Do you want to explore the most beautiful corners in the south of Tenerife? Then don’t miss these Top 10 Highlights in the south of Tenerife! In this article, I’ll show you the best places, excursion destinations, and activities.The south of Tenerife impresses with year-round sunshine, diverse volcanic landscapes, and a special mix of beaches, cliffs, and relaxed coastal towns. Between sea, mountains, and lava fields, you’ll find some of the island’s most beautiful sights here: from well-known highlights to quiet spots away from the crowds.
1. Vilaflor
Between the coast and the Teide volcano, halfway up, lies the beautiful mountain town of Vilaflor. You reach it via winding, well-developed roads that lead you past incredible views, high up into the pine forest. This special type of pine can now only be found in the Canary Islands; you’ll learn more about it below. On clear days, you can see several coastal towns and maybe even the island of Gran Canaria on the horizon.
At an altitude of 1,400 meters, Vilaflor is the highest village on the entire island of Tenerife. Vilaflor lies above the clouds and sometimes right inside them. From here, you can take many hikes through the pine forests and then enjoy typical Canarian food. The Restaurante Fuente Hermano Pedro is highly recommended.
Vilaflor is located directly on the only road that leads from the south of Tenerife up to Teide. This also makes the town a popular stop for cyclists and motorcyclists to take a short break. If you only want to stop briefly, I recommend the viewpoint “Mirador de la Cruz,” with a parking bay directly on the road. Shortly afterward, the road also takes you to the Restaurante–CafeterĂa “La Paz,” where you can try typical Spanish churros. Right next door, there is a permaculture garden that can be viewed from above. This is also the starting point for a shorter hike up to the Mirador de Vilaflor.
2. Pino Gordo
Above the town of Vilaflor towers the huge Pino Gordo, a 42-meter-tall Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) and the second-largest tree in Spain (among native species). The tree is best reached by car. It is located right next to the road that leads up to Teide, just after the parking area belonging to the tree.
Pines like the Pino Gordo make up over 50% of Tenerife’s entire tree population. The lineage of these trees dates back to before the last Ice Age. Due to extreme climatic changes, these trees, otherwise native to the Mediterranean region, became extinct 5 million years ago and are now found exclusively on the Canary Islands. The extreme resilience and fire resistance of these plants perfectly adapt them to the harsh conditions of volcanic soil. Whether as a follow-up to a visit to Vilaflor or as a stop on the way up to Teide: the Pino Gordo is definitely worth a visit!
3. DulcerĂa Hermano Pedro
This bakery is a real insider tip on Tenerife. When visiting Vilaflor, a stop at DulcerĂa Hermano Pedro is a must! Here you’ll find homemade sweet treats and coffee. My favorites are the pastries with pistachio cream and the Spanish almond cookies. It’s always busy, and the staff is very friendly! If you can’t find a seat, the small park in the center of Vilaflor is a great alternative to enjoy the treats next to fountains and lovingly designed flowerbeds.
4. Sunset Above the Clouds
The south of Tenerife offers an incredible variety of natural spectacles. One of the most impressive, in my opinion, is the opportunity to admire the sunset above the clouds. From the southern side of the mountains, you have a privileged view of the other Canary Islands rising out of the sea and/or a sea of clouds.
The best-located viewpoint for the sun’s position during high season is probably Mirador El Retamar at an altitude of 2,100 meters. However, around dusk it can get a bit crowded due to the limited parking spaces. Those who prefer something more adventurous can instead stop a bit earlier at the Las Lajas campsite above Vilaflor and hike up the hill behind it for about 10 minutes. (Note: there isn’t really a marked trail there, though)
5. El MĂ©dano
El Médano, the heart of southern Tenerife! Just a few minutes from the airport lies this hotspot for wind and water sports, beach days, and international good vibes. If you’re traveling in the south, be sure to visit this sunny (and often windy) spot on earth.
In addition to large beach areas, there are numerous great cafés and shops with fantastic views along the promenade toward Montaña Roja. Athletes and curious visitors can watch, rent, buy, and even learn everything related to water sports here. Have you always wanted to try water sports, windsurfing, or kitesurfing? Then this is your chance! To make your visit to El Médano perfect, be sure to browse our blog library. There you’ll find restaurant and café recommendations as well as the top 10 activities in the city of El Médano.
6. Watch the Wind and Kitesurfers
A visit to El Médano is also worthwhile on windy days. When conditions are good, the entire beach on the western side of the town fills up with all kinds of water sports equipment. The sky is buzzing with kites, and from time to time you can catch a glimpse of the athletes’ meter-high jumps. Watching this is a real spectacle! The view from Manfred’s, Bliss, or Flashpoint Café is especially nice.
7. Yoga at the Beach in El MĂ©dano
Round off your day in El MĂ©dano with a private yoga session on the beach, just for you and your loved ones. Or plan a visit to a group yoga class at sunrise or sunset. You can find all further information on the website of Yoga Tenerife with Eva.
8. Natural Lava Pools in Los Abrigos
Not far from El MĂ©dano is Los Abrigos. The small town of Los Abrigos has naturally formed lava pools, the so-called charcos. Pools like these can be found all over the island, and they are especially popular in the north. The great thing about Los Abrigos is that the Atlantic Ocean on the south side of the island is usually less rough than in the north. This means you can relax without worrying about big waves, sunbathe on warm lava rock, and occasionally jump into the natural pool!
9. Playa Las Américas & Los Cristianos
The perfect place for a few sunny beach days! Playa de Diego Hernández is especially popular. In addition to many shops and shopping opportunities, Costa Adeje offers plenty of nightlife, bars, restaurants, clubs, and leisure activities. Plus everything that belongs to a memorable summer vacation: boat trips, canoe excursions on the ocean, or a visit to the nearby water and adventure park: Siam Park.
10. Whale Watching
Impressive visitors from the animal world also like to spend their time very close to the south of Tenerife. Between Tenerife and La Gomera, bottlenose dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, and dolphins gather year-round, as the waters here are particularly rich in nutrients. From Costa Adeje, it’s not far to Las Galletas. Here you can encounter these animals on a sustainable and animal-friendly boat trip. The chances of spotting larger whales are especially good in spring and autumn. Excursion boats depart from Los Cristianos, Las Galletas, and Los Gigantes.
