It is our last day on the island and we could not leave without visiting the Punta de Teno lighthouse.
Punta de Teno lighthouse
The Punta de Teno lighthouse is located in the westernmost part of the island in the rural park of Teno.
The setting is spectacular, surrounded by volcanic rock and natural pools, it is the perfect place to spend the day.
Punta de Teno lighthouse
How to get there
During the summer months access is restricted so to get there you will have to take the bus from Buenavista del Norte or walk to the lighthouse. The bus fare is €1/pax/trip. The last bus leaves at 18.30 from the lighthouse.
You can drive to the checkpoint on the TF445 road, where you can also take the guagua, but there's not much room to park. We arrived early.
Cliffs
You can cover the 7 kilometres from the barrier post to the lighthouse on foot, by bike or by bus; we decided to walk and return by bus. The path is easy and asphalted, but beware of wind and landslides. You also have to go through a tunnel where you need light. The views of the cliffs are beautiful.
Before reaching the lighthouse there is a banana plantation with abandoned buildings.
The Punta de Teno lighthouse was inaugurated at the end of the 19th century. It consists of two towers, two lighthouse keepers and their families lived and looked after the lighthouse. The way to get supplies was not easy.
Punta de Teno lighthouse
The enclave is brutal and if you have time it is worth spending a few hours enjoying a swim and visiting different corners of the area.
On the bus back we met a couple from Tenerife who practice the Salto del Pastor (Shepherd's Leap). An ancient tradition, cultural heritage of the Canary Islands, which consists of descending ravines by hanging from a wooden pole called an astia that can measure between two and three metres in length. They practice an ancient tradition that they don't want to be lost with the passing of time. Look it up on youtube because it is amazing.
Punta de Teno lighthouse
Next to the Tenerife town of Buenavista del Norte, you can visit the town of Garachico, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Tenerife.
Whitewashed colonial-style houses with wooden balconies and a coastline full of natural pools make Garachico an essential stop.
Garachico
On the same road, just a few kilometres away, we find the town of Icod de los Vinos, where you can visit its botanical centre where you will find a thousand-year-old dragon tree. If you don't have enough time or if the garden is closed, you can go up to the Plaza San Marcos and enjoy the views of this unique tree from the terrace.
Guachinche
Near Tenerife North airport we stopped for lunch at the guachinche La Finca. Although the access is complicated (a steep ramp), the surroundings are beautiful, full of vineyards, and the food is very good and inexpensive. We ordered rabbit with potatoes, escaldón and churritos de pescado, a cuartilla of wine and water (38€/2 pax).
The problem is that instead of a portion they gave us a whole roast rabbit (20€) of which you can order half but the waiter didn't tell us. Our advice is either order the whole rabbit which is delicious and don't order starters or order a half portion.
Escaldón
- Log in to post comments
