Tenerife in November – Sunshine, Adventure & Relaxation with a Toddler
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In this post:
Bocacangrejo – The hidden, colorful fishing village.
Coffee with a View at La Baranda – A must-stop on the north coast.
Puerto de la Cruz – Colonial charm and the serenity of Taoro Park.
Masca Village – Exploring „Europe’s Machu Picchu” & parking tips.
Playa Abama – A golden paradise for families.
Practical Tips – Parking, hidden gems, and family advice.
On the morning of our fifth day, we eagerly left our apartment and set off to explore the northern coast of Tenerife and uncover the charm of Puerto de la Cruz. This picturesque resort town is one of the island’s most iconic spots, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
The skies were overcast that day, so beach plans were off the table. However, we made the journey to Puerto de la Cruz more exciting with a few stops along the way. Our first detour led us to Bocacangrejo, a quaint little fishing village on Tenerife’s eastern coast. Perched on a steep shoreline, the colorful houses and peaceful atmosphere were the perfect escape from the usual tourist hustle. We enjoyed a quiet picnic with sandwiches we’d packed, all while taking in the breathtaking coastal views.
Near El Sauzal, we made a spontaneous stop at the La Baranda café/restaurant, famous for its glass-enclosed viewing terrace that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the northern coastline’s charming towns. La Baranda is one of the most popular spots in the area — the parking lot was nearly full when we arrived. The modern terrace, decorated with lush green plants, immediately set the tone for a relaxed, “chill” vibe. Sipping on a delicious coffee and indulging in refreshing ice cream made this a perfect mid-morning stop. If you’re in the area, this little oasis is an absolute must-visit!
Upon arriving in Puerto de la Cruz, we parked our car and set off on foot to explore. The town’s colorful buildings and ornately carved wooden balconies made from Canary pine are truly a sight to behold. At the heart of the town lies the lively Plaza del Charco, where cafes, restaurants, and towering palm trees invite you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Just a short stroll from here, you’ll find the famous Lago Martiánez, an impressive complex of seawater pools designed by César Manrique, the legendary artist of the Canary Islands.
Tranquility at Taoro Park
The final stop of our day was the peaceful Taoro Park, perched atop a hill. With its lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and cascading artificial waterfalls, the park radiates calm and serenity. The view from here is simply magical: the entire town sprawled below, the endless blue of the ocean ahead, and the majestic Teide volcano in the background.
The unique charm of Puerto de la Cruz and the serenity of Taoro Park will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time. If you ever find yourself in Tenerife, don’t miss the chance to visit this magical place and let the island’s beauty sweep you off your feet.
We took a well-deserved break at a charming café in the park, sipping on a cold drink and soaking in the tranquility. Climbing up the park’s many steps and pathways turned into quite the cardio workout — especially with a 3-year-old on our shoulders!
The day ended with a peaceful drive back to our accommodation while our little one napped soundly in the car. We wrapped up the evening with a simple, home-cooked dinner, feeling grateful for such a full and rewarding day.
On the last full day of our trip, we were treated to Tenerife’s summer-like sunshine, so we wanted to cap off our stay with some serious beach time. However, we couldn’t leave without visiting Masca, often described as the most beautiful village on the island. After a bit of research, especially about parking from various forums, we set off for Masca after breakfast.
Masca is a remote village, and for a long time, it truly lived up to its nickname as the “forgotten village” because no paved road led here until 1991. Even now, it can only be accessed via a narrow road filled with hairpin bends.
A heads-up for sensitive travelers: the last 17 km to Masca is pure serpentine! This road is legendary for its hairpin bends, and to navigate it with confidence, having a reliable car is essential. We recommend booking your vehicle through Booking.com Car Rentals, Qeeq.com or Economy Bookings to ensure you have the right wheels for these mountain routes.
Along the way, there are several small roadside stops with parking spots offering stunning views of the mountains, the distant sea, and even La Gomera island.
Don’t feel like driving the hairpins? If you’d rather sit back and soak in the views without the stress of parking, a guided tour is the way to go. Check the latest availability for the best Masca adventures here:
Tucked between steep cliffs, Masca is a storybook village of stone houses ending at a striking, cone-shaped rock. Its isolation and dramatic rock formations have earned it the nickname “Europe’s Machu Picchu.” At 650 meters above sea level, surrounded by vibrant flowers, cacti, palm groves, and free-roaming goats, Masca is as picturesque as it gets.
With fewer than 100 permanent residents, the village is made up of a tiny church, a handful of cobblestone streets, and a scattering of old stone houses. By the time we arrived, the whole village basked in golden sunlight, and the sight of it nestled in the gorge was truly breathtaking.
Masca is also the starting point of the famous Masca Gorge hike, a trail that leads all the way to the ocean. This hike requires planning and professional guides but promises an unforgettable adventure. For us, the village itself was perfect to explore in about an hour. We grabbed delicious sandwiches and coffee at Restaurante Aquí Me Quedo and then headed back to our car.
Parking Tip: If you’re driving to Masca, arrive early to avoid stress over the extremely limited parking. We got there by 9:30 AM, and the main parking area was already full.
After our morning in Masca, we eagerly made our way to Playa Abama, our afternoon destination. Liny fell peacefully asleep in the car on the way, which gave us all a nice reset.
This little bay, located in Tenerife’s southern region, is a true hidden paradise. The golden sand, turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs immediately captivated us. Thanks to the protective rocks, the sea is calm and shallow, making it an ideal spot for families with young kids. Liny happily played in the sand and splashed around while we enjoyed the refreshing ocean.
Playa Abama – A Beach That Has It All
Playa Abama stands out not just for its calm waters but also for its incredible water clarity. My husband took full advantage, going snorkeling and spotting huge crabs among the rocks. If you want to try it yourself, you can book amazing snorkeling or kayaking tours nearby. Meanwhile, I built sandcastles with Liny.
Above the beach, a scenic walkway runs along the cliffs, offering stunning panoramic views. You’ll even see natural rock pools formed below—small details like these make Playa Abama a truly special destination.
The Perfect Farewell
The beach was so stunning we could have spent the entire evening there. However, with our flight home the next day, we skipped sunset and headed back to our apartment to pack. On the way, we decided to treat ourselves to a farewell dinner at one of Los Cristianos’ charming restaurants.
This day was the perfect ending to our week-long Tenerife adventure. Playa Abama left us with beautiful memories and showed us just how magical this island can be. If you ever visit Tenerife, make sure to stop here—what awaits you is a little slice of paradise!
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