Icod de los Vinos
Casa de Platana, Icod de los Vinos
A small museum about the banana, the crop that shaped every terrace you walk past on this coast. Ten minutes from the apartment, and better context than it sounds.
Things to do around San Marcos
The north coast is for being outside. The bay below us is the calmest swimming for a considerable distance, the surf is twenty-five minutes east, and the climb from sea level to the top of Teide is one of the longest continuous road ascents anywhere.
It is also cloudier than the south — that is the trade for the greenery — so there are a few things here for the afternoon when the beach is off.
11 — written by the people who host here.
Icod de los Vinos
Cueva del Viento, Icod de los Vinos
Europe's longest lava tube, and among the longest in the world, is ten minutes from the apartment. Guided visits only, and they sell out — book before you fly.
El Teide
Cycling El Teide
One of the longest continuous road climbs in the world starts at sea level below the apartment and ends above 2,000 m. Pro teams train on it. Bikes hire in Puerto.
El Tanque
Ecomuseo El Tanque
A small village museum in El Tanque on rural life in northern Tenerife, using panels, audio-visual displays and VR. Quiet, local, and rarely busy.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
La Laguna
Tenerife's old capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site: the unfortified colonial grid that was copied across Latin America, plus good food and record shops.
Icod de los Vinos & Puerto de la Cruz
Staying active, and something to do with kids
A serious strength gym in Icod eight minutes away, and minigolf in Puerto de la Cruz — the two practical options when the walks and the beach are not enough.
Puerto de la Cruz
Street art in Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz has a serious street-art scene spread through its old town — large-scale murals you can find on a self-guided walk, with occasional local tours.
Puerto de la Cruz & Los Realejos
Surfing near San Marcos
Playa Martiánez and Playa del Socorro are the north coast's surf beaches, both around 25 minutes east — with a school our hosts recommend for lessons.
Las Cañadas del Teide
Teide National Park, and the permit nobody mentions
Teide is Spain's highest peak at 3,718 m. The cable car gets you to 3,555 m — but the final climb needs a separate free permit, booked weeks ahead.
Island-wide
Tenerife fiestas, month by month
Something is being celebrated most weeks here. A year of Tenerife fiestas — almond blossom, Corpus Christi carpets, San Juan bonfires and wine-soaked San Andrés.
San Marcos & around
Where to swim on Tenerife's north coast
San Marcos bay is sheltered and safe. Beyond it, the north coast is open Atlantic — here are the rock pools and beaches worth using, and how to read the flags.