This article belongs to the Bucket List category. It’s a place I’d love to visit, so I’ve done detailed research on information and visitor experiences in advance.
Taganana is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages on Tenerife. It lies deep in the Anaga Mountains in the northeast of the island, surrounded by steep green slopes and dramatic mountain landscapes. White houses with red roofs are scattered across the valley slopes, which gradually open up towards the Atlantic. Thanks to its remote location, the village has preserved an authentic atmosphere and feels almost the same as it did centuries ago.
The journey to Taganana is an experience in itself. The road winds through an ancient laurel forest, passes through mist, and opens up views of deep ravines, mountain ridges, and the ocean in the distance. It is one of the most beautiful routes on all of Tenerife.
One of the oldest villages on Tenerife
Taganana was founded shortly after the Spanish conquest of the island in 1498 and is among the oldest continuously inhabited places on Tenerife. Its name in the Guanche language means “surrounded by mountains,” which perfectly describes its location. However, the area was settled much earlier by the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches, who lived here in caves and utilized the fertile soil in the valley.
Due to its isolation, the village was difficult to access for many centuries. Until the 20th century, only footpaths or sea routes led to Taganana. It was this isolation that helped preserve the traditional way of life and original architecture.
Even today, you can see historic stone houses, narrow streets, and terraced fields that have been used for agriculture for generations.
Churches, historic districts, and cave dwellings
The village’s landmark is the church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, which dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest churches on Tenerife. It is built in the Mudéjar style, which combines Moorish and Spanish elements, typical of the architecture of that era. Inside, there are valuable religious artifacts and artworks that recall the long history of the village.
The caves and hollows carved into the rocks also hold great ethnographic significance, having served as dwellings, storage, or agricultural spaces. Some of them were used until quite recently.
The historic district known as Portugal is also interesting, where traditional buildings and the atmosphere of an old Canarian village have been preserved.
Dramatic landscape and wild coastline
Taganana is located just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches on Tenerife. Nearby you will find:
- Playa de Benijo – a wild black sand beach with iconic rock formations
- Playa de Almáciga – a quieter beach popular among surfers for its large waves
- Roque de las Bodegas – an authentic beach with traditional restaurants
These beaches are among the most photogenic spots on the island and offer a unique view of the power of the Atlantic.
The surrounding landscape consists of deep ravines, steep slopes, and dense forests. The entire area is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Hiking and nature around Taganana
Taganana is a great starting point for hiking in the Anaga Mountains. Several wonderful trails lead through the area, taking you through laurel forests, along mountain ridges, and along the coast.
The most popular routes lead to:
- the village of Chamorga
- the Faro de Anaga lighthouse
- along the coast to Benijo and Almáciga beaches
These trails offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountain landscape and are among the most beautiful on Tenerife.
Read also: Anaga: Tenerife’s ancient mountains where time stands still
Traditional cuisine and local atmosphere
Taganana is also known for its gastronomy. In local restaurants, you can taste traditional Canarian dishes, especially fresh fish, octopus prepared according to traditional recipes, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, or local wine, particularly the crisp white wine from the Listán Blanco variety.
Popular restaurants can be found, for example, by the coast in Roque de las Bodegas or directly in the village. Try Casa Picar, Casa África or Restaurante El Frontón, which is known for its excellent seafood. The combination of authentic cuisine and ocean views creates an unforgettable experience.
How to get to Taganana
The easiest way to get there is by car from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, from where the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. The road is narrow and winding but offers magnificent views.
You can also reach Taganana by bus line 946 from Intercambiador Santa Cruz towards Almáciga. The bus runs several times a day and stops directly in the village.
You can also head here as part of an organized trip:
- Circular hike through the Taganana Valley – small group max. 10 people – book here
- Private trip to Taganana and Anaga with pickup – book here
- Private tour of Tenerife: Anaga, Taganana, Benijo, and La Laguna – book here
- Taganana, Candelaria, and the Anaga Forest – book here
Accommodation in the village of Taganana
The highly-rated holiday home Casa campo y Playa Taganana has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. It offers sea views and a terrace with a view of the town. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is included as standard.
The four-star TheharmonyhouseTaganana offers guests 1 bedroom with a double bed, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and a terrace. The master bedroom has a very comfortable bed with beautiful French doors opening onto a balcony. A weekly stay for two costs around 22,000 CZK.
Why visit Taganana
Taganana is one of the most authentic places on Tenerife. It offers a unique combination of history, wild nature, and traditional culture. Unlike the tourist resorts, it has preserved its original character and provides a glimpse into the island’s past.
It is a place where you can experience Tenerife as it was before the arrival of mass tourism: wild, quiet, and real.
Tenerife Guide
What to see and experience in Tenerife? Read my exhaustive guide to the island of eternal spring: Tenerife Guide – 46 best tips on what to see and do in Tenerife
Downloadable map of Tenerife with interesting places and recommended accommodation marked
I’ve prepared a detailed digital map for you, where you’ll find over 50 things worth seeing in Tenerife. These are the ones I write about in this article. You’ll also find various accommodation options in it. You can download it for the price of one beer in Prague 🙂
Trip to Tenerife
Don’t want to worry about anything? Buy a trip to Tenerife with yoga by the Atlantic and a climb up El Teide flying from Prague. You’ll explore the historic center of Puerto de la Cruz, head to the Las Cañadas del Teide National Park, and experience an adrenaline-filled drive across the crater floor and through the Masca mountain gorge. You’ll go on a trek around the El Chinyero volcano, see the beautiful corners of Orotava, enjoy a trek in the Anaga Mountains with a visit to the cave village of Chinamada, and discover San Cristóbal de la Laguna with its UNESCO-listed historic center. And in between, you’ll enjoy a nice stretch with a yoga instructor.
Taganana is located in the northeast of Tenerife in the Anaga Mountains, approximately a 30-minute drive from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The village is hidden in a mountain valley near the wild Atlantic coast.
Taganana is famous for its authentic atmosphere, historic houses, mountain landscape, and proximity to beautiful beaches like Benijo and Roque de las Bodegas. It is one of the oldest villages on the island.
Yes, Taganana is one of the most picturesque places on Tenerife. It offers a unique blend of history, wild nature, and traditional Canarian culture.
The easiest way is by car from Santa Cruz de Tenerife along the mountain road through the Anaga Mountains. Bus line 946 also runs to the village from the Intercambiador Santa Cruz transport hub.
There is no beach directly in the village, but just a few minutes’ drive away are the beautiful beaches of Benijo, Almáciga, and Roque de las Bodegas, which are among the most beautiful on Tenerife.
A few hours are usually enough to explore the village and its surroundings. If you also want to visit the beaches or go hiking in the Anaga Mountains, it’s ideal to set aside a whole day.
Taganana has maintained a very authentic character and is not as touristy as the resorts in the south of Tenerife. Locals still live here, and the atmosphere is quiet and traditional.
The village can be visited year-round. The best time is in the morning or forenoon, when the views are best and there is less traffic on the narrow mountain roads.
Yes, you will find several traditional restaurants here where you can taste fresh fish, local cheeses, and other Canarian specialties.
Yes, the road is safe but narrow and winding. It is advisable to drive carefully and expect a slower pace, especially on the mountain sections.
Ahoj, já jsem Hela. Cestování je pro mě radost i detektivní práce zároveň. Před každou cestou totiž nadšeně prozkoumávám všechno, co se o daném místě dá zjistit, od zajímavostí a historie až po praktické detaily, které se při plánování opravdu hodí.
Právě proto vznikla Všudybylka. Sdílím tu přehledné průvodce, tipy na ubytování, nápady kam vyrazit v různých částech roku i recenze cestovatelského vybavení, které mi na cestách skutečně pomohlo.
Když zrovna necestuji, najdete mě zabranou do dobré fantasy nebo sci-fi knihy s některou z mých pěti potkanek na rameni.
