceful vibe, even though it’s a resort. You can really see the difference compared to Playa de las Américas right next door. Truly, if you’re coming with family, you’ll feel good here.

There you go, you now have a good overview of the best towns and villages in Tenerife. As I said, these towns really reflect the island’s diversity. Each one has something special. I hope this helps you make your selection for your trip to Tenerife.

By the way, I recommend taking a look at the best towns and villages in Lanzarote. I’d say there’s less diversity, but they’re really worth a visit!