We discover the most beautiful city of Tenerife, La Laguna, in 3 days, with a tour that will immerse us in the history of this colonial city as well as its rich cultural and natural heritage.
From places that look like something out of a film, which go through laurel forests, to a walk along the coast where the sunsets by the Atlantic give us a dreamlike landscape. All of this together with a tour through the past, through the old quarter of the most ancient city in the Canary Islands, which holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Laguna is one of those places with a distinct identity of itself, ideal for those who travel with the curiosity and desire to learn about the local way of life and traditions. In this proposed itinerary and schedule, we will make the most of our 3-day stay in La Laguna.
Day 1: La Laguna and its old town
It goes without saying that La Laguna is a colonial city. We begin the morning with a visit to the old town, wandering through the streets of the centre and getting to know a little more about the city’s past. It is one of those places where history vibrates in every corner. Its colonial architecture, rhythm and cultural agenda go hand in hand to provide you with an unforgettable trip. Here’s what you can do on your first day in La Laguna.
Day 2: La Laguna and its Biosphere Reserve
The second day of our stay in La Laguna is dedicated to exploring nature. This is not only the best medicine to combat stress and to disconnect, but also the perfect opportunity to get to know those natural landscapes that are worth travelling for.
We’ll wear our boots to go deep into the forests and peaks of this area in one of the oldest, greenest and most humid parts of Tenerife. La Laguna is home to part of the island’s only Biosphere Reserve, Anaga. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing day in nature, this is the place for you. The possibilities are numerous, as there is an extensive network of trails that delve into some of the most beautiful natural areas of the island, considered ‘the lungs’ of Tenerife.
The landscapes painted in green, where silence is almost deafening, a blessed gift, are of great natural and cultural importance, and visiting them is like embarking on a journey back in time, to see first-hand one of the few remaining redoubts of laurel forest in Europe, whose origin dates back 40 million years.
Twisted tree trunks full of moss, insects and birds of various species, deep valleys and ravines that are submerged amongst imposing peaks, share the limelight in a memorable postcard that will lift your spirits.
We can start our journey in the area of Cruz del Carmen, the most biodiverse endemic area per square metre in Europe. Here nature’s richness will leave you speechless. This is a place where you can lose yourself completely for an experience of total harmony and symbiosis with nature.
Depending on how much time you have available to visit, and however much you feel like walking, you can choose between several routes, varying in length and intensity, as there are different options, all of which are fascinating. A unique and suggestive idea that you should never miss is the popular path of the senses, which takes you on a sensory walk where sight, smell and touch are enhanced among ancient trees. Furthermore, it is a short route of just over 30 minutes. This entire area has been declared a Special Bird Protection Area. So don’t forget to take a look at the sky and trees. If you’re feeling energetic and up to the task, there are also longer options, including a few that run from the top all the way down to the coast.
Our recommendation is to dedicate this second day entirely to this mountain area and give yourself up to the pleasures of hiking. But don’t forget to make a stop along the way to visit the Jardina viewpoint, a spectacular viewpoint over the valley, which will give you a fantastic panoramic picture of La Laguna. On a clear day, you will also be able to see the Teide.
Continue your route through this area with a walk to Pico del Inglés. Here you will also have many different hiking options and a 360-degree viewpoint.
Combine the route through this natural sanctuary with a tour around charming villages in the area, such as El Batán. Explore these regions where agricultural activity has left its mark on the identity of its people. Potato and wheat fields, vineyards and other crops, in the form of terraces, so typical of the orography of the Canary Islands, create a unique landscape.
On this second day in La Laguna, the natural landscapes will make you not only want to pack your suitcase as soon as possible, but also change your return flight and treat yourself to a few extra days of peace and reconnection in a privileged destination that welcomes you from the first moment you put your feet on it. This is all about captivating sensorial experiences.
Day 3: La Laguna, a trip through its farming and fishing villages
Your 3-day tour of La Laguna cannot end without spending a full day exploring the fishing villages along the coast. You can start in Tegueste, a small town whose historical centre has been declared a Historic Site of Cultural Interest, where you can take a look at the local way of life, mainly linked to agriculture. A cultural experience in which you will also enjoy a wine tour in a town known for its wine cellars. So now you know what is going on here. An unmissable destination for tasting its magnificent wines.
If you have energy for more hiking after yesterday’s day in Anaga, we can also include some of the fantastic hiking trails, such as the archaeological site of the Cuevas del Barranco de Agua de Dios, a cave complex. A 4-hour route to have a taste of the Aboriginal past in the area.
On the way to our last stop, we can pay a visit to Tejina, a town that boasts a fervour for traditions. If it gets too hot, you can go directly to the natural pools of Jóver. and then continue along the coast to the village of Bajamar for another dip in the Atlantic and to round off your tour of the area with a sunset view from Punta del Hidalgo. This coastal area is admired by locals and tourists alike for its fishing tradition, its avenue lined with seaside bars, and its magnificent sunsets with a gentle sea breeze and the backdrop of the Teide, which captivate everyone.