The most important sights in Tenerife

The special fascination of the island and a holiday in Tenerife comes from its nature, which presents itself in unique contrasts. Many of Tenerife's most important sights can be found in the diverse natural landscape - and are often linked to the volcanic origins of the Canary Island.

Sight 1

El Teide Nature Park

One of the most important and largest sights is El Teide National Park, which covers an area of 19,000 hectares in the centre of the island. Founded in 1954, it is the largest and oldest national park in the Canary Islands. Its spectacular volcanic landscapes have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Teide National Park can be reached by bus (Spanish: Guaga) or car:

A popular route for tourists is by car via the TF-24 road, which leads from San Cristóbal de La Laguna in the north-east to the national park. On this unique route through Cañadas, the contrasting volcanic landscape is as breathtaking as it is varied! One of the highlights are the red, up to 3m high Wildprets viper's bugloss, which adorn the area in spring and allow you to experience a special play of colours! They are therefore also one of the landmarks of the island of Tenerife.

Many activities await you in El Teide National Park to discover this natural wonder for yourself. A cable car ride to the highest mountain in the national park, the Pico del Teide (3,718 m), with the Teleférico del Teide is particularly rewarding. After an eight-minute ascent, which is an experience in itself, you will find yourself at an altitude of 3,555 metres. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the park and its fascinating volcanic landscape! If you are looking for a special challenge, you can dare to climb up to the crater. After a 40-minute walk, you will find yourself at the highest point in Spain and, on a cloudless day, you will have a clear view of Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera and Tenerife itself. However, the ascent is very difficult and only permitted with a permit, which you should obtain from the Central de Reservas one to two months in advance, depending on the time of year, or you can book the Teide tour including permit here.

Far away from the hectic city life in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz or La Laguna, the most beautiful excursion destinations on Tenerife can be found in the stunning natural landscape. Many of Tenerife's sights are directly linked to the Pico del Teide, which at 3,718 metres is the highest peak in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world. Teide, which last erupted in 1798, and the surrounding El Teide National Park offer numerous opportunities to explore volcanism and the island's centuries-old history.

Excursion destinations in El Teide National Park

• Pico Viejo: After Pico del Teide, Pico Viejo is another volcano and the second highest peak in Tenerife

• Cueva del Viente: In Icod de los Vinos on the north coast of Tenerife is the Cueva del Viente volcanic tube. It was formed 27,000 years ago from basalt lava from the first eruption phase of the Pico volcano and consists of an enormous, net-like labyrinth of underground passages, many of which have not yet been explored. The volcanic cave can be visited daily with children aged 5 and over - please note the special winter opening times!

• Roques de Garcia: Below Mount Teide are the Roques des Garcia, strikingly shaped rock formations made of lava rock. The most famous of the rocks is the Roque Cinchado, which is also known as the "Stone Tree" or "Finger of God" due to its bizarre shape and is considered the symbol of the island

• Montaña Blanca: Montaña Blanca towers above the Cañadas and is the third highest peak in Tenerife after Pico del Teide and Pico Viejo at 2748 metres. Tenerife's "white mountain" owes its name to the beige colour of the light pumice stone on its surface

• Paisaje Lunar: The Paisaje Lunar, a breathtaking lunar landscape at the southern foot of Mount Teide, was formed from ash and pumice deposits. A well-maintained hiking trail with gentle ascents leads up to an altitude of 800 metres, where you can experience the harsh beauty of the landscape, bizarre rock formations and a wonderful view from Teide to Vilaflor!

Point of interest 2

Excursion to the cities of Tenerife

Nature meets culture: Tenerife's cities are where the impressive natural scenery and living history of the Canary Islands meet. Many of the most important sights on Tenerife can be found in and around towns on the south and north coast of the island. We give you an insight into the most popular excursion destinations in Tenerife's major cities:

The island's capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

For many tourists, a visit to the capital of a country is an absolute must. Santa Cruz de Tenerife shares the title of Tenerife's capital with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As the largest city on the island, with just over 200,000 people living right by the sea on the north-east coast of Tenerife, there is plenty to discover.

If you are not coming to the capital for an extensive shopping tour, a good starting point for exploring the city is the Plaza de España. From the square, which is known for its artificial pond and the Monumento a Los Caídos war memorial, you can reach the charming old town of Santa Cruz. The special charm of the old town comes from the many small squares decorated with flowers, fountains or statues, where locals also gather in the evening.

Heading south from Plaza de España, you will reach the oldest Catholic church in the city, Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The church tower, built in the 16th century, is one of the most photographed motifs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Another popular point of interest and photo motif is the Auditorio, which was only completed in 2003. With its white, curved roof, it is reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House.

If you are looking for relaxation in the capital, you will find it in the Parque Marítimo - a swimming pool in the centre of the city- or a few kilometres away at Playa de Las Teresitas. The 1.5 kilometre-long beach is also popular with locals for its white sandy beach lined with palm trees, reminiscent of the Caribbean. If you visit Playa de Las Teresitas, you should walk a few metres further to the Mirador Las Teresitas- at the viewpoint you have a wonderful view over the old town and the harbour of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The cultural capital of San Cristóbal de la Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna is located just a few kilometres west of the capital. The town, known simply as La Laguna, is also known as the cultural capital of Tenerife and was once one of the most important places of pilgrimage for the island's indigenous people. However, the historic town centre, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was only built 200 years later in the 16th century. The cultural and historical value of the city makes La Laguna a city in Tenerife that you should definitely visit - but without children, for whom the excursion could be boring.

But if you are looking for a cultural diversion, you can stroll through the colourful historic old town, visit the numerous museums, Catholic churches and cathedrals andfinally treat yourself to a break in one of the cosy cafés along the streets and squares. Also worth seeing is the bell tower of the Iglesia de la Concepción church, which is the city's landmark.

The capital of history: Puerto de la Cruz

A popular excursion destination on Tenerife - not only among German tourists - is Puerto de la Cruz. Located on the north coast of Tenerife, the town is particularly popular for classic beach holidays. However, there is much more to discover in the town, where Canarian life pulsates between Playa Martiánez and Plaza del Charco.

If you are interested in the history of the country during your holiday in Tenerife, you will find many of Tenerife's important sights in Puerto de la Cruz:

• Right by the Piedras is the Castillo de San Felipe - an old fortress that protected Puerto de la Cruz from pirate attacks in the 17th and 18th centuries. Entry to the fortress museum is free of charge

• Another fortress worth visiting is the "Bateria de Santa Barbara", where you can discover an impressive collection of rifles and cannons from the 18th and 19th centuries

• The "Loro Parque " is the largest animal park and zoo on Tenerife - and the city's flagship attraction. Many visitors come to Loro Parque, especially for the parrot and parakeet collection, which is known worldwide

• For plant lovers, the small orchid garden "Sitio Litre Garten" is a popular destination. Surrounded by flowers, by the koi carp pond, you are guaranteed to find relaxation!

• The rock garden "Piedras " or the "Parque Taoro" are also popular, as both gardens offer a wonderful view of Puerto de la Cruz and the sea

• Even though Puerto de la Cruz is located on the Atlantic coast, the "Lago Martianez" swimming pool invites you to swim in the city. The swimming pool overlooks the sea and was designed by Canarian artist César Manrique

Once in Puerto de la Cruz, you should also take a look at the vineyards, as the town is not only surrounded by many banana plantations, but also vineyards. Two of the best-known wine-growing areas are Tacoronte-Acentejo and Valle de la Orotava. Connoisseurs should settle down in a bodega and order one of the local wines alongside traditional Tenerife specialities!

Place of interest 3

Exploring Güímar

Güímar - a small, idyllic village on the south-east coast of Tenerife - is particularly fascinating. The municipality, which is one of the oldest on the Canary Islands, attracts many tourists to its lively main street, which is lined with bars and shops. However, many historical and culturally valuable places are the real reason why Güímar is a tourist magnet.

Of particular note are the two 17th century churches: the Iglesia del Convento de Santo Domingo and the Iglesia de San Pedro. The latter is the starting point of the Romería El Socorro - a pilgrimage in which the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried to the beach.

The pyramids of Güímar

But one of Tenerife's most popular sights can be found on the upper edge of the town, in the Chacona neighbourhood: the mysterious pyramids of Güímar, which have puzzled researchers for almost 30 years. The step pyramids first attracted the attention of Norwegian anthropologist Dr Thor Heyerdahl. He suspected that the Canarian pyramids were related to ancient civilisation, as he recognised architectural building principles from the ancient world. In contrast, other researchers claimed that they were "majanos" - simple piles of stones created by farmers when clearing their farmland. The first excavations, carried out in 1991 by archaeologists from the University of La Laguna (Tenerife) and the FERCO Foundation, found remains from the 19th century. The Astrophysical Institute of the Canary Islands also discovered that the pyramids are aligned with the winter and summer solstices.

This solved the mystery surrounding the pyramids of Güímar: they are a form of 19th century terraced construction used by the Guanches for astronomical observations. The step pyramids thus bear witness to life on the Canary Islands in the 19th century and have a special cultural and ethnographic added value.

Malpaís de Güímar

The Malpaís de Güímar is another of Tenerife's special sights, which has been a nature reserve since 1987 for its special ecological value. If you are in Tenerife for hiking, you should definitely not miss out on the tour through the Malpaís de Güímar nature reserve. The circular hiking trail leads from the harbour of Puertito de Guimar through the unique volcanic landscape of Montaña Grande to the coast. You will gain an insight into the unmistakable Canarian flora, as the paths are lined with numerous endemic species, the typical Canary Island spurge or lettuce and crested sea lavender. If you climb the viewpoints, you will have an impressive view of the solidified lava flows, Montaña Grande and the coast.

sunbonoo tips for adventurers, explorers and active holidaymakers:

End your hike across the area criss-crossed by lava tubes and caves in one of Tenerife's spectacular caves - or caving in the Cueva Honda. In the cave, which is only 100 metres long but 5 metres high, you can take a unique look beneath the surface of Tenerife! You can also explore Tenerife from a bird's eye view. A popular starting point is La Ladera de Güímar, from where paragliding flights take off over the Güímar valley.

Puertito de Güimar

An extensive day of hiking through the south-east of Tenerife should end at the harbour of Puertito de Güimar. As the region around Guimar is a particularly fertile area due to its volcanic origins, a lot of agriculture is practised here. At the harbour, in the numerous restaurants and pizzerias, you will therefore be able to experience many regional culinary delights. Aromatic wines are also grown in the region.

Last but not least, a visit to the beach in Guimar is also worthwhile: as is characteristic of many beaches in Tenerife, Playa del Cabezo at the harbour and Playa de Arriba o las Bajas a few kilometres further on also impress with their deep black colour and coarse-grained sand. The wide beach promenade of Playa del Cabezo is ideal for strolling and sunbathing.

Perhaps you will discover one of the romantic bays that are less frequented and enjoy the sunset with a view of the cliffs. If you are on holiday with your dog, you will find one of Tenerife's dog beaches here - Playa para perros El Cabezo.

Place of interest 4

Candelaria

In search of the original Canarian way of life on Tenerife, many people head to Candelaria on the south coast of Tenerife. The town, which is an important Catholic place of pilgrimage in the Canary Islands, has become a tourist magnet in recent decades. Nevertheless, Candelaria, 15 kilometres from the island's capital, is a quiet, more local town and another of Tenerife's sights that has managed to retain its Canarian flair.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria

The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, or more precisely the black statue of the Virgin Mary "La Marenita" that it houses, is the centre of attention. The church was built in 1959 and dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria (Spanish: Virgen de la Candelaria). The patron saint has a special religious significance for the Canary Islands, especially their indigenous people (Guanches), which is why believers make a pilgrimage to Candelaria every year on 14 and 15 August to worship her.

Traditionally, the Fiestas de Candelaria take place on the evening of 14 August, during which a flower offering is made to the Virgin of Mary. In the Plaza de la Basílica there is a re-enactment of how, according to tradition, the Virgin appeared to the Guanches. On 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, the festivities traditionally end with a spectacular firework display.

Menceyes

The "Menceyes" in Candalaria are a must-see on the Tenerife heritage trail. In the Plaza de la Patrona, on the Candelaria coastal promenade, you will find the nine larger-than-life "Menceyes" - as the Guanche chiefs were called. At the end of the 15th century, at the time of the Spanish conquest, Tenerife was divided into nine regions (so-called "menceyatos"), which were ruled by different captains. Today, the nine bronze statues, each around 4.5 metres tall, commemorate the Guanche kings and watch over the island of Tenerife in popular belief. Together with the basílica, the menceyes characterise the religious townscape of Candelaria and are therefore a popular photo motif on Tenerife!

Sight 5

Icod de los Vinos

Icod de los Vinos owes its name to the wine-growing in the region around Puerto de la Cruz. This is why the town is a popular excursion destination in Tenerife for wine lovers who want to taste regional wines. The town, which was built on steep slopes in 1501, is characterised by the many terraces on which farmers have always grown their produce. The abundance of water in the area and the surrounding pine forests still favour the cultivation of grain, sugar cane and, above all, wine. Tourists therefore enjoy relaxing evenings on the terraced vineyards with an unforgettable view of the vast sea of flowers typical of Icod de los Vinos.

Parque del Drago

Before you have been to Icod de los Vinos, you will have heard of one of Tenerife's most popular sights: the Drago Milenario. This is a world-famous dragon tree that not only grows to an astonishing 16 metres high and up to 20 metres wide, but is also the oldest dragon tree in the world at an estimated 800 years old. Some scientists even claim that the tree could be 2000 years old. In the popular belief of the Canary Islands, a visit to the dragon tree in Icod de los Vinos promises a happy life, which is why the inhabitants of Tenerife regularly visit the tropical plant.

However, the Parque del Drago, where the dragon tree is located, has even more to offer tourists: the "Mariposario del Drago" butterfly house, where you can marvel at hundreds of butterflies, or the replica of a Guanche village.

Be sure to plan a whole day for your visit to Icod de los Vinos and, if necessary, hire a park guide who can tell you all about Tenerife's fascinating flora and fauna.

By the way: Only every 15 years in the months of July to August does a

San Marcos

The fishing village of San Marcos also belongs to the municipality of Icod de los Vinos. You should definitely visit its small bay with a black beach surrounded by steep cliffs when you are on the north coast of Tenerife. It is precisely this protected natural black beach that attracts locals and tourists alike to San Marcos - but is still an insider tip.

A trip to the beach at Playa San Marcos - the "local beach" of Icod de los Vinos - is therefore a must! A trip to Playa San Marcos is particularly recommended for a Tenerife holiday with children, as the high rocks protect the beach from the wind and strong surf - ideal for letting children splash around in shallow, calm water! As the beach is also popular with locals, it is advisable to take a day at the beach during the week. The idyllic view of the Atlantic and the rocky backdrop is only spoilt by the many concrete flat blocks. However, this also has the advantage that you will find many small restaurants on the small promenade in San Marcos where you can enjoy freshly caught fish.

Place of interest 6

Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Tenerife - undoubtedly because it is located in the sunny south of Tenerife and has a "good weather guarantee". With its two beaches - Playa de Las Vistas and the harbour beach Playa de Los Cristiano - Los Cristianos is the ideal place for a relaxing beach and bathing holiday. At the same time, the municipality is very conveniently located for individual holidaymakers who want to go on a new exploration tour every day: Not only is Tenerife South Airport just 16 kilometres away, but the harbour with ferry connections to La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma is also ideal for day trips to the neighbouring islands.

Excursion to La Gomera

The harbour of Los Cristianos is one of the busiest and most important harbours in Tenerife. Ferries depart several times a day to the coasts of San Sebastian de la Gomera in the east and Valle Gran Rey in the west. You can travel to La Gomera in 50 to 60 minutes for a day trip - all you need is a valid passport or identity card and around 30 to 35 euros one way. As this is relatively expensive, an organised excursion is often worthwhile, which includes the crossing, a full-day sightseeing programme on La Gomera and often also lunch.

On the "wild island of the Canaries", you can wander through the barren mountains, dense forest areas and along the sunny beaches on an island tour and discover another of the seven Canary Islands. Ferries also depart from the harbour in Los Cristianos to El Hierro and La Palma.

Ghost town of Abades

Speaking of individual holidays: if you are looking for that certain something on your Tenerife holiday, you should travel to Abades. The village on the south coast, between Poris de Abona and La Jaca, is also known as a ghost town. The village was built in 1944 as a sanatorium for the many inhabitants of Tenerife suffering from leprosy.

In "Sanatorio de Abona", as it was initially called, a hospital, a crematorium, bungalows and administrative buildings as well as a Franco-style church were built. The construction of the leprosy clinic was almost complete when a drug against leprosy was developed, which is why the site was never used as a sanatorium. After being used as a military base for a long time, many locals settled here, moving into the empty white bungalows with red roofs and revitalising the town. Nevertheless, there are many abandoned ruins in Abades, making the ghost town an insider tip among Tenerife's sights . The church in particular, whose large cross can be seen from the motorway, is well worth exploring. The place is not an official tourist site, but is open to the public and therefore perfect for an exciting short trip of a different kind!

Place of interest 7

Anaga - Mountains

Tourists and locals alike are particularly fascinated by the Anaga Mountains in the north-east of the island. As with so many of Tenerife's sights, this is due to the island's special climate, which determines the landscape and a mysterious mist that permeates it.

Mercedes Forest

On the north-west side, along the ridge of the Anaga Mountains, is the Mercedes Forest. Its special feature is the evergreen laurel trees, which can reach a height of up to 25 metres. Formerly deforested for its laurel trees, the Mercedes forest is now partially protected. This has allowed the area to develop into the "fairytale forest" that it is known as today beyond the borders of Tenerife. The impression is created by the laurel trees overgrown with ferns and mosses, some of whose branches grow together to form tunnels.

The paths are adorned with Canary Island bellflower and the Canary Island gentian, while a thick veil of mist obscures the view of the sky. Hike through the Mercedes forest to the Mirador De Jardina or Mirador Cruz del Carmen viewing platforms, as from here you can enjoy fabulous views over the Anaga as far as La Laguna.

Cruz del Carmen

The Anaga mountains are one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Tenerife. The routes usually start in Cruz del Carmen and run along the so-called Camino Real, also known as the "Royal Laurel Way", which used to connect the villages in the Anaga with the city of La Laguna. Three of the routes that run through the Anaga are also known as "hiking trails of the senses", as they are signposted to encourage you to discover old parts of the laurel forest by smelling, seeing and touching them. The shortest of the hiking trails is even barrier-free thanks to a walkway and an accessible terrace, so people with physical disabilities don't have to miss out on this sensory experience!

Punta del Hidalgo

The village of Punta del H idalgo, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean on a spur, borders directly on the Anaga Mountains. A striking landmark of the municipality is the modern 50 metre high, snow-white Faro de Punta del Hidalgo lighthouse. Another symbol is the "two siblings", as the rock formation on the coast is known.

According to a Guanche legend, two young brothers climbed onto the rock and into the sea at night because their love was forbidden. Broken by the pain, the mountain split in two with a sorrowful groan. The village is a popular destination for coastal and beach hikes, but also the starting point for routes that lead to the Anaga mountains, Chinamada or Las Carboneras.

Another, equally special view is revealed at low tide, when locals and tourists bathe in the former coral reefs, which are now very popular excursion destinations as natural seawater swimming pools - known as "piscina natural" in Spanish. With a bit of luck, you can still find fragments of red and brown coral here.

Point of interest 8

Teno - Mountains

An impressive natural landscape is also revealed in the Teno Mountains nature reserve. Characterised by breathtaking rock formations, shimmering blue water and seemingly endless views across the Atlantic.

Masca and Masca Gorge

On some days, there are more tourists in Masca than the village of around 100 inhabitants. Most tourists are keen to discover the original Canarian way of life, as the few inhabitants of the village live at an altitude of 650 to 800 metres on often very steep mountain slopes. At even higher altitudes in theTeno mountains, there are not even any footpaths, which is why many animal and plant species, some of which are still undiscovered, have been able to colonise here undisturbed.

In addition to the mountain village of Masca, the Masca Gorge is another reason why tourists come to the Teno Mountains. However, the six-hour hike through the narrow "barranco" to the coast is not for the faint-hearted! As many tourists repeatedly underestimate the difficulty of the route, it was recently closed for safety reasons. Anyone embarking on this challenging hike should be an experienced hiker and climber or take part in a guided tour by prior arrangement!

Punta de Teno

The path to the Punta de Teno peninsula is no less arduous than a hike through the Masca Gorge. The headland, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean in the far west of Tenerife, can only be reached via the poor island road TF-445. The road to the cape can only be driven on in a hire car before 10 am or after 7 pm.

In the summer months from 1 July to 30 September, the road is even closed from 9 am to 8 pm. When you reach Punta de Teno, the first thing you see is the red and white striped lighthouse "Faro de Teno", which marks the westernmost tip of Tenerife. The remote, quiet village of Buenavista del Norte is well worth a visit on the trip! Here you can enjoy a coffee in seclusion in the Plaza de los Remedios or walk along the coast at Playa de las Arenas with a view of Tenerife's neighbouring islands.

There are many unspoilt bays and natural swimming pools ("charcos" in Spanish) to discover here that are not overrun by tourism, where you can dive in and relax.

Place of interest 9

Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes owes its name to the impressive "Los Acantilado" cliffs, which are among the steepest cliffs in Europe. The cliffs stretch for almost ten kilometres along the coast and characterise the picturesque panorama of Los Gigantes. The town has also become one of the most attractive sights in Tenerife for its lively, modern yet typically Canarian character.

Los Gigantes harbour

The harbour of Los Gigantes is one of the most popular sights in Tenerife. This is also due to the numerous restaurants and cafés that tempt visitors with local specialities. If you are looking for a special restaurant visit, you should eat in one of the restaurants on the hillside. With good food and wine, you have the best view of the cliffs of Los Gigantes in the pizzeria Mama Lucia or in the barbecue restaurants Case Edu and Asador Los Acantilados. After your meal, it's not far to one of Tenerife's most beautiful beaches, Playa de la Arena. You can spend a few pleasant hours in the small bay with its impressive rocky panorama and a black sandy beach that slopes gently into the sea. This quiet stretch of beach is particularly suitable for a Tenerife holiday with children.

Whale watching / dolphin watching on the south-west coast of Tenerife

Statistically speaking, there is a 95% chance of spotting pilot whales and dolphins in the wild off the coast of Los Gigantes. Starting from Los Gigantes, you will be taken out to sea in small boats, from where up to 26 species of marine mammals can be spotted - including fin whales, orcas and even blue whales.

If you decide to go on a whale watching tour, you should definitely make a sustainable and responsible decision. Many providers offer expert-led tours that go out in quiet, electric boats and are respectful of whales and dolphins. As the sea on the south-west side of the island is calmer than in the north, you can also go on boat tours by kayak or catamaran . Either way, your tour will amaze you with the wonders of nature!

Place of interest 10

Garachico

Garachico in the north-west of the Canary Island of Tenerife is a place of particular cultural value. Until the Spanish conquest of the island and its almost complete destruction by a volcanic eruption in the 18th century, Garachico was once the most important harbour town on Tenerife. As many religious and historical buildings have been rebuilt or restored, the town still bears witness to past golden decades. You don't have to be religious or particularly interested in history or culture to be mesmerised by the special sights of Tenerife in Garachico.

Religious and historical buildings

In the 16th and 17th centuries, many very influential families settled in Garachico - one of Tenerife's most important harbours. This can still be seen today in the town planning and the architectural style of the Canarian manor houses. The first building in the town was the Iglesia de Santa Ana, which was badly damaged by a volcanic eruption in 1706. Today's Santa Ana is a reconstruction that houses a sculpture of the Merciful Jesus from Mexico and a marble font from the 17th century. The Castillo de San Miguel also characterises the image of Garachico: the fortress was built in 1575 to protect the town against English privateers, among other things, and now functions as a museum. Further evidence of the rich cultural history of the Canary Island in Garachico:

• The old Franciscan convent: the Convento Concepcionistas Franciscanas impresses with a wooden ceiling in the Mudejar style and sacred objects such as the retable of a Madonna figure, which is set up in the convent church.

• The house of the Marquis of Quinta Roja: What is now a cosy country hotel was built in the 16th century by the first Marquis of Quinta Roja. It was rebuilt in the following century and served as accommodation for Franciscan nuns

• The palace house of the Counts of La Gomera: Also known as Casa de Piedra, the Counts of La Gomera lived in the ashlar house in the 16th century. It was restored after the volcanic eruption in 1706 and still bears witness to Canarian history today

• The "Puerta de Tierra" park: The history of the park also dates back to the 16th century; you can still visit the former town gate through which the harbour of Garachico was accessed. As the archway is lower than the rest of the town, it is easy to see how deep the old Garachico was buried by lava in 1706. You can also visit an old wine cellar of the San Juan Degollado estate here

El Caletón

Garachico's landmark is the Roque de Garachico, a rock that juts out of the Atlantic Ocean in front of the town. The best view is certainly from El Caletón, the popular natural swimming pool on the coast (Spanish: Piscinas naturales el Caletón). While the lava flows from the volcanic eruption of 1706 almost buried the whole of Garachico, bizarrely shaped natural pools were formed on the coast by the collision of hot lava and the cold Atlantic Ocean. Today, the Caletón is used as a natural swimming pool, which is popular with tourists and locals alike, especially in the summer months.

Discover the most beautiful beaches on Tenerife here:

Beaches on Tenerife