Magazine

North Tenerife

Towns, a whole week, where to stay and why the north is not the south. Written from Icod with the source open.

6pieces

San Juan de la Rambla, a town on the north coast of Tenerife, above the cliff — © Javier Sanchez Portero · CC BY-SA 3.0

Panoramic view of the Orotava Valley, from the summit down to the sea — © Quartl · CC BY-SA 3.0

23 September 2026 · 3 min

A week in northern Tenerife

Seven days from Icod, with what must be booked weeks ahead and what you decide in the morning depending on the weather. A real itinerary, not a wish list.

2Tenerife without the crowds: where the queues are not2 minThe island takes millions of visitors and still has places where nobody goes. Which ones, why they stay empty, and what time to arrive.
3A month of festivities, and one that happens only every five years2 minGarachico's festive calendar: Santa Ana on 26 July, the San Roque pilgrimage on 16 August and the Lustral Feast, held only once every five years.
4The two festivals that move every year2 minNeither has a fixed date: both depend on Easter. How they are worked out and what happens in Icod and Garachico.
5Garachico, the town a volcano buried2 minMinutes from Icod: Tenerife's richest port until 1706, natural pools carved by the lava, and a listed historic quarter.
6Punta de Teno and Masca: how access works now2 minPrivate cars are banned at Punta de Teno every day, and the Masca ravine needs a booking and a boat back. The current rules, from official sources.

The part of the island where it rains more, you eat better and the roads climb.

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