Discover Santiago Del Teide

When looking for a hotel in Santiago del Teide, it is worth first identifying your interests for your stay: hiking, volcanic landscapes, local history or coastal experiences. The routes differ considerably in length and stated walking time; historic buildings and museums offer a different focus. This can help you decide which themes you want to make the focus of your trip.

Hiking routes by time required

The hiking trail network in Santiago del Teide covers just under 60 kilometres. For a longer hike, the PR-TF 65 runs from Santiago del Teide to Puerto Santiago. The route is 19.8 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 7 hours and 20 minutes. For part of the way, the trail follows the former Camino Real and passes through several settlements in the municipality. This makes it a longer hike along a historic route. Check the information and conditions locally before setting out.

A shorter circular hike is the PR-TF 43.3, the Ruta Circular de Chinyero: it is 6.44 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Compared with the PR-TF 65, both the route and the stated walking time are considerably shorter. The trail passes through pine forest, over solidified lava and volcanic ash fields, and through areas where vegetation is gradually returning. These varied sections of landscape shape the character of this circular hike. Here too, check the route and conditions before setting out.

The SL-TF 60 connects Santiago del Teide and Arguayo along a 9-kilometre route. The three figures—just under 60 kilometres for the entire network, 19.8 kilometres for the PR-TF 65 and 9 kilometres for the SL-TF 60—refer to different things: the network as a whole and two individual trails. They therefore help you gauge the scale of a planned hike without treating the routes as equivalent.

Volcanic landscapes and viewpoints

The Chinyero Special Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero) lies partly within the municipality of Santiago del Teide. There are signposted trails through a volcanic landscape. The hiking trail network also provides access to Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide) from Santiago del Teide; check the relevant conditions before your hike.

The viewpoints also highlight different geological features. From Mirador de Los Poleos, you can see the northwestern ridge of Tenerife, where most of the island’s more recent eruptions took place. From Mirador Valle Santiago, you can see the Dorsal de Abeque, considered Tenerife’s most volcanically active zone. Those interested in the island’s formation and its more recent volcanic landscape will find different points of reference at these two places.

Local history and crafts

The Templo Parroquial San Fernando Rey stands in the town centre. The parish was established in 1678, officially founded in 1679 and opened with the first parish Mass that same year. A distinctive half-dome sits above the main chapel. Here, you can explore the building’s history and architecture at a specific site, rather than simply passing settlements along a hiking route.

Another testament to the area’s architectural and agricultural history is Casa del Patio, built in the 17th century and designated a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). Its traditional Canarian architecture includes wine presses, grain stores and a cistern. These features give an impression of the built facilities that formed part of the house.

In Arguayo, about five kilometres from the centre of Santiago del Teide, the Centro Alfarero y Museo Etnográfico Cha Domitila is housed in a restored traditional Canarian home. Its focus is the entirely artisanal production of clay vessels using an indigenous technique. Traditional natural materials used include clay, water, volcanic sand, almagre and a little oil. In Puerto de Santiago, Museo El Pescador presents the region’s traditional fishing through panels, photographs and objects. Check access to this museum before your visit.

Coast and water experiences

Kayaking in Santiago del Teide takes you along the foot of the Acantilados de Los Gigantes. These sheer cliffs are more than 600 metres high. Before taking part, check sea conditions and availability with an operator. Boat trips along the coast below the cliffs offer a different perspective: you can admire the geological formations and observe marine life. For these trips too, check sea conditions and what operators offer in advance.

Playa de La Arena is known for its black volcanic sand. The waves are usually moderate; the beach has visitor services and is easily accessible. As services and accessibility arrangements may change, check the conditions before your visit.

Getting around Tenerife

TITSA operates an extensive bus network across Tenerife. The Ten+ Móvil app lets you view routes, stops and timetables in real time. As services and timetables can change, check the information shown for your journey in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Acantilados De Los Gigantes, Puerto De Santiago, Tamaimo, El Tanque, El Rio, Candelaria, La Caleta, San Marcos.

Go to the main travel guide: Tenerife.