Northern Tenerife
North Tenerife Scenic Loop
~60 km · Full day · 4 stops
Green, traditional and historic — banana country, colonial towns and the ancient dragon tree of the verdant north.
The north of Tenerife is a world away from the southern resorts: steep, green hillsides, banana plantations and towns full of Canarian architecture.
This loop strings together the elegant valley town of La Orotava, the seaside resort of Puerto de la Cruz, the rebuilt port of Garachico and the millennia-old dragon tree at Icod.
Route map
Tours & experiences on this route
Experiences are provided by our booking partners. Bookings are completed on the partner's secure checkout.
Prefer a guided tour?
This is a self-drive route — or let a partner do the driving with a guided tour or activity.
RECREATIONAL DIVE (certified divers only) : Explore Canarian Sealife
From €95
View →via Viator
Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga: Guided Tour + Transportation
before_date
From €55
View →via Tiqets
Booking and payment take place securely with our partner. GoToTene may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Good to know
Comfortable coastal and valley roads linking the northern towns, with narrower streets inside the historic centres. Parking is easiest at marked car parks on the edge of each town.
The north is greener and cloudier than the south — spring and early summer bring the clearest spells.
The historic centres of La Orotava and Garachico are best explored on foot. Allow time for the gardens and churches along the way.
Full day
Places on this route
Nature & ForestsTicketsDrago Milenario
The famous ancient dragon tree (Dracaena draco) of Icod de los Vinos, a natural symbol of Tenerife.
Towns & VillagesGarachico
A historic northern harbour town famous for its natural volcanic rock pools formed by an 18th-century eruption.
Towns & VillagesLa Orotava
A historic hillside town above the Orotava Valley, known for its noble houses and traditional Corpus Christi flower carpets.
Towns & VillagesPuerto de la Cruz
A characterful northern resort town blending a historic fishing harbour with gardens, promenades and family attractions.
Add the stops to your Trip Planner and build your Tenerife itinerary around this drive.