Rural tourism in Tenerife.

This is, without a doubt, the most emblematic place in the island of Tenerife. The Teide National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 under the Natural Asset category. It has also been granted a European Diploma by the Council of Europe and is part of the Natura 2000 Network Sites. And there are plenty of good reasons for having been granted such recognitions. First, the broadest existing sample of supra-Mediterranean vegetation is located there. Second, the park represents one of the most spectacular manifestations of volcanic activity in the world, and certainly, the most outstanding one in the Canary Islands.

The Teide National Park lies right in the middle of the Island, at an average altitude of 2,000 m above sea level, and its summit is the highest peak in Spain, at 3,718 metres.

From a geomorphological point of view, this place is one of nature’s true wonders. The structures of the caldera and the Teide-Pico Viejo stratovolcano are unique in the world.  Its wealth of fauna and flora, which includes a significant array of endemic Canarian species and several species exclusive to the park, make it even more special.

Just a few minutes’ drive from the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you will find the Anaga Rural Park, a place which has been declared a Biosphere Reserve, and has managed to preserve its natural assets exceptionally well. You will not be the first person to become besotted with this beautiful, rugged mountain range with jagged peaks. The deep valleys and ravines descend from the mountain sides to reach the sea, forming many beaches where you can take a refreshing dip. This area is also home to numerous native species of fauna and flora.

The Teno Rural Park is located in the most north-westerly part of the island of Tenerife and has preserved its great ecological, scenic and cultural values, largely thanks to its remote location. When you set eyes on the complicated terrain of this region, it is hard to believe that people used to live here in the past. The variety of its landscapes, including breath-taking cliffs, valleys, low-lying islands, laurel forests and magnificent examples of traditional architecture, make the Teno Rural Park one of the most beautiful natural areas in Tenerife.

Its name, Los Gigantes (The Giants), needs no explanation. These cliffs located in Santiago del Teide are part of the Teno Rural Park, reaching heights of up to 600 metres above the sea level in some areas, and then plummeting straight down into the sea. A sight that is dizzying to behold even from below. At the foot of the cliffs, the seabed is about 30 metres deep and is home to a great natural wealth that attracts divers and deep-sea fishing enthusiasts.

Located next to the Parish Church of San Marcos, the Drago Park is the main attraction of the municipality of Icod de Los Vinos. This famous thousand-year-old dragon tree is one of the most important natural, cultural and historical symbols of the Canary Islands.  This dragon tree, which towers over 16 metres high and whose base measures around 20 metres in circumference, is believed to be the oldest of its kind in the Canary Islands. 

Surrounding the tree, there is a garden with native species such as small dragon trees, cactus, balsam spurges, and more. Nearby, in the church square, other interesting botanical specimens can also be seen.