Day 3 in Tenerife: Golden Beaches, Mystical Forests, and the Magic of Teide

We started our morning at a leisurely pace, ready to continue exploring the island. Just like the previous days, our plan was to enjoy what we could and save anything we missed for another day.

Playa de las Teresitas – The Most Beautiful Beach in Tenerife

Our first stop was the famous Playa de las Teresitas. On the way, we passed by the colorful little coastal area of Bocacangrejo, which I had read about in a recommendation. While it was tempting to stop, we decided not to, as we were a bit late and eager to reach the beach under the glorious sun. (See in this post)
The beach is as beautiful as many describe. Although it’s an artificial stretch, covered with golden sand imported from Western Sahara, it is undoubtedly one of the island’s best beaches. With its stunning palm-lined shore and crystal-clear waters, it was the perfect place to unwind. We spent about 2–3 hours here, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying sandwiches we had packed from home.

Anaga Rural Park – Hiking Through Enchanted Laurel Forests

After the beach, we headed toward Anaga Rural Park, one of Tenerife’s most unique areas. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this park’s volcanic mountain ranges, laurel forests, and rich plant life make it a hiker’s paradise. Learning from the previous day’s experiences, we opted for a slightly longer but less winding route through the capital, arriving in about 50 minutes.

The Cruz del Carmen viewpoint is one of the most accessible in the Anaga Mountains. Several family-friendly hiking routes start here, alongside facilities such as a restaurant, toilets, and an information center where free maps and helpful tips are provided.
Initially, we couldn’t find a parking space, so we drove a little further to a scenic spot, the Camino viejo al Pico del Inglés moss tunnel. This red-rock path, covered in moss on both sides, offers a magical sight. I hopped out for a quick photo before returning to the car just as our daughter woke up. Luckily, a parking spot opened up soon after.

The Sendero de los Sentidos („Path of the Senses”) hiking trail begins right next to the parking lot. This trail encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the forest with all their senses: listening to birdsong, breathing in the fresh forest air, and appreciating the creaking, melodic sounds of laurel branches swaying in the breeze – a truly magical experience!
The trail has three sections of varying lengths and difficulty. The first part is entirely flat and accessible for strollers. We chose the second route, a 2-km circular path that was perfect for us and our little one. The third section is longer and ends at the Mirador del Llano de los Loros viewpoint, from where you can return by foot or bus.

After the hike, we stopped at the Restaurante Cruz del Carmen for a refreshing coffee, a barraquito (a local layered coffee specialty), and some ice cream. Recharged, we continued our journey around 3:30 PM, carrying with us wonderful memories of Anaga.

Unforgettable Drive from Anaga National Park to Costa del Silencio via Teide

Our host suggested we visit the Mirador de Chipeque for a breathtaking sunset view. Inspired by this, we decided to return to Costa del Silencio via Teide National Park. While we had originally planned a full day for exploring Teide, we postponed the bigger adventure, opting for a shorter, more relaxed route. Conquering the summit remains a future plan when Liny is a bit older.

This scenic drive was one of the most beautiful routes we’ve experienced on the island. Despite the relatively short distance, it showcased Tenerife’s incredible natural diversity. The road was excellent – wide, well-maintained, and with gradual altitude changes, making the drive easy and enjoyable, even for less experienced drivers.

The highlight was the landscape’s ever-changing beauty. As we climbed toward Teide National Park, the lush laurel forests gave way to pine trees and eventually to a volcanic, lunar-like terrain. Around every bend, the island revealed a new side, making the journey a series of delightful surprises.

The section near Teide was particularly captivating, with the mountain’s silhouette constantly in view. Numerous viewpoints dot the route, offering opportunities to stop and take in the panoramic vistas. At Mirador de Chipeque, we admired the majestic Teide peak and the sea of clouds rolling over the ocean below. Even before sunset, the scene was breathtaking.

Sunset at Teide – The Crown Jewel of the Island

Our final stop was Roques de García, one of Teide National Park’s most iconic landmarks. This 2,244-meter-high rock formation, shaped like a tree, stands tall while the surrounding landscape has long been eroded.
We climbed the trail leading to the rock group, where we could see the western crater basin bathed in golden hues as the sun began to set. Words cannot describe the beauty – the natural colors and serenity were simply mesmerizing.

As we descended toward Costa del Silencio, the volcanic terrain gradually gave way to vibrant fields, dry Mediterranean vegetation, and finally, coastal areas. The entire drive felt like a cinematic experience, showcasing Tenerife’s diverse beauty.

This route is not only practical but offers an unforgettable journey, whether by car, motorbike, or even on a guided quad tour, as we noticed. It’s an experience that reveals the island’s stunning landscapes and leaves you with lasting memories.

We returned to our accommodation around 7 PM, hungry and ready for dinner. The Gastro Gallo restaurant, located next to our lodging, was bustling even on a Friday night. Despite the crowd, the service was quick and friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious.

This day was by far the longest and most eventful of our stay. Tomorrow, we’re planning a slower day: some pool time, exploring local bazaars, and a little shopping. 😊

Tip: When visiting Playa de las Teresitas, don’t miss the Mirador Las Teresitas viewpoint! Drive up the serpentine road, stop, and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the beach and the village. It’s best visited in the morning or just before sunset when the lighting is most beautiful.

Tip: In Anaga Rural Park and the higher regions of Teide National Park, the weather can change quickly, so always bring layers – a light jacket or sweater is perfect! The laurel forests are cooler, while the sunny viewpoints can be quite warm. And don’t forget sun protection, as the UV rays are strong both at the beach and at higher altitudes! 😊

Day 4 in Tenerife: Rest, Discovery, and Tranquil Moments in the Heart of Tenerife

After yesterday’s busier schedule, we opted for a slower, more relaxing day. Although Tenerife’s November weather is generally sunny, short showers can occasionally make an appearance. With the forecast predicting a mix of sun and clouds, we decided to skip the beach and spent the morning by the heated pool at our accommodation, unwinding and recharging.

After Liny’s afternoon nap, we hopped in the car to explore the nearby area. Our first stop was Las Galletas, a charming little town just a few minutes’ drive away. We strolled along the lovely promenade and through the quaint town center, let our daughter play at a local playground, savored some delicious ice cream, and, of course, treated ourselves to a barraquito.

For dinner, we headed to Los Cristianos, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise despite our usual aversion to overly touristy spots. Being a Saturday, the promenade was buzzing with life, and a live performance on an open-air stage added a wonderful atmosphere. The mild evening temperature, hovering around 20°C, is one of the best things about Tenerife’s November climate.

After browsing the local stalls and making a few small purchases, we sat down for a light dinner, accompanied by a glass of sangria. On the way back to the car, I stumbled upon another favorite pair of sandals in an Ipanema store, where the Black Friday sale offered an irresistible deal.

This day was perfect for recharging our energy and enjoying Tenerife’s more peaceful side.

Tip of the Day:

If you’re looking to slow down and enjoy a relaxed day during your stay in Tenerife, explore smaller towns close to your accommodation. For us, Las Galletas and Los Cristianos were ideal choices. Promenades, playgrounds, and local ice cream shops are perfect spots for a laid-back day, especially when traveling with family. Don’t forget to pop into local stores — a bit of browsing or grabbing a deal can be a simple joy! 😉