Some corners of Tenerife take a bit of planning to reach. Punta de Teno is one of them — the island's westernmost point, at the tip of the Teno massif, with a lone lighthouse facing La Gomera and access so tight the local council regulates it to stop the place from being overrun.
Punta de Teno closes off the Teno massif to the west, in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte. It's the westernmost point on Tenerife: a spur of cliffs and old lava flows with the early-20th-century Teno lighthouse at the end of the road, a small beach of dark sand and pebbles, and clear views across to La Gomera on a good day. At sunset, with the sun dropping behind the neighbouring island, it's one of the most photographed spots on Tenerife.
There's only one road in: the TF-445, which leaves Buenavista del Norte and hugs the cliff edge all the way to the lighthouse. It's narrow, full of tight bends and short on verge, and for years now access has been restricted — in high season (Easter, summer) the council closes the road to private cars for much of the day, leaving only the shuttle bus, taxis, residents and people staying nearby.
Outside those hours you can drive it, but check before you set off: closure times shift with the season, and reaching the barrier only to turn around is the fastest way to lose an afternoon. Always check the current schedule on the Buenavista del Norte council website or Titsa before planning your day.
If the road is closed, or you'd simply rather not drive it, the Teno massif is also well worth seeing from the sea. The whale watching cruise to Masca and Los Gigantes sails by catamaran from Costa Adeje beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs, at the foot of the same massif, with a swim stop in Masca bay and pilot whales and dolphins to look out for on the way.
It doesn't reach Punta de Teno itself, which sits further north, but it's the best way to see the other face of the massif up close without depending on the barrier or the closure schedule. It's 4.5 hours from €60 per adult, with lunch, soft drinks and beer included.
Can you drive to Punta de Teno? Yes, but with restrictions: in high season the road closes to private cars for much of the day, leaving only the shuttle bus, taxis and residents. Check the current schedule before you go.
How long does it take from Buenavista del Norte? The TF-445 runs about 10 km from the village to the lighthouse — roughly 20-25 minutes on a narrow, winding road, no need to rush.
Is there another way to see the Teno massif without a car? Yes, by sea: the cruise from Costa Adeje sails beneath the massif's cliffs and into Masca bay for a swim, though it doesn't reach Punta de Teno itself.
Still putting the trip together? Browse all our things to do in Tenerife, read what to do in Tenerife or discover Masca and its gorge, the other hidden corner of the Teno massif.
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