Domestic architecture
Part of Arafo is known as “El Aserradero” (the Sawmill), featuring wonderful traditional Canarian buildings. The street of La Libertad has the finest…
Arafo
Arafo is one of the most charming yet least known municipalities on the Island. Located on the southern hillsides of Tenerife, Arafo houses beautiful historic buildings and boasts an extraordinary talent for music.
The municipality of Arafo lies in the south of Tenerife and spans an area of 33.92 km2 (13.1 sq. miles). Its most significant assets are a wealth of cultural heritage and a deeply-rooted musical tradition thanks to its many bands and groups, leading it to be labelled "The Town of Music".
Arafo is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, which includes the Protected Landscape of Las Siete Lomas, the Añavigo Ravine or the Las Arenas Volcano. Adding to the area's charm are a great many gulleys and springs, in addition to its varied flora and fauna.
In architectural terms, this quiet town is home to significant buildings such as the Church of San Juan Degollado, the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the old mill and the public washing place.
There are a number of trails for exploring Arafo's old town. Most of its monuments and main buildings are in the town centre so it only takes about an hour and a half to discover it on foot. We recommend you set off from El Señor del Pino and climb up towards the Juan Carlos I auditorium and the town hall, then continue your tour around that area.
Trails in the municipality
Arafo's lovely trails attract plenty of hikers and people with a passion for the great outdoors. The footpath of “Canal de Las Saletas-Galería del Risco Azul”, covering 2.5 km (1.55 miles), takes you across the area's farmland on a trail that the pilgrims from the north of Tenerife used to take in August to visit the Virgin of La Candelaria. It is also interesting to see the old mining machinery in Galería del Risco Azul, which has been kept in pretty good condition. Near to the town of Arafo is another trail to suit all levels, which ends in an area known as “Lo de Ramos”, which reveals the value of the area's old religious buildings in terms of both historical significance and heritage. The Los Romeros Trail is for intermediate level hikers and covers the entire municipality, from the mountain to the coast, taking roughly six hours to walk it. It will lead you through a great diversity of landscapes full of scenic and historic wonders.
We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Arafo
How to get to Arafo?
Getting to Arafo is easy both by car and by public transport:
- By car: From Santa Cruz de Tenerife or from the south of the island, Arafo can be reached via the TF-1 motorway, taking the exit towards the Güímar Valley and continuing along well-signposted local roads.
- By public transport: Several TITSA bus lines connect Arafo with other municipalities in the valley and with Santa Cruz, making access possible without a private vehicle.
What to see in Arafo?
Arafo offers different cultural and natural points of interest:
- Church of San Juan Degollado, one of the most representative temples in the municipality.
- Historic centre, with quiet streets and traditional Canarian architecture.
- Rural surroundings and ravines, ideal for walks and hiking routes.
- Natural spaces of the Güímar Valley, which allow visitors to enjoy agricultural landscapes and panoramic views of the island.
What rural activities can be done in Arafo?
Rural activities in Arafo are closely linked to nature and the agricultural environment. It is a suitable municipality for hiking, routes along traditional paths, landscape observation and photography. It is also a good starting point for exploring the Güímar Valley and getting to know rural life in Tenerife up close.
What is the weather like in Arafo and what is the average temperature?
The weather in Arafo is usually mild and pleasant throughout the year. Thanks to its altitude and orientation, the municipality maintains moderate temperatures, with mild winters and warm summers without extremes, allowing outdoor plans at any time of year. In general, temperatures in Arafo range between 18 °C and 26 °C throughout the year, with moderate variations compared to coastal or high-mountain areas in Tenerife.
Where to eat in Arafo?
In Arafo you can find restaurants and bars committed to traditional Canarian cuisine. The local gastronomy is based on local produce, with dishes made from meats, fish and fresh vegetables. It is also common to find simple establishments where you can enjoy a relaxed meal in a rural setting.
Are there accommodation options in Arafo?
Arafo has different rural accommodation options, such as restored traditional houses and small lodgings integrated into the natural environment. They are alternatives designed for those seeking tranquillity and a closer experience of local life, as well as good connections with the rest of the island.
What is the distance from Arafo to Tenerife South and North Airports?
The distance from Arafo to Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofía, TFS) is approximately 45 km by road, and the journey by car usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic, mainly using the TF-1. If travelling to Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos, TFN), the distance is approximately 29–31 km by road, with an estimated driving time of 30 to 40 minutes depending on the route and traffic.
What are the nearest beaches to Arafo?
Although Arafo does not have beaches within its own municipal boundaries, it is located a short distance from several bathing areas in the south-east of Tenerife. Within a few minutes’ drive you can find beaches and coves in nearby municipalities such as Candelaria, Güímar and Arico, with options of volcanic sand and calm bathing areas. Among the closest are Playa de la Viuda and Playa del Socorro (Güímar), as well as the beaches and coves of Abades, which offer easy access to the sea and a natural environment characteristic of this part of the island.