What is the Arco de Tajao officially?
The Arco de Tajao Tenerife is a breathtaking natural stone arch located just outside the quaint fishing village of Tajao on Tenerife's southern coast.
This remarkable geological formation, also known as the Tajao Arch in English, is made from volcanic tuff—a type of rock formed from compacted volcanic ash ejected during ancient eruptions.
Over thousands of years, the relentless forces of wind and water erosion have sculpted this stunning and photogenic landmark, making it one of the most captivating Tenerife natural attractions.
The Tajao Arch perfectly embodies the island's dramatic and diverse landscapes, offering a glimpse into Tenerife's rich volcanic history and natural beauty.
What is the Tajao Arch really?
The Arco de Tajao Tenerife is a hidden gem among Tenerife's natural attractions, yet it remains oddly overlooked by the local tourist board.
Despite its proximity to the picturesque fishing village of Tajao, visitors hoping for a coastal backdrop are often disappointed to find the motorway instead. Nevertheless, the Tajao Arch continues to attract curious visitors.
Surprisingly, there are no signposts, official car park, or marked paths leading to the Tajao Arch. It almost feels as though this natural wonder has been intentionally kept under wraps.
Reaching the arch to capture its unique beauty can be challenging. The terrain requires proper footwear and a steady head for heights, as navigating under the arch for that perfect photo is neither easy nor intuitive.
For many, a quick two-minute glance from the top suffices before returning to the car.
Ian's Arco de Tajao review
Without Google Maps, we probably would have never found this place. Just off the motorway at the turn for 'Tajao' is an unmarked and unofficial makeshift car park.
Fortunately for us, a small gathering of other visitors in the distance gave us a clue about which direction to head.
After a brief two-minute walk, you get your first glimpse of the Arco de Tajao. I was equipped with proper hiking boots and ready to go, but unfortunately, my other half hadn’t gotten the memo, so her adventure ended right there.
Leaving her with the other inappropriately dressed tourists who forgot their P.E. kit, I descended into the ravine. Or 'barranco', which makes it sound much cooler than it actually is.
The rocks are covered in loose gravel, so keeping a low center of gravity is crucial, which is a fancy way of saying I slid down on my backside.
With the climb back up looming and my good lady glancing between my good self and her watch, I snapped a few selfies, squinting into the sun, and began my ascent.
As an addition to a hike or a visit to Tajao itself, the Tajao Arch is a worthy stop-off. Just don’t skip Siam Park for this.
Overall rating: ⅗
Nicky's Tajao Arch review
I'd seen so many amazing pictures of the Tajao Arch on Instagram that I was quite looking forward to this mini trip.
We'd originally planned to hike there from the coast—partially because hiking is fun and partially because I read about people's stuff being knicked from their car when parking nearby. But it was blowing an absolute gale (which I think is pretty normal for the area) so we didn't bother.
When Ian pointed out the Tenerife rock formation, I genuinely said, "Are you sure that's it?". It looked nothing like the stunning pictures I'd seen online. I really thought we were looking at the wrong thing.
There was no impressive contrast between the blue sky and the yellow rock, which was what I was looking for. It was like looking into any old barranco next to the motorway. And I don't think I was the only person there who felt that way.
Unless you're an incredibly skilled photographer or can see art everywhere you turn, this place is incredibly disappointing. On the plus side, it was only a tiny walk from the car and nothing got stolen.
It's a rock and I can't really see why anyone would go out of their way to see it. If you want to see an impressive Tenerife rock formation, go and check out Mount Teide.
Overall rating: ⅕
Insider tips for Arco de Tajao
Use the official name
Always use the rock's official name "Arco de Tajao" when requesting driving instructions from Google or TomTom. If you type in Tajao Arch, you'll get absolutely nothing.
Don't turn up in a short skirt & flip flops
Wear proper closed shoes (trainers are fine) because the terrain is uneven, rocky, and loose. It's usually very windy there, too, so keep that in mind when getting dressed in the morning.
Lock up your car and hide your belongings
You can't see the Tajao Arch from the car park and vice versa, so take all normal precautions when securing your vehicle. The "we'll only be a minute" attitude has not played out well for some folks if you believe the Arco de Tajao reviews on TripAdvisor.
Sunset photography
Trying to capture the Arco de Tajao at sunset is nearly impossible and would take you well beyond the car park. Being there at sunset is not recommended, as the area has no lighting, and the terrain becomes quite treacherous.
Important info about the Tajao Arch
The Arco de Tajao is free to visit.
The best way to get to the Arco de Tajao is to drive. You can catch the bus, but you'll have a pretty lengthy walk which isn't fun when the wind is blowing in your face.
The Arco de Tajao is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The best time to visit the Arco de Tajao is on a clear day when there's not much wind. The spot is inaccessible in the rain (it makes the floor far too slippery) and an overcast sky ruins the view.
Have you been here? What did you make of it?