Lookout Points in Tenerife

There is no single viewpoint that is best for everyone. The choice depends on whether you want to see Mount Teide, the ocean, the cliffs, the forests of Anaga, the northern valleys or a sunset. Among the most popular viewpoints is the Humboldt Viewpoint, which overlooks the Orotava Valley, its cultivated land, Puerto de la Cruz, Los Realejos and Mount Teide. In Anaga, the Jardina Viewpoint offers views of La Laguna and the rural landscape, while the Pico del Inglés Viewpoint allows you to see much of the north and centre of the island. In the west, the Archipenque Viewpoint stands out for its panoramic views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, Puerto Santiago and La Gomera. To enjoy volcanic landscapes and pine forests, you can also visit the viewpoints located along the access roads to Teide National Park. The best approach is to choose two or three viewpoints that fit your route. This will allow you to combine different landscapes without spending a large part of the day driving.

The viewpoints in northern Tenerife generally offer greener landscapes, agricultural valleys, forests, historic towns and a rugged coastline. The Humboldt and Mataznos viewpoints offer views of the Orotava Valley and Mount Teide, while El Guincho overlooks the coast of Garachico. In Anaga, the Jardina, Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés viewpoints combine views of mountains, forests and urban areas. In the south and south-west, drier landscapes, high-altitude pine forests, volcanic formations and open views over the ocean are more common. Archipenque offers a highly recognisable view of Los Gigantes, while Montaña Colorada overlooks the southern pine forest and the slopes of Arafo. There are also viewpoints located in transitional areas. The Altos de Baracán Viewpoint, for example, allows visitors to appreciate the climatic and scenic contrast between the northern and southern sides of Tenerife.

The Los Campitos Viewpoint is one of the closest options for seeing Santa Cruz from above. From the surrounding area, there are wide-ranging views of the capital, its port facilities, the coastline and the Anaga mountains. The viewpoint’s information page states that it has parking and adapted access. Another option is the Pico del Inglés Viewpoint, from which you can see Santa Cruz, the Roques de Anaga, the Tahodio ravine and, on clear days, more distant parts of the island. It is located on a mountain road and has parking, although its access is not listed as adapted. To see Las Teresitas beach and the San Andrés coastline from above, use only designated viewing and parking areas. Avoid stopping your vehicle on bends, narrow verges or in areas closed to access, even if they appear to offer a good photograph.

The Archipenque Viewpoint is one of the most recommended places for watching the sunset. Its position allows you to see the light fall across the Los Gigantes cliffs and the ocean, with the silhouette of La Gomera on the horizon when visibility is good. Viewpoints in higher areas also offer excellent photographic opportunities. Along the roads that cross the Corona Forestal and lead towards Mount Teide, you can find panoramic views of the volcano, the pine forests and the sea of clouds. Places such as the La Crucita, Ayosa and Ortuño viewpoints, or the La Tarta area, can be combined as part of the same driving route. For a romantic visit, it is usually more pleasant to choose a viewpoint with parking or an area where you can spend some time, arrive well in advance and avoid the busiest spots. Bring a warm layer even when the day is warm, as temperatures can fall quickly in higher areas after sunset.

One of the most comprehensive viewpoint routes by car follows the TF-24 road towards Mount Teide. Along the way, you can stop at the Montaña Grande, Ortuño, La Crucita and Ayosa viewpoints. These stops combine views of the pine forests, Mount Teide, the Güímar Valley and, when conditions are suitable, the characteristic sea of clouds. In Anaga Rural Park, you can plan a route that includes the Jardina, Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés viewpoints. The route takes you from panoramic views of La Laguna and Mount Teide to laurel forests, ravines and the peaks of the Anaga massif. Another option is to travel through the area around Teno Rural Park and continue towards Santiago del Teide. On this route, you can combine the Altos de Baracán, La Cruz de Hilda and Archipenque viewpoints. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the Teno valleys, the hamlet and ravine of Masca, the Los Gigantes cliffs and the ocean. Do not try to include too many stops in a single day. Mountain roads are winding, and some car parks have only a few spaces. Allow enough time to drive calmly, check the condition of the access roads and enjoy each landscape without rushing.

Yes. Some of the viewpoints included on this page are located beside the start of walking trails or form part of longer routes. The level of difficulty can vary considerably, so it is important to check the distance, elevation gain, duration and condition of the route before setting off. Several trails through Anaga Rural Park begin at the Cruz del Carmen Viewpoint. One of the easiest routes leads to the Llano de Los Viejos recreational area and allows you to enter the laurel forest without completing an excessively long walk. A route towards Punta del Hidalgo also begins in the same area. This trail is more demanding because of its length and the long descent from the Anaga peaks to the coast, so it requires better preparation and suitable planning for the return journey. Another option is the route that climbs from the coast of Los Realejos towards the higher parts of Tenerife and passes the La Corona Viewpoint. This is a long route with considerable elevation change and is recommended only for experienced walkers in good physical condition. Not all viewpoints are connected by signposted trails. Some are located beside roads and are intended as brief stops during a driving route. Before setting out, always check the condition of the trail, the weather forecast and any access restrictions.

Not all viewpoints in Tenerife have tables, recreational areas, toilets or suitable places to eat. Before preparing a picnic, check the location’s information page and confirm which services are available. One alternative is to combine a visit to a viewpoint with a nearby recreational area. From the Cruz del Carmen Viewpoint, for example, there is an easy trail leading to the Llano de Los Viejos recreational area. Cruz del Carmen also has a visitor centre, a restaurant and other nearby services. Take only what you need, remove all your rubbish and avoid lighting fires or using camping stoves outside specifically authorised areas. Additional restrictions may apply in forested areas on days when there is a risk of fire.

When travelling with children or older people, choose viewpoints with nearby parking, stable ground and adapted access. The information pages for the Jardina, Cruz del Carmen, Los Campitos, Archipenque and Montaña Colorada viewpoints state that they have parking and accessible or adapted access. This does not mean that all nearby services or routes are fully accessible. It is advisable to check the specific information page and consider the distance from the car park, the type of surface and the presence of slopes, steps or unprotected areas. Keep children close, respect the railings and do not climb onto walls or rocks to take photographs. At mountain viewpoints, bring water, sun protection and warm clothing. It is also advisable to avoid periods of strong wind, poor visibility or heavy visitor numbers.

Tenerife’s viewpoints can be visited throughout the year, but there is no season that guarantees clear skies across the whole island. The altitude and contrasts between the different sides of the island mean that conditions may vary between the north, the south, Anaga and Mount Teide on the same day. The sea of clouds can obscure the valleys from some high viewpoints, although it also creates one of the most characteristic landscapes seen from mountain viewpoints. The La Crucita Viewpoint, for example, overlooks the Güímar Valley, which may be covered by clouds, while the Chipeque Viewpoint is known for its elevated views over the Orotava Valley. Before setting out, check the weather forecast, road conditions and any live cameras available for different areas of Tenerife. If the wind is strong, there is dense fog or road conditions are difficult, change your plans and choose a viewpoint at a lower altitude or on another side of the island.