Güimar, Tenerife: Pyramids, Malpaís and Holiday Guide
Provincia de Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Canary Islands · Spain · 17,662 residents · on the coast
Güimar is a town of around 17,700 people on Tenerife's east side, set about 280 metres above sea level in a coastal municipality that runs down to the Atlantic. Its best-known sight, the Pyramids of Güímar, lies barely a mile from the centre, and the protected landscape of the Malpaís de Güimar is a short drive further on. Closer still are the old mills and wash-houses of Chacaica and the Chacona Cave. The climate is mild all year, with daytime highs of around 20°C in winter and close to 29°C in August. For British travellers, Tenerife South has direct flights from the United Kingdom and is about half an hour's drive away.
Why go
- The Pyramids of Güímar, a 19th-century archaeological site, are just over half a mile from town.
- Winter highs stay around 20°C, with July and August almost completely dry.
- Tenerife South, with direct UK flights, is roughly a 30-minute drive away.
Top sights in Güimar
Pyramids, Caves and Island Viewpoints
The headline sight is the Pyramids of Güímar, an archaeological site of 19th-century stepped pyramids about 0.7 miles from the centre. It is the reason many visitors come to Güimar in the first place, and it sits close enough to pair with a wander through town. Nearby is the Chacona Cave, roughly three-quarters of a mile away and well suited to families, while the Molinos y lavaderos de Chacaica, the town's protected old mills and wash-houses, are only half a mile out.
For open landscape, the Malpaís de Güimar is a protected natural area about 2.5 miles from town. Two viewpoints round things off: the Mirador del Puertito de Güimar, around 1.7 miles away, looks over the local coastline, and the Mirador de Izana lies roughly 6 miles off.
Tours and tickets for the area can be booked directly on this page, where you will find the current options listed alongside the guide.
Tours & tickets in Güimar
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Güimar can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Güimar
Choosing Between Town and Coast
Güimar itself sits inland at around 280 metres, a modest town of under 18,000 people where the pyramids, the Chacaica mills and the Chacona Cave are all within about a mile. Staying in town puts you within walking distance of these sights and gives a quieter, local feel rather than a resort atmosphere.
The municipality reaches the sea, so the coastal side around the Puertito viewpoint suits those who want to be nearer the water and the Malpaís de Güimar. If you want a busier base, larger towns such as Candelaria and Puerto de la Cruz are within easy reach. The page shows live hotel prices, so you can compare options across both settings.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Güimar and the villages around it is a hire car from Tenerife South (TFS), about 30 min away.
Best time to visit Güimar
When the Weather Is Kindest
- 20°CJan29 mm
- 20°CFeb32 mm
- 22°CMar52 mm
- 23°CApr31 mm
- 23°CMay28 mm
- 24°CJun51 mm
- 28°CJul2 mm
- 29°CAug3 mm
- 25°CSept24 mm
- 26°COct64 mm
- 24°CNov30 mm
- 21°CDec20 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Güimar's most pleasant months are April through September, plus November. Spring brings highs of around 23°C with few rainy days, and November stays warm at about 24°C. July and August are the hottest and driest stretch, with highs of 28 to 29°C, overnight lows above 20°C and barely any rain at all.
October is the wettest month, with around 64mm spread over nine days, though it remains warm at 26°C. March and June also see rain spikes of just over 50mm. Winter is mild rather than hot, with January and February highs around 20°C, which makes Güimar a sound choice for escaping a British winter if you do not need beach heat.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°C | 15°C | 29 mm | 10 h |
| Feb | 20°C | 14°C | 32 mm | 10 h |
| Mar | 22°C | 16°C | 52 mm | 11 h |
| Apr | 23°C | 17°C | 31 mm | 12 h |
| May | 23°C | 17°C | 28 mm | 12 h |
| Jun | 24°C | 18°C | 51 mm | 13 h |
| Jul | 28°C | 22°C | 2 mm | 13 h |
| Aug | 29°C | 23°C | 3 mm | 12 h |
| Sept | 25°C | 19°C | 24 mm | 11 h |
| Oct | 26°C | 20°C | 64 mm | 10 h |
| Nov | 24°C | 18°C | 30 mm | 9 h |
| Dec | 21°C | 16°C | 20 mm | 9 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flights, Ferries and Drive Times
Tenerife South (TFS) is the natural arrival point from the United Kingdom, with direct flights and a drive of about 21 miles, or roughly 30 minutes, to Güimar. Tenerife North (TFN) is closer at around 12 miles and 18 minutes by road, but it has no direct flights from the United Kingdom, so it usually means a connection.
Ferry ports are useful for island hopping. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, about 15 miles away, has sailings to Las Palmas, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, and Los Cristianos, roughly 26 miles away, serves San Sebastián de la Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, around 62 miles off across the water, also links to Huelva and Cádiz on the Spanish mainland. Car hire from the airport is the simplest way to reach the town.
By air
- Tenerife South (TFS)21 miles, about 30 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Tenerife North (TFN)12 miles, about 18 min by road
By car and ferry
Nearest ferry ports: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (15 miles), Los Cristianos (26 miles), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (62 miles).
Güimar is good for
Around Güimar
Easy Outings Along the Island
Candelaria is the closest neighbour, about 4 miles away and a town of over 24,000 people, while small Fasnia, with fewer than 3,000 residents, lies around 6 miles off. Both make simple half-day outings.
Heading north, La Orotava and Santa Úrsula are each about 9 miles away, with La Matanza de Acentejo at roughly 10 miles. Puerto de la Cruz and Tacoronte are both around 11 miles distant, and Los Realejos about 12 miles, so a full day can easily take in two of these towns.
Tips from Robin
Practical Points Before You Go
The town sits at around 280 metres, so the coast is downhill and best reached by car; with the airports and day-trip towns all a short drive away, car hire makes life much easier than relying on a single base.
Pack a light layer and a waterproof outside high summer. Rain comes in bursts, especially in October, March and June, and winter nights drop to around 14 to 15°C. Güimar is a small town of under 18,000 people, so expect a local pace rather than resort-style nightlife; the larger towns nearby fill that gap.
Questions people ask
How far is Güimar from Tenerife South Airport?
Tenerife South is about 21 miles from Güimar, roughly a 30-minute drive. It is the airport with direct flights from the United Kingdom. Tenerife North is closer at around 12 miles, or 18 minutes, but has no direct UK flights.
Where are the Pyramids of Güímar?
The Pyramids of Güímar, a 19th-century archaeological site, are about 0.7 miles from the centre of Güimar. They are close to other local sights, including the Chacona Cave and the old mills and wash-houses of Chacaica, so you can combine them in one outing.
What is the weather like in Güimar in winter?
Winter is mild. January and February highs are around 20°C, with lows of 14 to 15°C. February and March have about eight rainy days each, so it is pleasant for walking and sightseeing, though not reliably hot beach weather.
When is the best time to visit Güimar?
April to September and November offer the most pleasant conditions. July and August are hottest, at 28 to 29°C, and almost dry. October is the wettest month, with around 64mm of rain over nine days, though temperatures stay warm.
Is Güimar good for families?
Yes, for families who enjoy sightseeing. The Chacona Cave is a family-friendly stop about three-quarters of a mile from town, the Pyramids of Güímar are close by, and the Malpaís de Güimar protected area is roughly 2.5 miles away for open-air exploring.
Can I take a ferry to other islands from near Güimar?
Yes. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, around 15 miles away, has ferries to Las Palmas, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Los Cristianos, about 26 miles away, serves San Sebastián de la Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro.