6 Best Things to do in and around Güímar

Of course the El Teide, Anaga, Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz are great destinations in Tenerife. However the region of Güímar is really worth visiting as well! Just in a range of only 15 minutes drive we have volcanic landscapes, beaches, piramides, cute towns and mountains! Don’t have a car? Doesn’t matter! There are many busstops in and around Güímar as well!

1. Malpais de Güímar

The Malpaís (Badlands) de Güímar were formed by volcanic eruptions. When you walk in the Malpais de Guimar, it feels like you’re on a totally different planet. The red sand, traces of solidified lava, and the many cardons and tabaibas plants (which are very typical for the canarias) make an incredible landscape to lose yourself in. It truly makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a Star Wars movie.

When you’ve climbed a bit up, you have a magnificient view over Puertito de Güímar on one side and the coastline with towns (El Socorro and Candalaria) on the other side.

It is an ideal hike for beginners, to do with children or just to do slowly, taking breaks on the way. Just protect yourself from the sun, take enough water with you because there is practically no shade!

And because the park is next to the beach, you can just jump in the sea afterwards! Take afterwards a delicious lunch or dinner at one of the amazing (local) restaurants in Puertito de Güímar. It is the perfect idea for an active ánd relaxing day trip!

2. Pirámides of Güímar

The Pirámides (Pyramids) of Güímar are 6 rectangular pyramid-shaped teraced structures, which are made from lava stone. Research showed that it is likely dated in the middle of the 19th century. The pyramids are probably a byproduct of the agricultural techniques of those days.

In 1998 the 65,000 m² area surrounding the pyramids was made accessible to the public. Not only can you discover the pyramid complex, but also a museum, auditorium, outdoor routes and botanical gardens! For more information and opening hours, check the official website: https://www.piramidesdeguimar.es/en/

3. Beach from El Puertito

This beach isn’t on the list of the most famous beaches of Tenerife, but the good thing about that is that you won’t find many tourists here! From the center of El Puertito, you walk within a minute on the pebbles and black sand towards the calm waves. The beaches from El Puertito are perfect to go to with your children! A popular hotspot is the fishing pier from “Muelle el Puertito de Güímar” where you can jump directly into the water.

Do you want the beach to yourself? Then just walk a bit further, toward the Malpais park, and find deserted beaches there.

In the evenings you can enjoy a great dinner in one of the restaurants of El Puertito. Enjoy (local) food while admiring the view over the sea. Afterwards take a stroll and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

4. Güímar centre

Do you like to browse for some new clothes or stuff? The center of Güímar has enough stores to find a nice souvenir! And after shopping there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy a good meal or drink.

When you’re on a holiday, it’s important to slow down a bit and just do nothing. The charming square “Plaza De Las Flores” is perfect for that! Get a delicious cake or bread with some coffee from across the square, sit on a bench and just enjoy. You’ll feel so relaxed afterwards!

5. Mountains

When you drive up from Güímar, you are heading straight into the mountains. The possibilities here are endless! Just drive around and go further by foot. The Komoot app is very useful to find a hiking trail. No matter where you are exactly, you will always be rewarded with a magnificient view over Güímar! You can hike towards the Montaña de Arguazo for example.

Another tip is Las Ventenos de Güímar (picture above). This path has magnificient tunnels and you have an amazing view over Güímar (and maybe even Gran Canaria). However, this path is officially closed. So going there is on your risk; only go there with good weather, wear good hiking shoes, take a flashlight with you and bring enough food and water.

6. Around Güímar

Close to Güímar, there is much to see and to do! Just to name a few:

• Candelaria (10 min drive / 20 min bus) from Güímar center.
  A very picturesque little town! It has a lovely square in front of Basílica de Nuestra Señora where there is always a lot of life, cute streets! Explore the cute street with many stores and icecream places, the small harbour and of course the sea! And don’t forget to check out the alley full of miniature statues of people, streets and houses.

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (25 min drive / 45 min bus) from Güímar center
  The capital of Tenerife is of course one of thé hotspots of Tenerife. And it’s not that far away from Güímar at all! So shop wild, buy your food for the day at the charming African market and visit the huge botanical gardens.