The eponymous capital of the municipality of Santiago del Teide, which includes Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes, is located 1000 metres above sea level in the stunning Valle de Santiago.

The gateway to Masca, Santiago del Teide still retains a very traditional feel and it’s not unusual to see elderly women of the village clad in their habitual black skirts, black blouses and straw hats, and elderly men in their felt fedoras.

Part of the ancient Menceyate (Kingdom) of Adeje, Santiago del Teide has a strong Guanche heritage. After the Spanish conquest the land in Valle de Santiago was of little importance to the new colonies, being unsuitable for the production of sugar cane, and so it was given to Diego Mencey, the former Guanche King, Pelinor and the Guanche. Some claim that the Guanche heritage is the reason that the are produces more than its fair share of beauty queens.

The valley hasn’t always been the tranquil place it is now. On the morning of the 18th November 1909, Chinyero erupted; the last volcanic eruption on Tenerife. A river of molten lava crept towards El Tanque and Icod, breaking off into two subsidiaries that threatened to engulf Las Manchas and Valle de Arriba. The two communities were only saved by divine intervention after villagers carried statues of Santa Ana, Christ and the Virgin Mary to the lava flows and stopped them in their tracks.

Santiago del Teide is a beautiful base for exploring the countryside around the Valle de Santiago and is especially suitable to those visitors who want to experience some great walking on Tenerife.

 

  • Restaurants in Santiago del Teide

    There are only a handful of restaurants, all serving good hearty Canarian cuisine. Stews like puchero are popular and try anything with almonds as the area is famed for its almond trees.

  • Accommodation in Santiago del Teide

    Like most countryside locations on Tenerife the main choice of accommodation is in casas rurales (rural houses). However, Santiago del Teide does have a rather wonderful rural hotel in the centre of town.

  • The Pick of What to do in Santiago del Teide

    The 17th century Señorio del Valle visitors' centre is a gem of a place. A stroll around the grounds is rewarding enough but it boasts a wine shop, cheese corner, museum, exhibition centre, tasca and pony and trap rides.


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Recommended Restaurant in Santiago del Teide: Señorio del Valle Tasca

Freshly prepared using vegetables and herbs from the centre’s own garden the food at the tasca is typical Canarian country fare at its best. There are tapas, fish and meat choices but the carne de cabra (goat) is particularly tasty.
+34 922 104 913; opposite the zona recreativa (picnic area)

Recommended Accommodation in Santiago del Teide: Hotel señorio del Valle

A stunning location with fabulous views across the valley. The hotel itself is new but the atmosphere cosily old fashioned and very, very laid back. Don’t expect to be waited on hand and foot but if you enjoy being left to your own devices, it’s a very relaxing place to spend a couple of days
+34 922 104 913; opposite the zona recreativa (picnic area)

What is Nightlife Like in Santiago del Teide

Things liven up if there’s a fiesta, but apart from that it’s a few old guys playing dominoes down the Chinyero bar/restaurant. This isn’t the place for party animals.