As one may expect of the highest resort on the Island – 4593ft above sea level – the village of Vilaflor offers incredible views of the surrounding region, with the vistas stretching as far as the neighbouring Canary Island of La Gomera. Yet the town also boasts several street-level attractions, including pretty, winding streets, traditional mansions and cottages, and the beautiful San Pedro church.
The picturesque tranquillity of Vilaflor draws families and couples looking to avoid the bustle of larger south coast resorts, while the pure air provided by the high altitude is said to be a good tonic for those with respiratory problems. Visitors are also attracted here by the opportunity to explore the natural landscape of the region, which boasts an array of rural beauty including pine forests and national parks. As an added bonus, wine and foods grown and produced locally are renowned across the island.
The closest airport to Vilaflor is Tenerife South Airport, which is around 25km away, and connects to a huge number of cities across Europe.
None of the public buses from the airport run direct to Vilaflor and if you would rather not wait for a connection from one of the bigger nearby resorts, you may want to pre-book a hotel transfer, or simply jump in a taxi, which won’t be too expensive given the relatively short distance.
Holidaymakers arriving in Vilaflor will be greeted with warm and sunny weather at any time of year. Temperatures often push above 30C during the peak summer months, and rarely drop below 20C, even in winter – though evenings can get chilly at this time of year.
Spring and autumn are both popular times to visit the resort, with the weather still delightfully warm but with smaller crowds and cheaper flight and accommodation prices.
Nestled high in the mountains, Vilaflor is a veritable oasis of calm and tranquility. The village is set amidst pine trees and breathtaking scenery, and simply walking around its winding streets is a joy in itself. There are also several interesting man-made attractions, with one of the most impressive being the San Pedro church which boasts an intricately carved altar.
Many visitors to Vilaflor use the resort as a base from which to explore the surrounding countryside as well as the region’s excellent beaches along the island’s south coast, many of which boast fine white sand and an abundance of water sports facilities.
Vilaflor is also conveniently located next to Teide National Park which is home to an extinct volcano that can be accessed either on foot or via a cable car. The scenery here is stunning, particularly at the top of Teide Mountain, which is the most visited tourist attraction on the entire island.
For sports enthusiasts, there is an array of activities in and around Vilaflor, including mountain biking and horse riding through the countryside. Golf fans will want to head for the nearby golf course, while watersports junkies will enjoy the diving excursions or jet skiing on offer at the beaches along the south coast.
Eating out in Vilaflor can range from top-end hotel restaurants to more traditional taverns and tapas bars. One of the best eating experiences in Vilaflor can be found at El Nogal, located in an 18th century manor with stunning views of the south coast. This family restaurant has been known to attract celebrities, though has managed to remain something of a hidden germ – until now!