Pinolere and its surroundings

Pinolere is a small rural hamlet located in the mid-altitude area of the municipality of La Orotava, in northern Tenerife, at an elevation of approximately 800–900 metres above sea level. The village is surrounded by ravines, pine forests and agricultural land, within the lush and humid environment that characterises this part of the island. What makes Pinolere special is the preservation of Canarian rural architecture and traditions. Ancient haylofts or “pajares” still survive today – traditional dwellings built from stone and wood with rye straw roofs, offering a glimpse into what rural life in Tenerife was like decades ago. It is one of the most interesting areas of the island for those looking for:

• Canarian traditions and handicrafts
• Hiking and nature
• Traditional rural architecture
• Forests and ravines in northern Tenerife
• A peaceful and authentic atmosphere

Pinolere is also well known throughout the island for its Craft Fair and the Pinolere Ethnographic Museum and Park.

Pinolere is one of the best places in Tenerife to discover what rural life was once like in the mid-altitude areas of northern Tenerife. Heritage and traditions

• The Pinolere Ethnographic Museum and Park is the village’s main cultural attraction, preserving restored traditional haylofts, historical tools and exhibitions on traditional trades.
• The streets and rural paths still retain elements of traditional Canarian architecture.
• The Pinolere Craft Fair is one of the best-known traditional craft events in the Canary Islands and is usually held at the beginning of September.

Nature and landscapes

• Pinolere is surrounded by ravines such as La Hondura, Quirirá and La Arena.
• The surrounding area features humid woodland, rural paths and exceptionally green landscapes.
• On clear days, natural viewpoints offer views over the La Orotava Valley and Mount Teide.

Hiking and outdoor activities

• Several hiking routes pass through ravines, forests and traditional pathways.
• Many trails connect Pinolere with Aguamansa, La Orotava and nearby mountain areas of Tenerife.
• It is also a popular destination for mountain races and trail running, particularly due to the annual Pinolere Trail event.

Pinolere can be reached easily from different parts of northern Tenerife, although travelling by car remains the most convenient way to explore the area.

• By car: From the centre of La Orotava, access is via mid-altitude roads surrounded by woodland and farmland. The journey from Puerto de la Cruz usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
• By bus, or guagua: TITSA connects Pinolere with La Orotava and other nearby areas through routes such as the 345 (La Orotava – Aguamansa – Pinolere), as well as other services to the mid-altitude regions of northern Tenerife. Services are generally less frequent than in urban areas, especially at weekends and on public holidays.
• On foot: Some hikers reach Pinolere from Aguamansa, La Orotava or mountain trails near Teide National Park.

The roads are narrow and winding in some sections, but they pass through some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in northern Tenerife.

The climate in Pinolere is cooler and more humid than in the coastal areas of southern Tenerife. Located in the mid-altitude zone of northern Tenerife, it is characterised by green landscapes, frequent cloud cover and conditions that are ideal for walking and hiking. Summers are generally mild, while winters are cool, particularly in the morning and at sunset. Average annual temperatures usually range between approximately 12 °C and 20 °C (54 °F and 68 °F). Pinolere can be visited throughout the year, although spring and autumn are particularly recommended for enjoying the forests and hiking routes.

Pinolere has a selection of small restaurants, bars and traditional guachinches where homemade Canarian cuisine and local produce from northern Tenerife take centre stage. Typical dishes in the area include:

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

Many establishments maintain a very local and peaceful atmosphere, particularly in the mid-altitude areas around La Orotava.

Pinolere is highly recommended for travellers seeking peace, nature and rural tourism in northern Tenerife. The surrounding forests and mid-altitude landscapes create a setting where accommodation is generally quiet and closely integrated with the natural environment. The area mainly offers:

• Rural cottages surrounded by vegetation and hiking trails.
• Restored traditional Canarian houses.
• Small family-run accommodation with a local atmosphere.
• Rural apartments in the mid-altitude areas of La Orotava.

Many visitors choose to stay here for hiking, visiting the Pinolere Ethnographic Museum and Park, or exploring northern Tenerife away from the island’s busiest coastal resorts.

Traditional customs remain an important part of life in Pinolere and are closely linked to local crafts and the village’s rural heritage. Among the best-known celebrations are:

• The Pinolere Craft Fair: One of the most important craft events in the Canary Islands, featuring traditional handicraft stalls, local gastronomy and demonstrations of historic trades.
• The Pinolere Cheese Fair: A gastronomic event dedicated to artisan cheeses and local Tenerife products.
• Traditional romerías and popular celebrations: Festivities featuring Canarian music, traditional dress and a rural atmosphere.
• The Pinolere Trail: A mountain race that follows trails and ravines through the mid-altitude areas of northern Tenerife.
• Ethnographic and cultural activities: Workshops, exhibitions and events focused on preserving Canarian traditions.

Many of these celebrations retain a highly authentic and traditional atmosphere, very different from that found in Tenerife’s more tourist-oriented areas.