You know that feeling when you discover something absolutely brilliant that nobody else seems to know about? That smug little thrill when you’ve found the perfect spot and there’s not a tour bus in sight? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to completely ruin that for you in the best possible way.
After living on Tenerife for three years and exploring every nook and cranny (sometimes getting spectacularly lost in the process), I’ve stumbled across places that most guidebooks completely ignore. These aren’t your typical “hidden gems” that every travel blogger bangs on about. These are the spots where even the locals raise an eyebrow and ask “how did you find that?”
Fair warning though: once you’ve experienced these places, every other holiday destination is going to feel a bit… ordinary.
The Cave That Time Forgot (And Instagram Hasn’t Discovered Yet)
Cueva del Viento isn’t just any old cave. It’s Europe’s longest volcanic tube system, stretching for over 17 kilometres underground. But here’s the kicker – most tourists have absolutely no clue it exists.
I’ll be honest, when my neighbour Miguel first mentioned it, I thought he was having me on. A massive underground world carved out by flowing lava? Right here on the island? Turns out, he wasn’t pulling my leg at all.
The guided tours are limited to just eight people at a time, which means you’re not shuffling through in a massive crowd. You’re crawling through lava tubes that formed 27,000 years ago, seeing formations that look like something from another planet. The silence down there is absolutely profound – it’s the kind of quiet that makes you whisper without thinking.
Book well ahead though. These tours fill up faster than you’d expect, especially once word gets out.
A Beach Where Locals Actually Go Swimming
Forget everything you think you know about Tenerife’s beaches. Playa de Benijo isn’t your typical golden sand affair – it’s wild, dramatic, and completely unspoilt. The black volcanic sand stretches out beneath towering cliffs, and the Atlantic crashes in with proper force.
This is where Tinerfeños come when they want to escape the tourist madness. You’ll find families having proper picnics, surfers catching waves that would terrify most holiday makers, and couples watching sunsets that’ll make you question why you ever bothered with the Maldives.
The drive up here is half the adventure. The road winds through tiny villages where old men still sit outside bars playing dominoes, and the views get more spectacular with every turn. Just don’t expect any beach bars or sun loungers – this is nature at its most raw and beautiful.
The Village That Exists in Its Own Time Zone
San Juan de la Rambla feels like it’s stuck in 1950, and that’s exactly why it’s so bloody marvellous. This tiny fishing village clings to the northern coast, completely ignored by the tourist trail, and the locals seem quite happy to keep it that way.
The main square has one café where the same group of elderly men have been meeting for their morning coffee for decades. The conversations are in rapid-fire Spanish, punctuated by bursts of laughter that echo off the old stone buildings. It’s the kind of place where time moves differently, where rushing seems almost offensive.
There’s a tiny natural pool here, carved out of the rocks by centuries of waves. The water’s crystal clear, naturally heated, and on weekdays, you might have it entirely to yourself. I’ve spent entire afternoons here with nothing but a book and the sound of waves, feeling like I’ve discovered my own private paradise.
The Forest Walk That Feels Like Narnia
Everyone raves about the Anaga mountains, but they all head to the same viewpoints and hiking trails. Meanwhile, the Sendero de los Sentidos near Chamorga remains blissfully quiet, even in peak season.
This isn’t a challenging hike, it’s more of a gentle wander through an ancient laurel forest that feels utterly magical. The path is lined with information boards, but they’re all in Spanish, which probably explains why most tourists give it a miss.
The mist rolls in and out between the trees, creating this ethereal atmosphere that changes by the minute. You’ll hear birds you can’t identify, smell plants that don’t exist anywhere else in Europe, and occasionally catch glimpses of the ocean through gaps in the canopy.
The best bit? The trail ends at a tiny village where there’s a bar that serves the most incredible bocadillos. Proper local bread, local cheese, and tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that reminds you why you travel in the first place.
A Natural Swimming Pool That Defies Logic
The Piscinas Naturales de Bajamar look like someone’s taken a perfectly manicured swimming pool and plonked it right next to the Atlantic Ocean. These natural rock pools are filled by the tide but protected from the rough waves, creating the most surreal swimming experience.
What makes this place special isn’t just the pools themselves, it’s the complete lack of pretension. Local families come here with cool boxes full of food, kids splash about without a care in the world, and teenagers practice their diving techniques from the surrounding rocks.
The water temperature is perfect year-round, naturally heated by the Canarian sun and refreshed by each tide. Swimming here at sunset, with the waves crashing just metres away but unable to reach you, feels like you’ve discovered some sort of natural miracle.
The Viewpoint That Makes Teide Look Small
Everyone queues up for the cable car to Mount Teide, but hardly anyone bothers with Mirador de Chipeque. This viewpoint sits at about 1,400 metres above sea level, offering views that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about this island.
From here, you can see the entire northern coast stretching out below, the Anaga mountains looking like sleeping giants, and on clear days, the neighbouring islands floating on the horizon like distant dreams. But the real magic happens at sunrise.
I dragged myself up here at 5:30am one morning (don’t ask me why, it seemed like a good idea at the time), and watching the sun come up over this landscape was genuinely life-changing. The way the light creeps across the valleys, illuminating villages that look like toy models from this height, it’s the kind of moment that makes you feel properly grateful to be alive.
The drive up is an adventure in itself. The road winds through pine forests and volcanic landscapes that change character every few kilometres. Pack a jacket though, it gets surprisingly chilly up there, even in summer.
The Restaurant Where Locals Queue for Hours
Okay, this one’s not exactly a location, but Casa Egon in the tiny village of Punta del Hidalgo deserves a mention. This family-run restaurant has been serving the same menu for about 30 years, and locals drive from across the island to eat here.
There’s no website, no social media presence, and definitely no reservations. You just turn up, put your name on the list, and wait. Sometimes for hours. But trust me, it’s worth every minute.
The fish is caught that morning by the owner’s brother. The potatoes are grown in the family’s own field. The mojo sauce recipe is a closely guarded secret that’s been passed down through generations. It’s the kind of authentic experience that you simply can’t manufacture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find these places without getting completely lost?
Honestly? Getting a bit lost is half the fun. But seriously, download the offline maps on your phone and don’t rely entirely on GPS. Some of these spots are in areas where the signal gets a bit patchy.
Are these places suitable for families with young children?
Most of them, yes. The natural pools are brilliant for kids, and the forest walks are gentle enough for little legs. Just use common sense around the clifftop areas.
Do I need to speak Spanish to enjoy these places?
Not really, but learning a few basic phrases will make your experience so much richer. Locals appreciate the effort, and you’ll often find they’re more willing to share their own secret recommendations.
What’s the best time of year to visit these hidden spots?
I’d say October to April. The weather’s still gorgeous, but you’ll have these places much more to yourself. Plus, the light for photography is absolutely stunning during the winter months.
Look, I’ll be straight with you. Part of me feels a bit guilty sharing these places. There’s something special about having a secret, about knowing you’ve found something that feels entirely your own.
But then I remember how it felt when Miguel first told me about that cave, or when I stumbled across that tiny village by complete accident. The joy of discovery, the sense of connection with a place that goes beyond the typical tourist experience; that’s something worth sharing.
Just promise me one thing? When you visit these spots (and you absolutely should), treat them with the respect they deserve. Don’t leave any trace, don’t disturb the locals, and maybe, just maybe, keep one or two discoveries to yourself. After all, the best secrets are the ones that are earned, not given away too easily.
The real Tenerife is out there, waiting for you to find it. And trust me, once you do, you’ll never see this island the same way again.
