Buenavista del Norte – Trails, Coast and Traditions

Buenavista del Norte combines a historic town center with coastal landscapes, trails and local traditions. When choosing a hotel, you can consider whether you would like to focus your stay on historic sites, hiking trails or the customs of the municipality. The sights and events offer different ways to explore them.

Town Center, Crafts and Traditions

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios stands in the historic center on Calle La Alhóndiga, opposite Plaza de Los Remedios. The restored church is open to the public; confirm access before your visit if necessary. The Feria de Artesanía is also held in the plaza. Its exact dates may vary.

Several festivals showcase the municipality’s agricultural and musical traditions. Every summer, the Día de la Siembra de la Papa brings residents and visitors together in Las Portelas for a planting day followed by a traditional lunch. The Día de la Trilla takes place on the last Sunday in September in El Palmar, demonstrating how animals are used to separate wheat from chaff. The program may vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the dates in advance.

The Baile de Las Libreas in El Palmar also brings music and customs together. Flutes and drums accompany the Tajaraste; the festivities conclude with a fire ritual in which the devil figures’ tar torches are lit. In Teno Alto, the Baile de Piñata is celebrated during Carnival. The festival in honor of San Antonio Abad takes place every year on the fourth Sunday in January. Its program includes a livestock fair, a traditional Romería and a dance by the Romeros and Romeras; individual events may change.

Traditional basket weaving is part of the local crafts. Willow, reeds, straw, palm leaves and rushes are used to make Balayos and Harneros for agricultural work. Livestock farming and artisan cheese-making are also important economic activities in Teno Alto. Buenavista del Norte’s cuisine includes goat meat and goat cheese. The Mercadillo del Agricultor offers produce from the municipality and takes place every Saturday. If you are planning a visit, check the current market day and what is on offer.

Coastal Scenery and Trails

Buenavista del Norte has an extensive network of trails, mainly through the Parque Rural de Teno. Almost the entire coastline can be explored on foot. One example is the De Buenavista a la playa de Las Arenas trail: it is 2.7 kilometers long and takes about two hours round trip. Another signposted trail is approximately five kilometers long and can be completed without special physical preparation, including with children.

Playa de Las Arenas has an extensive rocky platform formed from lava from the El Palmar volcano. Shells from various mollusk species, corals from a depth of 50 meters and lizard skeletons have also been found there. Natural pools formed among the lava are also found along the coast; local conditions depend on the weather and sea state. Salinas de la Tablada were used as natural salt pans in summer: as the water evaporated, the salt crystallized.

El Rayo is a geological coastal formation at Punta de La Laja, near Faro de Buenavista. The formation can be reached from there on foot along the coast. Layers of lava flows, separated by scoria, can be seen at El Rayo. Monte del Agua is one of the best-preserved laurel forest areas in the world.

Punta de Teno and Practical Information

Trails run along both sides of the Punta de Teno headland, and there are also coves for swimming. Swimming conditions vary with the sea state. Kayak trips and boat excursions are available at Punta de Teno with advance reservations. Operators and availability may change; check current offers if you are planning a trip. Bus route 369 connects the Buenavista del Norte bus station with Punta de Teno. As transport services and operating hours can change, check the latest information before travelling.

The municipal tourist information office is located in Casa Matula. There you can get tourist information and advice; guided routes in the municipality are also offered. If you would like to take advantage of these services, confirm the latest details in advance.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Masca, El Palmar, San Juan del Reparo, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, San Marcos, El Fraile, Buen Paso, Los Abrigos.

For the main travel overview: Tenerife.