ROUTE FROM PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Puerto de La Cruz

An ice-cream on San Telmo, a cocktail in the Plaza del Charco, a swim in Playa Jardín and tasty local fish with wrinkled potatoes in Punta Brava. These are some of the great moments this small town has to offer, making you fall in love and wanting more of it as soon as you arrive. Cosmopolitan and seafaring, it has that special ‘something’ that will make you want to return. Open

Lago Martiánez

It is without doubt one of the greatest treasures of Puerto de la Cruz and another emblematic work of art by César Manrique. A magnificent swimming pool complex, with a large seawater lake, adorned with volcanic rocks, palm trees, waterfalls and even water bursting from a crater. You must take a sun hat and be willing to enjoy yourself. Open

Loro Parque

A top visit in Tenerife! Spend an unforgettable day at one of the best zoos in the world. There’s so much to see here: gorillas, orcas, penguins, shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and, of course, parrots… Organise your tour according to the schedule of the shows so that you don’t miss out on anything, and bring your own picnic if you wish. You’ll have a wonderful adventure. Open

Santa Úrsula

If you are on your way to Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz, make a stop here, relax in the square and contemplate the church. Take in the beauty of this village and above all, don’t miss going to their ‘guachinches’, places to eat set in the patios of country farm houses where you can try local wine and traditional stews. Open

Casa del Vino

A magnificent Canarian hacienda where you will not only be able to visit the wine museum, but also relax and enjoy the stunning views from their terrace. Depending on your choice, try a glass of local wine accompanied with local cheese or try the delicious home-made cakes of their restaurant. It’s up to you. Open

The Wind Cave

Exploring Europe’s largest lava tube, also considered one of the largest in the world, is up to you. You only have to complete the booking, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring out your most adventurous spirit to hike through 18 kilometres (11 miles) of beautiful and enigmatic underground passages. A unique experience that you cannot miss. Open

Pinolere Museum and Ethnographic Park

You will find the Pinolere Museum and Ethnographic Park in one of the peripheral communities of La Villa de La Orotava. Every September its 3000 m² host the traditional Pinolere Craft Fair. Visit its ethnographic museum and discover the local culture, history and traditions of the lowlands of the north of Tenerife. The different rooms of the exhibition are situated inside ancient thatched houses. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Mondays closed. Cheap entrance fee. Free entry for children up to 8 years old. Open

La Caldera Recreation Area

After passing Aguamansa, you will find a turnoff to your left that will take you directly to the La Caldera recreation area, which includes a large variety of services such as a children’s play-area, toilets, camp-fires, tables and information boards. Here, you can stop to eat outdoors and stretch your legs after letting your food go down by following one of the fantastic circular routes. Open

Piedra de La Rosa Viewpoint

If you would like to see an authentic wonder created by a whim of nature, stop at km 22. There, you will find a unique rock formation that looks like a rose—as a result of the cooling of lava flow along circular crevices—, and take in outstanding views of Mount Teide and the island of La Palma. To see ‘the rose,’ you only need to walk through a passage that goes underneath the road. Open

Bodega El Reloj Restaurant

The Guía Repsol guide describes the Bodega El Reloj restaurant as a “rustic and friendly restaurant with views overlooking the vineyards in the Valle de La Orotava, its cuisine giving thought to both the market and the season.” Open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 1.00pm to 4.30pm. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, open also from 7.30pm to 11.00pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Open

Paso del Teide Restaurant

Barbecues, escaldón de gofio… all local food! If you want to not only eat well but also ride a camel, stop at the Paso del Teide restaurant. The place is welcoming, spacious and has a large external terrace, and the food, according to reviews on TripAdvisor, is delicious. Open from 12.00 midday to 5.00pm on Mondays, to 8.00pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10.00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and to 6.00pm on Sundays. Tuesdays closed. Open

El Portillo Restaurant

El Portillo restaurant is almost a compulsory stop for a large number of bikers that go up Mount Teide, as the two main access roads in the north of Tenerife meet here, in the El Portillo area. Parking here is easy, and its large terrace is ideal to catch a bite to eat. Open from Monday to Sunday from 9.00am to 6.00pm, every day of the year. Open

La Casa de Los Balcones

In the Casa de los Balcones you can find a museum, handicrafts and fine food. Its façade boasting artisan balconies is spectacular and one of the most frequently depicted. Its museum shows what life was like for 17th-century gentry living in La Orotava, while, aside from traditional items and memorabilia, you can buy all kinds of handmade household linens and clothing in the shop. Open every day from 8.30am to 6.30pm. Open

La Orotava Petrol Station

The Teide National Park is a protected area. As such, it does not have any petrol stations. For your safety, remember to check the tank of your vehicle before passing by the last petrol station on this route in order to make sure that you have enough fuel to go to and return from Mount Teide. Open