Mirador de Montaña Grande

Mirador de Montaña Grande is a scenic viewpoint in El Rosario, Tenerife, tucked inside the pine forest of Monte de La Esperanza on the road up toward Teide. Sitting above 1,100 metres, it's one of the island's quieter lookout points — far less crowded than the famous ones, yet with views that easily hold their own.

How do you get there?

The viewpoint sits on the TF-24 road, which links La Laguna with El Portillo (one of the main gateways into Teide National Park), around kilometre 12–13 of the route heading up from La Laguna. As the road climbs, it opens onto a clearing surrounded by centuries-old pine trees — that clearing is the mirador itself. It lies close to Las Rosas, a neighbourhood within El Rosario.

There's no public transport to this spot; buses don't stop here. A car — your own or a rental — is the practical way to reach it, which is fairly typical for viewpoints scattered through Tenerife's medianías, the mid-altitude belt of the island. It works well as a stop on the way up to Teide or on the way back down; the drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or La Laguna takes roughly 20–30 minutes.

What will you see?

The view changes depending on which direction you look. To the north and east, you can make out Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the farmland belonging to El Rosario, and the steep, jagged ridges of the Anaga massif — one of the island's oldest and wildest corners. Turning south, you catch the raw volcanic landscape of Malpaís de Güímar, with the view stretching all the way to the coast near El Médano, an area known for its beaches and windsurfing.

The site itself is a small clearing ringed by Canary pines, partly set up for visitors — a calmer alternative to the busier lookout points on the island. The mirador was officially opened in 1995 as part of an effort to promote nature-based tourism on Tenerife, and it has functioned since as a peaceful spot for taking in the landscape along with the local flora and fauna.

When should you visit?

Given the altitude (over 1,100 metres) and the surrounding pine forest, conditions here tend to run cooler and damper than on the coast, so it's worth bringing a layer even in summer. Morning hours generally offer the clearest visibility, before the afternoon clouds and mist that are common across the medianías roll in. Clear, calm days give the best conditions for photographing the panorama toward Anaga and the coastline.

The spot suits a short stop on the way to Teide, but the clearing among old pines also makes it a reasonable place to rest or have a small picnic if you're planning a longer stay in the area.

Frequently asked questions

Is there parking at the mirador? Yes, the site is set up for cars to pull in — that's essentially the only way to reach it, since there's no public transport service to this location.

Can you get there by bus? No, there's no public transport to Mirador de Montaña Grande. You'll need your own car or a rental.

How long does it take to get there from Santa Cruz de Tenerife? The drive along the TF-24 usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Is it worth combining with a trip to Teide? Yes, the viewpoint sits right on the route to El Portillo, one of the main entry points into Teide National Park, so it fits naturally into that itinerary.