Turismo Granadilla

In the past the routes connecting the various regions of Tenerife with each other were known as “Caminos Reales”. This route is one of them, and running through the south of the island, it can still be walked today.

We start the walk in Gonzalez Mena Square in the historic town of Granadilla de Abona. After leaving the historic quarter we continue through a rural agricultural area, walking between stone walls, alongside fields of cultivated volcanic sand and irrigation channels. Keep watch for the shrine to the Virgen del Pino (the Virgin of the Pines) at the side of the track, as well as a traditional oven and a threshing yard that are close by.

The fact there is water present in this part of the island has always been of great importance to the locals, as demonstrated by the name of the village that we pass half-way through our walk: Charco del Pino (Pond- of-the-Pines). The name comes from the small natural pool indicating a hidden subterranean water source below the sandy bed of the ravine, which was reached by excavation.

We recommend that you take a small detour off the track in this village in order to admire the beautiful church of San Luis de Francia and the charming village square, where in August local people dance the ancient Dance of the Arcos. We can also climb up from here to Montaña Chiñama, where there is a viewpoint with wonderful views of the whole region of Abona.

The walk continues towards San Miguel, crossing the ravine of La Orchilla covered by tabaibas, balos and cardon cacti, as well as, now mostly abandoned, cultivated land.