The best Tenerife viewpoints for your trip depend on where you are staying and which roads you plan to use. Choose a few stops that fit naturally into your route, whether you are exploring the north, driving into the highlands or heading west. This guide helps you decide which detours are worthwhile.
For a first visit, the most practical thing is to combine three types of viewpoints. Some help you understand northern Tenerife and the contrast with Teide, others work better if you’re heading towards Anaga or La Laguna, and others are great for finishing a route in the west with wider views or cliffs. This way you avoid driving too much and make your day more complete.
- If you’re doing a car route in the north: start with Mirador de Ortuño, Humboldt, and Jardina.
- For a day in the highlands: Chipeque and Ayosa usually fit better.
- If you’re staying in the south or heading towards Teno: Archipenque and Cherfe are two very reasonable stops.
- How long to allow: almost all work as a short stop of 10 to 30 minutes, not as a half-day plan.
8 viewpoints in Tenerife worth including in your route
1. Mirador de Ortuño
Mirador de Ortuño is an easy stop on the TF-24 as you drive towards the highlands. It looks out over northern Tenerife, with Mount Teide prominent on clear days. For access, parking and advice on when to visit, see our guide to Mirador de Ortuño
2. Humboldt Viewpoint
It’s a classic stop to see the La Orotava valley with a wide and comfortable panorama. It usually works really well if you’re staying around Puerto de la Cruz, if you feel like a relaxed route through the north, or if you want a strong view without going on a hike. It fits especially well at sunrise or late in the day, when the light tends to highlight the valley’s relief more.
3. Jardina Viewpoint
A really good option if your plan includes La Laguna and the entrance to Anaga. From here, you can really understand how the landscape changes between the urban area, the green slopes, and the massif. It’s one of those viewpoints that works better as a starting point for a route rather than as a single destination, because it helps you get a sense of the day before heading onto the winding road.
4. Cruz del Carmen
More than an isolated viewpoint, it’s a very complete stop if you feel like combining views with a short walk through the laurel forest. That’s why it fits especially well in relaxed trips, as a couple or with family, when you don’t just want to get out of the car, take a picture, and move on. If that day you feel like a greener Tenerife, it’s one of the stops that usually leaves the best impression.
5. Mirador de Chipeque
It’s one of the most striking options if you’re looking for a sea of clouds, pine trees, and a clear sense of height. It’s not advisable to go up with rigid expectations because it depends quite a bit on the weather, but on a good day it can be one of the most photogenic stops on the route. It’s more worthwhile if you’re already traveling the La Esperanza road rather than as a standalone detour from the coast.
6. Ayosa Viewpoint
If you like open summit views and don’t mind a stop that’s more exposed to the wind, Ayosa is a very solid choice. It doesn’t have the urban or cozy feel of other northern viewpoints, but it does have that sense of vastness many travelers look for when they go up to the high parts of Tenerife. It’s better for a scenic road trip than for a relaxed coastal stroll.
7. Archipenque Viewpoint
If you are staying in the south or heading towards Los Gigantes, Archipenque is an easy stop to include. The attraction here is the view of the cliffs and west coast. Visit towards the end of the day or combine it with the Santiago del Teide area.
8. Cherfe Viewpoint
It’s a good stop if the Masca road or the Teno area are part of your trip. The highlight here is the rougher landscape and that sense of western Tenerife that is quite different from the wet north or the Teide peaks. It’s best to include it on a day without too much rush, because driving in the area naturally requires some calm.
Which viewpoints to choose depending on the area of Tenerife
If you’re mostly going to be around the north, the most logical combination usually is Ortuño Viewpoint + Humboldt + a coastal stop. For example, later you can head down to Punta del Hidalgo if you feel like swapping a summit for the coast, a walk, and natural pools all in the same day.
If you’re more interested in green Tenerife and a route through La Laguna and Anaga, Jardina and Cruz del Carmen fit better than trying to cover too many high points in the same day. On the other hand, if you go up to the summits via the TF-24, it usually makes more sense to stick with Ortuño, Chipeque, and, if the weather is good, an extra high viewpoint without going up and down multiple times.
For the west, Archipenque and Cherfe are two safe bets if you’re already heading toward Los Gigantes, Masca, or Teno. They aren’t worth it as a single goal from the other end of the island, but they make sense as a natural part of a broader route.
When they look their best and what you should keep in mind
Cloud, wind and light can transform Tenerife’s viewpoints. A clear panorama one day may be hidden the next. Treat these as flexible stops rather than the only reason to cross the island. If visibility is poor, continue with your route instead of forcing the visit.
- Bring some warm clothing if you go up to the peaks, even if the weather down below is nice.
- Avoid cramming too many viewpoints into the same day. Two or three well-chosen ones usually work better.
- If you want to combine scenery with historic towns, leave time for the places in our guide to Tenerife’s monuments and don’t try to force everything into a single day.
In short, the best viewpoints in Tenerife aren’t necessarily the most famous ones, but those that fit well into your route. If you want to plan the whole trip first, start with the Tenerife travel guide and then choose viewpoints in the areas you plan to explore.