Mirador de La Cruz

Hello northern road tripper! I'm your "Local Insider" from Canaguia.com. Today we are heading to the municipality of El Tanque, an authentic and rural area where time passes more slowly. If you are driving along the northern road and want a view that sums up the island's volcanic history, you have to stop at the Mirador de La Cruz. It is a humble balcony but with a first-class landscape.

What You Will See from Mirador de La Cruz

This small viewpoint is located on the side of the road, just before starting (or finishing) the famous winding curves that go down to the coast. From Mirador de La Cruz, you have a privileged panoramic view of the so-called "Isla Baja" (Low Island). What is most impressive is seeing the town of Garachico from a bird's eye view. You will be able to perfectly distinguish the tongue of black lava that destroyed the old port in 1706 and how the town was reborn on top of it.

In front of you, the imposing Roque de Garachico breaks the Atlantic waves, and to the sides, the green cliffs of the north drop into the sea. It is a place where the green of the banana plantations and the mountain merges with the dark blue of the ocean. A perfect place to breathe fresh air and stretch your legs if you are driving from the south.

Tips from Your Local Insider

This area has a lot of charm, and here are my tricks to make the most of the stop:

The Winding Descent: After seeing Garachico from above at Mirador de La Cruz, I recommend driving down the old road (if you don't get carsick) to visit it. Seeing the town from above and then walking through its natural pools completes the experience.
Hearty Food: El Tanque is famous for its homemade and filling food. If it's chilly (which it usually is), look for a nearby restaurant and order a good watercress stew ("potaje de berros") or "rancho canario". It brings you back to life!
Nearby Nature: Very close to here is the Chinyero Special Nature Reserve. If you like walking among volcanoes and pine trees, it is a great starting point for several hiking routes.

Mirador de La Cruz is a brief but intense stop. It is the best way to understand the whimsical geography of northern Tenerife before immersing yourself in it.