That is the big question. The Faro de Teno Lighthouse lets some visitors feel the sting of remorse. That is because actually, driving through to the lighthouse is not permitted.
The road between Buenavista del Norte and the lighthouse is closed for all motorised vehicles. Overhanging cliffs, crumbling rocks, unsafe roads and the lack of lights in the tunnels make for a very thrilling drive. In bad weather conditions or great humidity, it is strongly advised to give that drive a miss. Insurance companies for hire cars will not cover any damages caused by this risky drive. It is only for the very adventurous.
We were after that sort of thrill and took on the drive up to the Faro de Teno Lighthouse. And to be honest, some stretches of the road gave me the chills and especially in the long, dark tunnels, I held my breath. On top of that, the road was very curvy and narrow. Our daughter turned a little pale but we made it and arrived at the Faro de Teno Lighthouse in one piece.
The road was closed by the government in 2013 and reopened in 2015 after two years of reconstruction. Falling rocks, however, are still a risk when using this road. The lighthouse is located on the north-western tip of Tenerife, the Punta de Teno. It was built in 1976 and replaced its smaller predecessor from 1893.
The surroundings of the lighthouse are only partly accessible. It is a protected area. There is a wooden path that leads from the car park to the lighthouse and to the coastline. From here visitors get to enjoy a wonderful view over the coastal cliffs of the Acantilado de los Gigantes, some enormous rock formations on the coast. In good weather one can see as far as Gomera.
Address:
Punta Teno – Faro de Teno
38480 Buenavista del Nte.,
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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