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.

How to get to Punta de Teno Tenerife

Road trip to Punta de Teno

You have to take the TF-445 coastal road from Buenavista del Norte to Punta de Teno. It is certainly one of the most impressive roads in the whole of Tenerife, and in some places not entirely harmless. Warning signs warn of the constant danger of rocks falling due to erosion, so always drive slowly and with extreme caution. We would like to point out that we do not recommend this excursion on rainy and windy days.

Please note that this road may be closed from time to time due to maintenance or construction work, weather warnings or any other circumstance incompatible with vehicular traffic. For more information, contact the Buenavista del Norte Tourist Office (+34 922 128 080), the Teno Rural Park Visitor Centre (+34 922 447 970) or the Tenerife Island Council Road Information Centre (+34 900 210 131).

The narrow, serpentine road runs alongside impressive, sheer cliffs. The sharp, volcanic cliffs of the Teno massif rise steeply on one side, with the deep blue sea below.

If you choose to travel by car, be aware that the last stretch of the TF-445 road from Buenavista to Punta de Teno is closed to traffic to avoid crowds, as it is a particularly fragile area within the Teno Rural Park. However, bicycles, taxis, public buses and emergency vehicles have free access at all times.

Winter and summer timetable

From 1 October to 30 June, from Tuesday to Thursday, access by public transport is possible between 10am and 7pm. Before and after these times, access is possible by private vehicle. From Friday 10am to Monday 7pm, access is by public transport only (bus or taxi).

From 1 July to 30 September, access by public transport is possible from Tuesday to Thursday between 9am and 8pm. Before and after these times, access is possible by private car. From Friday 9am to Monday 8pm, access is by public transport only (bus or taxi).

Access is restricted, so it is possible to return to Buenavista from Punta de Teno by private car at any time. There is a free car park about 300 metres from the lighthouse.

Take the bus to Punta de Teno

If you are planning to visit Punta de Teno between the restricted times, the easiest way to get there is by public bus (“guagua”). The TITSA bus 369 leaves Buenavista del Norte every hour on the hour and returns to Punta de Teno 25 minutes later. As there is a different timetable for the summer and winter months, please check the timetable here.

The 369 line has several stops in Buenavista del Norte. The bus ride to Punta de Teno takes about 20 minutes and can be paid in cash, by credit card or with the electronic transport card TEN+. For more information, visit the TITSA website.

Our personal tip: take a seat on the right-hand side of the bus to enjoy breathtaking views.

Bike ride to Punta de Teno

The drive to Punta de Teno along the steep TF-445 from Buenavista del Norte is fantastic. As the road bends, you can see the massive stone embankment that supports the road, and in places you pass under vertical cliffs that rise above you. After a few kilometres of climbing, the road descends quickly to the lighthouse. On the way you will pass the Mirador Punta del Fraile, from where you can see the impressive cliffs of the Teno massif. Below you can see the wild beach of El Fraile and the flattened coast of Buenavista del Norte with its many banana plantations and individual farms.

Don’t forget to bring a helmet and lights for the tunnels! The cycle ride to Punta de Teno Tenerife is difficult and at times dangerous. Only do this ride if you are experienced and confident in mountain biking. The road is also notorious for rocks falling on the road: be careful. If you do not have your own bike, or if the road bike is too strenuous for you, you can hire an e-bike. A local company has set up shop at the road gate to Punta de Teno and, in addition to bike hire, offers guided tours with pick-up at the Tabaiba Guesthouse.

Punta de Teno hike

First of all, we strongly advise against taking the main TF-445 road from Buenavista del Norte. There is a risk of falling rocks and there is no lighting in the tunnels. We recommend that you use the official footpaths and combine your visit to Punta de Teno with a beautiful walk through the Teno Rural Park. The PR TF-58 Camino del Risco, for example, starts in Buenavista del Norte. It is a steep and exciting trail along the rugged cliffs of the Teno Mountains to the remote hamlet of Teno Alto. Until the 1970s, the cliff path was the only link between Buenavista del Norte and Punta de Teno on Tenerife.

Just past the road barrier to Punta de Teno, between three large reservoirs on the left-hand side of the road, is the trailhead to Teno Alto. Look for the “Camino del Risco” sign. There is a small car park and you should either start early in the morning or walk or take the bus from Buenavista del Norte. The demanding Camino del Risco through the Bujamé ravine climbs 600 metres in 3.5 kilometres. At the top you can take a well-earned rest in an ancient stone circle. This tagoro was an ancient meeting place for the Guanches (indigenous Canarian people), where they gathered to discuss matters of law and religion. The trail then climbs over the Teno plateau, through green meadows and fields, to the remote hamlet of Teno Alto (Los Bailaderos).

From Teno Alto down to Punta de Teno

After a relaxing lunch or coffee in the hamlet of Los Bailaderos, descend along the PR TF-51 to Punta de Teno. First take the Pista las Cuevas road to the west. After about 620 metres, the PR TF-51 path branches off to the right through the Las Cuevas ravine. You will follow a stony path with impressive panoramic views all the way down. When you reach the tarmac road, turn left and walk 2km to the lighthouse. To return to the starting point of the walk, take bus number 369 to Buenavista del Norte.

If you prefer the company of a qualified guide, please contact us. The co-owner of Tabaiba Guesthouse, Sergio, knows his way around and will be happy to organise a private hike tailored to your needs, with lots of interesting facts about the flora, fauna, history and local 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