Hidden gems in Tenerife

Caves, Ruins & Manors

Explore Tenerife’s architectural and geological history through volcanic tubes, abandoned estates, and noble mansions. This collection features Cueva del Viento, one of the world's largest lava tubes, alongside the haunting Sanatorio de Abona, a 1940s leper colony. Discover the island's colonial heritage at the Baroque Casa Salazar and the Renaissance-style Casa Lercaro, which now houses the Museum of History and Anthropology. From the modernist Palacete Martí Dehesa to the secluded Cueva del Tacón, these sites reveal the island's evolution from indigenous caves to grand aristocratic residences.

Caves, Ruins & Manors — Map

A

Cueva del Tacón

A natural sea cave located near Puerto de Santiago, known for its clear turquoise waters and basalt rock formations created by ancient volcanic activity.

Public domain

B

The Balcony House

La Casa de los Balcones is a historic house and a museum in La Orotava on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

C

Sanatorio de Abona

An abandoned 1940s leper colony designed in the Neo-Canarian style. The site includes a prominent concrete church and several residential blocks that were never fully occupied.

D

Cueva del viento

One of the longest volcanic tubes in the world, formed 27,000 years ago by basaltic lavas from Pico Viejo. It features complex three-level galleries and unique cave-dwelling species.

Foon / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Casa de Fuset

A ruined mansion in the Anaga mountains, also known as Casa de Franco. This abandoned building is a focal point for local legends and sits within a densely forested area.

Koppchen / CC BY 3.0

F

Casa Lercaro

A 17th-century aristocratic mansion featuring traditional Canarian architecture, ornate wooden balconies, and a central courtyard. It currently functions as a restaurant and event venue.

Mataparda / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

Cave of Chinguaro

Cave-Shrine of Chinguaro is a cave and associated Roman Catholic church located in Güímar on Tenerife.

Berthold Werner / Public domain

H

Cave of Santo Hermano Pedro

The Cave-Shrine of Santo Hermano Pedro is a Roman Catholic cave-shrine dedicated to Saint Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur.

Koppchen / CC BY 3.0

I

Palacete Martí Dehesa

A notable Modernist mansion designed by Mariano Estanga in 1912. It is distinguished by its elaborate façade, floral ornamentation, and historical location in the Los Hoteles district.

Koppchen / CC BY 3.0

J

Casa Salazar

A 17th-century Baroque palace that serves as the seat of the Bishop of Tenerife. It features a striking stone façade adorned with family coats of arms and a traditional courtyard.

rene boulay / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Cave of Achbinico

Cueva de Achbinico, also called cave of San Blas is a Roman Catholic church and cave located in Candelaria, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Javier Sánchez Portero / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Cuevas Blancas Windmill

The Cuevas Blancas Windmill or White Caves Mill is located in Santa María del Mar, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on the island of Tenerife, Spain.

rene boulay / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Casa de Alvarado-Bracamonte

A 17th-century residence also known as the House of the Captain Generals. It features a traditional courtyard with wooden galleries and houses the local municipal tourism office.

Koppchen / CC BY 3.0

N

Casa Lercaro

A 16th-century Renaissance palace that houses the Museum of History and Anthropology. It is famous for its well-preserved architecture and the local legend of the ghost of Catalina Lercaro.

Koppchen / CC BY 3.0

O

Edificio Villasegura

An Eclectic-style building dating from the early 20th century. Originally designed as a school, it reflects the architectural transition of Santa Cruz de Tenerife during that era.

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