view to mount teide from roques de garcia

3 Days in Tenerife

Volcano Views, Forest Trails, and Coastal Villages

Colorful houses along Calle Herradores in San Cristóbal de La Laguna

3 Days in Tenerife

Volcano Views, Forest Trails, and Coastal Villages

Natural pool in Los Gigantes Tenerife with cliffs in the background

3 Days in Tenerife

Volcano Views, Forest Trails, and Coastal Villages

3 Days Itinerary: Teide National Park, Anaga, Masca

Whether it’s your first time on the island or a quick return trip, this 3-day Tenerife itinerary takes you through the island’s most unforgettable highlights — from the volcanic wonders of Teide National Park, through the lush Anaga forest, to the dramatic cliffs and remote charm of Masca village.

Designed for independent travelers, this route mixes scenic drives with nature walks and relaxing seaside stops. It’s the ideal Tenerife road trip if you want to see the best of the island in just 72 hours.

Please check the forecast before visiting the selected places so the experience is good.
At the bottom of this page, you’ll find a map with all the locations mentioned in this 3-day Tenerife itinerary — perfect to visualize your route, understand the driving distances, and get a clear sense of how the island is laid out.

Morning: Teide National Park

Start your 3 days in Tenerife in Spain highest pick:

  • Mirador de La Ruleta
  • Optional: Roques de García Hike
  • Teide Cable Car (must book online in advance)
  • Cañada Blanca Visitor Center 
  • Minas de San José
  • El Portillo Visitor Center

There are no good restaurants inside Teide National Park, so pack snacks or plan to have lunch later in Puerto de la Cruz.

Afternoon: Puerto de la Cruz

Drive down to the north coast and relax in the town.

Morning: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Start at the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África — the city’s iconic local market
Best days to visit: Wednesday to Saturday

From here, you can go in two directions depending on your mood:

Option A – Beach:

Option B – Anaga Mountains:

  • Drive into Anaga Rural Park until Las Carboneras – Have lunch like a local, then explore short trails or viewpoints nearby
  • Mirador de Chinamada – dramatic cliffside views
  • Optional: Sendero de los Sentidos at Cruz del Carmen (see trail)
  • Great sunset spot: Mirador de Jardina

Evening: La Laguna

  • End your day with a walk and dinner in San Cristóbal de La Laguna (UNESCO town)
  • Cozy squares and lively terraces with food options for all tastes

 

Morning: Los Gigantes

Begin the last day of your 3-day Tenerife road trip with a visit to Los Gigantes, a coastal town famous for its towering cliffs that drop dramatically into the Atlantic.

  • Take a boat tour to watch wales, dolphyns and do snorkling in crystal clear waters
  • Cliffside coastal path – Take a short walk along the promenade or cliffside trail to enjoy stunning views of the Acantilados de Los Gigantes.
  • Relax or experience the town Natural Pool.

Midday: Santiago del Teide + Masca Road

  • Optional stop in Santiago del Teide – local food and starting point for hikes
  • Start your descent along the famous Masca road
    Very narrow and curvy – not ideal for nervous drivers

You can choose to go by car, or do the hike from Santiago del Teide to Masca and come back by bus.

  • Masca Village – One of the most remote and picturesque villages in Tenerife, set dramatically in a steep gorge. You can park and walk through the village for amazing photos.
  • Mirador La Cruz de Hilda – End your day with a final scenic stop. From here, you’ll get sweeping views over the Masca valley, the surrounding cliffs, and even the sea on clear days.

Evening: Garachico

  • Drive to this charming coastal town to end your trip
  • Enjoy dinner by the sea or a quiet walk through cobbled streets

All the best places in one map – beaches, hikes, food, ocean pools, viewpoints, towns and more.
Save hours of searching and plan your trip in minutes.