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If rambling on hiking trails across Tenerife is an activity you wish to do while visiting this island, you`ll be pleased because there are numerous walking paths available for your enjoyment.
During our trip to the Canary Islands, we were able to do some of the most prominent hiking routes in Tenerife, and we had a great time exploring the natural surroundings. There are several paths that can take you through laurel forests, beautiful beaches, and impressive ravines, so hiking is one of the best ways to see this island of the Canaries.
In case this hostel isn’t available, there are a few other good alternatives that are near the Anaga forest. One of them is the Islanaga Tenerife Rural House, which is just a brief drive from the park. It offers rooms for couples and families, and it’s also pet-friendly.
- Suggested Accommodation: Hotel Le Bleu is near to Prospect Heights and Prospect Park, so it’s my top pick.
Table of Contents
1. Trail of the Senses, one of the most popular hikes on Tenerife
The Trail of the Senses (Sendero de Los Sentidos) is one of the premier hikes in Tenerife. It’s in the Anaga Rural Park and is renowned for being a multi-sensory experience. If you follow the instructions on information boards along the route, you’ll be able to experience Anaga through sight, smell, sound, and touch.
This prominent Tenerife hiking trail involves three interconnected routes. For those short on time or wanting an easier route, route one follows a footbridge to the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint. It mostly contains even terrain and is wheelchair accessible. Route two has a dirt road going along the laurel forest and is marginally longer than the initial course. Route three is the longest and ideal for those seeking to pass through the laurel forest and view the Llano de Los Loros outlook.
All three routes begin at the parking lot at Cruz del Carmen and pass through the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint. As they are interconnected, if you select Trail 3, you will end up traversing Trails 1 and 2 as well. You can better understand this circular course by viewing a Tenerife hiking map PDF here.
Trail 1
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Trail 2
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Trail 3
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2. Montaña Blanca (Teide Peak), the best hike in Tenerife
Montaña Blanca, otherwise called Trail 7, is one of the best spots to go hiking on Tenerife since here you can ascend Mount Teide.
The route begins at the base of Montaña Blanca and leads to La Rambleta, situated at 11,660 feet above sea level which is the highest point accessible on Teide without a permit. The hike is approximately 5 miles in length, and the steep terrain presents a challenging route, so it should only be attempted by those in good physical condition or accustomed to mountain trails. That said, the stunning views and otherworldly volcanic landscapes make this trail well deserving of the effort.
In addition to Trail 7, you can access La Rambleta via the PR-TF 38 route that passes through Pico Viejo, the second-highest peak on the island. This Tenerife hiking trail is much longer and more complex.
Once at La Rambleta, I suggest taking Trail 10 or Telesforo Bravo, which leads to the summit of Teide, even though a permit is necessary to access it, which can be requested at the provided link. If you lack this permit, you could take Trail 11 to the La Fortaleza viewpoint, or Trail 12 to the Pico Viejo viewpoint.
Travelers with a goal of hiking Mount Teide on foot also have the choice of booking this full-day expedition, which incorporates the required permit for summit access.
- Duration: 5-6 hours (ascent)
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Difficulty: High
- When to do it: Spring and fall
- Type: One-way
- The trail going up is quite steep in some areas.
- Elevation gain: 4,470 ft
3. Barranco de Masca, the perfect hike in Tenerife
The Barranco de Masca (Masca Gorge) is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy hiking in Masca, Tenerife. This route has been closed for over 3 years and, currently, it’s only accessible on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. In addition, there is a daily limit of 125 people in winter and 150 in summer, who enter in groups of 25 every half hour. So, if you want to do this route, you’ll need a permit, which you can request for free on this website.
The trail starts in Caserío de Masca, a remote village wedged between mountains. The highlights of this hike are the descent down the Masca gorge, which leads to Masca Beach, and the ascent back up the ravine.
When we did this route, there was a jetty connecting Masca Beach with Los Gigantes. Unfortunately, it’s not currently open, so you must do the return trip on foot, and this makes it one of the most challenging hikes in Tenerife.
If you plan to embark on this route, I advise reviewing our guide to the Barranco de Masca. Here, you’ll find information regarding the permit, schedules, prerequisites, and other helpful details about this route.
Alternatively, you can enroll in this supervised expedition, so you don’t need to worry about acquiring the permit.
- Duration: 3-hour descent and 4-hour ascent
- Distance: 3 miles one-way (6 miles round-trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate (descent) and high (ascent)
- When to do it: Spring and fall
- Type: Out & Back
- Obstacles encountered: Steep trail during the ascent, slippery terrain
- Elevation gain: 2,460 ft
4. Afur – Taganana – Afur (PR-TF 8), another great Tenerife hike
In Anaga you will discover various trails, yet the one that goes from Afur to Taganana is one of the most delightful roundabout walks in Tenerife, as it takes you through laurel woods and between ridges.
The route starts in Afur, a small mountain town with fewer than 100 residents. Here you’ll find the path entering the Anaga mountains and heading toward Taganana, a historically significant area with amazing architecture.
One point of interest along this route is Tamadite Beach, which is considered one of the finest beaches in Tenerife thanks to the surrounding cliffs that form a striking coastline. However, keep in mind that swimming is not permitted on this beach since there are usually strong ocean currents. Another intriguing spot is the scenic overlook at Los Roques de Anaga, where the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean can be seen.
Undoubtedly, this ranks among the premier hikes in Anaga, Tenerife for discovering some of the island`s distinct landscapes. Additionally, scenic towns like Afur and Taganana come within view.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Difficulty: Medium
- When to do it: Year-round
- Type: Loop
- Challenges: Hiking up and down the ravine to reach Tamadite Beach.
- Elevation gain: 2,260 ft
5. Vilaflor, one of the south Tenerife hiking routes you must do
One of the most spectacular hiking trails in Tenerife starts from the town of Vilaflor and is known as the Lunar Landscape.
It’s one of the oldest routes in Tenerife and is part of the Camino Real de Chasna, a path that the Guanches used over 500 years ago to travel across the island. These days, the course is less for going from one end of the island to the other, but more for crossing the Lunar Landscape.
This south Tenerife hiking path goes through a Canarian pine forest and leads to one of the most stunning areas on the island. The Lunar Landscape is home to several large stone figures that, over time, have eroded and formed peculiar shapes placed on an incline that almost look like a work of contemporary art. As the name suggests, if you visit this place, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to the moon!
The trail provides many signs, so follow them to Los Escurriales, where you`ll find this unique sight. It`s undoubtedly one of the hiking routes in southern Tenerife that offers a quiet path for those seeking tranquility.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 6 miles
- Difficulty: Medium
- When to do it: Year-round
- Type: Loop
- Obstacles: Mountains
- Elevation gain: 1,410 ft
6. Bosque de los Enigmas, the best hiking on Tenerife for families
The “Enchanted Forest” located in Anaga Rural Park is one of the prime routes to traverse on foot with youngsters in Tenerife.
This straightforward route offers a great way to learn more about the park`s origins and features, like the laurel forests, which are among the island`s primary attractions. Signs along the way describe the flora and mysteries of the woodland. It`s surely a fantastic spot for hiking on Tenerife to disconnect and appreciate nature`s splendor.
The trail initiates at the Zapata viewpoint or the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center. You can also reserve this guided tour, which will take you through the forest and teach you more regarding its history.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Low
- When to do it: Year-round
- Type: Loop
- Challenges: Steep path and slippery sections
- Elevation gain: 30 ft
7. Barranco del Infierno, a top south Tenerife hiking spot
The Barranco del Infierno, or Hell’s Gorge, hosts some of the finest hiking opportunities in southern Tenerife. This specially protected area, declared a Special Natural Reserve, has limited access to 300 visitors daily to safeguard and conserve the indigenous animal and plant species found exclusively here. As such, those wishing to embark on this hike must reserve a ticket in advance through the provided website.
This route is located in Adeje and starts at the highest point of Calle de Los Molinos. From there, you must follow a trail that was once used by shepherds, leading to some gorgeous scenic viewpoints. As you advance along the route and walk along the ravine bed, the path narrows, making it one of the most impressive hiking routes in Tenerife.
During the walk, I suggest you keep your eyes open for hawks, crows, kestrels, and Cinderella shearwaters, which live on the island permanently.
Additionally, if you prefer a guided excursion, you can book this one, which incorporates the ticket to Barranco del Infierno.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 5 miles
- Difficulty: Medium
- When to do it: Year-round
- Type: Out & Back
- Challenges: The terrain can be slippery
- Elevation gain: 3,250 ft
8. Siete Cañadas, a beautiful place for trekking in Tenerife
Another excellent location for trekking in Tenerife is Siete Cañadas, which forms part of the ancient Camino de Chasna thoroughfare linking the north and south of the island.
Las Cañadas is situated in Teide National Park, and it accumulated natural materials following volcanic eruptions. Despite its desert-like appearance, Las Cañadas is one of the most geologically fascinating places on the island. If you opt to do this route, which is also among the longest hiking trails in Tenerife, you’ll be able to observe this area from up close.
Starting at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, this route offers incredible vistas throughout. June allows sightings of the colorful tajinaste rojo plant in bloom, but geological formations like Roque del Capricho still astound hikers later. Even without the flowers, walking this renowned Tenerife trail guarantees amazing natural panoramas.
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 10 miles
- Difficulty: Medium
- When to do it: Spring and fall
- Type: Out & Back
- Challenges: Extreme temperatures during summer and winter.
- Elevation gain: 1,312 ft
9. Hike to Mount Guajara, another amazing trail in Tenerife
The Guajara trail is another hike on Tenerife that you should undertake, especially because it leads to the island`s third-highest peak.
As a curiosity, Mount Guajara is quite a historical place and is named after a Guanche princess who sadly ended her life after learning that her loved one had perished on the battlefield.
The path guiding to the peak presents beautiful perspectives, specifically in May and June when the plants and flowers have blossomed. Some of the species you can see here include daisies, broom, laburnum, pajonera grass, and tajinaste. The landscape alone makes it one of the best places for hiking on Tenerife, although the summit is a beauty in itself. From this peak, you’ll get lovely 360° perspectives of Mount Teide, the Roques of García, Pico Viejo, Montaña Blanca, Montaña Rajada, and Teide National Park.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Medium
- When to do it: Spring and fall
- Type: Loop
- Challenges: Extreme temperatures during summer and winter.
- Elevation gain: 2,525 ft
10. Teno, the best hiking in Tenerife’s laurel forest
Teno Rural Park is considered one of the most magnificent natural areas in Tenerife, especially for its cliffs and laurel forests. So, if you’re looking for places to go hiking in northern Tenerife, one of the best options is Teno. This hike will take you through much of Teno Rural Park, and it’ll pass through Buenavista del Norte and Los Silos.
The trail’s starting point is Las Portelas in the El Palmar valley. From there, you follow the route into the lovely laurel forest until you arrive at Pajales Viejos. You’ll also get to view the houses on the summit and the bluffs of Martín Bay, from which you can enjoy vistas of the old volcanic massif of Teno. One of the highlights of this mountain is the Barranco de Masca, although you can see other ravines like Los Carrizales. On clear days, you can even see the islands of La Gomera and La Palma.
You’ll see all these sights before arriving at La Cancela, and then you’ll return back to Las Portelas. Overall, it provides an excellent circular route through hiking trails in Tenerife, and is a great way to observe a variety of plant and animal species present. For instance, Teno Rural Park is home to laurel, holly, buckthorn, bluebells, crow’s foot, laurel pigeons, and turquoise pigeons.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 7.1 miles
- Difficulty: Medium
- When to do it: Year-round
- Type: Loop
- Obstacles: Steep trail
- Elevation gain: 1,837 ft
11. Roques de García, one of the best circular hikes in Tenerife
The route that circles the Roques de García is one of the best places for hiking in Teide, Tenerife. On this trail, you can see the peculiar rock formations, which were created by years of erosion, up close.
This hiking path through Tenerife`s Teide National Park proves very intriguing as it lies within the national park`s boundaries. Not only that, but it offers the best circular route for those with restricted time who wish to gaze upon the Roques de García. The trail begins at the La Ruleta viewpoint and continues on to the arresting rock formations, such as Roque Cinchado, Torrotito, El Burro, and Los Roques Blancos.
These rocky constructions aren’t the only attractions along this route. You’ll also see lava flows such as La Cascada, as well as a volcanic formation known as The Cathedral, owing to its distinctive shape. Without question, this is one of the premier hikes in Tenerife if you’re interested in witnessing the island’s volcanic activity. Furthermore, contingent on when you do this hike, you can see the tajinaste and other plant species in full bloom.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Difficulty: Low
- When to do it: Spring and fall
- Type: Loop
- Challenges: Extreme temperatures during summer and winter.
- Elevation gain: 595 ft
The following text was an interactive element linking to a downloadable route file: “
12. Malpaís de Güímar, an easy Tenerife hiking trail
Malpaís de Güímar is another location that was declared a Special Natural Reserve, so if you’re looking for a scenic place for an easy hike in northern Tenerife, I recommend visiting here.
The route initiates at the Puertito de Güímar before entering the natural reserve, which became a protected region in 1987. Right away, you’ll notice that the scenery of Malpaís de Güímar looks like something out of a fantasy film. It’s practically a desert, but there is also red sand and dark, solidified lava.
Along this path, you’ll come across otherworldly settings, like lava tubes and volcanic caves for instance Cueva Honda. There are also a couple viewpoints granting remarkable panoramas of the region, so it represents one of the finest hiking routes in Tenerife to explore nature. Moreover, even though Malpaís de Güímar resembles a desert, there is also flora, such as tabaiba plants and huge cardón cacti growing between the lava cracks.
Also, if you’re looking for hikes in Tenerife to do with children, this is one of the best options since the terrain is mostly flat.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Difficulty: Low
- When to do it: Spring and fall
- Type: Loop
- Challenges: Extreme temperatures during summer and winter.
- Elevation gain: 510 ft
13. Guardianes Centenarios, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Tenerife
The Centennial Guardians trail is another lovely location for hiking in Tenerife, particularly since the scenery appears like something from a fairy tale. This trail is in the town of Agua García, in Tacoronte, within the Agua García forest.
The moniker of this Tenerife hiking route refers to the large viñátigo trees, a type of evergreen, and they’re believed to reach 800 years old. It is stated that the trees serve as guardians of all the creatures in the forest and the plants that develop around the trees’ roots, such as laurels, heather, fayas, and lime trees.
The Centennial Guardians trail begins at the Agua García Heritage Information Center. From there, the scenery transforms into a laurel forest containing bridges, caves, and occasionally even mist that makes the location feel even more magical.
Without question, it rates among the most breathtaking hikes in Tenerife. Many travelers like to juxtapose it with trails in Anaga Rural Park, but this route has an unparalleled character.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Low
- When to do it: Year-round
- Type: Loop
- Obstacles: None
- Elevation gain: 950 ft
14. Cruz del Carmen – Punta del Hidalgo (PR-TF 10), another fun hiking route in Tenerife
Many of the most notable hikes in or around Tenerife’s Anaga Rural Park connect Cruz del Carmen and Punta del Hidalgo.
This walking route starts at the Cruz del Carmen restaurant. From there, you’ll make your descent towards Las Carboneras before heading to Chimanada and finally, Punta del Hidalgo.
There are three distinct sections with differing characteristics along this hiking route on Tenerife, the first being the typical Canarian laurel forest. When you reach the second section, the scenery becomes more agricultural and open, while the third section necessitates descending down the steep and wooded coast of north Tenerife. So, if you wish to experience a few divergent landscapes on the island, this is the itinerary for you.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 6.8 miles
- Difficulty: Medium
- When to do it: Year-round
- Type: Out & Back
- Obstacles: Much of the route is downhill and there are stone paths, so it’s easy to slip
- Elevation gain: 1,970 ft
15. Ascent to Montaña Roja, some of the best hiking in south Tenerife
If you enjoy rambling in mountains, then take into account ascending Montaña Roja. This route is one of the finest hikes in southern Tenerife.
The Red Mountain was declared a Special Natural Reserve since various unique plant and animal species inhabit this area, particularly rare bird species. The mountain is also home to protected geological elements, which you can see during your hike.
Unlike other mountain routes, this one is quite simple and doesn’t necessitate great physical work. You’ll depart from either El Médano, La Tejita Beach, or the parking lot between El Médano and Los Abrigos, then make your way to the path leading to the mountaintop. It doesn’t matter which trail you choose since they each provide sweeping views of the landscape.
Once at the summit, you can gaze out over La Tejita Beach, El Confital Beach, and the town of Los Abrigos. Plus, you will enjoy panoramic views of the area surrounding the Red Mountain, which is all volcanic land and highly impressive. It is one of the most enjoyable places for hiking along the southern coast of Tenerife, as well as one of the most fascinating in terms of flora, fauna, and geology.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Difficulty: Low
- When to do it: Spring and fall
- Type: Loop
- Challenges: Extreme temperatures during summer and winter.
- Elevation gain: 525 ft
Tenerife hiking map
This map of the Tenerife hiking routes mentioned may help organize your trip and decide which paths to take.
I suggest keeping this map of Tenerife trails close by since it will make locating each route’s starting point and main attractions along each hike much easier.
Finally, if you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below so I can help you out. I hope you enjoy traversing mountainous terrain on Tenerife!
