Travel Blog

Tenerife – The Truth about visiting in Winter – Day 2

Castillo de San Miguel, Guarachico, Tenerife

Planning your own winter getaway to Tenerife? Before you dive into booking, make sure to catch up on our complete island-exploring series! If you missed Day 1, you can read all about it HERE, which went live last week. This week, Day 2 we are visiting Masca, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you can follow along with the rest of our journey and catch every single upcoming insider tip!

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We absolutely loved the ultimate freedom of exploring Tenerife independently with our rental car. However, for a stress-free experience with all planning and driving handled, I highly recommend checking out Tourradar. They offer a fantastic variety of curated tours across the Canary Islands designed to fit every budget and travel style.

Tenerife from the plane on arrival
Tenerife from the plane on arrival

You can browse their incredible itineraries right here through my exclusive LINK. Even better, if you book using my special code RoseG50 at checkout, you will score a great discount on your next adventure!

Following a wonderful night of rest at “Atlantic Window” (see my previous post), we woke up to an incredible reward: the absolutely fabulous sea views right outside. After taking in the scenery, we got ready, enjoyed a quick breakfast, and hit the road for an action-packed itinerary. Our plan for the day was to explore Masca, Playa de la Caleta de Interián, Garachico, and Icod de los Vinos.

The map below shows the places we visited on that day:

"Atlantic Window", our home for the week, Playa Paraiso, Tenerife
“Atlantic Window”, our home for the week, Playa Paraiso, Tenerife

MASCA – TENERIFE

Braving the Roads to Masca

Our first stop of the day was the breathtaking mountain village of Masca. Nestled high in the peaks, getting there is an adventure in itself. The moment we hit the access road, we realised exactly what we were in for: an incredibly narrow, winding route hugged by sheer, deep cliffs. It is definitely not for the faint of heart!

Part of the road leading to Masca, Tenerife
Part of the road leading to Masca, Tenerife

Thankfully, my husband took the wheel. As a highly experienced driver, he handled the challenging switchbacks with total confidence on our way to the top.

Below is a reel from The Travelling Surveyor Instagram account showing a bit of the road to Masca. Check it out and follow me on Instagram as well! 😁

The road to Masca, Tenerife
The road to Masca, Tenerife

The Parking Challenge in the Village

Once we arrived, we hit our next major obstacle: finding a place to park. Because of Masca’s steep, rugged terrain, dedicated parking spaces are practically non-existent. Compounding the issue, we arrived just after 10:00 AM, and the village was already bustling with visitors. Finding a spot felt nearly impossible.

We drove past the village centre, winding further up the mountain road until we finally spotted an available space. Although it meant a hike back down, the stunning views along the walk made it entirely worth it.

Masca
Masca

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MASCA, TENERIFE

Masca: The Hidden “Machu Picchu” of the Canaries

Tucked away in northwest Tenerife’s Teno mountains, Masca is widely considered the island’s most beautiful, enchanting village.

Home to under 100 residents, this tiny hamlet perches precariously on narrow ridges surrounded by towering volcanic rock faces.

Masca, Tenerife
Masca, Tenerife

A Glimpse into Masca’s Isolated History

Masca’s incredible beauty is a direct result of its historical isolation.

  • Guanche Beginnings: Before the Spanish conquest, Masca was a vital sanctuary for the island’s indigenous people, the Guanches. The deep valleys and hidden caves provided a perfect natural fortress against outside forces.
  • The Pirate Hideout Legend: Local lore claims that Masca was once a favourite hideout for pirates and outlaws. Buccaneers allegedly used the village as a lookout for merchant ships, hiding stolen treasures deep within the canyon’s rocks.
  • The Forgotten Village: Amazingly, Masca remained virtually cut off from the rest of civilisation for centuries. Until 1991, there was no road to access the village. The only way in or out was by donkey or on foot. This extreme isolation beautifully preserved its traditional rural architecture, featuring houses crafted from dark volcanic stone and local wood.
Masca, Tenerife
Masca, Tenerife

Why is Masca so Famous and Important?

Today, Masca has been officially declared an Ethnographic Historic Place of Interest due to its invaluable cultural heritage. It acts as a living museum for rural Canarian life.

Nicknamed “The Machu Picchu of the Canaries,” its stone buildings hug sharp mountain contours, framed by the Morro de Catana ridge. It is the ultimate postcard destination for travellers seeking authenticity away from the commercial beach resorts.

Masca, Tenerife
Masca, Tenerife

Unmissable Things to Do in Masca – Tenerife

For adventure seekers, the Masca Gorge Descent is one of the most iconic and highly regulated hikes in Europe. The challenging 5-kilometre trail cuts through towering volcanic walls and unique flora, finally emerging onto secluded Masca Beach.

Tip: Because of its environmental protection, daily visitor quotas apply, so you must book your hiking permits well in advance!

  • Wander the Picturesque Cobbled Paths

You don’t have to be an extreme hiker to enjoy Masca. Strolling quiet cobblestone streets, visiting the tiny 18th-century church, and exploring quaint craft shops is an unforgettable experience.

  • Visit the Masca Ethnographic Museum

To truly understand how families survived in complete isolation for generations, spend some time in the Masca Ethnographic Museum. It offers an immersive look at the traditional tools, clothing, and history of the hamlet’s early inhabitants

  • Soak in the Views from Epic Mirador

The “Cherfe” and “Cruz de Hilda” lookouts offer breathtaking panoramic views over the entire valley and the glittering Atlantic Ocean. They are the absolute perfect spots to stop for photos.

Masca, Tenerife
Masca, Tenerife

VISITING MASCA,TENERIFE

Upon arriving in the village, our first stop was “Bar Restaurante Aquí Me Quedo” to stretch our legs, enjoy a quick coffee, and use the facilities (which cost €1). Fully recharged, we set off to explore!

“Bar Restaurante Aquí Me Quedo” , Masca, Tenerife
“Bar Restaurante Aquí Me Quedo” , Masca, Tenerife

While we had hoped to look inside the charming little village church and visit the local museum, both unfortunately happened to be closed during our visit. However, that didn’t dampen our spirits at all. Instead, we spent our time strolling the historic streets and taking in the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

The Village Church, Masca, Tenerife
The Village Church, Masca, Tenerife

Adding to the magic of the morning, a talented local artist was playing beautiful songs in the church square, so we paused for a while just to listen and soak in the incredible atmosphere.

In total, we spent about an hour wandering through Masca. Because it is a tiny village, it doesn’t take long to see it all, but the striking beauty of what we did see made the journey completely worth it.

Jose Perez Gonzales Monument, former Mayor of Masca
Jose Perez Gonzales Monument, former Mayor of Masca

With our Masca adventure complete, we walked back up to the car to head toward our next major destination of the day: “Garachico”. Along the way, we planned a quick, spontaneous detour to “La Caleta de Interián”. The incredibly scenic drive took us about 45 minutes to the coast at La Caleta, with Garachico sitting just another 15 minutes further down the road.

If you are based in South Tenerife and does not have a car, you can still visit Masca with a Masca Village tour that will pick you up in Playa de las Americas and take you to Masca in a van tour. This tour includes wine and tapas tasting as well. Book this tour HERE.

Cascada de Masca
“Cascada de Masca”

A Spontaneous Detour to La Caleta de Interián, Tenerife

Nestled quietly between the sea and the cliffs, “La Caleta de Interián” is a charming coastal village that feels worlds away from the busy tourist hubs. The striking feature here is the incredible contrast of colours. The vibrant bright green of the surrounding banana plantations runs right up to the edge of the dark, rocky shoreline.

Unlike the sandy resort beaches in the south, “Playa de la Caleta de Interián” is a beautiful pebble-and-shingle beach. Its deep black stones stand in stark, dramatic contrast against the brilliant blue of the Atlantic Ocean.

"Playa de La Caleta de Intérian"
“Playa de La Caleta de Intérian”

It is the absolute perfect place to pull over, stretch your legs, and enjoy a peaceful coastal view. Because it lacks the crowds of major resorts, you can truly hear the soothing sound of the waves crashing over the smooth volcanic stones. It turned out to be an incredibly rewarding, peaceful detour. It gave us an authentic taste of traditional island life just before we made the final short drive over to Garachico.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT GARACHICO, TENERIFE

Garachico: The Town Reborn from Ashes

If there is one town in Tenerife that perfectly symbolises resilience, it is Garachico. Tucked away on the island’s rugged northern coast, this beautiful village is widely celebrated as one of the most picturesque places in all of Spain. With its quiet, cobbled streets, whitewashed colonial buildings, and dramatic volcanic coastline, it offers a beautifully laid-back, authentic Canarian atmosphere.

Garachico
“Garachico”

A Little History: The Eruption of 1706

To understand Garachico today, you have to understand its dramatic past.

  • The Golden Era: Founded in 1496 by a Genoese banker, Garachico was originally the main commercial port of Tenerife. It was a thriving, wealthy hub controlling the lucrative sugar and wine trade between Europe and the Spanish colonies in the Americas.
  • The Day the Earth Moved: Everything changed forever on May 5, 1706, when the nearby “Trevejo Volcano” (Arenas Negras) erupted. For days, multiple rivers of black lava poured down the hillside directly into the town.
  • A Miraculous Survival: Miraculously, there were zero recorded fatalities because the lava moved slowly enough for residents to escape. However, the molten rock completely filled and destroyed the deep natural harbour, instantly ending Garachico’s reign as a wealthy port. The town went from the island’s economic powerhouse to a sleepy, quiet fishing village almost overnight.
Garachico
“Garachico”

Top Things to See and Do in Garachico, Tenerife

  • Swin in the El Caletón Natural Pools

When the 1706 lava hit the freezing Atlantic Ocean, it cooled instantly into bizarre, hollow rock formations. Today, these make up the “El Caletón” Natural Pools, one of Tenerife’s absolute best swimming spots. The pools are naturally refreshed by the ocean tides, letting you swim in crystal-clear saltwater surrounded by frozen lava walls.

Part of the swimming pool, Garachico
Part of the swimming pool, Garachico

Note: In the winter months, ocean swells can occasionally cause authorities to temporarily close pool access for safety, but they are stunning to look at even from the pathways.

  • Stroll Around Plaza de la Libertad

The beating heart of the old town is “Plaza de la Libertad”, a gorgeous central square shaded by massive exotic trees and lined with traditional Canarian mansions. Grab a coffee at a terrace café, admire the beautiful wood-balconied architecture, and visit the historical Convent of San Francisco (dating back to 1524), which survived both the eruption and a massive fire.

Plaza de la Libertad, Garachico
“Plaza de la Libertad”, Garachico
  • Visit the Castle of San Miguel

Standing proudly right on the seafront is the “Castillo de San Miguel”, a small, square stone fortress built in the 16th century to defend the wealthy port from pirate raids. Incredibly, this tiny castle completely survived the 1706 volcanic eruption. Today, it houses a fantastic heritage information centre where you can walk the ancient battlements for panoramic ocean views.

Inside "Castillo San Miguel", Garachico
Inside “Castillo San Miguel”, Garachico
  • Step Through Time at Puerta de Tierra Park

This small, lovely park houses the “Puerta de Tierra” (Earth Gate), which is literally the surviving remains of the original stone entryway into the old harbour before the lava filled it in. Inside the park, you can also see heavy, centuries-old wooden wine presses that were used during the peak of the town’s early trading days.

"Puerta de Tierra, Garachico
“Puerta de Tierra”, Garachico

Quirky & Interesting Facts

  • The Great Wine Riot: Long before the volcanic eruption, in 1666, local winemakers got fed up with British merchants monopolising and underpaying for Canarian wine. In a massive protest known as the “Wine Riot,” locals broke into the port warehouses and smashed thousands of barrels, flooding the streets of Garachico with rivers of red wine! You can even spot a modern sculpture commemorating the event right in the main square.
  • Hollywood’s Backdrop: Garachico’s perfectly preserved 16th– and 17th-century look has caught the attention of filmmakers worldwide, frequently serving as a historical backdrop for various major films and European television series
"Plaza Juan Gonzales de la Torre", Garachico
“Plaza Juan Gonzales de la Torre”, Garachico

VISITING GARACHICO, TENERIFE

Arriving in Garachico, Tenerife and a Traditional Lunch

Finding street parking in Garachico turned out to be quite simple. We managed to secure a spot on “Calle Esteban de Ponte” near the town centre, making it incredibly convenient to explore everything on foot.

The patio at "Caja Canarias, Espacio Cultural", Garachico
The patio at “Caja Canarias, Espacio Cultural”, Garachico

Since we arrived right at lunchtime, we decided to fuel up before starting our sightseeing. After reading excellent reviews for a restaurant called “Los Pinos”, we tracked it down on “Calle Pérez Zamora”, right near the “Parque de la Puerta de Tierra”.

Restaurante "Los Pinos", Garachico
Restaurante “Los Pinos”, Garachico, Tenerife

We opted for an outdoor table and ordered a classic spread of traditional Canarian and Spanish cuisine: tuna and cheese croquettes alongside the famous “Papas Arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes) served with traditional red and green “mojo” sauces.

Even though we kept our order light, as we prefer a smaller lunch while travelling, it was incredibly filling and gave us the perfect burst of energy to start exploring. We loved the lunch, especially the “Papas Arrugadas”.

The small menu brought to the table on a board at "Los Pinos"
The small menu brought to the table on a board at “Los Pinos”

Rough Winter Seas and Historic Sights

After lunch, we headed straight down to the seafront to find the famous natural swimming pools. Because it was winter, the ocean was quite rough, which meant the access paths and pools were temporarily closed for safety. However, we still enjoyed incredible views right from the main pavement and captured some fantastic photos of the dramatic waves crashing against the lava rocks.

Part of the swimming pools, Garachico
Part of the swimming pools, Garachico, Tenerife

Right next to the pools stands the “Castillo de San Miguel”. While it is a relatively small stone fortress, stepping out onto the top terrace treats you to absolutely spectacular panoramic views of the coastline.

"Castillo de San Miguel", Garachico
“Castillo de San Miguel”, Garachico, Tenerife

Strolling Through Plaza de la Libertad

From the coast, we moved inland to stroll the charming streets of the historic centre. The traditional architecture is stunning, especially the beautifully preserved colonial buildings featuring iconic Canarian wooden balconies.

Garachico streets
Garachico streets

Our walk led us directly into “Plaza de la Libertad” (Freedom Square), a gorgeous, bustling plaza shaded by massive, mature trees that offer the perfect canopy for locals and visitors relaxing on the benches.

"Plaza de la Libertad", Garachico
“Plaza de la Libertad”, Garachico, Tenerife

It was right here in the plaza that we found the “Monumento a Simón Bolívar”, a striking statue dedicated to the famous Venezuelan political and military leader. A plaque on the side of the stone pedestal traces his direct ancestral lineage all the way back to Garachico’s founding De Ponte family!

 “Monumento a Simón Bolívar”, Garachico
“Monumento a Simón Bolívar”, Garachico, Tenerife

The square is also bordered by two stunning historical landmarks: the “Parroquia de Santa Ana” and the “Convento de San Francisco”. While we chose not to go inside either building, we did grab a refreshing cold drink from a unique little bar built right into the central bandstand. It was the perfect spot to sit back, rest our legs, and enjoy some peaceful people-watching.

Gateway to the Past and Moving On

To wrap up our time in Garachico, we walked over to the “Parque de la Puerta de Tierra”. This lush little park is packed with beautiful, vibrant plants and holds a fascinating piece of history: the actual stone ruins of the “Puerta de Tierra” gate. This was the original entryway into the old harbour before the devastating 1706 volcanic eruption completely filled it with lava. It is a lovely, quiet spot that is well worth a quick visit.

"Parque de la Puerta de Tierra", Garachico
“Parque de la Puerta de Tierra”, Garachico, Tenerife

Once we felt we had fully soaked in the charm of Garachico, we made our way back to the car and hit the road for our final stop of the day: “Icod de los Vinos”, located just a scenic 15-minute drive away.

There is a tour that will take you to Masca, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos if you are based on South Tenerife (Pick-up point is Playa de las Americas) or North Tenerife (Pick-up point is Puerto de la Cruz) in a van. It is a small group of a maximum of 8 people. It seems a good option if you want to explore a bit but has no transport. Book this one HERE.

Sea shells on sale at a shop, Garachico
Sea shells on sale at a shop, Garachico, Tenerife

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ICOD THE LOS VINOS, TENERIFE

Icod de los Vinos: The Land of Dragoons and Vineyards

Sitting on a green slope that gently rolls down toward the Atlantic Ocean, Icod de los Vinos is the final, crown jewel of our Day 2 road trip. With Mount Teide looming majestically in the background, this historic town beautifully blends spectacular geological features, legendary botanical wonders, and some of the finest wine culture in the Canary Islands.

The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos

A Little History: Fire and Fine Wine

The very name of the town tells a beautiful story of its mixed heritage:

  • The First Sanctuary: According to local Guanche legends and historical records, Icod was actually the very first settlement established by the island’s indigenous people on Tenerife. In the native Guanche language, “Icod“ is deeply tied to the word for fire or burning, a nod to the active volcano nearby.
  • The Wine Boom: Following the Spanish conquest in the late 15th century, the suffix “de los Vinos“ was added. The volcanic soil proved to be incredibly fertile, and by the 16th century, the town became globally famous for its high-quality wine exports, particularly its sweet Malvasia wine.
  • The Great Fire: In 1798, a catastrophic fire tore through the town centre, destroying many of its earliest buildings. When the town was carefully rebuilt, the architects purposefully maximised open, leafy green spaces, giving it the uniquely lush and airy plaza layout you see today
Icode de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos

Top Things to See and Do in Icod, Tenerife

  • Stand Before the Drao Milenarion (The Ancient Dragon Tree)

The undisputed symbol of the town, and the entire island, is the Drago Milenario. While locals affectionately call it the “Thousand-Year-Old Dragon Tree,” modern botanists estimate its true age to be closer to 800 years old, which still makes it the oldest living specimen of its kind in the world.

Standing nearly 20 meters tall with a massive labyrinth of interwoven branches, it looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel. You can pay to enter the surrounding park up close, or simply enjoy a stunning, free panoramic view of it right from the neighbouring church square, “Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres”.

The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos
  • Go Underground at Cueva del Viento (Wind Cave)

If you love adventure, this is an absolute must-visit. The “Cueva del Viento” is an enormous underground lava tube system formed over 27,000 years ago. Spanning over 18 documented kilometres, it ranks as Europe’s largest volcanic tube and one of the longest in the entire world. Guided tours take you deep into the pitch-black tunnels to witness ancient geological layers firsthand.

Note: Tickets book out weeks in advance, so plan ahead!

  • Explore Plaza de la Constitución & Stately Mansions

Often called “Plaza de la Pila”, this gorgeous cobblestone square is widely considered one of the prettiest plazas in the Canary Islands. It is surrounded by colourful 17th-century colonial mansions once owned by noble wine merchants, featuring magnificent neoclassical details and typical Canarian wooden balconies. The centrepiece is an elegant stone fountain flanked by rare, exotic plants.

"Plaza de la Pila", Icod de los Vinos
“Plaza de la Pila”, Icod de los Vinos
  • Visit the Church of San Marcos

Sitting right next to the Dragon Tree park, the Parish Church of San Marcos dates back to the 16th century. It features a stunning Renaissance doorway, an intricate Mudejar-style wooden ceiling, and houses an impressive Sacred Art Museum containing a massive, historic solid-silver cross.

Church of San Marcos, Icod de los Vinos
Church of San Marcos, Icod de los Vinos

Quirky & Fun Facts of Icod, Tenerife

  • Bleeding Trees: The sap of the Dragon Tree turns dark red when it comes into contact with the air. The ancient Guanches considered this “Dragon’s Blood” to be sacred and used it for its powerful medicinal properties, for magic rituals, and even to mummify their dead!
  • The Wooden Sledging Tradition: If you happen to visit on the late November festival of “San Andrés”, you will see one of Europe’s wildest local traditions. Local youngsters lubricate long wooden boards and slide at terrifying speeds directly down the town’s steepest, slickest cobblestone streets, braking only by crashing into a massive pile of car tyres at the bottom!
  • A Butterfly Haven: Right next to the ancient tree sits the “Mariposario del Drago”, a tropical butterfly garden where over 800 exotic, free-flying butterflies from around the world fly openly around you
Mummies inside the tunnels, Icod de los Vinos
Mummies inside the tunnels, Icod de los Vinos

VISITING ICOD DE LOS VINOS, TENERIFE

Exploring the Parque del Drago Botanical Garden

When we arrived in “Icod de los Vinos”, we opted for peace of mind and parked in a private car park called Parking J. Álvarez, located right on “Calle Emeterio Gutiérrez Albelo”. From there, it was a short, lovely walk over to the star attraction: the Drago Milenario de Icod de los Vinos.

The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos

The ancient tree sits inside the town’s official botanical garden. While you can easily spot the top of the tree for free from a nearby public square, which is a great option if you are short on time or budget, we happily paid the €5 per person entry fee to explore the grounds in more depth. It is a completely immersive experience that is well worth it!

If you are going in the high season, I advise you to book the ticket to the Botanical Gardens in advance and you can do that HERE.

The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos

The tree itself is incredibly beautiful and imposing, standing proud right near the park entrance with the dramatic peak of Mount Teide cutting through the clouds in the background. After snapping a few photos of this ancient marvel, we set off to explore the rest of the garden along its beautifully well-maintained paths.

The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos

Below is what you will discover inside these pathways:

  • Get Up Close to the Legend: Standing directly at the base of the “Drago Milenario” lets you truly appreciate its staggering scale. You can see the intricate web of interwoven aerial roots, the deep textures of its bark, and the clever, internal ventilation system installed by conservationists to keep the ancient tree healthy.
  • The Sacred Guanche Burial Cave: Tucked into the volcanic rock faces of the garden is a detailed recreation of an ancient Guanche burial site. Inside, you can see how the island’s first indigenous inhabitants used deep volcanic caves to mummify their dead, complete with educational plaques explaining their ancient rituals.
Burial Cave, Icod de los Vinos
Burial Cave, Icod de los Vinos
  • A Sanctuary of Endemic Plants: The pathways wind through distinct zones showcasing rare flora native entirely to the Macaronesia islands. You will walk past towering “cardón” cacti, vibrant “tabaibas”, wild laurels, and an impressive collection of smaller baby dragon trees in various stages of growth.
  • The Traditional Charcoal Bunkers: Hidden along the lower trails are historic stone ovens and charcoal burners. These provide an authentic look at how early rural families harvested local wood to produce fuel and survive in the rugged Canarian landscape.
  • The Living Volcanic Wine Press: Reflecting the town’s wine heritage, the garden features a beautifully preserved “Lagar”, a massive, traditional wooden wine press surrounded by small plots of local grapevines.
  • The Perfect Mount Teide Photo Spot: The lower garden paths offer a completely unobstructed view looking up toward the ancient tree. On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Mount Teide sits perfectly framed directly behind the tree’s massive canopy, creating the absolute ultimate postcard shot for your camera.
The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, Icod de los Vinos

Winding Down in Icod de los Vinos

By the time we wrapped up our wonderful visit to the botanical garden, our day was flying by, and we had to skip a few spots on our Wishlist. We had hoped to visit the neighbouring Mariposario (butterfly garden), but it had already closed for the day.

The "Mariposario", Icod de los Vinos
The “Mariposario”, Icod de los Vinos

Instead, we spent some time simply wandering the charming streets of “Icod de los Vinos”, admiring its traditional architecture. Our walk eventually led us to “Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres”, the public square where you can view the famous Dragon Tree for free.

The Dragon Tree, seen from the free spot,  Icod de los Vinos
The Dragon Tree, seen from the free spot, Icod de los Vinos

This lovely plaza is also home to the Church of San Marcos. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to step inside as a funeral service was underway at the time, so we quietly moved on.

Church of San Marcos, Icod de los Vinos
Church of San Marcos, Icod de los Vinos

Even with a brief visit, “Icod de los Vinos” left an incredibly warm impression on us. It feels like an authentic, traditional countryside town, where you can still see local children playing safely in the public squares late into the evening.

There is a tour that will take you to Masca, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos if you are based on South Tenerife (Pick-up point is Playa de las Americas) or North Tenerife (Pick-up point is Puerto de la Cruz) in a van. It is a small group of a maximum of 8 people. It seems a good option if you want to explore a bit but has no transport. Book this one HERE.

If you enjoy walking and have the time, why not taking this Walking Tour with a guide (In Spanish, so you can practice the language!). It is 1:30 hours exploring the best spots in Icod de los Vinos. Book HERE.

Typical building in Icod de los Vinos
Typical building in Icod de los Vinos

With night falling, it was time to make the drive back to our apartment in Playa Paraíso to shower and freshen up. We had a highly anticipated dinner reservation in Costa Adeje booked for 9:00 PM, so we needed to keep moving!

Icod de los Vinos
Icod de los Vinos

Dinner and a Parking Saga in Costa Adeje

For our evening meal, I had booked a table at a restaurant called “El Olivo”, located right along “Playa Fañabé” in Costa Adeje. The drive down from our apartment took a quick 12 minutes, and we arrived with plenty of time to spare. However, finding a place to park quickly turned into a major challenge.

"El Olivo" Restaurant - Credit: Lifang Huang
“El Olivo” Restaurant – Credit: Lifang Huang

We circled the area repeatedly looking for street parking, but every single spot was taken. With time running out, we pulled into an underground shopping centre car park. Just as we were walking upstairs toward the exit, we noticed a sign stating the garage closed strictly at 10:00 PM! Realising we would never finish dinner in time to retrieve our car, we immediately drove back out to find an alternative.

By this point, we were dangerously close to losing our reservation window. We quickly decided on a “divide and conquer” strategy: I jumped out to head directly to the restaurant and hold our table, while my husband drove off to continue the parking hunt. It was a stressful start to the evening, but after about half an hour of searching, he successfully tracked down a 24-hour car park and joined me at the table.

With the parking drama safely behind us, we could finally relax and look at the menu. I ordered a spectacular seafood “paella”, while my husband opted for a fresh, beautifully prepared local fish dish. The food was absolutely delicious, completely making up for the hectic start to our evening.

After a fantastic meal, we drove back to our flat for a peaceful, deeply satisfying night of rest. It was a remarkably busy but unforgettable day.

"Playa de Fañabé, Costa Adeje - Credit: Marc Ryckaert
“Playa de Fañabé, Costa Adeje – Credit: Marc Ryckaert

Our adventure continues tomorrow as we head out to explore the vibrant capital of “Santa Cruz de Tenerife” and the historic colonial streets of “San Cristóbal de La Laguna”. Stay tuned, and make sure to check back next week for the full breakdown of Day 3! Subscribe to the blog so you won’t miss any chapter of this great trip.

I hope this post will give you some idea of what can be done in a day in Tenerife and will help you plan your own visit there.

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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT TO MASCA, GARACHICO AND ICOD DE LOS VINOS

Below you will find a list of what to visit, where to stay and where to eat in Masca, Garachico and Icod de los Vinos. I classified each place as follows:

BOLD – Visited, tried and recommended

NOT BOLD – Not visited or tried, but planning to visit or try and heard very good reviews

*** – Excellent

** – Good

* – OK

£££ – Expensive

££ – Fair and affordable

PLEASE NOTE: Every hotel, restaurants and attractions I mention on my blogs are not sponsored reviews and we always paid the full price when visiting. We give our own opinion of the place and detail our experience, good or bad.

THINGS TO DO

ATTRACTIONS
MASCA

1 – Masca Gorge Hike

2 – The Village Church and Square – ***

3 – Masca Ethnographic Museum

4 – Views from Miradors – ***

GARACHICO

1 – El Caletón Natural Pool – ***

2 – Plaza de la Libertad – ***

3 – Castle of San Miguel – ***

4 – Puerta de Tierra Park – ***

5 – Convent of San Franciso

6 – Church of Saint Ana – ***

ICOD DE LOS VINOS

1 – The Drago Tree and Park ***

2 – Cueva del Viento – ***

3 – Plaza de la Pila – ***

4 – Church of San Marcos

5 – Mariposario

6 – Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres – ***

WHERE TO STAY

ACCOMMODATION

1 – Sweet Home – Masca – 4* – ££

2 – Live Masca Casa Tarucho – Masca – 3* – ££

3 – Isla Baja Suites – Garachico -££

4 – Hotel El Patio – Garachico – 4* – £££

5 – Hotel Embremático San Marcos – Icod de los Vinos – £££

6 – Hotel Embremático San Agustin – Icod de los Vinos – ££

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BEST PLACES TO EAT

RESTAURANTS

1 – Restaurante El Guanche – Masca ££

2 – La Piedra – Masca – £

3 – Tasca Restaurant Los Pinos – Garachico- ££ – *** – (We ate here)

4 – Cañada de Garachico – Garachico – £££

5 – El Localito – Icod de los Vinos – ££

6 – Casa del Drago – Icod de los Vinos £££

We only tried the ones in bold , the others are the result of my researches and ones that I would like to try. If you tried any of my recommendations above, please send me a message and tell me about your experience good or bad, so I can update the list accordingly. Thanks!

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THE TRAVELLING SURVEYOR

Hello! I’m Rose and I’m the “Travelling Surveyor”. If you click on the photo you can learn a bit more about me. Join me on my travelling adventures by reading my posts and subscribing to my blog.

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