In 1705, the historic eruption of the Las Arenas volcano occurred in Arafo, on the southern flank of the Caldera de Pedro Gil at an altitude of about 1,525 metres. Buildings, the history of water and hiking trails also shape the possible focus of a stay. Depending on whether you are planning a stroll through the historic centre or a longer hike, the stated time estimates differ considerably.
Volcanic landscape and nature
The Paisaje Protegido de Las Siete Lomas lies partly within Arafo. Recent lava flows from the Arafo volcano shaped the protected agricultural landscape. Its rocky areas and ravines are home to endangered species, including the Vicácara. The Barranco de Añavingo nature area covers 35 hectares designated as being of natural interest and is home to native plants such as Vicácara, wild thyme and Canary Island pine.
A path along the Barranco de Añavingo leads to historic mills, aqueducts and water galleries. The usual access point is Plaza de San Juan Degollado; check current trail conditions before setting out. The Mirador de Chimague offers a different perspective: it is located on the boundary of the Parque Natural de la Corona Forestal and is part of the island’s network of viewpoints. On a clear day, the panorama extends as far as the Parque Rural de Anaga and the island of Gran Canaria.
Architectural history in the historic centre
The Casona de la Esquina de los Carros is designated as a historic site of Bien de Interés Cultural and is considered an example of rural Canarian architecture. The two-storey house has a four-sided hipped roof covered with Arabic tiles, a balcony and an outside staircase providing direct access to the upper floor. Secundino Delgado lived in the Casona. The building thus brings together architectural history and a historical connection to a well-known figure.
The Iglesia de San Juan Degollado began as a chapel built after 1676; several extensions transformed it into the church seen today. Inside are four altarpieces dedicated to the souls in Purgatory, Saint Joseph, Our Lady of Sorrows and the Immaculate Conception. There are also paintings and religious sculptures from the 18th century. Access to the interior may depend on services being held.
The use of water is also part of the town’s history: the complex of Arafo’s old mill and public washhouse was designated an ethnological site of Bien de Interés Cultural in 2006. It is notable for its sophisticated water-use system. Ask locally about access conditions. In the mid-altitude area of Arafo, at 650 metres, are the Ruinas de Lo De Ramos, also designated a historic site in 2008. They bear witness to a former agricultural and religious Augustinian settlement, whose origins date back to the first years after the conquest of Tenerife. Check local access arrangements before visiting.
A tour of about an hour and a half is planned for a shorter introduction to the centre. It can begin at Señor del Pino and continue to the Auditorio Juan Carlos I and the town hall. This makes it possible to tailor your schedule to a visit to the town or compare it with a longer hike.
Hiking and planning your time
The Ruta de Los Peregrinos is a moderately challenging hiking trail. It starts at La Crucita and passes the Las Arenas volcano and the Caldera de Pedro Gil before reaching Arafo. Two options are listed for the route: about 14.5 kilometres, taking around six hours, and about 12.5 kilometres, taking around three hours. Both end in Arafo. Check current trail conditions before setting out; the time estimates will help you distinguish this hike from the shorter tour of the centre.
The TF-523 is the main access road to the protected Las Siete Lomas area. It connects Arafo with the C-824 and crosses the eastern part of the protected area for about seven kilometres. Check current road conditions before driving.
Getting there, music and local events
Arafo can be reached via the TF-1: take the exit for the Valle de Güímar, then follow the clearly signposted local roads. Several TITSA bus routes connect the town with other municipalities in the valley and with Santa Cruz. Check current routes and timetables before travelling.
Arafo’s enduring musical tradition has been established since the 19th century. One specific annual event is the Romería de San Agustín, held on the Saturday before the last Sunday in August. Parrandas, rondallas and ox-drawn carts travel through the town’s main streets. If you plan to visit for the event, check that year’s programme.
The landscape and cultural routes include guided visits to wineries; ask the local tourism services about current availability. Arafo, Candelaria and Güímar together have around 700 hectares of agricultural land devoted to winegrowing. This adds a regional perspective on winegrowing to the local cultural and natural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Tegueste, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, La Orotava, Ifonche y Benitez, Villa De Arico, La Matanza De Acentejo, Los Carrizales, Oroteanda Baja.
For the full travel overview: Tenerife.
