More than 60 percent of the municipality of El Tanque is protected natural land. Hiking trails, viewpoints and historic sites add to this natural setting. To get your bearings, you can explore the area from two perspectives: its landscapes and trails, and its archaeological, architectural and cultural history.
Protected Areas, Viewpoints and Hiking Trails
The Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero covers 1,059.5 hectares within El Tanque. The protected area of Acantilados de La Culata accounts for 61.1 hectares, and the Parque Rural de Teno for 200.9 hectares. Another view across the landscape can be enjoyed from the Mirador Lomo Molino, at an elevation of 640 metres. The viewpoint is easy to reach by road and offers views of Tenerife’s north coast; on a clear day, you can also see Mount Teide and the island of La Palma. The viewpoint is part of Cabildo de Tenerife’s island-wide network of viewpoints.
The SL-TF 151.2 hiking trail leads into the Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero, through the centre of El Tanque and its historic quarter, and onward to the Mirador de La Atalaya on the border with Garachico. Check the trail status and conditions before setting out. Another route leads to the Charcas de Erjos and passes the Ecomuseo de El Tanque. It is considered very easy and is recommended in spring. These two trail descriptions have different highlights: the SL-TF 151.2 passes through a protected area and the historic quarter, while the route to the Charcas de Erjos passes the Ecomuseo.
Recreation and Insights into Local Life
The Ãrea Recreativa de Puerto Escondido is located within the Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero. The recreation area covers 3,500 square metres and has a capacity of 100 people. Its facilities include accessible routes and a children’s area.
At the Ecomuseo de El Tanque, visitors explore nine rooms covering the origins of the hamlet of Partido de Abajo, its historical context and the daily lives of its residents. The exhibition combines information panels with audiovisual media, virtual reality and interactive elements. Reservations are required for visits by large groups, such as schools, organisations or educational institutions. If you are planning such a group visit, check the applicable requirements.
Archaeology and Architectural History
Las Partidas de Franquis is an archaeological site in El Tanque and is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. It is located in the Cañada de los Ovejeros, at the foot of the south-eastern slope of Montaña de Tomás Seche. The site includes a small stone bearing a foot-shaped alphabetiform engraving, known as a podomorph; the piece is now held at the Museo Arqueológico de Tenerife.
The Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua is also designated a Bien de Interés Cultural, in the Monument category. Its history dates back to a chapel founded in the 16th century. The church was destroyed during the 1706 eruption of the Trevejo volcano and rebuilt in 1728. La Alhóndiga is a rectangular, two-storey building dating from the 17th century in the historic centre of Tanque de Abajo. It was originally used as a granary and later became an economic and social centre for the surrounding area. It is located within the protected setting of the Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua.
The Casa de los Martelos also dates from the 17th century and survived the 1706 eruption of Montaña Trebejo. Its façade is divided horizontally and features a central wooden balcony, characteristic of the traditional architecture of the period. El Granero, in turn, is a group of houses representing rural Canarian architecture and dating from the first Castilian settlements in El Tanque. The houses were built with local volcanic stone, Canarian pinewood, also known as tea wood, and curved roof tiles. The Ermita de San José de los Llanos is an 18th-century chapel. Its materials include volcanic stone, Canarian pinewood and Arabic roof tiles.
The historic Lavaderos de La Atalaya are located by the Mirador de la Atalaya and are considered part of the town’s ethnographic heritage. A natural spring feeds four water outlets, and the site includes around twenty wash stones. The newly paved path to the wash houses has a pronounced incline. Bear this terrain in mind when planning a visit.
Local Traditions and Event Dates
The DÃa de La Trilla was established in 1996 and is celebrated in late July on the grounds and in the hamlets of the Ecomuseo in the district of San José de los Llanos. It showcases the town’s agricultural and cultural traditions. The Feria de ArtesanÃa takes place in early August on Avenida PrÃncipes de España and showcases local craft traditions. Artisan cheese-making is also a local tradition. If your travel plans depend on an event date, check the exact dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ruigomez, Villa De Arico, Las Cruces, Candelaria, Almáciga, San José de los Llanos, La Matanza De Acentejo, Los Rechazos.
Go to the main travel overview: Tenerife.
