I walk along the cliff towards the sea in Tenerife with clear skies.

La Guancha

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The town centre of La Guancha is full of chapels and shrines (Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina, San Lucas, El Calvario…), each more beautiful than the next. In addition to these lovely buildings, another must-see in the area is the rock pool of Charca del Viento, which is made of lava. The recreational area of El Pinalete is also perfect for a family day in the countryside. ​

La Guancha is a municipality in northern Tenerife, between San Juan de la Rambla, Icod de los Vinos and La Orotava. It spans 23.78 km2 (9.18 sq miles) all the way from the slopes of Mount Teide down to the sea. Most business in La Guancha is linked to the service sector, with small shops that add to the tourist options provided in Puerto de la Cruz.

The municipality's name (meaning the Guanche Woman) was inspired by a legend. As the story goes, a group of Spanish soldiers during the conquest came across a beautiful aborigine collecting water from a spring using a clay jug. The captain became besotted with the woman and ordered his soldiers to capture her. The Guanche woman chose to leap into the ravine to avoid being taken by the conquistadors. In her honour, the area where the municipality's historic quarter now stands is known as Fuente de La Guancha (the Guanche Woman's Spring). The story is also portrayed in the municipal coat of arms, where two women are seen holding a clay pot in their arms and a banner reads “Named after water and woman” in gold letters. The shield also shows Mount Teide and the forests that cover the hills of La Guancha.

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One of the best ways to explore the natural surroundings of La Guancha is by bicycle. Exercise and nature lead cyclists on a tour around some of the most important sights in this municipality.

There are four routes from Casa de la Pradera

One climbs up to the camp site of Barranco de la Arena, then journeys back down along the Fuente Pedro track. Other routes go as far as the El Lagar recreational area towards the Arenas Negras Park, or up towards Las Montañetas to the Fuente Santa track, then back to the start. There is also a round trail to Casa de la Pradera-Icod el Alto-Casa de la Pradera, leading cyclists to the popular sights of Fuente del Barco and Los Campeches. The last track that sets off from Casa de la Pradera goes to La Tahona Park, then on towards Los Toboganes and El Pino Llorón. This route also follows a stretch of the El Tubo track towards Barranco de la Arena.

You will find another route in the area of Barranco de la Arena that takes you to La Caldera de La Orotava along the El Tubo track towards Chanajiga. There and back, the route covers roughly 20 km (12.4 miles). Another option is to start at El Lagar and cycle towards Llano del Hospital until you reach Chío along the TF-38 road. After 15 km (9.3 miles), take the track that leads to the Chinyero volcano and turn right at the first two crossroads. If you then turn left at the third crossroads you will be able to find your way back to El Lagar.

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We answer to your frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about La Guancha

Where is La Guancha?

La Guancha is located in the north of Tenerife, between Icod de los Vinos and San Juan de la Rambla. The municipality stretches from the coast up to the midlands, with agricultural landscapes, volcanic areas and open views of the ocean.

How to get to La Guancha?

Access to La Guancha is straightforward thanks to its proximity to the main road in the north of Tenerife and its good connections with neighbouring municipalities:

  • By car: via the TF-5, taking the exit towards Icod de los Vinos and continuing along the island road to the municipality. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife the distance is around 50 km (approx. 45–55 minutes).
  • By public transport: several bus lines operated by TITSA connect La Guancha with the north of the island and the metropolitan area.

How far is La Guancha from Tenerife's airports?

  • Tenerife North Airport: approximately 45 km away, with a typical journey of 40–50 minutes by car, depending on traffic, mainly via the TF-5.
  • Tenerife South Airport: around 85 km away, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour 20–30 minutes, combining the TF-5 and the TF-1 towards the south of the island.

What is the weather like in La Guancha and what is the usual temperature?

The climate in La Guancha is temperate throughout the year and, being on the northern slope, it usually has more humidity and cloud cover than the south of Tenerife, especially in the mid-altitude areas. Mild winters and moderate summers predominate, with a pleasant climate for walks and outdoor activities. The average temperature in La Guarancha is around 18-20 °C.

What to see and do in La Guancha?

Activities in La Guancha combine rural tradition, natural landscapes and the northern coastline in a peaceful and relatively uncrowded setting:

  • Walks around the traditional town centre: quiet streets and a local atmosphere typical of towns in the north of Tenerife.
  • Aboriginal history at the Cueva del Guanche: a site linked to the municipality's pre-Hispanic past.
  • Viewpoints and agricultural midlands: routes through rural areas with views of crops, landscapes and the coastline.
  • Rural paths and nature: easy trails for relaxed walks and enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • Exploring the north of the island: a good starting point for visiting the northern coast and nearby towns such as Icod de los Vinos or San Juan de la Rambla.

Are there beaches or natural pools in La Guancha?

The coastline features several well-known volcanic bathing areas:

  • Charco del Viento, one of the best-known natural swimming areas in the municipality.
  • Charco Verde, set within a volcanic landscape with access to the sea when conditions are calm.
  • Other small natural pools scattered along the coast and mainly frequented by residents.

These spots are commonly visited by locals and are suitable for swimming when the sea is calm.

Can you go hiking in La Guancha?

Yes, hiking in La Guancha stands out for its rural and forest landscapes, with routes combining coastline, midlands and pine forest:

  • PR TF 43 San José de Los Llanos – La Guancha, a medium-to-high difficulty route that crosses pine forests and historic royal paths.
  • La Guancha midland trails, easy routes between orchards, terraces and natural viewpoints.
  • Santo Domingo Coastal Path, an easy route along the coastline, ideal for discovering the volcanic coastal landscape.

Where to eat in La Guancha?

In La Guancha you will mainly find bars and restaurants serving traditional Canarian cuisine, located in the town centre and surrounding areas. These establishments offer classic dishes prepared with local produce, in a relaxed atmosphere mostly frequented by residents. They are simple venues, ideal for discovering the everyday gastronomy of the north of Tenerife after a walk through the municipality or a route along the nearby coast. Small cafés and bars are also common places to take a quiet break during your visit.

What festivals are celebrated in La Guancha?

Festivities in La Guancha include patron saint celebrations and popular events throughout the year. Among the most representative are:

  • Patron saint festivals, with religious ceremonies and cultural activities.
  • Local events and open-air dances, organised in different neighbourhoods of the municipality.
  • Traditional and community activities, with strong participation from local residents.

These celebrations reflect the community spirit and local traditions of the municipality.

Where to stay in La Guancha, Tenerife?

Accommodation in La Guancha mainly consists of holiday homes and rural houses, suitable for travellers seeking tranquillity and close contact with nature.