Marked by a candy-cane-colored lighthouse, Punta de Teno is a rocky headland that forms the northwestern tip of Tenerife.
This cinematic location in Teno Rural Park (Parque Rural de Teno) delivers godly views of the Los Gigantes cliffs (Acantilado de Los Gigantes).
Because car access is restricted, Teno Point is delightfully uncrowded during the day.
To get to Punta de Teno, you can drive (at certain times), hike, or take a bus. We’ll outline these options below, so you can decide how to visit.
Update 2022: The TF-455 road to Punta da Teno is closed and Bus 369 is suspended until the road work is completed. More info here and here.
Punta de Teno Essential Tips
- When to Visit: Golden Hour and Sunset
- Punta de Teno Bus: Bus 369 shuttles between Buenavista del Norte and Punta de Teno during the day.
- Recommended Hike: Camino del Risco to Teno Alto, followed by PR TF-51 to Punta de Teno.
- Recommended Itinerary: Tenerife 7-day Road Trip
- Facilities at Punta de Teno: None
- Where to Stay: Viña Camello (midrange), or Meliá Hacienda del Conde (Adults only) (luxury) in Buenavista del Norte
Punta de Teno Map
When’s the Best Time to Visit Punta de Teno
For the best experience, we suggest arriving at Punta de Teno ~30-40 minutes before sunset. The Los Gigantes Cliffs light up spectacularly.
Driving to Punta de Teno
With the exception of buses and taxis, road access to Punta de Teno is restricted during the day.
In Summer, the road is restricted from 9 am until 8 pm. In Fall, Winter, and Spring, the road is restricted from 10 am until 7 pm.
During those restricted times, there’s a guard stationed at the road entrance to Carretera del Faro de Punta de Teno, ensuring that people do not drive to the Punta de Teno lighthouse.
The guard is positioned at the Barranco del Monte parking lot (TF-445), which is also the Risco Alpine Path trailhead to Teno Alto (more on that later).
If you’re visiting in January, for example, you can drive to Punta de Teno before 10 am. If you wanted to spend the whole day at Punta de Teno, you could drive in the morning (before 10 am) and drive back after 7 pm.
Just make sure you’re off the Carretera del Faro de Punta de Teno road between 10 am and 7 pm.
There’s a small parking lot at Teno Point, 280 meters from the Punta Teno Lighthouse.
Rental Car
The most efficient way to travel to Punta de Teno is with your own car.
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Tenerife. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your can rental as early as possible.
Taking Bus 369 to Punta de Teno
If you’re planning on visiting Punta de Teno between the restricted times, the easiest way to get there is by bus.
To take the bus, head to the town of Buenavista del Norte. Bus 369 stops punctually at the “Cruz de Toledo” bus stop on TF-42 (Exact Location: Google Maps).
There’s street parking on the side streets near the bus stop.
Hiking From Teno Alto to Punta de Teno
To hike to Punta de Teno, drive to Teno Alto (780 m), a small hamlet in the Teno Mountains. From this small village, a hiking path descends all the way to Punta de Teno. This hike is 7.2 km one-way and takes 2 hours.
From the center of Teno Alto, you’ll initially walk down Pista las Cuevas road, heading west. After about 620 meters, the PR TF-51 hiking trail branches off to the right. You’ll follow this trail all the way down to Carretera del Faro de Punta de Teno, the paved road leading to Teno Point.
This part of the Teno Mountains feels really isolated and remote. Not all dogs are chained to their homesteads out here, so you might encounter some aggressive barking and territorial guarding along this route (we did).
When you reach the paved road, you’ll follow it for 2.2 km to the lighthouse. Note: there’s a bus stop (“Itobal”) near this trail/street intersection. So, if your timing is just right, you could hop on the bus instead of walking the remaining 2.2 km.
To return to Teno Alto, you can either hike back up PR TF-51, or you can take the bus to that tiny Barranco del Monte parking lot (where the guard is). The bus will not stop here automatically. You have to ask in advance.
At this tiny parking lot, you’ll find the trailhead to Teno Alto. Look for the “Camino del Risco” trail sign, indicating 3.8 km to Teno Alto.
In Google Maps, the trailhead is labeled “Sendero del Risco Muertos” and in our Tenerife Rother Walking Guide, it’s called the “Risco Alpine Path.” Follow this trail (PR TF 58) all the way to Teno Alto.
The trail will eventually intersect with a paved road, which you’ll follow for about 15 minutes to the hamlet. The hike takes 2:30 hours. Camino del Risco is a thrilling trail through the Teno Mountains.
Camino del Risco Hiking Trail: Teno Alto to Punta de Teno
Trailhead: Barranco del Monte parking lot / Sendero del Risco Muertos (PR TF 58) Trailhead Type of Trail: Circuit with bus Distance: 10.5 kmElevation: 670 meters ascending / 780 meters descending Difficulty: Difficult Time Needed: 4 hours (hiking only) / 6 hours total (lunch + bus + lighthouse) Route: Barranco del Monte – Teno Alto – Punta de Teno – Bus – Barranco del MonteWhere to Stay: Viña Camello (midrange), or Meliá Hacienda del Conde (Adults only) (luxury) in Buenavista del Norte
If we were to hike to Punta de Teno again, we’d start by hiking the Risco Alpine Path to Teno Alto. Then, we’d grab a long, relaxed lunch in the hamlet.
After lunch, we’d descend along PR TF-51 to Punta de Teno. And finally, we’d watch the sunset at the lighthouse, before hopping on the last possible bus back to our starting place: Barranco del Monte parking lot.
What to Do at Punta de Teno
Aside from enjoying the miraculous view of the Los Gigantes Cliffs, there’s not a whole lot to do at Punta de Teno.
Some people bathe around Playa Punta De Teno, which is tucked away in a sheltered cove.
The Punta de Teno Lighthouse (Faro de Punta de Teno) is closed to visitors. But, you can explore the rocky-volcanic headland leading up to the lighthouse.
Note: There are no public toilets at Punta de Teno.
Where to Stay near Punta de Teno
The best places to stay before, or after visiting Punta de Teno are Buenavista del Norte or Los Silos.
Budget | Casa emblemática Buenavista del Norte is a charming and economical B&B located in an 18th-century house in Buenavista del Norte. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and garden. Note: bathroom facilities are shared.
Midrange | Luz Del Mar is a lovely hotel in Los Silos. It’s nice to unwind in the hotel’s sauna or take a dip in the outdoor pool, before treating yourself to dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Luxury | Melia Hacienda del Conde is an adults-only, luxury hotel in Buenavista. When you want a peaceful place to stay with access to top wellness facilities (fitness center, sauna, Turkish bath, pools), this is the #1 place to stay in Northwestern Tenerife.
Source: moonhoneytravelers
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