Teno Alto

Buenavista del Norte

Remote hamlet at the end of the roadLiving community of goat herdersTheir cheese is famous throughout the island

Hamlet at the end of the road in the Teno mountains, one of the most remote and authentic places in Tenerife. Teno Alto is a goat herding community that maintains an almost intact traditional way of life. Stone houses are scattered among meadows where goats graze, producing cheese famous across the island.

The landscape is dramatic: rugged mountains, deep ravines and views to the ocean and La Gomera. Starting point for trails to the coast and Teno lighthouse.

Gallery

The scattered hamlet of Teno Alto across the plateau, with farm plots and livestock pens. — Yonathan Tabaibo (CC BY-SA 3.0 es)

View of the Teno Alto plateau with its fields and stone walls. — 3berp (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Caves and goat herding in Teno Alto, a traditional grazing and cheese-making area. — Pamela Heywood (CC BY 2.0)

View of Mount Teide in the distance from the Teno Alto plateau. — Pamela Heywood (CC BY 2.0)

Essential information

Accessibility

It can be reached by car via a narrow and winding mountain road that ascends from El Palmar (Buenavista del Norte), taking the signposted detour towards Teno Alto / Los Bailaderos; there is parking next to the square, in the center of the hamlet of Los Bailaderos. It can also be reached on foot via the cobbled path of Callejón de Teno (PR-TF 57, about 4-5 km from El Palmar, demanding and very exposed ascent) or via the Camino del Risco (PR-TF 58), which ascends from Buenavista del Norte.

Risk Level

The access road is narrow and very winding, and the trails run through isolated mountain areas: drive with caution and, if hiking, wear appropriate footwear and bring water.