Who hasn’t dreamt of a holiday in Tenerife’s Puerto de la Cruz? Whether you’re a fan of balmy beaches, palm trees or stunning vistas (and let’s be honest: who isn’t?), you’ve come to the right place. But what about the rest of the island? It couldn’t possibly be as beautiful as this marvellous metropolis, right?
Wrong! As you’ll discover during your Shuttle Direct ride from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz, the island boasts several natural wonders that are sure to make your jaw drop. Here’s a list of stunning spots that you may want to ask your driver about during your one-hour transfer. If you’re a nature enthusiast, you may even feel inspired to visit these extraordinary places during your holiday to fully immerse yourself in their splendour.
1. La Tejita
When you set off on your ride from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz, why not ask your driver about La Tejita? This beach is situated directly south of the airport and is one of the most spectacular natural sensations you’ll ever see. The one-kilometre stretch of black (!) sand is not only secluded, but also overlooks the Montaña Roja (Red Mountain), a volcanic crater. Tranquillity and breathtaking views – what more could you want?
If tanning your bod and dozing on your beach towel is not on your list of holiday priorities, worry not: the area has more delightful surprises in store. For water sports enthusiasts, bring a surf board and perfect your cross steps and hang heels in peace. Alternatively, you could take a leisurely stroll to the scenic town of El Médano or to the former fishing village of Los Abrigos, both of which are close to the beach and are known for their beautiful town centres and delectable local food.
Recommended Visit Time: If hitting the black sands of La Tejita sounds like your definition of paradise, opt for a full-day trip. Alternatively, a visit to El Médano and/or Los Abrigos should not take more than half a day.
2. Montaña Ifara y Los Riscos
Did the volcanic Montaña Roja catch your attention? Then you’re in luck: there are more volcanic sensations in the area. About half an hour into your journey from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll pass Montaña Ifara y Los Riscos, two adjacent volcanic cones. If you choose to visit these special landmarks, you’ll be able to let your adventurous side loose by exploring the area on foot.
While trekking around Montaña Ifara y Los Riscos, be sure to make plenty of stops and get out your binoculars: the region is known for its beautiful birds, such as spectacled warblers, trumpeter finches and Betherlot’s pipits, which are trademark species of the Canary Islands. After you’ve scanned the sky for these charming creatures, don’t forget to look down – and tread lightly. If you look carefully enough, you may be able to spot longhorn beetles, a rare species that you’ll only see in this area.
Recommended Visit Time: Although it’s possible to discover the wonders of Montaña Ifara y Los Riscos in an afternoon, we recommend taking your time to fully appreciate the exceptional flora and fauna. Why not plan a full-day trip during your holiday?
3. Malpaís de Güímar
Can’t get enough of those volcanoes? No wonder – they’re all imposing and gorgeous in entirely unique ways. Whereas Montaña Ifara y Los Riscos is famous for its greenery and wildlife, the landscape of Malpaís de Güímar on the island’s east coast tells a completely different story. The zone is mostly desert, featuring huge chunks of black lava that shot out of the local volcano – Montaña Grande – many centuries ago. Today, these historic markers are interspersed with shimmering red sand, which is a one-of-a-kind sight to behold. You may even start to wonder whether you’ve somehow landed on an extraterrestrial planet!
An all-time favourite activity among adventurous tourists is hiking along Malpaís de Güímar’s coastline, which is situated directly next to the volcanic desert. The drastic contrast between the arid grounds surrounding Montaña Grande and the lively ocean is one of the bizarre and dazzling attractions of Tenerife that absolutely should not be missed.
Recommended Visit Time: If you opt for one of the walking routes in the area, a half-day trip is sufficient. However, if you’d rather explore every nook and cranny of the area by tackling its many hiking trails, take your time and stay all day.
4. Las Palomas
During the final stretch of your transfer from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll pass Las Palomas, an official Protected Landscape. This hilly site is situated in the area of Las Lagunetas, an inland area that borders on the island’s west coast. You may want to ask your driver about his or her experiences in the region, as it’s a beloved attraction among locals and tourists alike.
If you opt to walk around the area, which is a mere 30-minute drive away from Puerto de la Cruz, you’re in for a treat: wandering through thick pine forests, feeling the cool breeze caress your face and observing a variety of rare birds and plants will keep you entertained as you follow the winding paths of Las Palomas. To top it all off, your efforts will be rewarded by dramatic views of Tenerife once you’ve conquered the mountainous stretches of land. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Recommended Visit Time: Again, it depends on what hiking trail you choose. Whereas some are short and sweet and make for an ideal half-day excursion, some are more demanding and may take you a full day. It’s your choice!
From Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz
For the nature lover, there’s much to discover along Shuttle Direct’s route from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz. What’s more, the above recommendations are merely a small selection of all of the scenic miracles that lie along the way. If you’re looking for adventure beyond Puerto de la Cruz, consider asking your driver about the picturesque places you’ll pass, and plan some half- and/or full-day trips to witness Tenerife’s natural gems firsthand.
About Shuttle Direct
Convenient and comfortable airport transfers, local and experienced drivers and reliable services: all of these descriptions apply perfectly to Shuttle Direct, a principal transport service in Europe and North Africa. If you’d like a dependable and economical ride from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz, simply pre-book via our easy-to-use website in a few simple clicks.
NB. This route guide has been compiled as an aid to visiting the region. Your airport transfer service from Tenerife South Airport does not include stops to these destinations.
