Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife | Exploring Spain

Buenavista del Norte is a municipality and a town located on the northwestern tip of the island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands of Spain. The town is situated in a beautiful, green valley at the foot of the dramatic Teno Mountains. With a population of around 4,700 inhabitants, Buenavista del Norte is a quiet and traditional town that has retained much of its authentic Canarian character. It is known for its well-preserved historic center, its rich agricultural traditions, and its stunning, rugged coastline.

The identity of Buenavista del Norte is that of a tranquil and historic town that serves as a gateway to the magnificent wilderness of the Teno Rural Park. The name ”Buenavista,” which means ”good view” in Spanish, was given to it by the Spanish conquistadors, who were impressed by the beauty of the landscape. Unlike the bustling tourist resorts in the south of the island, Buenavista offers a more peaceful and traditional experience. Today, it is a popular destination for those seeking to explore the natural beauty and the authentic culture of northern Tenerife.

History of Buenavista del Norte

The history of Buenavista del Norte dates back to the time of the Spanish conquest of Tenerife at the end of the 15th century. The town was officially founded in the early 16th century, and its development was shaped by its relative isolation and its rich agricultural land. For centuries, the town was a prosperous agricultural center, and its historic center is filled with the stately homes of the old landowning families. In the 20th century, a devastating fire marked a major turning point for the town, but it has since been beautifully restored.

A Conquistador’s ”Good View”

The area of Buenavista del Norte was originally a part of the Guanche kingdom of Daute. After the Spanish conquest of the island was completed in 1496, the new lands were divided among the conquistadors. The name of the town, ”Buenavista,” is said to have been given to it by the conquistadors themselves, who were struck by the beauty of the landscape. The official founding act of the town was celebrated in 1513. The town grew as a prosperous agricultural center, and its economy was based on the cultivation of sugar cane, vines, and cereals.

A Prosperous Town and a Devastating Fire

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Buenavista del Norte grew into a wealthy and important town. This prosperity is reflected in the many beautiful, stately mansions that can still be seen in the historic center. A key moment in the town’s history was the construction of its main church, the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. A major and tragic turning point came on June 22, 1996, when a devastating fire almost completely destroyed this historic church. The fire destroyed a huge part of the town’s priceless artistic and historical heritage, including magnificent altarpieces and wood carvings.

A Modern Center for Eco-Tourism

In the modern era, Buenavista del Norte has established itself as a major center for eco-tourism and rural tourism on the island of Tenerife. The historic church has been beautifully and carefully restored to its former glory. The town’s historic center has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest, which has helped to preserve its unique architectural heritage. Today, the town is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers who come to explore the magnificent and wild landscapes of the Teno Rural Park.

Sights in Buenavista del Norte

The sights in Buenavista del Norte are centered around its well-preserved historic quarter and its spectacular natural surroundings. The main attraction is the historic center itself, with its charming plaza and its beautiful church. The town is also the gateway to the magnificent Teno Rural Park, and a drive out to the remote Punta de Teno lighthouse is one of the most spectacular excursions on the entire island. For those seeking a unique swimming experience, the nearby natural rock pools of Garachico are a major draw.

The Historic Center

The historic center of Buenavista del Norte is the main sight in the town. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in recognition of its well-preserved traditional Canarian architecture. A walk through the town’s tranquil streets reveals a beautiful collection of historic houses, with their characteristic wooden balconies and internal courtyards. The main square, Plaza de los Remedios, is the heart of the town, and it is a beautiful and peaceful place to sit and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is the most important historical landmark in Buenavista del Norte. The original church was built in the 16th century, and it was one of the first churches to be built on the island. The church that stands today has been beautifully restored after it was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1996. The church has a beautiful interior, and it houses some important works of art that were saved from the fire, including a magnificent altarpiece.

Punta de Teno

Punta de Teno is the wild and remote westernmost point of the island of Tenerife. It is located within the Teno Rural Park, a short drive from Buenavista del Norte. The area is a protected nature reserve, and it is known for its spectacular volcanic landscapes and its beautiful lighthouse. Access to the area by private car is restricted, but a public bus service runs from Buenavista. A visit to Punta de Teno offers breathtaking views of the massive cliffs of Los Gigantes.

Masca

The tiny and incredibly picturesque mountain village of Masca is also located within the Teno Rural Park, and it is one of the most famous and beautiful sights on the island. The village is nestled in a deep ravine, surrounded by dramatic, towering mountains. The drive to Masca is a thrilling adventure in itself, on a narrow and very winding road. The village is a very popular destination for hikers, and a famous trail leads from the village down through a gorge to the sea.

Traveling with Kids

Buenavista del Norte is a great destination for families who are looking for a more quiet and authentic experience, away from the bustling tourist resorts of the south. The town has a very relaxed and safe, small-town atmosphere. The main attraction for families is the spectacular natural surroundings of the Teno Rural Park, which offers plenty of space for kids to explore the outdoors. The nearby natural rock pools of Garachico also provide a unique and exciting swimming experience for children.

For more classic family-friendly attractions, such as the world-famous Loro Parque animal park, the city of Puerto de la Cruz is located about a 45-minute drive away. A visit to the tranquil town of Buenavista can be easily combined with a trip to these larger attractions. This combination of a peaceful, rural base and easy access to major family attractions makes the area a well-rounded and interesting destination for a family vacation.

How to Get to Buenavista del Norte?

Buenavista del Norte is located on the northwestern tip of the island of Tenerife. The town is situated at the end of the main northern coastal road. The primary gateway for international visitors is Tenerife South Airport (TFS), although the northern airport, Tenerife North (TFN), is closer. From the main cities and airports, the journey to Buenavista del Norte is a scenic drive along the coast or through the mountains.

Arriving by Air

The island of Tenerife has two international airports. Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is the closer of the two to Buenavista del Norte, and the drive from here takes about one hour. Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is the larger of the two airports, and it is located about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away. From either airport, the easiest way to reach the town is to rent a car.

Driving into the Town

Driving to Buenavista del Norte is a beautiful journey. From the south of the island, you would take the main TF-1 motorway and then the TF-82 road, which is a winding mountain road that passes through the town of Santiago del Teide. From the north, you would take the main TF-5 motorway and then the beautiful coastal road, the TF-42, which passes through the historic town of Garachico.

Connecting by Bus

The public bus system on Tenerife is operated by the company TITSA. Buenavista del Norte is well-served by this network. The Route 363 bus provides a frequent and scenic connection from the town of Icod de los Vinos. From Icod de los Vinos, you can connect to other bus routes that run to the main cities of Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 20 regional places, according to Google Maps:

• Los Silos, Tenerife – 3 kilometers (0 h 05 min)
• Garachico, Tenerife – 8 kilometers (0 h 15 min)
• Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife – 15 kilometers (0 h 25 min)
• Santiago del Teide, Tenerife – 20 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Los Gigantes, Tenerife – 25 kilometers (0 h 35 min)
• Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – 35 kilometers (0 h 45 min)
• Guía de Isora, Tenerife – 35 kilometers (0 h 40 min)
• La Orotava, Tenerife – 38 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
• Adeje, Tenerife – 50 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
• Costa Adeje, Tenerife – 55 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Los Cristianos, Tenerife – 55 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Playa de las Américas, Tenerife – 56 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Tenerife North Airport (TFN) – 60 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife – 60 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Tenerife South Airport (TFS) – 65 kilometers (1 h 05 min)
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife – 68 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• El Médano, Tenerife – 70 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife – 80 kilometers (1 h 15 min)
• Candelaria, Tenerife – 80 kilometers (1 h 15 min)
• Güímar, Tenerife – 85 kilometers (1 h 20 min)

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