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Illa Roja: a hidden naturist treasure on the Costa Brava
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Holidays
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Culture
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| Name | Area | Ideal for | Strong points |
| San Cristóbal de La Laguna | North Tenerife | Culture and heritage | World Heritage City |
| La Orotava | North Tenerife | Canarian architecture | Gardens and stately homes |
| Garachico | North Tenerife | Natural swimming and relaxation | Lava pools and calm |
| Masca | South Tenerife | Landscapes and hiking | Hamlet in a wild setting |
| Puerto de la Cruz | North Tenerife | Walks and atmosphere | Combination of tradition and leisure |
| Icod de los Vinos | North Tenerife | Nature and wine | The Drago Milenario |
| Candelaria | South Tenerife | Spirituality and coast | Basilica and Guanche statues |
| Buenavista del Norte | North Tenerife | Disconnecting | Authenticity and proximity to Teno |
The order of this list responds to the historical relevance and aesthetic beauty of each municipality.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, San Cristóbal de La Laguna maintains an intact colonial layout. Walk calmly through its pedestrian streets, paying attention to the Canarian patios and the colourful facades for which time does not pass.
It is a university city, so the atmosphere is young and dynamic, full of charming cafes and small bookshops. Don't forget your jacket, as the climate here is usually cooler and more humid, even in summer.
Most of its iconic architecture is accessible on foot: from the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the Church of La Concepción or the Plaza del Adelantado. Take advantage of the proximity and discover them.
The highlight is its declaration as a World Heritage Site, which guarantees its excellent conservation. Here you will enjoy a cultural and gastronomic offer of the highest quality, to which must be added the advantage of having the Anaga Rural Park just 25 minutes away by car.
Located in the heart of the valley of the same name, the municipality of La Orotava is famous for its historic centre, which makes it one of the most beautiful villages in Tenerife.
Do not miss the beautiful carved wooden balconies, especially in the Casa de los Balcones. If you have the opportunity, visit it during the Corpus Christi festivities to see the spectacular sand carpets from Teide.
Access is simple, although be prepared to walk along streets with quite a steep slope.
Take advantage of your visit and walk through the Jardín Victoria, where the views of the historic centre from above with the sea in the background are incredible.
One of the keys to La Orotava is its exceptionally preserved traditional architecture and its well-kept green spaces, such as the Jardín Victoria.
The views it offers of the entire valley and the peak of Teide are, without a doubt, among the best on the entire island.
Considered one of the coastal villages of Tenerife with the most history, Garachico is marked by the volcanic eruption that destroyed its commercial port in 1706, which has led it to have a volcanic landscape in a very special setting.
Today it is a place of peace where you can bathe in El Caletón, natural pools formed by lava. A perfect example of resilience and architectural beauty.
If you go by car, drive early to find parking near the pier, as spaces are limited in the historic centre.
Its main attraction is the natural pools prepared for swimming and its Plaza de la Libertad. It is a perfect place if you are looking for a quiet atmosphere and completely away from the noise of tourist areas.
If you are looking for picturesque villages in Tenerife, Masca is possibly the most spectacular village, due to its location on the edge of a ravine.
It is true that getting here is an adventure along a road with sharp curves, but you will find that the landscape more than makes up for it. It is the ultimate representation of isolated rural life in the Teno Massif.
Do not forget to wear comfortable footwear even if you are not going to descend the Masca Ravine, as the slopes of the village are very steep.
The hamlet of Masca offers a unique geological environment and is the starting point for some of the most important hiking routes on the island. From its viewpoints you will have impressive views towards the Los Gigantes cliffs that you will hardly forget.
In this list of essential villages in Tenerife, Icod de los Vinos cannot be missing, known throughout the world for housing the Drago Milenario, the largest and longest-lived specimen of Dracaena draco in the world.
In addition, its historic centre offers beautiful squares and wineries where you can try the local wine with designation of origin.
If you like geology, you cannot miss the Cueva del Viento, one of the longest volcanic tubes on the planet. It is an ideal visit to do in a morning at a leisurely pace.
Visit the Plaza de Lorenzo Cáceres to get the best views of this tree that is already a symbol of the municipality from the Drago Viewpoint.
The most famous thing about Icod de los Vinos, without a doubt, is the presence of the Drago Milenario. It is also a very visited destination for the possibility of tasting high-quality local wines. In addition, its proximity to the Cueva del Viento allows combining the cultural visit with a unique caving experience.
Candelaria is the spiritual centre of the island. Around the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, you will see the imposing bronze statues of the ancient Guanche menceyes facing the sea.
It is a place of pilgrimage, but also a fantastic place to enjoy seafood gastronomy on its promenade. Do not leave without trying some good fresh fish in one of the port's guilds.
Parking can be somewhat complicated on religious holidays.
In Candelaria, the cultural importance of its Basilica and the impressive sculptures of the Guanche Menceyes that guard the coast stand out. Its pleasant promenade invites you to walk calmly while you enjoy the sea breeze.
A reference tourist destination on the island, Puerto de la Cruz maintains its essence as one of the most typical fishing villages in Tenerife in the Plaza del Charco area.
It is the perfect mix between city services and maritime charm, with black volcanic sand beaches.
If you are interested in art, walk through the La Ranilla neighbourhood to see its urban murals.
Part of the attraction of Puerto de la Cruz lies in its ability to unite maritime tradition with leisure infrastructure such as the Lago Martiánez. It offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants, along with a vibrant cultural life that is breathed in every corner.
Buenavista del Norte represents the spirit of the "Isla Baja". It preserves a well-kept urban layout and a quiet local life.
It is the gateway to Punta de Teno, where its lighthouse is located with incredible views that can only be accessed under certain schedule restrictions.
Buenavista del Norte is a perfect place if you really want to disconnect.
The great value of Buenavista del Norte lies in the authenticity of its rural life and the privileged access to the spectacular surroundings of Punta de Teno.
It is one of the areas with the most stable and least windy climate in the north of the island, ideal for breaking the routine.
If one had to recommend a single place, San Cristóbal de La Laguna would be one of the clearest options. Its heritage value, the cultural life it offers and the ease with which it can be explored on foot make it a very complete visit within the north of Tenerife.
Some reasons to include it in the route:
Alternative:
If you prefer contact with nature and absolute disconnection, your place is Masca. It is the best alternative due to its location, in the heart of the massif, and its tranquillity.
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Talking about the best villages in Tenerife is talking about an essential part of the trip. Beyond the coast or the volcanic landscape, the island is also discovered through municipalities with history, local life and a very marked relationship with their surroundings.
Within a route on what to see in Tenerife, these villages provide a more complete vision of the destination. In this guide you will find several examples that stand out for their heritage, landscape and the atmosphere they preserve.
Choose from all these charming villages in Tenerife according to what you are looking for in your trip: sea, nature, history or a combination of all these attractions. Also keep in mind access, the time available and the pace at which you want to explore each area.
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By Content team
A team specialized in creating content about the travel sector. Always with their suitcase ready, eager to find inspiration anywhere in the world.
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