Vilafor de Chasna

Vilaflor de Chasna is a small municipality located in the south of Tenerife, in the island’s high mid-altitude areas and very close to Teide National Park. The historic centre is located at around 1,400 metres above sea level, which means it is considered one of the highest villages in Spain. What makes Vilaflor special is its natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. The village is surrounded by pine forests, trails and volcanic landscapes, with cobbled streets, traditional houses and open views towards southern Tenerife. It is one of the best areas of the island for those looking for:

• Nature and hiking
• Rural tourism
• Clear skies and clean air
• Volcanic landscapes and Canarian pine forests
• An authentic atmosphere

In addition, its proximity to Teide makes Vilaflor a regular stop for those exploring the mountain routes of inland Tenerife.

Vilaflor de Chasna is one of the quietest and most rural villages in Tenerife, surrounded by pine forests and high-mountain landscapes. In the historic centre

• Walk through the cobbled streets and past the traditional Canarian houses.
• Visit the church of San Pedro Apóstol, one of the most important historic buildings in the municipality.
• Discover small viewpoints with views towards the mid-altitude areas and the south coast of Tenerife.
• Enjoy the calm atmosphere of the village squares and bars.

Nature and landscapes

• The Lunar Landscape of Vilaflor is one of the best-known places in the area, famous for its eroded rock formations and trails through pine forests.
• The nearby pine forests form part of some of the most extensive Canarian pine woods on the island.
• There are several ravines and rural paths that cross the municipality and connect with the surroundings of Teide.

Hiking and outdoor activities

• Vilaflor is one of the main starting points for routes towards Teide.
• Many people visit the municipality to go trail running and take part in mountain races such as the Vilaflor Trail.
• During winter, the almond trees in blossom add even more appeal to the rural landscape.

You can get to Vilaflor de Chasna in several ways, although the car remains the most convenient option for exploring the area and reaching trails and viewpoints.

• By car: from the south of Tenerife, the most common route is to go up the TF-51 road from Granadilla de Abona or San Miguel de Abona. From the north, it can also be reached by crossing Teide National Park. The journey from Costa Adeje usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes. From Tenerife South Airport, located about 25 kilometres (16 miles) from Vilaflor, the journey usually takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, making it one of the most accessible mountain villages from the island’s main tourist airport.
• By guagua, or bus: TITSA connects Vilaflor with other areas of the island through regular routes such as route 342, Costa Adeje – Teide – Puerto de la Cruz, and 474, Costa Adeje – Vilaflor. Frequencies are more limited than in coastal areas, especially at weekends.
• On foot: many hikers arrive on foot via routes that cross Teide National Park, the pine forests of the south or old rural paths connected with Arona and the nearby mid-altitude areas.

The roads around Vilaflor have quite a few bends and changes in elevation, but they also offer some of the most spectacular landscapes in inland Tenerife.

The climate in Vilaflor de Chasna is cooler and drier than in the coastal areas of Tenerife because of its altitude. As it is located at around 1,400 metres above sea level, temperatures are usually mild during the day and considerably cooler at night, especially in winter. Summers are normally pleasant and less hot than in the south of the island, while in winter temperatures can drop noticeably at dawn and at sunset. The average annual temperature usually ranges between approximately 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F). You can visit Vilaflor at any time of year, although spring and autumn are usually especially recommended for hiking. Between January and February, the almond trees in blossom also bring a great deal of colour to the municipality’s rural landscape.

The village of Vilaflor de Chasna is one of the best areas of Tenerife for enjoying rural tourism and nature. Most accommodation keeps a peaceful atmosphere and is integrated into the mountain landscape. In the centre and its surroundings, the most common options are:

• Rural hotels located in restored old Canarian houses.
• Rural houses surrounded by pine forests and trails.
• Small holiday apartments designed for hikers and travellers looking for tranquillity.
• Accommodation with spa and wellness facilities, very popular with those who want to switch off in the heart of nature.
• Hostels and simple accommodation used by excursionists and people following routes towards Teide.

Many places to stay offer mountain views, inner courtyards, terraces and a relaxed atmosphere.

Vilaflor de Chasna is one of the best places in southern Tenerife to enjoy traditional Canarian cuisine in a peaceful mountain setting. The village has small family-run restaurants, local bars and some guachinches where homemade recipes and mid-altitude produce predominate. Many restaurants in Vilaflor are located in old Canarian houses or beside roads with views of the pine forests and volcanic landscape. After a hiking route or an excursion towards Teide, it is common to stop for a meal in one of these establishments. Among the most typical dishes in the area are:

• Papas arrugadas with mojo
• Goat meat
• Rabbit in salmorejo
• Traditional stews
• Canarian cheeses
• Tenerife wines produced in nearby wineries

There are also small bars and guachinches serving simple, generous food in a local and authentic atmosphere. Some establishments only open on certain days or during specific seasons, especially outside weekends.

Yes. Vilaflor de Chasna forms part of an area with a winemaking tradition linked to the mid-altitude areas of southern Tenerife. Around the municipality, you can find small family-run wineries and vineyards cultivated at altitude. The altitude and cooler climate favour wines with characteristics very different from those of the island’s coastal areas. Some wineries offer tastings and the chance to learn about the traditional production process. Many restaurants and guachinches in the municipality also serve local wines produced in the area.

Vilaflor is one of the main starting points for hiking in southern Tenerife thanks to its proximity to Teide and its extensive pine forests. Some well-known routes are:

• Lunar Landscape of Vilaflor: one of the most famous trails in the municipality, with eroded volcanic formations and spectacular views.
• Trails towards Teide: several routes connect Vilaflor with Teide National Park, crossing pine forests and volcanic areas.
• Rural paths and ravines: there are traditional routes between small farms, ravines and old caminos reales.
• Trail running routes: the Vilaflor Trail and other mountain races make use of the area’s changes in elevation and landscapes.

Most routes require suitable footwear, sun protection and some warm clothing, especially during winter.

The almond blossom usually appears between January and February and is one of the most beautiful times to visit Vilaflor de Chasna. The surroundings of the village, the rural paths and some mid-altitude areas fill with white and pink flowers that contrast with the pine forests and volcanic landscape. Many hiking routes cross areas where the almond trees in blossom create one of the most photogenic landscapes in southern Tenerife.

Popular festivals remain very important in Vilaflor de Chasna and reflect the rural and traditional character of the municipality. Among the best-known celebrations are:

• The festivities of San Pedro Apóstol, the patron saint of the municipality, with processions, popular activities and open-air dances.
• Traditional romerías with Canarian music, traditional dress and decorated carts.
• Open-air dances and summer festivities in the village squares.
• Sporting events related to trail running and mountain races.
• Cultural and gastronomic activities linked to rural traditions and local products.

Many of these celebrations maintain a peaceful and very local atmosphere.