Panoramic view of Playa de Las Teresitas stretching along the coast near Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

5 Days in Tenerife

Mountain Roads, Amazing Beaches, Volcano Views and Historic Towns

Path of Senses forest trail Anaga Tenerife

5 Days in Tenerife

Mountain Roads, Amazing Beaches, Volcano Views and Historic Towns

Colorful houses along Calle Herradores in San Cristóbal de La Laguna

5 Days in Tenerife

Mountain Roads, Amazing Beaches, Volcano Views and Historic Towns

5 Days Itinerary: Santa Cruz, Anaga, Teide, Masca, Punta de Teno

This 5 day in Tenerife itinerary helps you make the most of your trip — with a route that combines coastal towns, volcano landscapes, hidden beaches, scenic drives, and cultural highlights. It’s designed for independent travelers who want to explore more than just the tourist hotspots.

Tip: Always check the forecast before visiting Teide or Anaga — the weather can change quickly in higher areas.
At the bottom of this page, you’ll find a map with all the locations mentioned in this 5-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: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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

  • Option 1: Chill at Playa de Las Teresitas 

  • Option 2: Drive the scenic road to Benijo — enjoy the black sand and scenery and in the summer the amazing Sunset.

Aerial view of Playa de Las Teresitas with golden sand, umbrellas, and cliffs in the background.
Front entrance to the colorful Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Floral arches in a walking path of Parque García Sanabria
Playa de Benijo aerial view with black sand, parking access, and surf

Morning: Anaga Park

  • Start your day at Mirador Cruz del Carmen:
    – Optional short walk: Sendero de los Sentidos an easy trail through the laurel forest
  • Chinamada and Las Carboneras:
    –     Drive to Chinamada and enjoy the Mirador with ocean views
    – Drive to Las Carboneras, where you can have lunch in a local mountain bar

Evening: La Laguna and El Sauzal

If you’re into going to a quiet place and a good sunset, drive to El Sauzal:

  • Enjoy the coastal walk and the sunset over the ocean
  • If it’s warm, take a swim at the El Sauzal natural pool
  • Stay for dinner in a restaurant with ocean views
Wooden walkway on Sendero de los Sentidos trail Tenerife
Colorful houses along Calle Herradores in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Wide ocean view from Roque de Taborno hike with steep cliffs
Aerial view of the El Sauzal cliff walk and coastline

Morning: Teide National Park

Start the day with a coffee and local pastry in Vilaflor, Tenerife’s highest village.

Head into Teide National Park:

  • 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

Restaurants inside the park are not so special— plan a picnic or lunch in La Orotava.

Afternoon in La Orotava — stroll its elegant streets, see traditional Canarian balconies, and enjoy a peaceful dinner.

Historic meeting room inside the Town Hall of La Orotava
View over Pico Viejo crater with La Gomera in the distance
Roque Cinchado and Mount Teide with hiker on the trail
Church tower and facade of Iglesia de La Concepción in La Orotava

Morning: Masca Village

Start your day driving from Santiago del Teide down the winding road to Masca.
The road is narrow and curvy — not ideal for nervous drivers

Option:Hike from Santiago del Teide to Masca and come back by bus.

  • Masca Village: One of the most remote and stunning villages in Tenerife, set in a dramatic gorge.
  • Mirador de La Cruz de Hilda: Final viewpoint overlooking the entire Masca Valley, the cliffs, and the sea.

Midday: Teno Rural Park

Drive to Teno Alto, a small and quiet village surrounded by hills:

  • Try some local goat cheese and stop for lunch in a traditional rural bar.
  •  Optional short walks with wide views.

Afternoon: Punta de Teno

Drive down to Buenavista del Norte and take the guagua (bus) to Punta de Teno, the westernmost point of Tenerife.

  • Visit the lighthouse, enjoy amazing ocean views or go snorkeling in calm water.

Evening: Garachico

  • Drive to this charming coastal town to end your trip

  • Enjoy dinner by the sea or a quiet walk through cobbled streets

Aerial view of Playa de Las Teresitas with golden sand, umbrellas, and cliffs in the background.
Front entrance to the colorful Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Floral arches in a walking path of Parque García Sanabria
Playa de Benijo aerial view with black sand, parking access, and surf

Morning: Abades

Midday: El Médano

Continue to El Médano, a laid-back town known for wind and kite surfing.

Stay in this local town or drive to the more tourist Los Cristianos.

On your way you can also visit Montaña Amarila if you’re into a swim.

Evening: Los Cristianos

End your trip in Los Cristianos, where you’ll find many restaurants and a perfect place to watch the sunset by the sea.

Facade of Sanatorio de Abona’s church with cross
Turquoise bay at Playa Grande with boats on the horizon
Wide aerial view of Los Cristianos Beach and surrounding area
Hiking trail signpost pointing toward Montaña Roja and El Médano

Complete Map of Tenerife

All the best places in one map – beaches, hikes, food, ocean pools, viewpoints, towns and more.
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