Punta de Teno in Tenerife: how to get there and what to do
How to get to Punta de Teno in 2026 — cars are banned, so it's the 369 bus or a taxi — what to see and do there, and why it's my favourite corner of Tenerife.
Miriam6 min readVerified · August 2026
Punta de Teno is one of my favourite places in Tenerife. It's the westernmost tip of the island, the spot where the road runs out and all that's left is the lighthouse, the ocean and the Los Gigantes cliffs rising up across the water.
Let me tell you how to get to Punta de Teno in 2026 and what to do once you're there.
What is Punta de Teno?
Punta de Teno is the headland that closes off the island to the northwest, inside the Teno Rural Park, one of the best preserved corners of Tenerife. It's a wild, volcanic landscape with a beautiful lighthouse at the end of the road, incredibly blue water and spectacular views of the Los Gigantes cliffs. There are no hotels here, no beach clubs, just nature. That's exactly why access is so protected, and why this place is still so special.
How to get to Punta de Teno in 2026
Forget about the car: access has been regulated for years to protect the area and, with the roadworks that started in January 2026, the rules are now stricter than ever.
By the way, this road was closed for a while after a landslide and, I'm not going to lie to you, going along it — by bus or by car — is pretty vertiginous, because you're right up against the edge of the drop. It terrifies me every single time, but the place is so beautiful that the nerves are worth it.
These are your options for getting to Punta de Teno:
By bus on line 369
This is the option I’d recommend. The 369 bus (we call them guaguas here) run by Titsa leaves from the Buenavista del Norte bus station, takes around 20 minutes and costs €1 per person each way (you can pay in cash or by card). It runs every day: in winter (1 October to 20 June) from 10:00 to 19:00, and in summer (21 June to 30 September) from 8:00 to 20:00. In summer the first bus leaves Buenavista at 8:00 and the last one back from Teno is the 19:50. Weekends and public holidays add a few extra departures, so check the timetable before you go.
You’ll find the up-to-date timetables for line 369 on the Titsa website. If you’re coming from another part of the island, park in Buenavista (finding a space near the station is very easy) and catch the bus there. Buenavista is a long way from everything, so you do need a car to reach the town itself; if you haven’t sorted one yet, you can compare prices from local Tenerife rental companies on Localrent.
By taxi
Taxis are allowed in. It’s the comfortable alternative if the bus timetable doesn’t work for you, or if you want to watch the sunset and head back after the last departure. Bear in mind that Buenavista del Norte is a small town and there aren’t many taxis, but if you ask at the bus station they’ll point you to one. Do note that with the roadworks under way there can be waits going in or coming out.
What to do in Punta de Teno
Walk to the lighthouse and soak up the views
The walk to the Punta de Teno lighthouse is short and flat, and the views are gorgeous — believe me, photos don't do them justice. On one side, the ocean; on the other, the Los Gigantes cliffs dropping straight into the sea. It's one of those places where you just sit down, look out and appreciate the beautiful spots we have on this island.
Take a dip with Los Gigantes in the background
Next to the little harbour there's a small black sand beach and some sheltered coves with crystal clear water and the cliffs as a backdrop. A swim here is one of those things in Tenerife you'll always remember. That said, there's no lifeguard, so be sensible and, if you're with little ones, stick to the most sheltered area.
A picnic with a view
There are no bars in Punta de Teno, no shops, nowhere to buy so much as a bottle of water, so bring something to eat and drink from Buenavista and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Please remember to take your rubbish with you and keep the place clean.
Watch the birds and the sunset
It's a magnificent spot for seabird watching (shearwaters, gulls, terns…) and one of the best places in Tenerife to watch the sunset, since the sun drops into the sea right in front of you. A little tip: depending on the time of year, the sun sets after the last bus leaves, so if you want the full sunset you'll have to head back by taxi.
Organised activities in Punta de Teno
You’ve seen the best of it from land, but Punta de Teno from the water is something else: you get the cliffs whole, top to bottom. If you fancy seeing it that way, there’s one trip in the area worth doing:
- It leaves from the harbour at Los Gigantes and sails to the Punta de Teno lighthouse, under cliffs of up to 600 metres and past sea caves. It lasts an hour and a half, runs as a small group and stops for a swim in Masca bay. Not suitable for children under 3.
If you're going with kids
If you visit Punta de Teno, I'd recommend it as a half-day plan combined with a visit to Buenavista del Norte. The bus ride is already a mini adventure in itself (the road hugs the cliff and the views are something out of a film), the walk to the lighthouse is short and flat, and the swim at the little beach is a must. Keep in mind that there's hardly any shade, so always bring a cap, sun cream and water, and be careful on the rocks — water shoes are a good idea for the little ones.
By the way, Buenavista has a lovely little playground and one of my favourite bakeries, Aderno, so the day is pretty much perfect.
And if you’ve still got the energy, Icod de los Vinos is a good half hour away: that’s where the Drago Milenario is, along with plenty more to do with kids. For lunch, there’s Guachinche El Miradero.
Is Punta de Teno worth visiting?
As I said at the start, it’s one of my favourite places in Tenerife, and believe me, there are plenty of beautiful spots on this island. It’s one of those places that doesn’t need any decoration to be beautiful: just the beauty of nature, the peace and the quiet. The only catch is that, since you can’t drive there, you’ll need to plan a little around the bus timetable. And if you’re still deciding where to base yourself for days out like this one, I’ve written up the differences between the north and the south of the island.
So, do you already know Punta de Teno?
FAQ
Can you drive to Punta de Teno?
No. Access by private vehicle is banned every day and, for as long as the roadworks last (since January 2026), you can't go in on foot or by bike either. You get there on the 369 bus from Buenavista del Norte, or by taxi.
How much does the bus to Punta de Teno cost?
Titsa's line 369 costs €1 per person each way (you can pay in cash or by card) and takes around 20 minutes from the Buenavista del Norte bus station.
Can you swim at Punta de Teno?
Yes. Next to the harbour there's a small black sand beach and calm little coves with views of Los Gigantes. There's no lifeguard, so use common sense, and with little ones stick to the most sheltered area.
How much time do I need to visit Punta de Teno?
Half a day is plenty: the walk to the lighthouse, a swim and a picnic. If you want to catch the sunset, check the time of the last bus back first.
Are there restaurants or shops at Punta de Teno?
There's nothing at all: no bars, no kiosks, nowhere to buy water. Bring food and drink from Buenavista if you're planning to spend a few hours there.
