Tenerife's Most Cinematic Locations

The cliffs of Los Gigantes rise nearly 600 metres from the deep blue Atlantic, forming the western wall of the Teno mountains — one of the most monumental backdrops you could ever wish for in a photo. This is also the westernmost point of Tenerife, so golden hour and blue hour here are truly special. A sunset couples photoshoot in Los Gigantes feels like a scene from a movie, and the dramatic backdrop works just as well for family photos and solo portraits. The small sports marina is a great location of its own — boats and soft ocean light offer a welcome contrast to the majestic cliffs.

Photographer's tip: in the morning the mountains keep the town in shadow, so I always plan Los Gigantes sessions for late afternoon and early evening, when the light is at its finest.

Without a doubt the jewel of Costa Adeje: an elegant setting with two separate stretches of beach — North and South Duque, one with white sand, the other with black. Facing west, the beach offers clear blue skies, fine sand and azure water in the morning — a perfect frame for couples, families and solo portraits alike. But this location truly comes alive at golden hour: this is where the glowing sunset silhouettes are born, the magazine-cover portraits, the running-through-the-water and playing-in-the-sand moments. A perfect stage for stolen romantic glances and sandcastle building alike.

Photographer's tip: this is the heart of Tenerife's tourist paradise, so the beach is almost never empty — we time our photoshoots around the light, in the morning or at golden hour. If a few onlookers don't bother you, this is where you'll take home the island's most iconic beach photos.

Once a small fishing village, El Médano is now one of Tenerife's most popular spots for kitesurfing and remote workers — the whole town has a relaxed, youthful energy. The desert-like, sandy landscape meets bright turquoise water and white sand, with the striking silhouette of Montaña Roja (Red Mountain) in the background, and often dozens of colorful kites filling the sky. The dune area is ideal for more intimate, romantic shots, while the long open beach is perfect for playful running shots and easygoing family or couple photos — the whole setting has a cinematic quality, making it a great choice for editorial and fine-art portraits too.

Photographer's tip: El Médano tends to be windy because of how it's positioned on the island — sometimes that works in our favor (flowing hair, a sense of movement), and sometimes it makes things a bit trickier. Both morning and afternoon sessions work well here. Sunset isn't really an option, since the mountain blocks the view — but sunrise here is truly special, and makes for an unforgettable experience for early-rising, adventurous clients.

Once the capital of Tenerife, La Laguna holds onto its colonial-era architecture while staying full of youthful energy thanks to the local university. The old town is both charming and impressive at the same time: centuries-old cobblestone streets, colorful and ornate building fronts, genuine Canarian craft shops, and cozy tapas bars around every corner. This mix of classic and young, historic and lively, makes it almost impossible to feel anything but happy while walking through its flower-lined streets.

Photographer's tip: aside from the midday hours, almost any time of day works well here for couples, families, or solo sessions — this isn't really a sunset location, it's a place where mood and story take the lead. The genuine good energy of the town tends to show up naturally in the photos, which is why La Laguna is one of my favorite locations for honest, joyful, adventurous shots.

Another hidden gem on the island — the highest inhabited town in Spain. The charming old town, with its narrow streets, fountain, and historic church, feels almost like it's been left behind from a medieval adventure story. But it's not just the village itself that makes this location special: since Vilaflor sits halfway up toward Teide National Park, nearly every turn in the road opens up to another breathtaking view — truly epic scenery. Vineyards and orchards run through the wild volcanic landscape, and in many places you can clearly see old lava flows that slowly hardened into rock.

Photographer's tip: in winter, it's worth dressing warmer, even if you were shooting in summer clothes on the beach earlier that day — the altitude makes it noticeably cooler up here. This location works beautifully for any type of session, whether it's a relaxed lifestyle shoot or a more editorial-style portrait.

Important note: professional photography inside Teide National Park itself requires a permit in advance — around Vilaflor, though, we get that same wild, volcanic feeling while staying just outside the park's official boundaries, without running into any regulation issues.

Another beautiful photo location in Costa Adeje, with a long coastline lined with restaurants and bars. My sessions always start the same way — a coffee and a relaxed chat — and pretty much any chiringuito or bar along this beach works perfectly for that. Fañabé is known for its dramatic sunsets, with palm trees, umbrellas, and viewpoints every few hundred meters that let you take in the whole coastline. There's also a large grassy green area here — a rare find in the south of the island — plus a stone breakwater you can walk out on, right above the waves, with a great view of the luxury hotels and villas along Costa Adeje.

Photographer's tip: I'd recommend this spot to anyone, but it especially shines for romantic couples' sessions and relaxed, joyful family moments — running through the water, candid laughter, that kind of thing.

The island's capital doesn't win people over with the typical old-town charm you'd find elsewhere on Tenerife, and at first glance, some of its neighborhoods might not seem like obvious photo locations — but on Tenerife, appearances are often misleading, and that's true here too. The seaside promenade, historic quarters, and lively, cosmopolitan city center all offer plenty of hidden spots right in the heart of the city, not to mention the botanical gardens, flower-filled parks, and fountains scattered around. This Mediterranean-feeling capital has no shortage of hidden corners for adventurous couples and solo travelers.

Photographer's tip: Santa Cruz can also work well for families, but it's worth keeping in mind that this is a real city — with traffic, noise, and occasional busyness that comes with it. If that doesn't bother you, you'll come away with truly unique, urban-style photos you won't find anywhere else on the island.

One of the most epic locations on the island, with a rich history behind it. The hardened lava flows that the town is built on are a reminder of a violent volcanic eruption — in 1706, in the early 18th century, Garachico was almost completely destroyed when lava from the Arenas Negras volcano poured down the steep mountainside. Before that, the town had been one of the most important trading ports for explorers heading to the New World, which also made it a frequent target of pirate attacks. The Fortress of San Miguel still looks out over the water today, its cannons now purely decorative — a quiet reminder of the town's history. The town center, built in traditional Spanish style, is one of the most beautiful and authentic main squares on the island, and both the coastal lagoons and the mountain streets offer striking backdrops for adventurous couples, families, and solo travelers.

Photographer's tip: since Garachico is on the north side of the island, sunset sessions aren't really an option here — expect cooler, cloudier, and rainier weather than in the south. In return, though, the location makes up for it with its own distinct atmosphere. It's a popular spot with tourists, so it's less private, but still welcoming — and the romantic, narrow streets are especially rewarding for couples.