The Canary Islands are among the most popular travel destinations in Europe and attract visitors year-round with their mild climate, volcanic landscapes and incredible variety of scenery. Tenerife is not only known for beaches and resorts, but also for some of the most beautiful hikes on the island.
Away from the well-known Teide National Park, the far northwest of Tenerife is especially worth exploring. This is where you’ll find the rugged and spectacular Teno Mountains, part of the protected Parque Rural de Teno. The region is known for deep ravines, steep ridgelines, dramatic coastal cliffs and remote mountain villages. One of the most famous places here is Masca, a picturesque village nestled between steep rock walls and considered by many to be one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Tenerife.
In this article, I’ll show you three hikes in the Teno Mountains that I’ve done myself. Alongside the well-known route to Masca, you’ll also find quieter trails around Teno Alto and along the scenic Abache Trail above Los Carrizales. If you want to go hiking in Tenerife and discover one of the island’s wildest and most authentic regions, the Teno Mountains are a fantastic choice.
Overview of the Hikes in the Teno Mountains
In this article, I’ll introduce three very different hikes in the Teno Mountains that I’ve done myself.
The first route takes you on one of the most scenic hikes in Tenerife to the remote mountain village of Masca. Along the way, you can expect spectacular views and impressive ravine landscapes.
The second hike is much quieter and leads across scenic ridge trails towards Teno Alto, one of the most traditional and peaceful villages on the island. This route offers wide open views, beautiful mountain ridges and a relaxed atmosphere away from Tenerife’s busier hotspots.
My third hike follows the Abache Trail above Los Carrizales. This route feels a bit wilder and more remote, with narrow paths along the hillsides and fantastic views of the steep coastline and the rugged mountain scenery of the Teno region.
Which hike is right for you?
This article features several hikes in the Teno Mountains, varying in distance, elevation, and terrain.
Use the tool below to quickly find out which hike matches your current fitness level.
Compact Travel Information
The Teno Mountains are steep, rugged and incredibly scenic. Expect rocky terrain, large elevation changes and some of the most dramatic landscapes in Tenerife.
The Teno Mountains can be hiked all year round. Spring and autumn usually offer the most pleasant temperatures, while summer can be very hot in exposed sections.
These hikes are ideal as half-day or full-day trips, depending on the route and how much time you want to spend exploring the villages and viewpoints along the way.
A rental car is the easiest and most flexible option for reaching the trailheads. Some places can also be reached by bus, but public transport requires a bit more planning.
Light hiking shoes, sun protection and enough water are essential. Depending on the season, a light jacket can also be useful in the mountains.
How to Get to Tenerife
Flight to Tenerife
The fastest and easiest way to reach Tenerife is by flying to Tenerife South Airport (Tenerife Sur / Reina Sofía). There are direct flights from many European cities throughout the year.
I personally use Skyscanner* to search for flights because it makes it easy to compare prices and routes.
Renting a car in Tenerife – is it worth it?
Many of the best places in Tenerife – especially in Teno Park or along the coast – are difficult to reach without a car. Public transport is often slow and inconvenient.
That’s why I always book my rental car in Tenerife online in advance – usually via DiscoverCars, as I often find the best deals and the widest selection there.
🌍 My recommendation:
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Good to know:
- Mountain roads can be steep and winding
- Choose full insurance with zero excess
- Small cars are usually sufficient
How to Get to the Teno Mountains and Masca
By Car
For all three hikes, a rental car is the most flexible option. The trailheads around Santiago del Teide, El Palmar and Los Carrizales can be reached via the TF-1, TF-82 and TF-436 roads. Especially in the Teno Mountains, some roads are narrow, winding and a bit slow-going, so it’s worth allowing some extra travel time.
Depending on the hike, you can usually start either directly in the villages or at small parking areas along the road. Around Masca in particular, it’s a good idea to plan a bit of extra time, as parking can be limited and the roads are quite narrow.
By Bus
It’s also possible to reach the Teno Mountains by public transport. Tenerife’s bus network is generally reliable and affordable, but using it for hiking requires a bit more planning than driving.
Depending on your route, buses to places such as Masca, Buenavista del Norte, El Palmar or Los Carrizales can be a useful option. From the nearest stops, the trailheads are usually within walking distance.
For more information, visit the island’s public transportation agency’s website.
Hiking tour 1: Santiago del Teide – Risco Verde – Masca
A scenic hike from Santiago del Teide to Masca
- 9.5 km
- ↑ 490 m ↓ 1100 m
- Moderate
- Parking area near the mountain road
- Rocky natural trails
Ascent into the Teno Mountains from Santiago del Teide
Our hike starts in Santiago del Teide. We first choose a small path north of the town that branches off from the TF-82 road and climbs into the mountains. However, we quickly realise that a construction site is blocking part of the official route.
We make our way through rough terrain and eventually rejoin the official hiking trail, which climbs steeply into the mountains. I wouldn’t recommend this exact shortcut as long as the construction work is still there. On the map, you’ll find the alternative starting point of the route.
Breathtaking Views over Masca from Risco Verde
We follow the PR-TF 51 hiking trail uphill until we reach a mountain pass. For the first time, we can see the ocean in the north of Tenerife. From there, we continue left towards the summit of Risco Verde.
The view from the top is absolutely worth it. A full 360-degree panorama opens up over the dramatic landscape of the Teno Mountains. From here, you can already spot Masca in the distance. The title image of this article was also taken at this viewpoint.
Along the PR-TF 51 Trail Towards Masca
After returning from the summit, we continue downhill along the marked PR-TF 51 trail, which runs between Los Llanos and Punta de Teno. This section descends gradually through strangely shaped trees and keeps opening up to wide views of Tenerife’s rugged mountain scenery.
Again and again, we can already see our destination — Masca — in the distance.
Hiking Through the Oldest Region of Tenerife
The Teno Mountains are located in the geologically oldest part of Tenerife. The landscape is shaped by deep volcanic ravines that drop steeply towards the coast. This has created dramatic elevation changes over very short distances and gives the region its rugged and highly distinctive appearance.
For nature lovers, this is one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in the Canary Islands.
On the PR-TF 59 Trail Towards Masca
We eventually switch to the PR-TF 59 trail and continue towards Masca. This path runs along the hillside and is lined with a wide variety of green vegetation. The scenery in the Teno Mountains feels unique and makes this section especially enjoyable.
Palm trees appear along the route, terraced slopes cross the mountainsides and small houses and huts line the trail. At the Mirador La Cruz de Hilda, many visitors stop at the café before continuing. We are getting closer to Masca.
A Visit to the Mountain Village of Masca
The final stretch leads us past parked cars, tour buses and guided groups. Masca is one of the most visited places in the Teno Mountains and can feel quite busy once you arrive in the village.
That said, it’s easy to understand why so many people come here. Masca is beautifully located between steep rock walls and feels like a tiny mountain oasis in the middle of a dramatic landscape.
After a meal in a restaurant with views of the cliffs, we take bus 355 back to Santiago del Teide.
Hiking tour 2: El Palmar – Teno Alto – Cumbres de Baracán
Scenic ridge hike to Teno Alto
This circular hike in the Teno Mountains leads from El Palmar up to Teno Alto, one of the most traditional mountain villages in Tenerife. The route follows scenic high trails, quiet hillsides and open ridge sections that repeatedly open up beautiful views over the rugged landscape of the Teno region.
Compared to the better-known hike to Masca, this route feels much quieter and less touristy. If you’re looking for a more peaceful hike in western Tenerife with wide views, silence and beautiful mountain scenery, this is a great alternative.
- 9.9 km
- ↑↓ 620 m
- Moderate
- Roadside parking in El Palmar
- Rocky natural trails, forest paths
Climbing Old Paths Towards Cumbre de Baracán
The hike starts in El Palmar and steadily climbs uphill along an old path, partly paved in sections, through the green cultural landscape of the Teno Mountains. After a short time, beautiful views begin to open up back into the valley, while dry stone walls, scattered houses and terraced hillsides line the route.
As you gain more elevation, the scenery becomes increasingly open and scenic until you eventually reach the first wide panoramic views around the Cumbre de Baracán.
From Cumbre de Baracán to Teno Alto
Beyond the Cumbre de Baracán, the trail continues along the open ridge of the Teno Mountains. Again and again, wide views open up over the green, rugged mountain landscape and all the way towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The path then gradually descends on partly stony trails and small roads towards Teno Alto, a quiet village with scattered houses that almost feels like a remote highland settlement.
From Teno Alto Back Towards Baracán
After Teno Alto, the route first passes through a short forest section that feels almost a little mystical, with gnarled trees and shaded paths creating a beautiful contrast to the open landscape.
Soon, the terrain opens up again and becomes much more scenic. Step by step, the views expand over jagged ridges, deep ravines and the wild western side of the Teno Mountains. Shortly before reaching Baracán, the trail finally crosses a spectacular ridge section that is easily one of the highlights of the entire hike.
Descending Back to El Palmar
After the scenic ridge section around Cumbre de Baracán, the trail gradually descends back towards El Palmar. Along the way, you’re treated once more to wide views over the rugged mountain ridges, deep valleys and the green cultural landscape of the Teno region.
With every step, the valley of El Palmar comes closer again, revealing its terraced fields, scattered houses and narrow roads from above. The descent remains varied, first on rougher terrain and later on easier paths, until you eventually return to the peaceful rural surroundings of the starting point.
Hiking tour 3: Los Carrizales – El Paso – Roque de Abache
Along the Abache Trail Through the Wild Teno Mountains
This hike along the Abache Trail starts in Los Carrizales and leads onto a scenic high route above the Carrizales valley. The path follows quiet hillsides, narrow trails and an open ridge with impressive views down to the steep coastline and the rugged mountains of the Teno region.
Compared to the more popular routes around Masca, this hike feels much more remote and untouched. If you’re looking for wide views, quiet surroundings and a slightly more adventurous route in western Tenerife, this is a great choice.
- 5.2 km
- ↑↓ 355 m
- Moderate
- Parking near Los Carrizales
- Rocky natural trails
Close to the Raw Landscape: Along the Abache Trail
From the starting point, the trail runs gently above the Carrizales valley and quickly opens up to beautiful views over scattered houses, terraced fields and the steep slopes of the Teno Mountains.
After just a short distance, it becomes clear why this section is considered one of the most scenic routes in the area. The path follows the hillside with constant views, while striking rock formations and deep ravines shape the landscape.
One of the most impressive aspects is the constantly changing atmosphere around the jagged cliffs. Light, clouds and drifting mist often create dramatic scenery. The narrow trail is usually easy to follow, but in some sections it requires a bit of attention. Gradually, you gain elevation until you eventually reach an abandoned house.
Optional Detour: Roque de Abache
From the abandoned house, you can optionally continue further towards Roque de Abache. However, the path becomes less defined in places and runs close to steep drop-offs.
Some easy scrambling is required, which means this section is only suitable for experienced hikers who are sure-footed and comfortable with heights.
In good weather, you’re rewarded with a wild and impressive landscape, including views down to the steep coastline, the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged mountain scenery of the Teno Mountains.
Returning to Los Carrizales
The return follows the same route. At first, you carefully make your way back along the narrower, slightly exposed sections to the abandoned house. From there, you continue along the familiar trail across the plateau and ridge back towards Los Carrizales.
Interestingly, we didn’t meet any other hikers until the way back — a clear advantage of starting early.
Guided Hiking Tours in the Teno Mountains
The hike to Masca is one of the most popular routes in Tenerife, but it can also be challenging and subject to certain regulations.
If you prefer to explore the Teno Mountains with a local guide, there are several guided hiking tours available in the region.
Where to Stay for Hiking in the Teno Mountains
For hiking in the Teno Mountains, the area around Santiago del Teide is a practical and convenient base. From here, you can easily reach the starting points of the hikes as well as other places in the Teno region.
Alternatively, you can also stay in nearby villages and towns if you don’t mind a short drive.
Final Thoughts: Is Hiking in the Teno Mountains Worth It?
For me, the Teno Mountains are one of the most beautiful and impressive hiking regions in Tenerife. The mix of remote mountain villages, rugged ridgelines, deep ravines and dramatic viewpoints makes this part of the island feel especially wild and unique.
Compared to the more famous hiking areas around Teide, the Teno region often feels quieter, more authentic and less developed.
With Masca, Teno Alto and the Abache Trail, you’ll find three very different hikes here, each showing a different side of the Teno Mountains. Some routes lead through dramatic ravines, others across open ridges or along narrow hillside trails.
If you want to go hiking in Tenerife and explore one of the island’s most rugged and scenic regions, the Teno Mountains are absolutely worth visiting.
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