The village and its viewpoints
A stroll around the village and one of its viewpoints over the pine forest, with no need to walk long distances.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Ideal on the way to Teide
- A good place to refuel and eat
Places guide · Tenerife at 1,400 metres above sea level
Vilaflor: the highest village in the Canary Islands
At 1,400 metres above sea level, among centuries-old pine forests and volcanic formations that look like they come from another planet, Vilaflor is the last stop before the road starts climbing towards Teide.
1,400 mAverage altitude of the village
Paisaje LunarEroded pumice formations
Half a dayRecommended time
Why it is worth the visit
The village that breathes at a different height.
Vilaflor de Chasna is the highest municipality in the Canary Islands and one of the highest in Spain, according to its own town council (municipal description): its town centre sits at about 1,400 metres above sea level, on Teide's southern slope. That altitude gives it a climate and landscape unlike the rest of the island: high-altitude pine forests, fresher air and a different light.
It is also the southern gateway to Teide National Park: the road that crosses the village keeps climbing up to Las Cañadas, making Vilaflor the last stop with services before entering the park from the south.
What to see
The places that justify the climb.
Between the village and the Paisaje Lunar there is a several-hour walk through pine forest.
01
Paisaje Lunar (Lunar Landscape)
Pumice pinnacles eroded by water and wind over thousands of years, with a shape reminiscent of a lunar crater. It is reached after a several-hour walk through the pine forest, or on a guided off-road excursion.
02
The Vilaflor pine forest
One of the tallest Canary pine forests in the islands, with trees that easily exceed 40 metres. The Corona Forestal (Forest Crown) surrounds the village on all sides.
03
The village and its square
A small, quiet village, with stone and wood houses adapted to the cold of the altitude, very different from the coastal architecture of the rest of the island.
How to organise it
Three ways to experience Vilaflor.
From a short stop to a full-day hike to the Paisaje Lunar.
Before you go up
Bring a warm layer, even if it's hot on the coast.
The temperature difference with the coast can be several degrees.
Important
At 1,400 metres above sea level, temperatures in Vilaflor are noticeably lower than on the coast, especially at sunset and in the winter months. Bring warm clothing even if the day began hot by the sea, above all if you're going to walk to the Paisaje Lunar.
Practical information
How to get there and when to go.
On Teide's southern slope, half an hour from the resorts in the south of the island.
TF-21 from the south
About 30–40 minutes from the main southern resorts, climbing the road that leads to Teide.
In the village itself
Easy parking in the centre; for the trail to the Paisaje Lunar there is a signposted starting area.
Morning, if you're going to walk
Starting early gives you room to complete the walk to the Paisaje Lunar with plenty of daylight.
One of Tenerife's coldest villages
At 1,400 metres, temperatures can be 10°C lower than on the coast; in winter it is not unusual to see frost or even the odd snowfall.
Half a day
Enough for the village and its viewpoints; count on a day if you include the walk to the Paisaje Lunar.
Mountain cooking
The village's restaurants stand out for hearty stews and grilled meats, designed for the cold of the altitude — a contrast with the coastal cooking of the rest of the island.
Teide National Park
The road keeps climbing from Vilaflor to Las Cañadas, the most natural combination for the day.
The southern approaches to Teide
Vilaflor is the last village before entering the national park from the south of the island.
Before you set off
Common mistakes to avoid.
- Bring a warm layer: the temperature drops noticeably compared with the coast, especially at sunset.
- The walk to the Paisaje Lunar takes several hours: set out early and bring enough water.
- Refuel in Vilaflor if you're continuing to Teide: it is the last petrol station on this route.
- The trail terrain is volcanic and uneven: wear mountain footwear, not beach shoes.
- Combine the visit with a trip up to Teide National Park.
Frequently asked questions
The essentials before visiting Vilaflor.
Is Vilaflor the highest village in Spain?
Not quite: according to its town council, Vilaflor de Chasna is the highest municipality in the Canary Islands and one of the highest in Spain, with its town centre at about 1,400 metres above sea level. Some mainland villages sit higher, such as Valdelinares (Teruel), at around 1,700 metres.
What is the Paisaje Lunar?
A formation of volcanic pumice pinnacles eroded by water and wind, with an appearance reminiscent of a lunar landscape. It is reached by a several-hour walk through the Vilaflor pine forest.
How long does it take to walk to the Paisaje Lunar?
The round trip usually takes around 4–5 hours, at medium difficulty. There are also guided off-road excursions for those who prefer not to walk so much.
Can you go up Teide from Vilaflor?
Yes. The TF-21 road that crosses Vilaflor keeps climbing to Las Cañadas del Teide, which is the southern access to the National Park.
Is it very cold in Vilaflor?
Yes, compared with the coast. At 1,400 metres temperatures can be up to 10°C lower, especially at sunset and in winter, when frost is not unusual.
Where to eat in Vilaflor?
The village's restaurants stand out for hearty stews and grilled meats, designed for the cold of the altitude — very different from the coastal cooking of the rest of the island.
Next stop
The last village before the volcano begins.
Vilaflor shows that Tenerife is not just coast: at 1,400 metres, among centuries-old pines and a landscape that seems to belong to another planet, the island shows a completely different face.
Photo of the Paisaje Lunar: Bgabel at wikivoyage shared (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Photo of the pine forest: Cavan Simmons, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0) · Photo of the village square: Jens Steckert, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)