Where to Stay in Tenerife for Hiking
4 Fantastic Areas Close to the Island’s Best Hiking Trails

Tenerife, the biggest of the Canary Islands, is a hiker’s paradise, with landscapes ranging from lush forests to volcanic terrain. One key to successful hiking holidays is choosing the right place to stay to avoid long drives each day.

On my last visit to Tenerife, I had one base for the entire week. I stayed close to Los Gigantes and found it to be a fantastic location being on the ocean, away from the masses and not for from awesome hiking trails.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve identified Los Gigantes as well as La Laguna, Vilaflor, and Santiago del Teide as where to stay in Tenerife for hiking. Read here what makes each place a good choice.

Best Places to Stay for Hiking in Tenerife

To ensure you’re perfectly situated to explore Tenerife’s stunning trails, here are, in short, the top areas to stay:

1. Los Gigantes – Coastal town, close to Teide and Teno Rural Park.
2. La Laguna – City, conveniently located between Anaga Rural Park and Teide National Park.
3. Vilaflor – Village, situated in the south, offering sunnier weather and proximity to Teide National Park.
4. Santiago del Teide – Village, nestled in the mountains, between Teide and Teno Rural Park.

Now, let’s look at each of those locations in more detail.

1. Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago are beautiful coastal towns that offer a great mix of hiking and relaxation.

With the towering Los Gigantes cliffs and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the area is an excellent base for exploring both Teide National Park and Teno Rural Park. After an action-packed day, you can enjoy the serene ocean view.

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In less than 30 minutes, you can also reach more touristy places like the resort town Costa Adeje which is a great place for water activities and beach fun.

I did take a sustainable and animal-friendly whale watching tour and a beginners surfing lesson there, which I both highly recommend for other outdoor activities in Tenerife.

From Los Gigantes, you can drive to Teide National Park in about an hour and reach the Teno Mountains in around 40 minutes.

The towns are relaxed and not as crowded as the coastal towns further south, but you still have plenty of seaside restaurants and natural pools along the rocky coast.

Due to the perfect mix of nearby mountains and the coastal town atmosphere, I found Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago to be my favorite area to stay in Tenerife.

After a day of hiking, there’s nothing better than relaxing by the sea and enjoying the fantastic cliff views. I was able to do a lovely coastal walk and go kayaking to admire the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the water, without using the car.

2. La Laguna

La Laguna, officially known as San Cristóbal de La Laguna, is the second-largest city in Tenerife. Located only 10 driving minutes from the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife and at the base of the Anaga Mountain Range, it serves as the gateway to Anaga Rural Park.

It’s a fantastic spot for hikers because you can reach most trailheads in Anaga Rural Park within a 25-35 minute drive.

Getting to Teide National Park from La Laguna is also pretty convenient. It’s about an hour’s drive along a scenic road with lots of viewpoints.

La Laguna isn’t just about hiking. I absolutely loved strolling through this beautiful Spanish-colonial city with its charming streets and colorful buildings. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Vilaflor

Vilaflor is situated at 1400 meters of altitude and the highest village in Tenerife, with easy access to Teide National Park. Located in the sunny south of the island, it’s an ideal base for hikers wanting to explore mainly the volcanic landscapes of Teide.

From Vilaflor, you can reach the heart of Mount Teide National Park within a 30-minute drive. The drive itself is a treat, with plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way.

The village itself is peaceful and charming, surrounded by pine forests and offering stunning views.

I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the hiking trails in the Parque Natural Corona Forestal, without any driving, directly from the village center.

4. Santiago del Teide

Santiago del Teide is beautifully set in the mountains between Los Gigantes and Garachico and serves as a fantastic base for exploring both Teide National Park and Teno Rural Park.

Located between these two iconic hiking destinations, it offers easy access to some of the island’s best trails.

From Santiago del Teide, you can drive to Teide National Park in about 45 minutes, or head to the Teno Mountains within 30 minutes. The town’s higher elevation at nearly 1000 meters of altitude means cooler nights, so pack some extra layers.

I loved the peacefulness and the stunning panoramic views towards the mountains, and that Santiago del Teide still has a quiet, authentic feel.

It’s also very close to the famous Masca Valley, which is a must-visit for hikers and can be reached without the use of a car. Fantastic trails and treks starts directly from the town center.