Located in the northeast of Tenerife, Tegueste is one of only three landlocked municipalities on the island. The area, at 545 meters above sea level, is also one of the highest and a prime spot for sensational views. It’s the perfect place for having a traditional and slow-paced Canarian experience while looking back at the past and being one with nature. Go here to escape busy tourist spots and throngs of selfie-taking vacationers. With its vineyards and historic houses, this storybook town is the holiday people looking for peace and relaxation dream about.
A Place That Survived Time
Tegueste has been inhabited by the Guanches, the Canary Islands’ native dwellers, before the Spanish conquest of the archipelago in the 1400s. After the indigenous population succumbed to the invasion, the town’s development began in the early 16th century in El Llano, an area between the Las Ceras ravine and the Las Tapias ravine. Here, the first chapel, dedicated to San Marcos Evangelista, was built, and urban expansion gradually formed around it over the centuries.
Tegueste became an independent municipality in 1813. Enclosed within the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, part of its border lies right at the foot of Anaga Rural Park. The area is nestled in a vast watershed, so while it has no coast, the rivers flowing through its ravines swelled. This topography allowed its population to grow and reach 11,000 by the 20th century. It also keeps its land lush and the temperature mild.
Why Go to Tegueste
Tegueste boasts warm temperatures and reasonably pleasant climate conditions all year round. These favorable natural circumstances, along with the minimal difference between seasons, allow the municipality to enjoy a robust agriculture-driven economy.
Traditionally reliant on its vegetable plantations, vineyards, and livestock farms, the town’s historic center, recognized as a Place of Cultural Interest, and the picturesque rural landscape have opened its doors to tourism in recent years. It is an excellent destination for day trips when in Tenerife, as the area is relatively small and its attractions can be toured in a single day.
Before starting the excursion, we recommend making a quick visit to the Tourist Information Office of Tegueste. Vacationers can book a guided wine tour here and get information about the town’s best sightseeing spots.
Historic Quarter
Tegueste’s historic quarter is a charming feature of the municipality that vacationers must experience. The town is believed to have originated in El Llano, an area with a topography ideal for birthing a new settlement, thanks to the abundance of water it can steadily supply and the fertile land around it for growing crops. Here, the first chapel, known as the church of San Marcos, was erected, and the rest of the hamlet gradually grew around it. The chapel has a beautiful, old-style facade and an impressive collection of religious figures inside. Just beside it is the modest square of Plaza de la Arañita.
Casa del Prebendado Pacheco should be next on your must-see list. The former home of Prebendado Antonio Pereira Pacheco y Ruiz, the Tegueste parish priest from 1842 to 1856, it eventually became the town’s first public school in 1849. Today, the house has been repurposed into an exhibition hall.
In addition, Mr. Prebendado Pacheco encouraged the construction of the town hall (Ayuntamiento de Tegueste), which finally began in 1843. The building now serves as a tourist attraction and is being used by the peace court but has been utilized as a school, grain exchange, and mortuary in the past.
We recommend wandering along Camino de Los Laureles as well. It’s a simple stroll that will take you back to when there were still no roads on the island. The pathway is lined by laurels from the tertiary period and is besideCasa de Los Tacoronte, the stately, 2-story summer home of Baron de Chasserieu. The house and another municipality in Tenerife were named after his son-in-law Eduardo de Tacoronte.
Not far away, you’ll find Casa de la Audiencia. This is where local government officials gathered and discussed how to overcome the plague that broke out in Tenerife in 1583, even though the island headquarters was in La Laguna.
A perfect spot for selfies, the Puente de Palo bridge was built to keep Tegueste connected to other towns when heavy rains filled up its ravines. It’s been rebuilt many times due to the damages from strong waters but remains just as picturesque as it was before.
When traveling, they say do as the locals do. In Tegueste, that means relaxing in the square of La Placeta, a popular rendezvous spot for residents. It sits in the middle of an intersection, featuring a 19th-century cross and a hundred-year-old water fountain.
Lastly, the Finca de Los Zamorano estate is a great place to see for tourists interested in Tenerife’s traditional architecture and winery. It’s a 15-acre expanse that consists of an orchard, an organic vegetable farm, and vineyards. In addition, there’s a winepress, a threshing floor, and an area for “dragging of cattle,” a deep-rooted traditional sport where bulls and cows are made to drag heavy objects to test their speed and strength. The tour also includes a visit to Casa de Los Zamorano, a classic house that’s been turned into an interpretation center that demonstrates how agriculture, sports, and learning can coexist at one point.
Wine Route
Tegueste has been producing delicate reds and aromatic whites for centuries, forging itself as the top wine producer in Tenerife. In fact, some of the best wines in the Canary Islands are from Bodega El Lomo, which is based in this municipality. Lucky for vacationers, they offer a guided tour of the winery with an optional (but very much recommended) wine-tasting session. True wine lovers must also not miss the Mercado de Tegueste. This is the perfect place to meet local producers and sample their wines.
Trails
Tegueste boasts a beautiful landscape that appears like a sea of vineyards in some parts and an untouched home to unique wildlife in others. A setting ideal for exploring on foot, it offers a couple of hiking and walking trails that start or stay within the municipality. Travesía de los Viñedos to la Campiña de Tegueste trail, the Un Cauce de Historia (A Flow of History) route, San Luis to Bajamar trail, Tegueste circular trail from north to west, and San Luis to Jover trail are highly recommended trails, with the first two being the most popular.
The Travesía de Los Viñedos to La Campiña de Tegueste track crosses through agricultural fields and time-tested vineyards that have been around since the 16th century. Tourists can visit the bars and wineries along the way to try the local wine.
On the other hand, the Un Cauce de Historia (A Flow of History) trail is a long, circular route that shows Tegueste’s cultural and historical features. It is a trip to the past that goes from the ravine of Agua de Dios, where the Guanches dwelled 2500 years ago and the birthplace of the town, to Plaza de La Arañita.
Old Traditions
Despite its development over the past 25 years, Tegueste has remained in touch with its ancestral traditions. Old customs come alive in this town and is one of the very few places in the entire archipelago reviving the folk sport of Canarian wrestling. Tenerife holidaymakers can partake in special celebrations, including the Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios feast day, San Marcos Evangelista procession, the Flower Dance, and the La Librea festival. The last one is celebrated every four years, where they re-enact the battles that happened in the 17th century against the continuous attacks of pirates and the British.
Where to Stay
You will fall in love with this municipality from the first time you step foot on it, and its charming villages give a rare experience of going back to another era. While most vacationers go to Tegueste on a day trip, those who stay for a night or longer can’t be blamed. The town provides a welcoming smile, warm countryside hospitality, and accommodations that suit various tastes and budgets—from romantic casas to airconditioned glamping tents with summer retreat feels.
Casa Del Mir
Casa Del Mir, an apartment with a terrace and two bedrooms, is never short of 5-star reviews. It’s such a warm and homey place to stay while in Tegueste, and its location couldn’t be any better. The house exudes country charm from the front and back. Inside, everything is spotless. Though it is located just beside the road leading to the town proper, which is just a short walk or drive away, the property feels secluded. Plus, the rental has plenty of sitting areas with magnificent views of the nearby mountains, not to mention a vast garden space for children and dogs to play. If you are traveling in a group of two to four, this home away from home is an exceptional option.
Casa Lazaro
A great option for families and big groups, Casa Lazaro is a ground-floor apartment with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a veranda with garden views. It is cozy, clean, and just a five-minute drive to the town center. This classic Canarian villa-like rental feels private and refreshingly isolated despite having neighbors around. In addition, it has several sitting areas, bbq facilities, and a landscaped garden. The place is pretty huge, with interiors done up with stone masonry and dark woods, an ideal vacation house for a romantic reboot, a family getaway, or a commune island experience.
Free Canari – Los Alamos
Los Alamos is perfect for taking advantage of Tegueste’sfantastic weather and scenery, as well as enjoying nights under the stars. With stunning views of the ravine and ocean, this superb getaway brings you close to nature without taking away comfort. Each tent can accommodate two people, and the beds sleep like a cloud. Facilities, like the dining area, well-equipped kitchens, and bathrooms, are also close by. It is only more or less 10 minutes away from the town center by car.
Dining Options
Having spent a reasonable amount of time vacationing all around the Canary Islands, I’d like to believe that my palate has developed a well-rounded view of the archipelago’s gastronomy scene. And what it’s telling me is that this beautiful municipality is so much more than its spectacular landscape and culture-rich villages. It offers a good variety of must-try dining options, and these three restaurants are clear standouts.
Restaurante Bodegón Casa Tomás
Casa Tomás is located near the Tenerife North Airport, atop a steep hill. It’s a busy, busy place full of locals, especially on weekends, but the staff manages to run a surprisingly smooth and efficient operation. When you get there, you’ll be given a number and just wait for a waiter to come out and call you in.
Once you are seated, settle down and get ready to feast! First-timers must not miss the chickpeas with bacon and sausages as a starter, as well as the escaldon de gofio and costillas con papas for mains. If you still have some space for dessert or you’re between meals, treat your taste buds to tiramisu and a cup of coffee. They also have red, white, and rosé wines to choose from, some from their own winery.
Mr. Tomás, the owner and chef, often walks through the restaurant to greet guests and ask how the meal is going. They serve excellent Spanish and Canarian dishes in huge portions at a reasonable price here, so the answer is almost always a resounding affirmation that everything is great.
La Sandunga
A few minutes away from the town center is La Sandunga, the only restaurant in Tegueste included in the Michelin Guide. It occupies a lovely country house with magnificent views of the mountains and vineyards. On a sunny day, it can be difficult to tear your eyes away from the blue skies and sea of greens to look at the food on your table, but when you do, rest assured you’ll find pretty darned fine-looking plates.
La Sandunga offers an experience you won’t forget. They have an international menu that will have your palate traveling from the Canary Islands to Japan, France, and Peru. As you might expect, dining here is quite pricey compared to other restaurants in the municipality, but everything that comes out of their kitchen is worth saving up for.
Chef Gonzalo creates delicate dishes to remember in adequate portions. We are specifically returning for another taste of the foie terrine, Peruvian ceviche, pecking duck with shitake sauce, cannelloni, and grilled squid. For dessert, Their selections of wines and desserts of the day are something to look forward to as well.
The Rumors Gastrobar
The Rumors Gastrobar is in the middle of the town without access to amazing views, but who cares? The restaurant is a Tegueste favorite for its fantastic atmosphere and creative take on classic dishes at a reasonably good price. Plus, they have an extensive menu of local and imported beers and wines. It’s clear that the owners have created a concept that can capture the guests’ interest and keep them coming back for more.
While Rumors Gastrobar has some exciting offerings to choose from, nothing can titillate your taste buds better than the crispy chicken bao as a starter and the gourmet Canarian burger for mains. Also save some space for their smoked cheesecake with salt, olive oil, and coriander.
Getting to and Around Tegueste
Tenerife North Airport is a few minutes south of Tegueste or about only 6 km away from the town center. If you are traveling from Santa Cruz or La Laguna by car, simply take- TF-5 then get on TF-13. The municipality is also connected to several towns via public transport. These bus lines link Tegueste to the points of interest indicated below:
Bus 050 — San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Bajamar, and Punta del Hidalgo
Bus 052 — San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Las Toscas, and El Socorro
Bus 051 — San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tejina, and Tacoronte
Once in the town proper, it’s easy to get around by foot. The historic quarter and side streets are walkable.
Encountering the Past and Nature in Tegueste
Tegueste is a beautiful countryside destination that boasts an aboriginal past and old Canarian character. The town has centuries-old streets, squares, vineyards, and traditions that can send vacationers time-traveling to bygone years, while its trails provide therapy straight from nature. Whether you prefer walking on cobbled lanes or dirt paths, this place is perfect for enjoying and absorbing both natural and historical surroundings.
