Day trip tot Punta de Teno – You will undoubtedly experience ‘paradise on earth’ when you visit the Parque Rural de Teno, which averages 1,300 metres above sea level and is almost completely surrounded by the ocean.
The entire north-western tip of the island of Tenerife is indicative of a relative geographical isolation that has ensured that nature’s ruggedness, biodiversity and traditional customs have been preserved and not been absorbed and overrun by mass tourism. The protected natural park starts at Los Gigantes and ends around the northwest corner at Puertito de Los Silos.
One of the most beautiful natural spots in Tenerife and one of the most valuable natural areas on the island is bordered by the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte, Los Silos, El Tanque and Santiago del Teide. The population lives mainly in the boroughs and hamlets of El Palmar (not to be confused with Palm-Mar), Teno Alto, Las Lagunetas, Las Portelas, Los Carrizales, Masca and Erjos. Agriculture and cattle breeding is the area’s economic base. The unique agricultural landscape lends itself to growing produce for home consumption. Over 8,000 hectares of natural wealth and treasures with ecological, scenic and cultural values are due to the restricted access of the area.
Lighthouse at Punta de Teno
The Teno Mountains are one of the three major rock massifs that shape Tenerife. Teno is an ancient volcanic massif in which erosion processes have modelled the current landscape. It is characterised by the many valleys, deep gorges and breathtaking cliffs that are so typical beyond Los Gigantes; they are also called acantilados.
On the Punta de Teno stands an idyllic and popular lighthouse called Faro de Teno. This is one of the seven lighthouses that mark the island. Flanked by volcanic rock masses, this location is popular with photographers who invariably capture the most beautiful pictures there.
Nature park
The nature reserve does not only extend over land. The adjacent ocean is also a biotope for fauna and flora. The laurel forests thrive at this altitude, the tabaibas and butterfly flowers are prominent. Dragon tree, juniper, wild olive tree and a wide range of palm tree species also adorn this area. The Teno area represents the Canarian flora found in locations with a microclimate.
This is also where the fauna belongs; the refuge for many animal species. And also home to rich bird life, home to the osprey, native pigeon species, sparrow hawks and hawks.
Special mention should also be made of the speckled lizard found on the cliffs of Los Gigantes. Hiking tourism takes the biggest bite out of the tourism pie. Numerous hiking trails or senderos cross the natural park on which numerous visitors move, seeking good health this way.
Overseas, snorkelling and diving, kayaking and whale watching is a magnet that attracts tourists. This wide range of nature experience is thrown at your feet for free. All you have to do is go there.
Tradition and culture
Besides its natural resources, the Teno region is of great importance from a cultural point of view. It is the Tenerfian location with the best-preserved traditional architecture, and in the wider area we find archaeological remains of settlements of the original inhabitants, the Guanches.
The area’s inhabitants and communities offer the pleasures of life. Fiestas related to the end of the harvest, historical celebrations and cultural festivities are not foreign to them. Local regional products are also promoted and marketed. For instance, cheese, wine, saffron, fruit and honey are the local products that are sure to attract attention.
If you want to spend a day enjoying magnificent nature, traditional values and impressive landscapes, the Parque Rural de Teno is the excursion that will transport you to an endless dream world where fauna and flora take centre stage.
Master plan
As stipulated in the master plan, the use of this road will be further restricted. Only buses and authorised vehicles will be allowed to enter the ‘Carretera de Teno’. The main reason for this intervention is nature conservation.
One can take the bus from Monday to Thursday between 09:00 and 20:00. The access area remains down from Friday 9am to Monday at 9am.
Access is also closed on public holidays. Only authorised vehicles such as taxis, scheduled buses and the staff employed in this area are allowed to pass the barrier.
By bus
For the day trip tot Punta de Teno, you can take the bus. Line 369 leaves from the bus station in Buenavista at 10:10, 11:05, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:10, 17:05 and 18:05. Returns can be made at 10:35, 11:25, 12:25, 13:25, 14:25, 15:25, 16:35, 17:25 y 18:25.
The price per bus ride is 1 euro and payment can only be made with appropriate coins.
More day trips are listed under Excursions.
Unknown © Photography
Day trip to Punta de Teno ©
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