Traveler’s Guide to Punta de Teno

Punta de Teno is a small rocky headland that forms the north-western tip of Tenerife. What’s more, Punta de Teno in Tenerife is one of the oldest parts of the island. The promontory was formed about 10 million years ago when lava streams flowed into the sea and eventually turned to stone, making it of volcanic origin.

This nature reserve is part of the Parque Rural de Teno (Teno Rural Park), and it’s absolutely stunning. Honestly, it’s one of our favourite places in Tenerife. Punta de Teno also has great weather, with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures all year round. In theory, this part of the region is already in the south of the island.

Summing up, Punta de Teno is a great place for a movie scene with amazing rock formations, crystal-clear waters and incredible views across the Atlantic Ocean to La Gomera and La Palma.

Where is Punta de Teno in Tenerife?

Punta de Teno is about 9 km west of Buenavista del Norte, within the Teno Rural Park. This volcanic massif is around a million years old and covers 8,063 hectares, rising to 1,300 metres above sea level. The whole of the Teno Rural Park is a protected area that has kept its special ecological, scenic and cultural treasures safe. It’s one of the most beautiful natural spaces in Tenerife, with some amazing rock formations, cliffs, deep ravines and large laurel forests.

Getting to Punta de Teno by public transport

A visit to the Punta de Teno headland is one of the most impressive experiences on Tenerife. This remote headland in the north-west of the island delights visitors with its untamed beauty, steep cliffs and stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. However, many travellers wonder: How do you actually get there?

The good news is that it’s easier to get there than you might think — and it’s a sustainable journey, too.

Bus journey with unforgettable views

In order to protect this unique natural landscape, access by private vehicle, on foot or by bicycle is strictly prohibited. This rule applies every day of the week. The only permitted way to travel is by public bus from Buenavista del Norte.

Tenerife’s TF-445 coastal road is a real highlight, with its stunning scenery making the bus ride a memorable experience. Instead of worrying about traffic or parking, you can sit back, relax, and take in the views.

The road crosses the imposing Teno cliffs through a series of tunnels carved into the rock. This narrow road winds along the Teno massif, offering an impressive natural spectacle. On the left, enormous volcanic formations rise above the road, while on the right, the Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon.

Bus to Punta de Teno: line 369

The 369 bus, operated by the company TITSA, connects Buenavista del Norte directly with Punta de Teno. It runs approximately every hour in both directions, every day. Please note that timetables may vary in winter and summer. It is therefore advisable to check them here before your visit. There are several stops in Buenavista del Norte.

The 20-minute journey costs €1 per person per trip. This makes it a convenient, affordable and sustainable way to visit Punta de Teno. Tickets can be paid for in cash or by bank card, or with the TEN+ electronic ticket. Up-to-date information on timetables and stops can be found on the TITSA website.

Our recommendation: take a seat on the right-hand side of the bus to enjoy the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs.

Hike to Punta de Teno – pure nature in the Teno Mountains

If you have more time, why not combine your visit to Punta de Teno with a hike through the Teno Rural Park, one of Tenerife’s most unspoilt landscapes?

PR TF-58: Camino del Risco

The PR TF-58 (Camino del Risco) hiking trail connects Buenavista del Norte with the remote hamlet of Teno Alto. Until the 1970s, this spectacular path, which is carved into the cliffs, was the only way to reach this region – it’s a real piece of island history!

The starting point for the Risco trail, which runs through the Bujamé Gorge, is located just before the barrier on the TF-445 road towards Punta de Teno. It is situated between three distinctive water tanks on the left-hand side of the road. As parking spaces are limited, it is advisable either to set off early in the morning or to walk or take bus 369 from Buenavista del Norte for the first section.

The challenging stone path climbs 600 metres in altitude over just 3.5 kilometres. Once you reach the top, you will come to a historic stone circle (tagoro), which was once a meeting place for the Guanches. From there, the path continues across green plateaus to Teno Alto (Los Bailaderos).

After a break in the small hamlet, the route continues downhill via the PR TF-51 through the Las Cuevas Gorge towards Teno Bajo. The descent is rocky in places, but the magnificent panoramic views make it worthwhile. From there, it is a further 2 kilometres to the Punta de Teno lighthouse. The return journey is straightforward, taking the 369 bus back to Buenavista del Norte.

Guided hike – relaxed and informative

This is the ideal option if you would prefer to explore with an experienced guide who knows the area well. Sergio, the co-owner of the Tabaiba Guesthouse, will accompany you on this Old Lighthouse Walk excursion. He will share fascinating insights into Tenerife’s flora, fauna, history, and culture.

Things to do in Punta de Teno Tenerife

The lighthouse with the most spectacular setting in Tenerife

At the tip of the Punta de Teno peninsula is the red and white Faro de Teno lighthouse. It is one of the seven lighthouses around the coast of Tenerife and was built in 1897 with stones from the island of La Gomera. Due to its remoteness and the difficult access to Punta de Teno, it was easier to bring the building materials by sea from the neighbouring island. In the past, Faro de Teno was home to two lighthouse keepers and their families. They worked in shifts to light the beacon and carry out minor maintenance.

The lighthouse is now automatically monitored and is one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. The Punta de Teno lighthouse is closed to visitors. However, it is possible to explore the rocky volcanic headland that leads to the lighthouse. Sturdy footwear is recommended because of the volcanic soil.

Panoramic views of Los Gigantes and neighbouring islands

Before the climb to the lighthouse, a romantic wooden walkway branches off to the left, leading to the shore of the ocean-blue Atlantic. There is a jetty with a small ladder in the rock from which the brave can jump into the open sea (beware of waves and currents!). From here you can take the best pictures of the nearby neighbouring islands. La Gomera, the second smallest island in the archipelago, is only 40 kilometres away and lies just opposite Punta de Teno. On a clear day you can even see La Palma, a little further away, as a silhouette of two hills on the horizon.

From Punta de Teno you can see the Acantilados de Los Gigantes (Los Gigantes Cliffs). These colossal volcanic rocks rise more than 600 metres out of the sea and are therefore one of the most popular photo opportunities in Tenerife.

The small beach Playa de La Ballenita is located in the beautiful bay of Punta de Teno. It has a fishing port and colourful boats. This is also the part of the island with the longest daylight hours and the most spectacular sunsets. You should also check out the cliffs of Los Gigantes at dusk.

Punta de Teno activities

In the Punta de Teno nature reserve, you can enjoy a refreshing swim with fantastic views all year round. In the shallow and calm waters of this sheltered cove you can swim and snorkel without currents. You will see countless colourful fish in the crystal clear water. Many locals come here to fish. Diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers will also have an unforgettable experience.

For the more adventurous, we recommend a boat, stand-up paddle (SUP) or kayak trip along the cliffs of Los Gigantes and to the famous Masca beach. If you are lucky, you may see dolphins jumping out of the water next to your boat. On the way you can swim or snorkel in the open sea. A local company organises these tours and has a shop next to the fishing port of Punta de Teno.

Things to know before visiting Punta de Teno Tenerife

Where to eat

Punta de Teno is a nature reserve, which means there are no shops, cafes or public toilets. Make sure you bring enough food and drink. Buenavista del Norte has a large supermarket and several small grocery stores with reasonable prices. For our guests at Tabaiba Guesthouse, we are happy to prepare a packed lunch. We also lend umbrellas and snorkelling equipment for a perfect day on the beach at Punta de Teno.

On your way back from Punta de Teno, we suggest you visit one of the restaurants in Buenavista del Norte, which serve delicious Canarian cuisine, including tapas and fresh fish.

Where to stay

At Tabaiba Guesthouse we offer bed and breakfast accommodation in the centre of Buenavista del Norte, just 200 metres from the 369 bus stop. If you are looking for an ideal base for your trip to Punta de Teno and other beautiful places in the north of Tenerife, take a look at our rooms and book directly with us.

If you would like to go hiking in the Teno Mountains but do not want to worry about the organisation, contact Sergio Walking Tours for a private hike. Just enjoy your walking day while Sergio arranges everything for you.

Do you have any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

We hope to see you soon, ¡Hasta pronto!

Karin and Sergio