The north of Tenerife (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos, Los Realejos, La Guancha, Garachico) is the "other Tenerife": a cooler climate, lush nature, traditional villages and housing prices far more affordable than the south. An increasingly popular choice for local residents and foreign nationals alike who are looking for quality of life without the tourist crowds. This guide explains prices, areas and the specific features of moving to the north of Tenerife.
The areas of northern Tenerife: where to move
Puerto de la Cruz
The island's oldest tourist town (today ~30,000 inhabitants) combines beaches (Jardín, Martiánez), Loro Parque and a historic centre:
- Rental price for a 2-bed flat: 550–950 €/month (much lower than the south)
- Well-established German, British and Dutch communities
- Full range of services (hospital, supermarkets, shops)
- Oceanic microclimate: 19–26°C year-round
La Orotava
The most beautiful town in the north, a Historic-Artistic Heritage site:
- Stunning historic centre (Casa de los Balcones, Plaza de la Constitución)
- Affordable rents (450–800 €/month for a 2-bed flat)
- Close to the Teide National Park
- Valle de la Orotava: nearby villages with a high quality of life (San Antonio, La Cuesta, El Mayorazgo)
Los Realejos
A residential municipality between Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava:
- Quiet, family-friendly, with good schools
- Very reasonable rents (400–700 €/month)
- Quick connections to the rest of the valley
- Areas: Realejo Alto, Realejo Bajo, Toscal, Icod el Alto
Icod de los Vinos
A town in the north-west famous for the Millennial Dragon Tree:
- Smaller and more traditional (~22,000 inhabitants)
- Low rents (380–650 €/month)
- Village life, fewer urban services
- Banana plantations and typical vineyards
Other municipalities in the north
- La Guancha: viticulture, quiet, affordable
- Garachico: historic coastal town with a special charm
- El Tanque, Buenavista del Norte: rural, nature
- Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Matanza: wine zone, wine-culture valley
Removal prices to northern Tenerife
From mainland Spain
Similar to other areas of Tenerife, but with an additional 50–150 € due to the distance from the port:
- 2-bed flat from Madrid/Barcelona: 1,800–2,700 € in a shared container
- Large home: 2,700–4,200 €
Local removals within Tenerife
- Santa Cruz → Puerto de la Cruz: 550–1,000 € (35 km via TF-5)
- La Laguna → north: 600–1,100 €
- South → north: 750–1,300 € (longer distance)
- Between municipalities in the north: 350–700 €
Specific features of northern Tenerife
The TF-5: the northern motorway
The TF-5 connects Santa Cruz with Puerto de la Cruz (35 km). It is the main route. Key points:
- Heavy traffic at peak hours (especially 7–9 a.m. southbound and 5–7 p.m. northbound)
- Exit 33 (Puerto de la Cruz) is very busy
- After Puerto, the TF-5 becomes the TF-42 (narrower) towards Icod and Garachico
Narrow streets in historic centres
La Orotava, Icod and Garachico have old town areas with very narrow cobblestone streets. In many cases the removal lorry cannot reach the front door:
- Trolleys used 50–150 m from the entrance
- Municipal OVP permit recommended
- Best to move early (8–10 a.m.) when there is less traffic
Traditional Canarian homes
Many properties in the north are traditional buildings (ground floor + 1 upper floor with an interior courtyard) without a lift. Tea wood floors, thick walls, sometimes narrow doorways:
- Measure your largest pieces of furniture before moving
- Large modern furniture (deep sofas, American-style fridge-freezers) may not fit
- Consider fully disassembling IKEA wardrobes before the move
A different microclimate from the south
The north features the panza de burro (persistent trade winds, frequent cloud cover, occasional rain). For your move:
- Pack electronics and books in moisture-proof covers
- Check the weather forecast the day before
- If rain is forecast, hire additional furniture covers
Why the north is winning more admirers
More and more residents prefer the north for:
- Housing prices: 40–60% cheaper than the south
- Nature: Anaga, Teide, coastline, wine, bananas
- Village life: small towns with a real community feel
- Fewer tourists: daily life without over-tourism
- Cooler climate: ideal for those coming from hot continental regions
- Gastronomy and wine: the DOP Tacoronte-Acentejo wine zone
And the downsides to bear in mind
- More rain and clouds (panza de burro)
- Less nightlife and fewer premium restaurant options
- Longer journey to Tenerife South airport (1h30)
- More limited job market (unless you work remotely)
- Fewer international school options
Formalities after moving to the north
Register with your local town hall (the process is the same as in any other area of the Canary Islands). More detail: registration in the Canary Islands.
Your assigned health centre depends on your area. Each municipality has its own health centres. Main hospital reference: Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC) in La Laguna, or Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz.
Frequently asked questions about moving to northern Tenerife
Is life in the north of Tenerife very different from the south?
Yes, substantially. The south is more tourist-oriented, sunny, urban and cosmopolitan. The north is more rural, cool, traditional and tranquil. The choice depends on your lifestyle: if you value year-round beach life and a cosmopolitan vibe, the south is your best bet. If you value nature, village life and affordable prices, the north is for you.
Is there good internet/fibre connectivity in the north?
Yes. Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Los Realejos and Icod have full fibre coverage (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, Digi). More rural villages (inland, high altitude) may have partial fibre; check the specific address before signing a contract.
Is the north a good place for digital nomads?
Yes, and increasingly so. There is a growing community in Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava: coworking spaces (Coworking Tenerife North, Espacio Yolla), networking events and a multicultural community. Much lower housing and living costs than the south allow you to save while working remotely. More on remote working: remote working in Tenerife.
How long does a move from mainland Spain to the north take?
Total door-to-door: 10–15 days, similar to the south. The container arrives at the port of Santa Cruz (5–9 days by sea) and is then distributed: the additional leg from Santa Cruz to the north adds 1–2 hours but not extra days to the overall timeline.
Do you handle small local moves within the north (Puerto de la Cruz to La Orotava)?
Yes. Local removals within the north: 350–700 € depending on volume. Short distances (Puerto–Orotava 5 km, Orotava–Realejos 4 km) are completed in a single day at a reduced cost.
Is the north of Tenerife a good place for families?
Excellent. Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and Los Realejos have good state schools, parks, accessible nature and a quiet lifestyle. It is the preferred destination for Canarian families and foreign nationals with children who value quality of life without over-tourism.
Your move to northern Tenerife with local expertise
At Horizont Atlantic we know northern Tenerife house by house: historic centres, the TF-5 motorway, microclimate, local communities. Request a quote specifying your exact destination area (Puerto, Orotava, Realejos, Icod, etc.) and we will get back to you within 24–48 hours with a tailored proposal.
