North of Tenerife: Top Sights, itineraries, and Instagram-Worthy Spots (Part 2)

1. Mount Teide - one day itinerary:

Now, let me ask you this: “Want to experience the best road trip in Tenerife? “ 

Look no further than the scenic drive from La Orotava to Mount Teide. This must-do journey offers breathtaking views and a chance to witness multiple micro-climates in just one drive. As you leave La Orotava, you'll be surrounded by clouds, entering a misty zone that's a common sight in this area. I can only imagine how the locals feel in such an atmosphere every day! Maybe a bit mysterious but also protected, who knows?

But as you travel further, the clouds will clear, and the sun will shine once again, revealing a lush green landscape that's a world away from the dry arid scenery near the coast. Keep driving, and you'll encounter a pine forest, with a cooler climate and a new texture to admire. And finally, as you approach the Mount Teide, the terrain will turn lunar-like, with a breathtaking, otherworldly landscape that will make you feel like you've landed on the moon.

Skip the road that leads to the volcano and instead take the route towards the Teide Observatory. This scenic drive offers many opportunities to stop and capture breathtaking views from various viewpoints along the way, such as Mirador de Mataznos, Mirador Piedra la Rosa, Mirador de El Corral del Nino, and Mirador la Tarta. Additionally, there are several other spots along the road where you can park your car and take in the stunning vistas of Mount Teide.

If you are looking for more Instagram-worthy spots on Mount Teide national park, keep driving towards the volcano and you'll find plenty of other locations to snap some envy-inducing shots, such as:

• Roque Cinchado: make sure you find a parking spot nearby and then explore the area. You can get the most beautiful pictures with mount Teide from this spot.
• Mirador Azulejos II
• Llano de Ucanca Vista Point
• Zapato de la Reina
• Boca Tauce

 Here are my top favorite shots from the area:

However, keep in mind that the weather can be a bit unpredictable at times, and we unfortunately, had bad luck with the cable car to the top being closed due to high winds during both of our visits to the Mount Teide National Park. But fingers crossed that you'll have better luck and get to witness the peak for yourself on your trip! If you get the chance to capture the views from the highest peak in Spain, drop me a short comment. 😄

2. Anaga forest and Taganana village - one day itinerary

Have you ever heard of Anaga Forest on the northeast coast of Tenerife? It's like a real-life fairy tale land with stunning laurel trees, rocky cliffs, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Plus, it's a paradise for nature lovers and hikers with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and hidden beaches.

You can easily transform this into another one-day trip in the northern of the island and to also add the old village of Taganana into the mix. 

If you are looking for a short trail with stunning views just head to the Information Center Cruz del Carmen and follow the signs to the trail called “Sendero de los Sentidos”. As you enter the forest, get ready for a drop in temperature and an increase in awe. This forest is unlike any other, especially for us mainland Europeans used to "normal" forests. Not only is it beautiful, but it also serves a vital purpose. The pine trees' needles capture water from the clouds, which is then returned to the ground through the pine’s routs and then the underground fountains provide water to the inland areas. So, take a hike and give those trees a big thank you for their hard work! 😄

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, we have Taganana village nearby. This charming and picturesque village perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean is known for its unique architecture, traditional houses, and beautiful black sand beaches. Plus, it's a foodie's paradise with fresh seafood and traditional Canarian dishes. 

Don't forget to stop at the Mirador Pico del Ingles on your way to Taganana for a stunning view of the Tahodio and the Afur ravines. And be sure to snap a pic at the "Tunel de la hadas" for the perfect Instagram shot. Together, Anaga Forest and Taganana village offer a beautiful and authentic glimpse into the natural beauty and culture of Tenerife.

Here is a recap of the best viewpoints in the Anaga Rural Park:

• Mirador de La Cruz del Carmen is located next to the visitor center and offers a beautiful panoramic view of La Laguna.
• Mirador El Bailadero offers a stunning view of the entire Taganana valley framed by the mountains.
• Mirador Pico del Ingles is surrounded by greenery and allows you to see the Tahodio and the Afur ravines.

... and here are my pictures from this amazing area: 

3. Las Teresitas beach & Santa Cruz de Tenerife – one day itinerary

The last explored part of the northern Tenerife is the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the gorgeous beach Las Teresitas situated in the near town of San Andres.

Las Teresitas Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand located just outside of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The beach was artificially created with sand imported from the Sahara desert in the 1907s, making it a unique and stunning destination for visitors. Before the sand was imported, the beach was just a small fishing village with black volcanic sand. The beach is named after a young girl named Teresa who used to live in the nearby village of San Andrés. She was known for her kindness and would often help the fishermen bring in their catch

Today, the clear blue waters and gentle waves make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also equipped with several amenities, including showers, changing rooms, and restaurants.

And, if you're not a fan of chilly ocean water like me, you'll love the warm, calm waters thanks to the beach's enclosed digue. Take a dip after a long day of exploring the city or hiking the Anaga Forest.

Speaking of the city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the bustling capital of Tenerife, where rich culture, stunning architecture, and beautiful parks collide. The city perfectly blends old and new, with historic buildings and modern infrastructure coexisting in perfect harmony. Don't miss the picturesque Plaza de España, complete with a gorgeous artificial lake and an awe-inspiring sculpture of Atlas holding up the world. You'll want to hit this spot early in the day or during weekdays to avoid crowds but also to have a chance finding a parking spot.

The area surrounding the Auditorio de Tenerife and Parque Maritimo César Manrique is an upbeat and contemporary district of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Architecture enthusiasts won't want to miss the Santiago Calatrava-designed Auditorio de Tenerife, an avant-garde masterpiece with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The building is even more stunning at sunset, when the golden sun reflects off the white tiles, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

If you're wondering whether Santa Cruz de Tenerife is worth a visit, let me tell you - it's absolutely worth spending two to three days!

And that, my friends, concludes my adventure in the northern part of Tenerife! From getting lost on winding roads to discovering hidden beaches, it was definitely a place where I would like to return.

And before I go, a little sneak peek for you all: my next blog post will be all about the southern part of Tenerife, where I'll be sharing more stories and tips from my trip. Get ready for even more sun, sand, and sea as I explore this beautiful island from top to bottom. Stay tuned, amigos! 💻🔜🌅