Pino Gordo de Vilaflor

Almost everyone driving up to Teide from the south passes through Vilaflor, the highest village on Tenerife, and carries straight on towards the crater. That is why the Pino Gordo, which would be crowded anywhere else, is usually quiet. The tree stands at a laid-out viewpoint beside the TF-21 road, opposite the forestry house, a short walk from the parking area.

It is a Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis), the species endemic to the archipelago. Its thick bark insulates the trunk, and it has an ability that is rare among conifers: it resprouts after a fire, pushing new needles straight out of the burnt trunk. The needles also comb moisture out of the trade winds, and much of the water that reaches the ground in the midlands arrives this way, drop by drop.

About twenty-five metres away grows the Pino de las Dos Pernadas, which is taller still: 56.03 metres according to the town council, branching at around ten metres into two limbs of similar thickness. Both trees can be seen on the same stop.

The visit is straightforward: no entrance fee, no opening hours, a walk of a few minutes, and half an hour is enough to take it in. Bear in mind that you are at about 1,400 metres: however warm the coast is, the temperature drops sharply here once the sun goes down, the radiation is stronger, and the pine forest floor is needles and loose stone, so wear closed shoes.