Nearly 60 kilometers of hiking trails offer a variety of ways to discover the volcanic landscape and history of the municipality of Santiago del Teide. The routes vary considerably in length and stated duration, making it easier to plan whether to focus on a shorter hike or a longer route.
Hiking Routes for Different Time Budgets
The PR-TF 65 runs from Santiago del Teide to Puerto Santiago. The route is 19.8 kilometers long, with a stated duration of 7 hours and 20 minutes. Part of the trail follows the former Camino Real and passes through several settlements in the municipality. The route therefore combines a longer hike with a historic path.
The circular PR-TF 43.3 Ruta Circular de Chinyero takes less time: it is 6.44 kilometers long, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. Its stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes is considerably shorter than the 7 hours and 20 minutes for the PR-TF 65. Check the route and time estimates locally before setting out. The SL-TF 60 connects Santiago del Teide and Arguayo over nine kilometers.
Along the PR-TF 43.3, pine forest gives way to solidified lava and areas of volcanic ash. In some places, vegetation is gradually reappearing. This changing landscape also makes the route appealing to travelers interested in landforms and how they change over time.
Volcanic Landscapes and Viewpoints
The Reserva Natural Especial del Chinyero lies partly within the municipality of Santiago del Teide. Its volcanic landscape has marked trails. The Parque Nacional del Teide is also accessible from Santiago del Teide via the hiking trail network; check the conditions on the relevant trails before setting out.
At the Mirador de Los Poleos, the view takes in Tenerife’s northwestern ridge, where most of the island’s more recent eruptions occurred. From the Mirador Valle Santiago, visitors can see the Dorsal de Abeque, considered Tenerife’s most volcanically active zone. Both viewpoints offer a window into the island’s geology, but with different perspectives on its volcanic history.
The Centro de Visitantes Chinyero is located in the town center. Multimedia and interactive exhibits explore the volcanic history of the municipality and Tenerife; the main exhibition looks at the 1909 Chinyero eruption from geological and social perspectives. The center is temporarily closed. Check current access arrangements before visiting.
Church, Architecture and Crafts
The town center also offers historical points of interest. The Templo Parroquial San Fernando Rey is located there; the parish was established in 1678, officially founded in 1679, and opened that same year with the first parish Mass. A striking half-dome sits above the main chapel. The 17th-century Casa del Patio is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its traditional Canarian architecture includes wine presses, granaries and a cistern.
In Arguayo, about five kilometers from the town center, the Centro Alfarero y Museo Etnográfico Cha Domitila is housed in a restored traditional Canarian home. It demonstrates the craft of making clay vessels using an Indigenous technique. Traditional natural materials used include clay, water, volcanic sand, almagre and a little oil. In Puerto de Santiago, the Museo El Pescador presents the region’s traditional fishing practices through information panels, photographs and objects. Check access arrangements for the museum before your visit.
Coastal Views and Island Travel
Playa de La Arena is known for its black volcanic sand. The surf is usually moderate, and the beach is also described as having visitor services and good accessibility. Conditions, services and accessibility provisions may change, so it is worth checking before your visit. Kayak routes in Santiago del Teide pass beneath the Acantilados de Los Gigantes. Their vertical walls rise more than 600 meters. Boat trips along the coast below the cliffs offer views of geological formations and opportunities to observe marine wildlife. Check sea conditions and availability with the provider before taking part in these activities.
For getting around Tenerife, TITSA offers an extensive bus network. The Ten+ Móvil app displays routes, stops and timetables in real time; check the information for your specific journey. Discover more destinations: Puerto De Santiago, Tamaimo, Acantilados De Los Gigantes, San José de los Llanos, Adeje, Tacoronte, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Teno.
For the full travel overview: Tenerife.
