Mirador de La Grimona
If you are driving through the north of the island, on your way to Icod or Garachico, surely you have passed this place a thousand times without realizing it. Today I ask you to brake (carefully) and discover the Mirador de La Grimona. It is a visual oasis embedded in the very mountainside that will surprise you.
Vertical Nature at La Grimona Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located literally on the edge of the TF-5 road, in the municipality of Los Realejos. What makes Mirador de La Grimona unique is the wall of vegetation you have behind you. You are at the foot of the Protected Landscape of Los Campeches, Tigaiga, and Ruiz. Here, the laurisilva forest and ferns cling to vertical cliffs, defying gravity.
Towards the sea, the view is spectacular. You have a close-up of the famous Playa del Socorro, the mecca of surfing in the north, with its black volcanic sand and white foam. Towards the horizon, the rugged coast of San Juan de la Rambla fades into the blue. It is a small viewpoint, but with tremendous visual power.
Tips from Your Local Insider
Although it seems like a quick roadside stop, it has its secrets:
- For Birdwatchers: This is one of the best accessible sites to try to spot the famous laurisilva pigeons (the Bolle's pigeon and the Laurel pigeon). If you bring binoculars and have patience, you can see them flying among the cliffs of Tigaiga. It's a privilege!
- El Socorro Beach: If the views make you jealous, from here you are 5 minutes by car from the descent to the beach. It is perfect for watching the sunset or taking a dip if the sea isn't too rough.
- Caution entering and exiting: The Mirador de La Grimona is right next to the highway. Cars pass by fast. Use your turn signal in time and be very careful when rejoining the road. Safety first!
La Grimona Viewpoint proves that in Tenerife, even a technical stop on the road can turn into a natural spectacle.