Güímar: Pyramids, Lava and the Quiet East Coast

The east coast between Santa Cruz and Candelaria hides one of the island's strangest attractions and its most otherworldly volcanic coastline — all in the small agricultural town of Güímar.

The pyramids of Thor Heyerdahl

The Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park preserves six step pyramids built from stacked volcanic stone, famously studied by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who saw in them possible links to pre-Columbian transatlantic voyages. Today the park wraps the pyramids in lush botanical gardens — a genuinely unusual half-day out.

A walk across the Malpaís

South of town, the Malpaís de Güímar special nature reserve protects an 8km coastal trail across black lava fields from eruptions around 10,000 years ago, past volcanic tubes and an old sea-salt works. It is free to visit and one of the best coastal hikes on Tenerife — bring water and sun protection, as shade is scarce.

Three quiet beaches

Güímar's coastline is largely untouched. Playa del Socorro, a rocky stretch between Güímar and Candelaria, is prized by snorkellers for its clear water; Playa de Las Lajas sits by the sailing club with natural rock pools and family camping in summer; and Puertito de Güímar offers a calm, breakwater-protected swim in the centre of town.

Getting there and where to stay

Güímar is an easy stop on the TF-1 motorway south of Santa Cruz and just north of Candelaria, so you can combine all three in one day. There are no beachfront hotels in the town itself — most visitors base themselves in the capital or along the south-east coast near El Médano. If volcanic landscapes are the draw, pair the Malpaís with our volcanoes guide and the wild coves of Anaga.