Tenerife is an island that reveals itself vertically. The altitude changes everything — from the flat resort coast to the pine forest belt to the 3,715-metre volcanic summit, each level delivers a completely different view of the island, the ocean, and on clear days, the other Canary Islands spread across the Atlantic below.
The Spanish word for viewpoint is mirador — literally “a place from which to look.” Tenerife has dozens of them. Most are accessible by car, many are free, and several are among the finest viewpoints in Europe by any measure.
This guide covers the 14 best. Organised by region, rated for sunrise vs sunset, with honest parking information and GPS coordinates you can save to your offline map before you leave the resort. The island’s roads connect them; a rental car is what lets you stop at them.
🗺️ Quick Reference — All 14 Miradors at a Glance
| Mirador | Region | GPS (approx.) | Best For | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roques de García | Teide NP | 28.2167, -16.6389 | Teide backdrop, sunrise | Medium car park |
| Mirador de Chipeque | Teide NP | 28.3269, -16.5486 | Sea of clouds, sunset | Small layby |
| Mirador El Tabonal Negro | Teide NP | 28.2730, -16.6260 | Obsidian landscape, otherworldly | Small car park |
| Mirador de las Narices del Teide | Teide west | 28.2441, -16.7301 | Last eruption crater, sunset | Roadside |
| Mirador de Cherfe | TF-436 / Masca | 28.2997, -16.8240 | Masca ravine, morning | Dedicated car park |
| Mirador de Archipenque | Los Gigantes | 28.2441, -16.8432 | Cliff face + Atlantic | Roadside pull-in |
| Mirador Pico del Inglés | Anaga | 28.5364, -16.3121 | Both coastlines simultaneously | Medium car park |
| Mirador Cruz del Carmen | Anaga | 28.5486, -16.3284 | La Laguna + Teide + visitor centre | Large car park |
| Mirador de Jardina | Anaga | 28.5341, -16.3455 | Green valley, gateway to Anaga | Roadside |
| Mirador de Garachico | Northwest | 28.3717, -16.7614 | Town from above, church, sea | Small — street parking |
| Mirador San Pedro | Garachico | 28.3725, -16.7612 | Even better than Garachico mirador | Street parking |
| Mirador La Garañona | El Sauzal | 28.4725, -16.4119 | North coast, cliffs, Teide | Small car park + café |
| Mirador de la Ruleta | South | 28.0841, -16.7209 | Southern plain + ocean | Roadside |
| Mirador Los 500 Escalones | North coast | 28.3967, -16.5612 | Atlantic panorama, dramatic stairs | Roadside |
🌋 TEIDE NATIONAL PARK — Above the Clouds
1. Roques de García — The Definitive Teide View
GPS: 28.2167, -16.6389 | Altitude: 2,100m | Best: Sunrise, clear mornings
This is the viewpoint that appears on every Tenerife poster, every travel guide cover, and every “best of the Canary Islands” list — and it earns every appearance. The Roques de García are a series of ancient volcanic rock formations at 2,100 metres, with Teide rising directly behind them. On a clear morning you can see Teide rising above a sea of clouds that spreads across the island below.
The walk around the base of the Roques is one of the finest short walks in Europe — 3.5 km, flat, no permit required, with the volcanic landscape shifting dramatically at every turn. At certain angles the rock formations frame Teide like a painting.
Parking: Dedicated car park at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, opposite the formations. Arrives full by 9:30am on clear summer mornings — get there before 8:30am or after 3:30pm.
Honest note: the car park and the viewpoint are free. The Parador restaurant next door is expensive. Bring your own coffee.
2. Mirador de Chipeque — Sea of Clouds at Sunset
GPS: 28.3269, -16.5486 | Altitude: ~1,450m | Best: Sunset — arrive 1 hour before
Mirador de Chipeque is a must-see destination — located on the TF-24 road near La Esperanza forest, it offers a surreal mix of pine trees, rolling clouds and Teide in the background, frequently above the clouds at sunset. The road leading to this scenic spot is well-marked and easily accessible from San Cristóbal de La Laguna or La Esperanza.
What makes Chipeque special is its position in the transition zone: on a typical Tenerife afternoon, the cloud layer sits exactly at this altitude, meaning you may drive through cloud, emerge above it, and find yourself watching a sea of white stretching to the horizon with Teide floating above. The light at golden hour from this viewpoint is exceptional.
Parking: Small layby — limited spaces. Arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset for the best light and a parking space. Get there for 07:30am to park up and see the sunrise — also highly recommended.
Honest note: can be cold and windy at this altitude even in summer. Bring a layer.
3. Mirador El Tabonal Negro — Another Planet at 2,300m
GPS: 28.2730, -16.6260 | Altitude: ~2,300m | Best: Any clear day
If you want a really great viewpoint in Teide National Park, check out Mirador El Tabonal Negro. Located at approximately 2,300 metres above sea level, it’s absolutely incredible — offering visitors a unique landscape full of dark, obsidian-rich rocks. You’ll truly feel like you’re on another planet here.
Drive down the TF-21 road towards the cable car. Once you reach it there’s a small parking lot where you can stop. The parking lot is often quite crowded so you might have to wait, but it’s worth it. The obsidian lava field stretching from the viewpoint toward the cable car station looks genuinely extraterrestrial — black glass-like rock, barely weathered, recording the last great eruption in crystalline detail.
Parking: Small car park directly at the mirador on TF-21. Often full mid-morning — go early.
4. Mirador de las Narices del Teide — The Last Eruption
GPS: 28.2441, -16.7301 | Altitude: ~2,000m | Best: Sunset, less crowded
A lesser-known vantage point offering spectacular views of the last eruption of Teide almost 225 years ago. Ideal for enjoying magical sunsets over the sea of clouds, this tranquil viewpoint is accessible mainly by car, promising a serene experience away from the crowds — perfect for nature and photography lovers.
“Narices del Teide” means “Nostrils of Teide” — the name refers to the secondary vents that opened during the 1798 Chinyero eruption, the last volcanic activity on Tenerife. The lava field visible from this mirador is young in geological terms: raw, dark, and barely colonised by vegetation. An extraordinary piece of living geology.
Parking: Roadside pull-in on TF-38 west side. Not heavily visited — one of the few Teide-zone miradors where you can usually stop easily.
🏔️ WEST TENERIFE — Masca & Los Gigantes
5. Mirador de Cherfe — The Masca Reveal
GPS: 28.2997, -16.8240 | Road: TF-436 | Best: Morning, before 9am
We highly recommend stopping at Mirador de Cherfe, especially if you’re planning a visit to the village of Masca — this viewpoint is located right on the TF-436, so you definitely can’t miss it. Of all the viewpoints on TF-436, Cherfe is the only one with a proper dedicated car park where you can stop safely without blocking the road.
The view: the road you’ve been driving disappears over the ridge, the Teno ravine opens 600 metres below, and Masca village is visible clinging to the opposite face as a cluster of white buildings. The Atlantic is on the horizon. It’s one of the most sudden and dramatic landscape reveals on the island.
Parking: Small dedicated car park. Free. Fills by 10am in peak season — go early.
Honest note: Don’t confuse the dedicated pull-in with the road itself — some drivers stop on the road for photos. This is dangerous and blocks traffic. The car park is 50 metres further on.
6. Mirador de Archipenque — Los Gigantes from Above
GPS: 28.2441, -16.8432 | Road: TF-454 above Los Gigantes | Best: Late afternoon
Mirador de Archipenque offers one of the best panoramic views over the Los Gigantes Cliffs and the vast Atlantic Ocean — a perfect place to capture the immensity of the sea and the majesty of the cliffs. The cliffs at Los Gigantes drop 600 metres into the sea — the boat tours from the harbour show you the cliff face; this mirador shows you the scale of the entire structure from above.
Most visitors to Los Gigantes never find this viewpoint — they take the boat tour and miss the aerial perspective entirely. By car, it’s a short drive above the town on TF-454.
Parking: Roadside pull-in. Limited space — pull in carefully and leave room for passing traffic.
🌿 ANAGA RURAL PARK — Ancient Forest, Two Coastlines
7. Mirador Pico del Inglés — Both Coasts at Once
GPS: 28.5364, -16.3121 | Altitude: 967m | Best: Clear mornings
Mirador Pico del Inglés, located in the north of Tenerife, offers spectacular views stretching from Mount Teide to the vast ocean — combining the majesty of nature with urban panoramas. At 967 metres, it sits at the highest accessible point of the Anaga ridge road, and on a clear day you can see both the north coast and the south coast simultaneously — a perspective that makes you suddenly aware of how narrow and extreme the island’s topography actually is.
Parking: Medium car park at the mirador. Popular — arrive before 10am on weekends.
Honest note: frequently in cloud. The Anaga ridge is in the trade wind zone and the cloud layer often sits at exactly this altitude. If you arrive in cloud, wait 20–30 minutes — it often clears in windows.
8. Mirador Cruz del Carmen — The Anaga Gateway
GPS: 28.5486, -16.3284 | Altitude: ~920m | Best: Morning
Can be accessed from the parking lot at the Anaga Park Visitor Centre. You’ll see the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Mount Teide in the distance. The visitor centre here has trails, maps, and context for the laurisilva ecosystem — worth 20 minutes if you’re doing the Anaga ridge road for the first time.
This is also the busiest area of Anaga Rural Park — probably the best starting point for the park but it is definitely worth visiting. Two trails head from here toward Punta del Hidalgo and Taborno respectively.
🚗 Discover Tenerife – Best Car Rental Deals
Compare top-rated suppliers, no hidden fees & free cancellation included.
Parking: Large car park at the visitor centre. Free. Fills on weekend mornings — arrive before 10am.
9. Mirador de Jardina — Where Farmland Meets Ancient Forest
GPS: 28.5341, -16.3455 | Road: TF-12 | Best: Morning, clear days
Gateway to Anaga Park — here panoramas mesmerize and every breath fills you with nature’s calm. Mirador de Jardina is the first significant viewpoint heading northeast from La Laguna on TF-12, offering beautiful views of the fertile valley of La Laguna and Mount Teide in the distance.
What makes Jardina distinctive is the foreground: the terraced farmland of La Laguna valley spread below, green and geometric, with the ancient laurel forest beginning just behind the viewpoint. Teide is visible in the far distance if it’s a clear morning. A perfect introduction to the contrast between urban/agricultural north Tenerife and the ancient forest beyond.
Parking: Roadside. Limited — pull in carefully. Visit first thing in the morning before the ridge road fills with day-trippers.
🌊 NORTH COAST & NORTHWEST — Towns and Ocean
10. Mirador de Garachico — The Town From Above
GPS: 28.3717, -16.7614 | Road: C. el Volcán, above Garachico | Best: Any time, morning light
The incomparable Mirador de Garachico is a top favourite — the bird’s-eye view showcases everything from the iconic white church (Iglesia de Santa Ana) to the colourful buildings and the stunning surrounding sea. This gem can be reached atop a steep climb which is recommended by car. It’s the viewpoint that shows you why Garachico is worth visiting in the first place.
Garachico is one of the finest towns on the island — destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706 and rebuilt over centuries. From above, the town layout is clear, the natural lava pools at El Caletón visible along the shoreline, and the ocean extending to the horizon.
Parking: Street parking near C. el Volcán. Steep approach — small car is easier to manoeuvre.
11. Mirador San Pedro — Better Than the Famous One
GPS: 28.3725, -16.7612 | Location: 19 Trans. Mency Caconaymo, Garachico | Best: Morning
While many people go directly to the famous Mirador del Emigrante viewpoint at sea level, visiting this alternative viewpoint Mirador San Pedro is recommended instead — it’s a bit higher up the hill and offers an even better panoramic shot. This stunning scenic lookout point is a wonderful way to see the town in miniature against the brilliant ocean backdrop.
Almost nobody mentions this one. Most visitors stop at the lower, more obvious viewpoint and leave — this one, a few minutes higher by car, is consistently better for photography and significantly quieter.
Parking: Street parking. Small — arrive early.
12. Mirador La Garañona — North Coast Panorama with Coffee
GPS: 28.4725, -16.4119 | Location: El Sauzal | Best: Any time
Mirador La Garañona is a stunning viewpoint located in the picturesque town of El Sauzal in the north of Tenerife. It offers breathtaking views of the Acentejo coast, cliffs, and the beautiful La Garanona beach. The area is well-maintained with gardens, trees, and permanent benches for visitors to relax. There is also a small café nearby for refreshments.
This is the rare mirador that rewards lingering. The café serves excellent coffee. The benches face the ocean. The cliffs of the Acentejo coast drop directly below. On a clear morning, Teide is visible to the southwest and the cloud sea often lies below the cliff line. Must see — a very nice view, and just a few minutes from the TF-5 highway.
Parking: Small car park at the mirador. Rarely full — one of the most accessible viewpoints on the island.
Honest note: Mirador La Garañona is one of the few viewpoints with facilities worth using. Stop, have coffee, stay 30 minutes. It costs nothing to sit.
☀️ SOUTH & SOUTHEAST — Coastal Plains and Ocean
13. Mirador de la Ruleta — The South’s Hidden Panorama
GPS: 28.0841, -16.7209 | Road: Mountain road above Santiago del Teide | Best: Late afternoon
Located above Santiago del Teide on the western mountain road, Mirador de la Ruleta offers a sweeping view of the southern coastal plain — the entire tourist development of the south visible from above, revealing how it’s fitted into the volcanic landscape. Less dramatic than the northern viewpoints, but geographically instructive: you suddenly understand the scale of tourist Tenerife and the emptiness beyond it.
Parking: Roadside. Not heavily visited — parking is usually available.
14. Mirador Los 500 Escalones — The Secret Staircase View
GPS: 28.3967, -16.5612 | Location: North coast, TF-16 area | Best: Morning, Atlantic light
Only the endless ocean and one of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen lie ahead — that is the essence of Mirador Los 500 Escalones. It is probably the least known of the best coastal views of Tenerife, but it is definitely worth a visit. A long staircase descends a steep cliff, and from the top, the ocean view is simply breathtaking.
The name (“500 Steps”) refers to the staircase that descends from the road level to the viewpoint itself — you don’t have to descend all 500 steps to get the view; the top already delivers. Hidden enough that it sees a fraction of the visitors of the more famous miradors.
Parking: Roadside. Very limited — early morning visit recommended.
💡 Practical Tips for Visiting Tenerife Viewpoints by Car
Download GPS coordinates offline. Mobile signal is patchy near several of these viewpoints — particularly in Anaga, on TF-436, and at altitude in Teide. Save the coordinates to Google Maps or Maps.me before leaving the resort.
Bring layers for altitude viewpoints. Teide miradors (Roques de García, Chipeque, Tabonal Negro) are above 2,000 metres. Even in summer, the temperature can be 15–20°C colder than the coast. Wind is frequent and significant. A fleece in the boot costs nothing and changes the experience completely.
Sunrise vs sunset — which is better?
| Viewpoint | Sunrise | Sunset | Best Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roques de García | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Sunrise |
| Mirador de Chipeque | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sunset |
| Mirador de Cherfe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Morning |
| Mirador de Benijo | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sunset |
| Pico del Inglés | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Morning |
| La Garañona | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Either |
| Mirador de Garachico | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Morning |
Combine viewpoints by region. Don’t try to see 14 miradors in a day — it becomes a checklist rather than an experience. Group them logically:
- Teide day: Chipeque (morning) → Roques de García → Tabonal Negro → Narices del Teide (sunset)
- Anaga day: Jardina → Cruz del Carmen → Pico del Inglés → Benijo (afternoon/sunset)
- West coast day: Mirador de Cherfe (Masca morning) → Archipenque → Garachico → San Pedro
Don’t stop on the road for photos. On TF-436 and the narrower Anaga roads, stopping on the carriageway is dangerous and blocks traffic. Every viewpoint in this guide has a designated pull-in — use it, even if it’s 100 metres further than the view you want.
🔗 Related Guides on rentcarstenerife.com
- 🚗 Complete Tenerife car hire guide — costs, companies, insurance and how to find the right car before you fly.
- 🛣️ Best roads to drive in Tenerife — the roads that connect these viewpoints: TF-436 to Masca, TF-21 to Teide, TF-12 through Anaga.
- 🏔️ Driving to Masca — TF-436 guide — full guide to the road that includes Mirador de Cherfe, Masca village and the west coast loop.
- 🌿 Driving Anaga Rural Park — the complete guide to the roads that connect Pico del Inglés, Cruz del Carmen, Jardina and Benijo.
- 🛣️ Driving in Tenerife — tips for first-timers — mountain road rules, parking regulations and speed limits before your first mirador day.
- ✈️ Car hire at TFS — Tenerife South Airport — most mirador day-trippers pick up here. Largest fleet, in-terminal desks, on the TF-1 in minutes.
- ✈️ Car hire at TFN — Tenerife North Airport — flying into the north? La Garañona, Cruz del Carmen and Pico del Inglés are all within 30 minutes.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions — Best Viewpoints in Tenerife
What is the best viewpoint in Tenerife?
Roques de García in Teide National Park is the most consistently spectacular — Teide rising directly behind ancient volcanic rock formations, at 2,100 metres, with the possibility of Teide rising above a sea of clouds below you. For dramatic coastal scenery, Mirador de Cherfe on TF-436 is extraordinary — the Masca ravine opening 600 metres below. For the experience of seeing both coastlines simultaneously, Mirador Pico del Inglés in Anaga at 967 metres is unmatched.
Which Tenerife viewpoint is best for sunset?
Mirador de Chipeque on the TF-24 road near La Esperanza is the best-regarded sunset viewpoint on the island — above the cloud layer, facing west, with Teide in the background. Arrive at least 60 minutes before sunset for a parking space. Mirador de Benijo in Anaga is the best coastal sunset viewpoint — the Roques de Anaga rock formations turn deep red at golden hour.
Which viewpoints in Tenerife require no hiking?
All 14 viewpoints in this guide are accessible by car with minimal walking — most are roadside or short car park walks of under 5 minutes. The one exception is Mirador Los 500 Escalones, which involves descending a staircase (not a trail) for the best views. Roques de García has a 3.5 km flat walk around the formations — optional, not required for the main view.
Are Tenerife viewpoints free?
Yes — all of the miradors in this guide are free to visit and free to park at (where dedicated parking exists). The national park roads (TF-21, TF-24) are free to drive. The Parador restaurant near Roques de García is privately priced, as is La Garañona’s café — but you’re not obligated to use either.
What is the best viewpoint for seeing the sea of clouds in Tenerife?
Mirador de Chipeque on TF-24 is the most reliable point for sea of clouds views — it sits in the transition zone between the cloud layer and the clear air above, meaning on a typical Tenerife afternoon you can watch the cloud sea spread below you with Teide rising from it. The phenomenon is most dramatic in summer (July–September) when the temperature inversion is strongest.
Can I see other Canary Islands from Tenerife viewpoints?
Yes — on very clear days, particularly in winter, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are visible from high-altitude viewpoints. Roques de García and Mirador Pico del Inglés are the most reliable spots. La Gomera, at 28 km, is the most frequently visible — often appearing as a dark silhouette on the western horizon from Teide-area viewpoints.
Do I need a permit to visit any of these viewpoints?
No — all 14 viewpoints in this guide are freely accessible without permits. The surrounding areas may require permits for specific hiking trails (the Teide summit trail requires a free permit; El Pijaral in Anaga requires a free booking) — but the viewpoints themselves and the roads to reach them are open to all.
Discover more of the island in our full Tenerife driving guide.
