Hamilton Gardens
If you would like to visit one of the Island's most unique gardens, don't miss the Hamilton Gardens in the municipality of Tacoronte. This huge…
Tacoronte
Some choose to lose themselves amidst the lush greenery of the forest of Agua García. Others prefer to explore the magnificent Hamilton Gardens. But there are, of course, other options such as a tour of the historic quarter, with various attractions such as the Parish Church of Santa Catalina, La Alhóndiga and El Calvario. And for those who enjoy spending long days by the sea, there are two fabulous bathing areas: Mesa del Mar and El Pris.
Tacoronte lies in the north of Tenerife, next to the municipalities of El Sauzal, El Rosario and La Laguna. The highest point is 1,200 m (3,940 ft) above sea level and there are impressive cliffs on the coast. The municipality covers 30.09 km2 (11.62 sq miles) and is divided by several ravines. Two of Tacoronte's most popular bathing areas are Mesa del Mar, with a large black sandy beach, and the fishing quarter of El Pris, with a considerable tradition involving water sports such as scuba diving and water skiing. The hillsides are mostly used for farming, especially vineyards as the area produces some internationally acclaimed wines.
The Guanche people who once inhabited the municipality that is Tacoronte settled in the lands that are now the districts of Juan Fernández, Guayonje, El Pris and Mesa del Mar. They chose the area because of its good weather and the protection of the rugged coastline, whose cliffs are considered an Asset of Cultural Interest as an archaeological site. After the conquest, Sebastián Machado took over the territory of Tacoronte and together with other local residents he founded the Chapel of Santa Catalina.
Routes around the municipality
One of the most popular routes for exploring the old quarter of Tacoronte starts at the El Cristo sanctuary and the former Monastery of San Agustín. The walk then journeys along Calle José Izquierdo, past the Hamilton Gardens park, which houses a wonderful array of Canarian flora. The park fronts onto Calle Calvario, where walkers can visit the building of El Calvario and La Alhóndiga, which was once used as a communal granary. There are two options from here: The first is to head back to the El Cristo sanctuary, while the other carries on along Calle El Calvario towards El Sauzal, to the Parish Church of Santa Catalina, which is considered one of the most important churches in the Canary Islands.
Another option is an interesting route that takes about six hours on foot starting from the Tacoronte Tourist Information Centre, located opposite the station. The walk has been conceived to explore the municipality's major historic landmarks, leading visitors along Calle Ismael Domínguez to La Casona and the Church of Santa Catalina. From there, it continues to El Calvario, containing a series of religious sculptures, where walkers can stop for a rest under the shade of its trees. After passing along the streets of La Herrería and Los Perales you come to the Chapel of San Jerónimo, followed by the Chapel of San Juan a little further along. The trail then heads towards the Farmers Market and the Chapel of La Caridad.
Approved trails in the municipality
There are stretches of several approved trails in Tacoronte, such as the GR 131 Anaga-Chasna, the PR-TF 25 from Las Raíces to Acentejo, and the PR-TF 25.6, which is a circular trail known as Lomo La Jara.
We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Tacoronte
Where is Tacoronte?
Tacoronte is a municipality located in the north of the island of Tenerife, in the area known as Tacoronte-Acentejo, between the municipalities of El Sauzal, El Rosario and La Laguna. Its territory extends from agricultural mid-altitude areas, where vineyards and traditional crops predominate, to an Atlantic coastline of impressive cliffs. The municipality covers 30.09 km² and its highest point is located at 1,200 metres above sea level. This diversity of landscapes, between the green inland areas and the blue ocean, makes Tacoronte one of the most complete and authentic municipalities in northern Tenerife.
How to get to Tacoronte?
Tacoronte is well connected from any point on the island. By car: the main access route is via the TF-5 motorway (North Motorway), taking the exit towards Tacoronte:
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife: the journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes.
- From Puerto de la Cruz: about 15–20 minutes.
- From Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos): only 10–15 minutes by car.
- From Tenerife South Airport: the journey usually takes 50 to 60 minutes.
By public transport, several TITSA guagua (bus) lines connect Tacoronte with Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna and neighbouring municipalities in the north. In addition, the municipality has a bus stop at the Tacoronte Farmers’ Market, making it easy to visit without a private vehicle.
What to see in Tacoronte?
Tacoronte is a municipality with a historic centre of great heritage value and highly interesting natural spaces. Among the most outstanding places to see in Tacoronte are:
- Sanctuary of the Santísimo Cristo de los Dolores and former convent of the Discalced Augustinian Fathers, one of the most revered religious monuments in all of Tenerife.
- Parish Church of Santa Catalina, founded as a hermitage at the beginning of the 16th century and considered one of the most important churches in the Canary Islands.
- La Alhóndiga and El Calvario, a 17th-century building that functioned as a public granary and now hosts cultural events, alongside the religious sculptural group of El Calvario.
- Hamilton Gardens, a unique garden on the island with an outstanding representation of Canarian flora.
- Agua García Forest, declared a Protected Landscape in 1994 and one of the most important remnants of laurel forest in the Canary Islands.
- Mesa del Mar and El Pris, the two most popular bathing areas in the municipality, with natural pools and a very authentic fishing atmosphere.
Tacoronte Farmers’ Market, one of the island’s oldest and most popular local markets, open Saturdays from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the district of San Juan.
What to do in Tacoronte?
Tacoronte offers a wide variety of activities combining nature, culture and gastronomy.
- Walk through the historic centre following the pedestrian route starting from the Tourist Information Office in Plaza de la Estación, which leads past the municipality’s main monuments.
- Visit Agua García Forest, ideal for hiking through laurel forest and discovering one of the Canary Islands’ most distinctive ecosystems.
- Enjoy the natural pools of Mesa del Mar and the fishing district of El Pris, where diving and water skiing are also possible.
- Explore the vineyards of the Tacoronte-Acentejo region and visit some of its wineries, known for producing internationally prestigious wines.
- Go hiking along approved trails such as GR 131 Anaga-Chasna, PR-TF 25 and PR-TF 25.6.
- Visit the Tacoronte Farmers’ Market, one of the most popular and traditional markets on the island.
Where to eat traditional dishes in Tacoronte?
Tacoronte is one of the municipalities in Tenerife with the strongest gastronomic tradition, especially regarding guachinches, typical Canarian establishments where homemade food is served accompanied by locally produced wine. Among the most common dishes in local gastronomy are:
- Papas arrugadas with red or green mojo
- Traditional soups and escaldón de gofio
- Grilled meats and rabbit in salmorejo
- Fresh fish and grilled limpets
- Cheeses and almogrote
The mid-altitude area of Tacoronte has several traditional guachinches, many of them seasonal, which are the best places to discover the most authentic Canarian cuisine.
What is the weather and temperature like in Tacoronte?
Tacoronte enjoys a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, although with characteristics typical of northern Tenerife. Average annual temperatures range between 17 °C and 24 °C, with warm summers that are cooler than in the south of the island, and very mild winters. Because it faces north and is located in mid-altitude areas, Tacoronte may experience more cloud cover and humidity than southern municipalities, which favours the lush vegetation of its forests and vineyards. Along the coastal strip, the climate is sunnier and temperatures are slightly milder.
What are the best beaches and bathing areas near Tacoronte?
Although Tacoronte’s coastline is mainly made up of cliffs, the municipality and its surroundings offer several interesting options for enjoying the sea. The nearest and most recommended bathing areas are:
- Mesa del Mar, the municipality’s most popular bathing area, with a black sand beach, natural pools and nearby services. It is ideal for families and for enjoying a peaceful day by the sea.
- El Pris, a small fishing district with natural pools carved into volcanic rock and a very authentic atmosphere. It is also a good starting point for diving.
- El Socorro Beach (Los Realejos), located 20 minutes from Tacoronte, very popular among surfers and bodyboarders thanks to its Atlantic waves.
Which routes are recommended to explore Tacoronte and northern Tenerife?
Tacoronte is an excellent starting point for discovering the north of the island. Urban and historical routes:
- Tacoronte historic centre route: an easy route suitable for all visitors, lasting approximately two hours.
Hiking routes:
- PR-TF 25 (Las Raíces - Acentejo): an approved trail crossing mid-altitude landscapes between Tacoronte and La Victoria de Acentejo, with views of the sea and Teide.
- PR-TF 25.6 (Lomo La Jara): a circular route accessible from the municipality, ideal for discovering the rural landscape of northern Tenerife.
- GR 131 Anaga-Chasna: passes through Tacoronte as part of its route and connects the Anaga massif with the south of the island, crossing natural areas of great value.
What festivals are celebrated in Tacoronte?
Tacoronte has a festive calendar rich in religious and popular traditions. The municipality’s most important festival is that of the Holy Christ of Sorrows, celebrated around September, in honour of the highly revered image kept in the Sanctuary of Christ. During these festivities, religious ceremonies, processions, open-air dances, concerts and cultural activities are organised, attracting thousands of people from across the island. Other local festivals, pilgrimages and religious events complete the annual calendar, keeping the traditions of this northern Tenerife municipality alive.