Tenerife Essential

Route: TF‑1 → TF‑47 or TF‑82 → Santiago del Teide → Masca (TF‑436) → Buenavista del Norte (TF‑42, bus 369 to Faro de Teno) → Garachico → Icod de los Vinos (Drago & Mariposario) → TF‑82 via El Tanque and Erjos → TF‑1 → Costa Adeje
Distance: approx. 120 km from Costa Adeje
Duration: full day

Getting to the west: coast or mountains

The fastest way to Santiago del Teide is via the TF‑1 motorway. If you’d like to see more of the south on the way there, take the coastal road TF‑47 via Playa San Juan and Los Gigantes. In Los Gigantes, sheer cliffs over 800 metres high rise straight out of the sea – a spectacular sight you can admire and photograph especially well from Mirador Archipenque.​

From here, continue to Santiago del Teide. The San Fernando Rey church dates from around 1679 and replaced an older chapel from about 1520. Like many churches from the time of the conquest, together with the village centre, town hall and bar, it forms the heart of the village.

Masca: hairpin bends, views and gorge

In Santiago del Teide, turn onto the TF‑436 towards Masca. This road isn’t for the faint-hearted: well maintained, but narrow and very winding. After about 1.5 kilometres, it’s worth stopping at Mirador de Cherfe. Far below, Masca clings to the rocks, framed by steep mountains – one of the island’s most impressive backdrops.

Parking in Masca is limited, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Treat yourself to a coffee, enjoy the view and soak up the atmosphere of this place, once popular with smugglers. If you book in time, you can hike down the Barranco de Masca to Playa de Masca and then take a boat back to Los Gigantes. The hike is demanding and requires good equipment and experience, as well as prior online registration.​
Info and reservations: https://www.caminobarrancodemasca.com/

Buenavista del Norte and Faro de Teno

From Masca, the TF‑436 winds downhill in hairpin bends through initially dusty-dry, barren terrain. A short stop at Mirador La Cruz de Hilda offers one last magnificent look back down to Masca. A few hundred metres further on, you reach the water and weather divide – suddenly the landscape turns lush green and almost subtropical.

In Buenavista del Norte, turn onto the TF‑42. The road to Faro de Teno is closed to private vehicles; scheduled buses run to the lighthouse several times a day. Take TITSA line 369, which connects Buenavista del Norte with Punta de Teno (one-way journey time approx. 15–20 minutes).
Current times: www.titsa.com

At Faro de Teno, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic and, on clear days, of the neighbouring islands.

Garachico: old town and sea pools

Back in Buenavista del Norte, follow the TF‑42 east towards Garachico. This small coastal town impresses with its seawater pools, lovely promenade and a beautifully restored old town. For many visitors, Garachico is the prettiest village in the Canary Islands.

It’s well worth stopping here for a swim in the natural pools, a stroll through the lanes, or a relaxed lunch.

Restaurant tips:

• Los Silos (near Buenavista):
  Bodeguita La Platanera – Canarian specialities and an excellent barraquito.
  Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pqex8cFRJmAKKSKi8
• Garachico:
  Restaurante Silogía at Quinta Roja – creative cuisine, Canarian products with Asian influences.​
  Info: https://quintaroja.com/comer/
  For those with a sweet tooth: Cinnamon Atelier – ideal if you’re craving something sweet. https://share.google/VJrRnj4dc82VSl6QG
  Restaurant Cañada de Garachico – also refined fusion cuisine with a Canarian base. https://canadadegarachico.net/
• El Tanque:
  Paganini Art Bistro – fine Italian cuisine, tasty pizza and a great atmosphere; perfect for a quick coffee stop too. https://share.google/H3noRIa8AcqAxnyzt

Icod de los Vinos: Drago and butterflies

Continue on the TF‑42 to Icod de los Vinos. The town’s landmark is the famous “Drago” – the dragon tree. No one knows exactly how old it really is, but thanks to the good signage you won’t miss it.

Nearby, there are two more highlights:

• Iglesia Mayor de San Marcos: a jewel of church architecture and a peaceful place to pause for a moment.
• Mariposario del Drago: the butterfly house, a large glasshouse where different butterfly species live in a natural environment.​
  Website: https://www.mariposario.com/

It’s impressive for visitors of all ages to watch big and small butterflies up close.​

Return via El Tanque and Erjos

This day trip is now coming to an end. Take the TF‑82 back towards Santiago del Teide through typical Canarian villages such as El Tanque and Erjos. From there, you can either stay on the TF‑82 or switch to the TF‑1 and you’ll be back in Costa Adeje in under 20 minutes