Some people drive it in 30 minutes.
We walked it.
And it changed the way we see this island forever.
These feet are made for walking
Our journey from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Puerto de la Cruz wasn’t just a physical challenge — it was a slow, deliberate way of experiencing Tenerife in its rawest, most honest form. Step by step, hour by hour, we walked through the heart of the island, witnessing the beauty, the contrast, and the soul of this place we now call home.
From City Streets to Mountain Roads
We started early in the morning, the city still waking up, the streets of Santa Cruz washed in that golden Canarian light. As we left the capital behind, the traffic faded, the buildings thinned, and the mountains rose up to meet us.
The path was far from flat. We climbed steep roads through tiny villages, past banana plantations, rugged ravines, barking dogs, and curious stares from locals who probably thought we were a little crazy (and maybe we were).
There were moments when our legs burned, when the sun felt too strong, and when Puerto de la Cruz still felt impossibly far. But with every step, we found a new kind of peace — the kind that only comes from moving slowly, seeing every detail, and pushing your limits.
The Heart of Tenerife, On Foot
Tenerife is an island of contrast. We felt it in our bodies as we climbed sharp hills and coasted down into cool valleys. We saw it in the changing vegetation — from city palms to forest pine to coastal cacti. We smelled it in the damp earth, ocean breeze, and the smoky scent of someone’s wood fire in a village where time stands still.
And we heard it: birds, wind, roosters, the occasional goat bell… and then silence. Real, deep silence.
Arrival in Puerto de la Cruz
Reaching Puerto felt like arriving at the end of the world — tired, sweaty, sun-kissed, and wildly proud. The ocean stretched before us like a reward. We dipped our feet in the cool Atlantic and let it wash away the miles.
Was it hard? Yes.
Would we do it again? Absolutely.
Because walking across a piece of this island made us fall in love with it all over again.
Tips if you’re tempted to try it:
- Start early to avoid the midday sun.
- Wear good shoes — the roads are long and sometimes steep.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Don’t rush. This is not a race. It’s a journey.
Have you ever walked long-distance across an island? Or are you dreaming about it? Tell us — we’d love to hear your stories too.
