Los Realejos: Cultural History, Coast and Nature

Los Realejos combines historic churches and year-round festivities with coastal activities and trails through natural areas. If you’re looking for a hotel in Los Realejos, these different highlights can help you plan: cultural history, the beach and hiking trails each offer their own starting points for your trip.

Churches, history and festivities

The Church of Santiago Apóstol was Tenerife’s first Christian church. In 1983, it was designated a national heritage site in the “Monument” category. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción also reflects several phases of construction: it reopened in 1993, retaining its original structure. In the late 17th century, it was expanded into a three-aisled church. The final construction phase, featuring remarkable woodwork on the coffered ceiling, was completed between the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

The Gordejuela water elevator is part of the area’s industrial heritage. It was built by the Hamilton Company in 1903, and the island’s first steam engine was installed there. Together with the churches, it offers another way to explore the area’s history—this time through its technological development.

Since 2009, the Festival of the Holy Cross and fireworks have been celebrated in Los Realejos every May. The event is recognized as a festival of regional tourist interest in the Canary Islands. The program includes shuttle buses for visitors, exhibitions, parades, photography competitions, nighttime street parties and a large fireworks display. Another annual cultural event is “Realexo: Una cita con el pasado,” which promotes the historical and cultural values of Los Realejos in August. Check the dates and the program for the relevant year before your trip.

Beach and trails through the landscape

Several local, national and international surfing, bodyboarding and longboarding competitions take place at El Socorro Beach each year from May to September. The beach is also suitable for surfing and other sports and water activities. If you’re traveling for a competition, check the dates for the relevant year. The natural pools of Guindaste offer opportunities to swim in pools and cascades shaped by past volcanic activity. Current sea conditions should always determine whether it is safe to swim.

The protected landscape of Rambla de Castro can be reached via the TF-5 motorway at kilometer 41.200. Vehicles can be parked at the turnoff for the San Pedro viewpoint. Check the current road and parking conditions before setting out. Los Realejos’ network of trails connects natural areas with residential neighborhoods and makes it possible to cross practically the entire municipality on foot. The trails in La Corona Forestal National Park extend from the mountains to the sea, pass through hills and streambeds, and connect neighboring municipalities.

Route 0-4-0 begins at El Socorro Beach, leads into Teide National Park and returns to the beach. It covers almost 58 kilometers of mountainous terrain, with nearly 7,600 meters of elevation gain. Check current trail conditions and applicable rules before setting out. For shorter visits, the recreation area at the Ruiz ravine offers a different option: it is the starting point for a trail through the ravine, which is designated an area of scientific interest. The area has large wooden tables and benches, drinking fountains, barbecue grills and toilets; local restrictions may apply.

La Corona viewpoint offers sweeping views over northern Tenerife. La Corona also has a purpose-built paragliding launch platform on a slope 750 meters above sea level. Whether it can be used depends on weather conditions.

Discover local products

The local cuisine offers another way to experience the area. The Los Realejos Gastronomy Seal helps visitors identify, buy and sample local products. Regional specialties include bittersweet white wine, Bonita potatoes, Canarian black pork, goat meat and locally produced honey. Alongside churches, festivities and landscapes, you can make food a highlight of your trip.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Palo Blanco, Cruz Santa, Tigaiga, Llanadas, Brezal, Icod El Alto, La Matanza De Acentejo, Las Aguas.

For the broader travel overview: Tenerife.