PUNTA DE TENO, TENERIFE: HOW TO VISIT + MY BEST TRAVEL TIPS

If you’re visiting Tenerife and you love nature and gorgeous scenic views, you must include Punta de Teno in your itinerary.

Punta de Teno is one of the most unique places to visit in Tenerife. It’s located at the northwestern tip of the island, and it’s known for dramatic cliffs, the Lighthouse, and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Los Gigantes cliffs. However, visiting Punta de Teno isn’t as straightforward as driving to any other spot in Tenerife. Access restrictions can affect how you get there, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Punta de Teno, including how to get there, what to see, and whether it’s worth adding to your Tenerife itinerary.

WHERE IS PUNTA DE TENO?

Punta de Teno is on the island of Tenerife, at the westernmost point of the island, close to the village of Buenavista del Norte. It’s part of Teno Rural Park and it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone who loves incredible scenic views. We ended up here totally unexpectedly and without any huge expectations, but we left completely charmed. It turned out to be one of our favourite places we visited on the island.

IS PUNTA DE TENO WORTH VISITING?

Even before visiting Punta de Teno, I could have told you it was worth it just from the photos. After seeing it in person, I cannot recommend it enough. Punta de Teno is absolutely worth visiting! There isn’t much to do if you’re not hiking, but it offers stunning views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, which is reason enough to visit.

On top of that, there’s a charming lighthouse, pristine nature, and incredible sunsets. It’s peaceful and perhaps one of the least crowded attractions on the island. I’d definitely recommend setting aside a few hours of your itinerary for this place.

HOW TO REACH PUNTA DE TENO?

BY CAR: CAN YOU DRIVE TO PUNTA DE TENO?

No, you can’t drive to Punta de Teno in a private car. Access to the TF-445 road is restricted, and current rules prohibit private vehicles, walking, and cycling. You will have to choose between one of the two options available: bus or taxi!

BY BUS

The best and easiest way to reach Punta de Teno is by bus. There’s a bus (line 369) that runs from Buenavista del Norte to Punta de Teno, although the service and access arrangements can change due to road restrictions and ongoing works. You can catch the bus from the main bus station in Buenavista or from two other stops in the town along the way.

The bus ticket costs €1 each way, and you could pay by card on board, but make sure to check the current fare and timetable before your visit. The ride takes around 25-30 minutes, but it’s an exciting journey with incredible views, so the time will fly by. It’s a cheap and easy way to reach Punta de Teno!

BY TAXI

Another option is to take a taxi from Buenavista del Norte to Punta de Teno. Taxis are allowed to access the area, so you can avoid waiting for the bus and enjoy more flexibility with your visit. However, I’d recommend arranging your return journey in advance, especially if you plan to stay for sunset. Keep in mind that roadworks or temporary closures may cause delays, so check the latest access information before going!

PUNTA DE TENO THINGS TO DO

While Punta de Teno is not an attraction with a million things to do, the ones that are there are absolutely worth exploring. These are the best things to do at Punta de Teno!

MARVEL AT LOS GIGANTES

Punta de Teno is known for its rugged coastline, which means you’ll find plenty of incredible viewpoints with some of the best views of Tenerife’s most famous cliffs, Los Gigantes. The cliffs look even more impressive at sunset, but honestly, the views are incredible at any time of day and will leave you speechless. I think you really need to see these cliffs from as many points of view you can because the views are just insane!

RELAX AT TENO BEACH

While there aren’t many opportunities for a swim at Punta de Teno, there’s a small beach called Playa de Teno fairly close to the famous lighthouse. The water is crystal-clear, the beach has black sand, and you get incredible views of Los Gigantes in the background. I’m not sure you could find a more beautiful setting than this!

If you decide to go for a swim, make sure you bring everything you need. There are no facilities at Punta de Teno, not even toilets.

TAKE IN THE PUNTA DE TENO LIGHTHOUSE

The most famous attraction of Punta de Teno is the lighthouse. There are actually two of them, one older, built in 1897, and a newer lighthouse added in 1978. The original lighthouse features classic Canarian stonework, while the newer one is a tall, cylindrical tower with red and white stripes. The lighthouse is still operational, guiding ships navigating the western coast of Tenerife.

You can’t walk right up to the lighthouse because it’s closed off. However, you can see it from many different points of view, and my favorite was from the top of a cliff right next to the lighthouse. From the same spot you also get incredible views of Los Gigantes, and the cliffs are absolutely mesmerizing.

EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS

While you are there mainly to see the lighthouse and the stunning cliffs, Punta de Teno is situated in the Teno Rural Park, which means all of your surroundings are spectacular. There’s a wooden walkway which will take you closer to the ocean, and in between some magnificent rocks.

On the other hand, if you want to skip the man-made walkway, there are several different paths to take where you can enjoy gorgeous scenic views of nature, the ocean, and various unique-looking plants. Taking a walk through this rural park is something you definitely won’t forget.

EXPLORE BUENAVISTA DEL NORTE

While your main priority is Punta de Teno, make sure you at least stop for an hour at Buenavista del Norte. This lovely village has got its own charm and it’s absolutely worthy of a visit. Walk through the village, visit its main square and the church, and try and blend in with the locals.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED AT PUNTA DE TENO?

I’d recommend setting aside around 1-2 hours to explore Punta de Teno. That’s enough time to admire the incredible views of Los Gigantes, visit the lighthouse, take some photos, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you also want to spend some time at Playa de Teno, you might want to stay a little longer.

However, don’t forget to factor in the time needed to get there and back, especially if you’re taking the bus from Buenavista del Norte. Check the latest bus timetable before your visit so you can plan your day accordingly. We spent around 3 hours there including travel from the town!

MY TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING PUNTA DE TENO

Before visiting Punta de Teno, make sure you check the latest access restrictions and transport options. You can’t simply drive there in a private car, so you’ll need to plan your journey in advance, especially if you’re taking the bus from Buenavista del Norte. Check the timetable for your return journey, too, so you don’t end up waiting around. When we visited, the buses departed every 30 minutes, but make sure to check the current schedule before your trip!

I’d also recommend bringing water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, especially if you’re planning to stay for more than an hour or two. There are literally no facilities there. If you want to go for a swim, bring your own beach essentials and check the sea conditions before getting into the water.

Finally, check the weather forecast before you go. You really need clear weather to enjoy the views of Los Gigantes properly. Otherwise, the cliffs might be hidden by clouds, and you’ll miss out on one of the best parts of visiting Punta de Teno!

PUNTA DE TENO FAQ

IS PUNTA DE TENO WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely! Punta de Teno is one of my favourite places we visited in Tenerife. It has incredible views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, a charming lighthouse, and a peaceful atmosphere. There’s not a huge amount to do, but the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.

HOW DO YOU GET TO PUNTA DE TENO?

The easiest way to reach Punta de Teno is usually by bus from Buenavista del Norte. You can also take a taxi. Access restrictions and transport arrangements can change, so check the latest information before your visit.

CAN YOU DRIVE TO PUNTA DE TENO?

No, access for private cars is restricted. You’ll need to check the current rules and arrange alternative transport, such as the bus or a taxi.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED AT PUNTA DE TENO?

I’d recommend spending around 1-2 hours to enjoy the views, visit the lighthouse, and explore the surroundings. Keep in mind you’ll need extra time for transport, especially if you’re travelling by bus.

CAN YOU SWIM AT PUNTA DE TENO?

There’s a small beach called Playa de Teno near the lighthouse where you may be able to swim when conditions allow. However, the sea can be rough, and there are no facilities nearby. Always check local safety warnings and sea conditions before entering the water.

CAN YOU VISIT PUNTA DE TENO AT SUNSET?

Yes, Punta de Teno can be a beautiful place to watch the sunset, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Los Gigantes cliffs. However, plan your return journey in advance, since the buses may be limited later in the day.

CONCLUSION: IS PUNTA DE TENO WORTH VISITING?

Punta de Teno was one of our favourite places we visited in Tenerife, and I honestly think it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. The incredible views of Los Gigantes, the charming lighthouse, and the peaceful surroundings make it a really special place. We didn’t expect much when we first visited, but we ended up completely charmed by it!

You don’t need to spend an entire day here, but I’d definitely set aside a couple of hours to enjoy the scenery. Just make sure you check the latest access restrictions and transport options before your visit!