North Tenerife Road Trip: Puerto de la Cruz to Garachico

Southern Tenerife delivers reliable sunshine. Northern Tenerife supplies much of the island’s character: tiled courtyards, banana plantations, volcanic pools, vineyards and old towns built on steep Atlantic slopes.

This route links four of the north’s most rewarding stops—Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos and Garachico. It works best with a hire car, although buses can cover individual sections if you allow more time.

This article is part of our Tenerife series. Listen to Tenerife beyond the resorts with writer John Reid for more local stories and practical ideas.

Start in Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz makes a practical base because it combines accommodation, restaurants and transport with a historic centre that still feels connected to the sea. Begin around the old harbour and Plaza del Charco, then follow the streets towards the traditional Canarian buildings around La Ranilla.

The historic harbour at Puerto de la Cruz in northern Tenerife — The old harbour at Puerto de la Cruz. — Photograph by John Reid.

If swimming is part of the plan, check conditions carefully. The north coast is more exposed than the resort beaches in the south, and Atlantic swell can change quickly.

Continue to La Orotava

La Orotava sits above Puerto de la Cruz in a valley of vineyards, gardens and historic estates. Its sloping streets reward slow exploration. Look for carved wooden balconies, internal courtyards and views down towards the coast.

This is also a useful place to understand how Tenerife’s fertile northern slopes supported wine, agriculture and wealthy merchant families. Allow at least ninety minutes rather than treating it as a quick photograph stop.

Walk beneath the dragon tree in Icod de los Vinos

Icod de los Vinos is associated with the Drago Milenario, Tenerife’s famous dragon tree. The tree is the headline sight, but the surrounding historic centre deserves time too. Wander around Plaza de Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres and the streets near the Church of San Marcos.

Traditional cobbled street in Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife — A traditional street in Icod de los Vinos. — Photograph by John Reid.

Icod’s name also points to its wine-growing heritage. If you are driving, save any serious tasting for another day or arrange a tour that includes transport.

Finish in Garachico

Garachico is one of Tenerife’s most memorable towns. A volcanic eruption in 1706 destroyed its harbour and changed its commercial fortunes, but the rebuilt town retained handsome churches, convents and mansions.

Walk through the historic centre before reaching the coast and the lava pools of El Caletón. Swimming is only sensible when the pools are officially open and sea conditions are safe.

Garachico and its volcanic Atlantic coastline seen from above — Garachico and the Atlantic coast from above. — Photograph by John Reid.

How long does the route take?

Puerto de la Cruz to Garachico is only about 36 kilometres by road, according to Tenerife’s official visitor information, but the sightseeing makes this a full day. A sensible plan is:

08:30–10:00: Puerto de la Cruz
10:20–12:00: La Orotava
12:30–14:30: Icod de los Vinos and lunch
15:00 onwards: Garachico

Practical advice

Start early, particularly if travelling during school holidays.
Do not judge driving times purely by distance; northern roads can be slow.
Use marked car parks rather than attempting the narrowest historic streets.
Check sea conditions before entering natural pools.
Keep a light layer handy: the north is greener partly because it receives more cloud and moisture.

For official journey distances and current visitor information, consult Visit Tenerife.

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