| Question | Answer (November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Where is it? | North-west tip of Tenerife, in Teno Rural Park, municipality of Buenavista del Norte |
| Road | TF-445 from Buenavista del Norte to the lighthouse |
| Current status | TF-445 closed after a rockfall on 29 October 2026; no reopening date announced |
| Bus | Line 355 from Buenavista or Santiago del Teide; a reduced-fare line 369 serves the lighthouse |
| Best for | Sunset, cliff views, short coastal walks |
Is the road to Punta de Teno open?
On 29 October 2026 a rockfall left a large amount of material on the TF-445, the road that gives access to Punta de Teno, and damaged the protective nets on the slope. The Cabildo de Tenerife closed the road, has given no reopening date and warns that more rockfalls are possible, asking everyone to obey the signs. Do not drive past barriers, and do not walk the road if it is closed.
Because the situation changes quickly, the practical rule is simple: check the Cabildo's traffic information or ask at the Buenavista del Norte tourist office on the day, and keep a plan B. The coast around Buenavista, the Los Gigantes cliffs from the sea and the Masca village all remain good alternatives; see Buenavista del Norte, Los Gigantes boat trips and Masca.
Hours and rules when the road is open
The tourist board's page for Teno Rural Park lists time windows for the lighthouse access road. From July to September the window is 9:00 to 20:00 from Tuesday to Thursday, and from Friday at 9:00 to Monday at 20:00. From October to June it is 10:00 to 19:00 on the same days. Emergency vehicles, reduced-mobility vehicles, public-service vehicles, vehicles carrying boats, bicycles and authorised vehicles (residents, workers, activity companies) are exempt. Confirm which regime applies on your date, because the Cabildo changes access rules according to the season and alert levels.
The Cabildo has also announced that when forest-fire or other hazard alerts are issued, it regulates traffic at the entrances to the rural park, which is reached only by the TF-436. The measure targets private vehicles used for tourism or recreation; residents, workers, essential services and public transport are not blocked. In summer, a fire alert can therefore change your plans on the day.
How to get there
- By bus: TITSA line 355 runs from Buenavista or from Santiago del Teide. A reduced-fare line 369 was introduced to make the lighthouse easier to reach. Ask for the current timetable at a TITSA point, since services follow the access rules.
- By car: the TF-436 links Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide, and the TF-445 continues from Buenavista to the lighthouse. The last stretch is narrow and winding; drive slowly and allow for a car park that can be full at sunset.
- With a tour: a boat or a guided day in the north-west avoids the parking question. See Tenerife island tour.
What to see and do
The point sits among large cliffs, dikes and pitons, with the Isla Baja and Teno Bajo valleys opening toward the coast. The area has one of the island's largest and best-preserved stands of tabaibas and cardones, the native succulent plants. From the old lighthouse, which is in good condition, you can see the Los Gigantes cliffs dropping about 600 m to the sea. The spot is known for sunsets, so bring a jacket: the wind off the Atlantic is cool once the sun goes down.
The rural park has more than 100 km of approved trails. The tourist board advises finishing hikes before 18:00 in winter and 20:30 in summer, staying on marked paths and walking with others. The easy coastal walk between Las Arenas and El Fraile is described on the Buenavista del Norte page.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving up without checking whether the TF-445 is open.
- Arriving at sunset in summer and finding the road restricted.
- Leaving a car in a spot marked as a rockfall zone.
- Hiking late in the day in winter, when darkness comes early.
- Going without a jacket or water; there are no big services at the point.
FAQ
Is the road to Punta de Teno closed?
The TF-445 was closed after a rockfall on 29 October 2026 and no reopening date has been announced. Check before you travel.
Can I take a bus to Punta de Teno?
Line 355 serves Buenavista and Santiago del Teide, and a reduced-fare line 369 was introduced for the lighthouse. Check the current timetable.
What is the best time for Punta de Teno?
Late afternoon, for the light and the sunset over the cliffs, if access is open.
Can I walk to the lighthouse?
There are approved trails in the rural park, but not on a closed road. Ask at the tourist office which routes are open.
Is it worth the detour?
Yes if the road is open and the weather is clear; otherwise the Los Gigantes boat trip gives a view of the same cliffs.
Tenerife Authority editorial team, 12 November 2026.
