Chinamada cave hamlet - a scenic view of a mountain with a walkway going up the side of it
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Chinamada cave hamlet

4.9
·11 reviews·La Laguna, Spain

Discover Chinamada, a unique hamlet of cave houses nestled in Tenerife's dramatic Anaga mountains, offering stunning hikes and breathtaking views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Chinamada cave hamlet - a scenic view of a mountain with a walkway going up the side of it

Chinamada cave hamlet

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Chinamada, a unique hamlet of cave houses nestled in Tenerife's dramatic Anaga mountains, offering stunning hikes and breathtaking views.

4.9
(11 reviews)

"One of the most beautiful hikes in Tenerife! Pictures say more than a thousand words."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully

The roads to Chinamada are narrow and winding. Take your time and enjoy the scenic route. :car:

👟 Wear Hiking Shoes

Trails can be steep and rocky. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chinamada Cave Houses

Chinamada Cave Houses

The hamlet itself

Explore unique dwellings carved directly into the volcanic rock, offering a glimpse into traditional island life.

Mirador Aguaide Viewpoint

Mirador Aguaide Viewpoint

Near Chinamada

Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and rugged Tenerife landscape. A must-see for photographers.

La Cuevas Restaurant

La Cuevas Restaurant

Chinamada hamlet

Enjoy local cuisine and a cold beer in this charming, cave-like restaurant. A perfect stop after a hike.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Hamlet

Accessing Chinamada involves a scenic but winding drive, which can be challenging for some. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. The hamlet itself is small, so plan for a few hours to explore.

Hiking Essentials

Many visitors combine their trip with hikes in the surrounding mountains. Wear sturdy shoes, as trails can be steep and uneven. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and check weather forecasts before you go.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for hiking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🐬 Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, Scotland
@chrislawlor
78K likes • 712.6K views

🚗 Drive Carefully

The roads to Chinamada are narrow and winding. Take your time and enjoy the scenic route. :car:

👟 Wear Hiking Shoes

Trails can be steep and rocky. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Hamlet tips thread

reddit.com

PLEASE TELL SOM HAMLET TIPS

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially if hiking. There are limited places to refill once you're in the hamlet. :droplet:

📅 Check Restaurant Hours

La Cuevas restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:

reddit.com

Hamlet tips

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully

The roads to Chinamada are narrow and winding. Take your time and enjoy the scenic route. :car:

👟 Wear Hiking Shoes

Trails can be steep and rocky. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated, especially if hiking. There are limited places to refill once you're in the hamlet. :droplet:

📅 Check Restaurant Hours

La Cuevas restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:

📸 Capture the Views

The Mirador Aguaide offers spectacular photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Chinamada's unique cave houses and the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding Anaga Rural Park, often calling it one of Tenerife's most beautiful hikes. The challenging but rewarding drive and the charming cave restaurant are frequently highlighted. Some find the return journey along the road less interesting, and the limited dining options require planning.

"Fantastic trail with beautiful views! Definitely worth the effort!"

Jakub

"Ok"

Julian StSt

"A magnificent hike! Start in Las Carboneras, back on the road, and then around a bend onto the trail. It's marked: first, then a steep climb of almost 20 minutes over many steps to a pass. From there, a pleasant hike to the town of Chinamada: cold beer at the only restaurant, La Cuevas. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Then continue to the spectacular Mirador Aguaide viewpoint. Great views all the way to Punta dal Higaldo.
The return journey along the road is a bit boring, but easy. If you like, you can also take a trail above the road along the way.
One of the most beautiful hikes in Tenerife!"

Daniel àWengen

What People Like

Unique cave dwellings
Spectacular hiking trails
Breathtaking viewpoints

What People Dislike

Winding road access
Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Chinamada is by car. The roads are narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. From La Laguna, take the TF-134 and then the TF-136. Parking is available in the hamlet. Public transport options are limited and time-consuming. Reddit

The drive is described as somewhat difficult due to narrow, winding roads, but the scenery is beautiful. Many visitors find it manageable if they drive slowly and carefully. Reddit

Yes, there are hiking routes that lead to Chinamada, often starting from nearby villages like Las Carboneras. These hikes offer stunning natural beauty. Reddit

Many recommend enjoying the scenic drive and stopping at viewpoints along the way. The journey itself is part of the experience. Reddit

Be prepared for steep inclines and sharp turns. It's advisable to have a car with decent engine power, especially if you plan to explore further into the mountains. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees to visit Chinamada cave hamlet or the surrounding natural areas. It's a public space. Reddit

Chinamada is an open village, so you can visit at any time. However, the local restaurant, La Cuevas, has specific opening hours and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reddit

Visiting on a weekday morning is generally recommended to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere. Reddit

While not widely advertised, local guides may be available for hiking tours in the area. It's best to inquire locally or through hiking apps. Reddit

You'll find a small, picturesque hamlet with houses built into the cliffs. There's a restaurant and access to hiking trails. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Explore the unique cave houses, enjoy the stunning views from Mirador Aguaide, and have a meal at La Cuevas restaurant. Hiking in the surrounding Anaga Rural Park is also a major draw. Reddit

These are traditional dwellings carved into the volcanic rock. They offer a fascinating insight into how people have lived in this rugged landscape. Reddit

The hamlet itself is small and walkable. However, the surrounding hiking trails can be steep and challenging, requiring good physical condition. Reddit

Expect dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green mountains, deep gorges, and coastal views. It's part of the biodiverse Anaga Rural Park. Reddit

Restroom facilities might be limited to the restaurant. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving or be prepared. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The main dining option is La Cuevas, a unique restaurant located within a cave, serving local Canarian dishes. Reddit

La Cuevas offers traditional Canarian cuisine. It's a great place to try local specialties after a hike. Reddit

No, La Cuevas is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It's essential to check their opening days before planning your visit. Reddit

Chinamada is quite isolated. For more dining options, you would need to drive back towards larger towns like La Laguna. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan on hiking. There are beautiful spots for a picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Mirador Aguaide offers spectacular panoramic views. The cave houses themselves are also very photogenic, showcasing unique architecture. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape and architectural photography. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be respectful if photographing private residences or people. Reddit

The dramatic contrast between the rugged volcanic mountains, deep green vegetation, and the blue ocean creates stunning visual appeal. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chinamada offers a unique educational experience for families. The cave houses are fascinating for children to explore from the outside, sparking imagination about different ways of living. The short, relatively flat paths within the hamlet itself are manageable for younger children. Reddit

For families who enjoy light hiking, the trails around Chinamada offer opportunities to connect with nature. However, sturdy footwear is essential, and parents should be mindful of steep drops and uneven terrain. Packing plenty of snacks and water is crucial, as amenities are limited. Consider a visit to La Cuevas restaurant for a novel dining experience, but check their opening days beforehand. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

Chinamada is a paradise for hikers, serving as a prime starting point or stopover for numerous trails within the Anaga Rural Park. The dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush ravines, and coastal views are unparalleled. Trails range from moderate walks to challenging mountain ascents, catering to various fitness levels. Reddit

Don't miss the hike to Mirador Aguaide for breathtaking vistas. Ensure you have appropriate gear, including good hiking boots, water, and sun protection. Many hikers recommend using navigation apps like Komoot or referring to local hiking guides for detailed route information. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The photographic potential of Chinamada and its surroundings is immense. The unique cave dwellings, dramatic cliffside architecture, and sweeping coastal panoramas from viewpoints like Mirador Aguaide offer endless creative opportunities. The interplay of light and shadow on the volcanic rock is particularly striking. Reddit

Aim for golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the most dramatic lighting. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive landscapes. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as mist and clouds can add a moody, atmospheric element to your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Cave Dwellings

Chinamada is renowned for its unique cave houses, dwellings carved directly into the soft volcanic rock. These homes represent a traditional way of life that has persisted for centuries in this isolated region. Walking through the hamlet, you'll see entrances and windows seamlessly integrated into the cliff face, a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation to the environment. It's a fascinating glimpse into a simpler, more connected way of living. Reddit

While you can't typically enter private homes, observing the exterior architecture and imagining life within these natural shelters is a captivating experience. The geology of the area, with its porous volcanic rock, made this type of construction feasible. The isolation of Chinamada also played a role in preserving this unique architectural style. Reddit

Many visitors find the cave houses to be the most memorable aspect of their visit. They offer a stark contrast to modern living and provide a tangible connection to the island's history and its inhabitants' resourcefulness. The sheer visual impact of a village built into the earth is something truly special. Reddit

Hiking in Anaga Rural Park

Chinamada serves as an excellent gateway to the Anaga Rural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its dramatic landscapes and ancient laurel forests. Numerous hiking trails crisscross the park, offering varying levels of difficulty and spectacular vistas. Popular routes often start from or pass through Chinamada, connecting it to other hamlets and viewpoints. Reddit

Hikers can expect to traverse steep ravines, ascend to mountain peaks, and wander through dense, misty forests. The biodiversity here is remarkable, with endemic plant species and a rich array of birdlife. Trails like the one to Mirador Aguaide are highly recommended for their stunning coastal panoramas. Reddit

When planning a hike, it's crucial to be well-prepared. Wear sturdy hiking boots, carry plenty of water and snacks, and check the weather forecast as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Using a reliable hiking app or map is also advisable, as some trails can be challenging to navigate. Reddit

The Scenic Drive and Road Conditions

Reaching Chinamada is an adventure in itself, thanks to the scenic but challenging drive. The roads are narrow, winding, and often steep, requiring careful attention and a steady hand on the wheel. This isolation, however, is part of what preserves the hamlet's charm and tranquility. Reddit

Many visitors describe the drive as breathtaking, with panoramic views unfolding around every bend. It's recommended to take your time, pull over at designated viewpoints to admire the scenery, and be mindful of oncoming traffic, especially on tighter sections. A car with adequate engine power can make the ascent more comfortable. Reddit

While the drive can be daunting for some, the reward is a visit to a truly unique and relatively untouched corner of Tenerife. The journey prepares you for the rustic beauty and peaceful atmosphere that awaits in Chinamada. It’s a drive that truly immerses you in the island’s rugged terrain. Reddit

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