Tenerife Hidden Gems: 7 Real Insider Tips for Tenerife

Ghost Town near Abades

Do you love the eerie atmosphere of abandoned places? Then you have to visit the ghost town of Abades on Tenerife — it’s one of the island’s most fascinating off the beaten path secrets.

In the early 1940s, when leprosy was ravaging the Canary Islands, a sanatorium was planned for this large site with stunning ocean views.

But medical progress moved faster than the construction work, and the sanatorium was never completed. In the 1970s, the grounds were used for military exercises and then left to decay — and to graffiti artists.

Today, around 30 buildings still stand, including a church, a hospital, a crematorium, a school, and numerous administrative buildings and residential units — all abandoned. Below the ruins lies a small beach where you’ll almost always have the place entirely to yourself.

An interesting contrast to the ruins is the small village of Abades, which you can best see from the church — the highest point of the ruined town.

Restaurant Agua y Sal

About 30 minutes from the ghost town lies the small fishing village of San Miguel de Tajao. You absolutely have to try the Restaurant Agua y Sal.

The fish is caught fresh every day — you pick it out right at the counter and then it goes straight on the grill. Seriously delicious.

We recommend pairing it with patatas bravas and salad. Besides fish, there are also fried anchovies and calamari, mussels, and crab. Ask the staff for the daily recommendations.

Agua y Sal isn’t exactly cheap, but there’s a good reason it’s so popular with the locals. We strongly recommend making a reservation!

Our tip: On the way, stop at the Arco de Tajao — a massive stone arch several meters tall that you can actually walk through. Watch your step, as there are some fragile spots. From the parking lot, you can reach the arch in just a few minutes on foot.

Butterfly House in Icod

You’ve probably never seen this many butterflies in one place: 600 different species live in the Mariposario del Icod, and in summer there can be as many as 1,000 different species.

The butterfly house isn’t huge, so you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the colorful action. Some species are so curious they’ll land on your shoulder. But as tempting as it is, please don’t touch them!

On the lower level, you can learn everything worth knowing about these creatures and ask the staff all your questions.

Icod is also one of our top 22 Tenerife highlights. This is where the legendary 1,000-year-old dragon tree stands — another must-see while you’re here.

TF-12 Route in the Anaga Forest

We’ve already featured the Anaga Forest in the north of the island in our Tenerife highlights — but we especially want to call out the winding TF-12 road. Along the stretch from Santa Cruz to San Andrés, there are spectacular panoramas over valleys and forests that most visitors never see. A real Tenerife hidden gem.

Particularly fascinating is how the vegetation shifts during the drive from rainforest to cactus landscape.

The TF-12 is also popular with cyclists, though the road is quite steep. If you’re a road cyclist, this route in the north is a great alternative to the climb up to the Teide. You can also go mountain biking directly in the Anaga Forest.

Horseback Riding on Tenerife

Tenerife’s varied landscape is perfect for horseback excursions. One fantastic ride takes you through the pine forest in the mountains of Icod.

Finca Estrella, run by owner Nicole, organizes rides for experienced riders and introductory sessions for beginners. The animals’ well-being always comes first.

A ride lasts between two and three hours. First, you get acquainted with the horses and help with grooming and saddling. Then you get a brief introduction — and off you go.

The ride takes you through the Corona Forestal pine forest, where you won’t run into another soul.

In good weather, you’ll also get a stunning view of the Teide along the way.

Playa de Rojas

Tenerife has plenty of beautiful beaches and hidden coves. But Playa de Rojas, below the small village of El Sauzal, comes with an adventure included.

The steep road leading to the Costa de El Sauzal viewpoint is enough to make even experienced drivers’ hearts race. A narrow one-lane road winds in hairpin turns down to the coast — a real challenge that’s definitely not for new drivers.

But it’s absolutely worth it. At the bottom, you’ll find a spectacular view of the coastline with powerful waves crashing against rugged rocks, natural pools where you can swim when the sea is calm, well-maintained hiking trails, and mysterious caves.

Tenerife Hidden Gems in Teide National Park

The Teide is Tenerife’s top attraction and is of course no longer a secret. But within the national park there are some interesting highlights that not everyone knows about. If you’re still looking for cool activities at the Teide, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are a few insider tips along the TF-21 road, which runs through the national park from north to south.

Mirador Piedra La Rosa

Coming from Puerto de La Cruz, you’ll pass the first point of interest along a winding two-lane road (TF-21): the Mirador Piedra La Rosa.

The rock formation looks like a rose and was shaped by cooled lava. Sometimes you already get a great view from the parking lot near the formation.

That’s relatively rare, though, as the sky here is usually overcast. Just past Mirador Piedra La Rosa, the clouds tend to clear.

Forests and More Forests

Continuing along the route toward the Teide, you can watch the landscape transform: from dense rainforest to pine and conifer forests.

These trees have been recovering over the past few centuries. After the Spanish conquest of Tenerife, almost all of the island’s forests were logged for industrial purposes. Reforestation is still ongoing to this day.

Rugged Mountain Landscapes

Almost abruptly, the vegetation changes again. Suddenly the landscape is dominated by barren rock formations and low shrubs.

This section of the route is especially interesting in spring, when nature wakes up from its winter slumber and the broom plants bloom.

The white-pink blossoms give off an intoxicating fragrance and attract swarms of bees.

Minas de San José

Another standout along the TF-21 is the Minas de San José. The landscape looks like it’s from another planet — sandy desert alternates with massive rock formations.

This section is called Las Cañadas (the ravines) because you’re standing inside a giant crater.

A hiking trail leads all the way to the volcano, but even just a short stretch of the path is totally worth your time.

Tabonal Negro

Finally, you’ll pass the Tabonal Negro viewpoint. From April to June, the tajinaste plants bloom red here. They can grow up to 3 meters tall and exist nowhere else in the world except Tenerife and the neighboring island of La Palma.

The landscape is remarkable: as it cooled, the lava left the area covered in small black spikes — which, on closer inspection, aren’t so small at all.

From here, it’s just a few more minutes to the cable car.

Check out our tips for a family vacation on Tenerife!