The Canary Islands are a popular tourist destination in Europe and millions of people travel to the Spanish archipelago of volcanic origin every year. Tenerife is the largest and most popular island in the Canary Islands, which attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and good infrastructure.
Most visitors travel to Tenerife to relax on the countless beaches and enjoy the sun. However, off the beaten tourist track, Tenerife offers a scenic paradise that is hard to beat in terms of beauty. Countless hiking routes allow you to experience Tenerife’s nature up close.
One of the most impressive hiking destinations is the Teide volcano, the highest mountain in Spain at more than 3,700 meters. This majestic volcano is the island’s landmark and one of the most popular destinations in the Canary Islands.
However, there are also numerous hiking routes on Tenerife away from Mount Teide that are both technically and scenically attractive. In the north of Tenerife are the Anaga Mountains and the Parque Rural de Anaga nature reserve of the same name, where fascinating views of the deep blue sea, steep cliffs, and secluded bays await you.
In this blog post, I present three hikes in the Anaga mountains. For me, these hiking tours were an absolute highlight of my trip to Tenerife. I hope you enjoy reading and am delighted that you have come across my travel blog.
Hiking in the Anaga Mountains
The Anaga mountains in the north-east of Tenerife are a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and varied. There are untouched bays, steep cliffs, and green valleys. The dense laurel forest is unique and fascinating, a true refuge for many rare animal and plant species. The views along the hiking trails are breathtaking. You can admire the deep blue sea and the surrounding mountains while enjoying the clear air to the full. There is so much to discover when hiking on the numerous hiking trails in the Anaga mountains. You shouldn’t miss these highlights during your Tenerife vacation.
I present three exciting routes that I have hiked myself on my travel blog. The first circular hike runs in the most remote region of Anaga from the mountain village of Chamorga over a mountain ridge and a deep gorge to the picturesque fishing village of Roque Bermejo. This coastal hike promises breathtaking views and varied terrain. I liked this route the best. The second hike runs through the mystical laurel forest in the center of Anaga and ends on the spectacular north coast of the Anaga Mountains. Here you can marvel at the unique nature of Tenerife and experience it up close. My third hike is suitable for everyone and is a popular tour among tourists. It leads through the bizarre laurel forest and passes great viewpoints but is only short and a little overcrowded with tourists.
If you are looking for more hikes on Tenerife, then take a look at this book. I personally really like this series of hiking guides. The book is small and handy, offers useful information about hiking, and detailed descriptions of the hikes. I’ve already discovered some great hikes that I wouldn’t have found without these books.
How to get to the Anaga Mountains on Tenerife
Getting there by car
The main road TF-12 winds its way from San Cristóbal de La Laguna over the Anaga Mountains to the coastal town of San Andrés. The road is well developed and passes beautiful viewpoints on Tenerife, making the drive alone an adventure. However, you should be free from giddiness and have no problem with narrow sections of the road. There is free parking at the official viewpoints, but these are often overcrowded, so people simply park at the side of the road.
By bus to the Anaga Park
The Anaga region is well connected to Tenerife’s bus network, so you can reach most places by public transport. Bus transport on the Canary Islands is generally very well organized and inexpensive. The main bus lines in Anaga Park are lines 76, 77, 273 and 275, which will take you to the park for around €1. Further information can be found on the website of the island’s transport company.
Hotels and Accommodations in Anaga
The best starting points for hikes in the Parque Rural de Anaga are the towns to the west of the Anaga Mountains. Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristóbal de La Laguna* in particular offer numerous accommodation options.
If you like it a little quieter and want to be closer to nature, you can stay at the Albergue Montes de Anaga* I spent one night there and was very satisfied. The hotel is simple, but clean and cozy. You get to know people and the staff are very friendly and happy to help you plan your hike. On the terrace you have a breathtaking view of the region, as it is located in the center of the Anaga Mountains.
Of course, there are countless other towns in the region that offer accommodation. Below you will find a selection for the entire region around Anaga.
Hiking Tour 1: Chamorga – Faro de Anaga – Roque de Bermejo via PR-TF 6 and PR-TF 6.1
Scenic coastal hike in the most remote region of Tenerife
My first hike is in the north-easternmost region of the Anaga Park and starts in the remote village of Chamorga. The picturesque circular hike is around 8.8 kilometers long and runs over a rocky mountain ridge, along the breathtaking coast and through a gorge.
At times, the route has a significant incline, for which a good basic level of fitness is required. The paths are well developed, signposted and recognizable. Nevertheless, hiking boots and a head for heights are a must. There are no refreshment stops and no shade on the hike. It is therefore essential to take provisions and sun protection with you. Caution is advised if it has rained a lot, as the gorge can then become impassable. I have marked the hiking route and all the important destinations on the map.
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8,8 km
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↑↓ 704 m
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Medium
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Entrance of Chamorga
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stony nature trails
Getting to Chamorga
The small mountain village is located at the end of the TF-123 mountain road, which leaves the main TF-12 road. The winding road is very narrow in places and care must be taken with oncoming traffic. Due to the many hairpin bends, the drive from La Laguna takes over an hour. Free parking is available right at the entrance to Chamorga at the bus stop.
There are also buses on the 947 line between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Chamorga. However, the journey takes around 1.5 hours. Further information can be found on the website of the Tenerife transport company.
From Chamorga to the Casas de Tafada
I park my rental car on the hard shoulder at the entrance to Chamorga by the bus stop. It is still quiet in the remote mountain village, through which the path leads me for the first 300 meters. At a signpost, I keep left towards Tafada and am now on the PR-TF 6.1 hiking trail. A sandy path leads me uphill and quickly opens up wonderful views of the north of the Canary Island.
After about 50 meters in altitude, I reach a mighty rock. From Roque Pilon, I have a fantastic view of Chamorga and the surrounding elevations of the Anaga mountains. The hiking trail continues uphill along green cacti, whose broken figs pave the path below me, and a variety of plants that lay a green carpet over the mountains.
Short Facts for your Trip
In general, the climate is humid all year round, especially in the winter months, and it is somewhat colder than in other regions of Tenerife. For hiking in the Anaga mountains, I therefore recommend traveling between March and November. It’s much warmer on the coastal redoubts than on the heights of the mountains. In addition, the south side is much drier than the north side, which you can also see in the vegetation. I was in the Anaga mountains at the end of October. The weather was sunny, but very foggy in the mornings. Due to the low season, it was very quiet and there were hardly any tourists on the hiking routes.
I spent two days in the Anaga mountains and visited a few other sights in addition to the hikes presented here. However, it is worth staying longer in this area of Tenerife. There are other highlights such as the beautiful sandy beach of San Andrés, the Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés, picturesque mountain villages and countless viewpoints. Above all, Anaga Park offers great hiking opportunities, which are described, for example, in this great hiking guide*
Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristóbal de La Laguna in particular offer numerous accommodation options* for a trip to the mountains. I myself stayed at the Albergue Montes de Anaga* The hostel is simple, but clean and cozy. You get to know people and the staff are very friendly and happy to help you plan your hike. On the terrace, you have a breathtaking view of the region, as it is located in the center of the Anaga Mountains.
The easiest way to get around Tenerife is by car. It is also possible to travel by bus, but you will need to allow considerably more time. Bus transport on the Canary Islands is generally very well organized and cheap. The main bus lines in Anaga Park are lines 76, 77, 273 and 275, which will take you to the park for around €1. Further information can be found on the website of the island’s transport company.
Some of the hikes lead along rooted forest paths and stony nature trails, which is why hiking boots are a must. The Anaga Mountains are known for changeable weather, so make sure you pack rainproof clothing. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. I would also recommend a swimsuit for the beach.
There are endless opportunities to use your camera during the hikes. Especially landscape photography of the vastness of the coast or the mountains of Tenerife. It’s therefore best to think about a telephoto or wide-angle lens and a lightweight travel tripod. In the photography section of the blog, you can find information on travel cameras, camera equipment and helpful tips for better pictures.
Magnificent views from Montaña de Tafada
After reaching the Casas de Tafada ruins, I keep to the right on the ridge and hike towards Montaña de Tafada. Clouds drift over the ridge and conjure up a great atmosphere as I struggle along the rocky path over the ridge. You should be sure-footed on this spectacular hiking trail!
At the end, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view. The bay of Roque Bermejo and the Faro de Anaga lighthouse stretch out in front of me. I am standing in one of the most remote places in Tenerife and I am happy. After a short break, I hike back over the ridge to the signposted hiking trail PR-TF 6.1.
Hiking along the coast to the Faro de Anaga
The hiking trail now leads downhill and opens up magnificent views of the ocean. Two mighty rocks rise out of the sea off the coast of Tenerife. El Roque de Fuera provides a beautiful backdrop that accompanies me throughout the next section of the hike in the Anaga mountains.
My hike takes me down the slopes of Montaña de Tafada towards Faro de Anaga, which I can already see from afar. The path is very slippery in places, as it seems to rain much more frequently on this side of Tenerife. Shortly before the lighthouse, I reach a junction from which the hiking trail continues under the designation PR-TF 6.
Roque Bermejo: a dreamy fishing village
The Faro de Anaga is not open to the public, but you have an excellent view of Roque Bermejo. A stony footpath leads down to the fishing village. Halfway down, I meet two villagers sitting on the grass and enjoying the beautiful view of the Tenerife coast. They tell me that not many tourists come to this region of Anaga Park and recommend that I hike to the beach at Roque Bermejo.
The idyllic fishing village of Roque Bermejo looks deserted, but the buildings have been restored and form a stark contrast to the dark mountains of Anaga in the background. A black beach of volcanic origin, typical of Tenerife, awaits me on the coast. I take a break and listen to the sounds of the sea before walking back to PR-TF 6 via a circular path.
Hike through the Barranco de Roque Bermejo
The PR-TF 6 hiking trail winds its way uphill from the coastal village via hairpin bends. However, the arduous ascent along the mountains of Anaga is compensated by magnificent views of the sea. I soon find myself in the Chamorga gorge. It is green and lively here. Signs warn me not to enter the gorge in heavy rain or after many days of rain, as the small stream quickly becomes a raging torrent.
For the first time, I meet other hikers. This region is actually the most remote in the Anaga mountains. If you are looking for peace and varied nature, this is the place for you. I soon reach Charmorga again and eat delicious local food in the only restaurant in the village. This circular hike was a real success and was my favorite part of the Parque Rural de Anaga.
If you are looking for a travel guide for Tenerife, then take a look at this book. I personally really like this series of travel guides. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low-budget travelers. In addition, not only the well-known sights are described, but lesser-known places are also mentioned.
Hiking Tour 2: El Bailadero – Las Vueltas – Taganana – Roque de las Animas via PR-TF 3 and PR-TF 8
Varied hiking experience in the heart of the fairytale forest
My second hike is located in the heart of the Anaga Park and starts on the TF-12 high road. The picturesque hike is around 11 kilometers long and runs through the mystical laurel forest, through the idyllic village of Taganana and along the breathtaking coast of Tenerife. The bus takes you back to the starting point.
The route leads downhill over 1000 meters in altitude, so you can expect a special kind of strain on your legs. You mainly hike on forest paths here, which become slippery in the rain and have many tripping hazards. One section runs downhill on a stony path and is predestined to twist your ankle. Sensible hiking boots are a must. There are refreshment stops along the hike in Taganana. Be careful if it has rained a lot, because then the forest becomes a slippery place. I have marked the hiking route and all the important destinations on the map.
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11 km
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↑ 394 m ↓ 1110 m
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Medium
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Montes de Anaga Hostel
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Forest trails, stone paths, asphalt
Getting to the laurel forest of Tenerife
My hike starts at the Anaga Hostel* which is located at the start of the TF-123 mountain road. The drive there from La Laguna or Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes around 35 minutes. If you are not staying at the hostel, Las Vueltas is an alternative starting point, which is located 5 kilometers west of the hostel on the TF-12.
There are also buses on line 947 between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and El Bailadero. However, the journey takes 80 minutes. Buses on lines 76 and 77 run from La Laguna to Las Vueltas. Further information can be found on the website of the Tenerife transport company.
Through the fog of El Bailadero
After a restful night at the Anaga Hostel, I start my hike early in the morning on the TF-123 mountain road towards El Bailadero. Mist drifts over the asphalt and conjures up a mystical atmosphere between the green trees of the Anaga mountains. A great start to my hiking day!
The road soon runs along a mountain ridge and views of Tenerife’s breathtaking landscape open up on the left and right. At the Mirador el Bailadero viewpoint, I have a magnificent view of the village of Taganana, the rugged coastline and the surrounding mountains of Anaga. Shortly after this viewpoint, there is a kind of garage on the right-hand side. A narrow footpath leads into the forest for the first time. Don’t miss it!
The small path gives a first impression of the green laurel forest of Tenerife, but ends after just 400 meters to cross the TF-12 road. On the left-hand side, a path leads back into the forest and runs alongside meadows, fields and some rustic farms. Unfortunately, this path is not very well developed and I have to fight my way through some tall, wet grasses. A better alternative is certainly to take the detour via the TF-12!
Once again, I reach a small footpath on the right-hand side of the road. Watch out! You can recognize it by the fact that it leads directly from the main road up a kind of staircase. The hiking trail runs steadily uphill through the beautiful forest, but always offers views of the mountains of Anaga Park. One viewpoint in particular is open, but due to the fog I have no view here. I soon reach the signposted PR-TF 3 hiking trail, which quickly leads me onto the PR-TF 8 hiking trail. The start of Tenerife’s fairytale forest.
Hike through the laurel forest of Anaga
The hiking trail becomes narrower, bizarrely shaped branches of the laurel trees form a blanket over me and huge ferns adorn the edge of the path. It seems as if I am walking through an alien world. The PR-TF-8 hiking tour in the Anaga Mountains impresses from the very first few meters. I hadn’t expected to discover such a beautiful forest and unique nature on the Canary Islands.
The hiking trail leads me further and further downhill along serpentines. Deeper and deeper into the enchanted forest of Anaga. It gets darker and denser, and the ferns get bigger and greener. I can’t stop being amazed and I feel like I’m taking a new picture with my camera at every corner. I can only recommend that you include the laurel forest on your Tenerife trip.
If you’re looking for a travel guide to the Canary Islands, then take a look at this book. I personally really like this series of travel guides. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low-budget travelers. In addition, not only the well-known sights are described, but lesser-known places are also mentioned.
Taganana – the mountain village by the sea
After more than 400 meters downhill, I leave the laurel forest and notice at a clearing that the fog has lifted over the Anaga Park, as the idyllic mountain village of Taganana lies before me in the Canarian sun. The rest of the hiking trail to the village is downhill, partly over very stony ground, and therefore requires concentration.
Until the 1970s, there was no paved road leading to Taganana. You can still sense this remoteness today, as the village has been spared mass tourism. I don’t meet many people in the village, where the typical Canarian architecture has been preserved. I wander through the beautiful alleyways, buy provisions in a small supermarket and have lunch in one of the restaurants (both marked on the map).
The spectacular coast of Tenerife
Unfortunately, there is no footpath from Taganana down to the beaches and bays of Almáciga. However, I discover a small footpath on the right-hand side of the road opposite a restaurant, which leads me uphill along the slopes of the Roque de las Animas. Be careful, the path is very narrow and runs unsecured directly along the slope. Don’t hike up here if you feel unsafe! Unfortunately, the hiking trail is a dead end, but behind the huge rock there are breathtaking views of the beaches of Playa de San Roque, Playa del Roque de las Bodegas and Playa de Almáciga.
Tenerife has a good bus network. If you want to go straight to the beach, you can simply take the bus from Taganana. I took the bus from the Bajo Roque stop back to my accommodation (El Tunel stop). Alternatively, you can take the PR-TF-4 hiking trail, which takes you back up to the heights of the Anaga Mountains (500 meters in altitude). To sum up, my hiking route was very special as it is almost all downhill. The fairytale forest is an absolute highlight that you shouldn’t miss, but the coast and the small mountain village of Taganana are also highly recommended for your trip.
If you prefer to travel in a group, you have the option of joining a guided tour. You don’t have to worry about getting there, planning excursions or catering, but can concentrate fully on the beauty of Tenerife. I recommend booking a tour via the Viator portal, where countless activities around the world can be booked easily and securely.
Hiking Tour 3: Path of the Senses – Sendero de los Sentidos
Nature study trail in Anaga Park
My third hike is located at the Anaga Park visitor center and starts at the most famous viewpoint, Mirador Cruz del Carmen. The picturesque circular hike is only 1.3 kilometers long and runs through the mystical laurel forest.
The route was introduced especially for mass tourism and is therefore very easy to manage. The well-maintained hiking trails lead through the laurel forest, which gives a good impression of Tenerife’s nature, but is not as impressive as the forest in the center of Anaga. Anyone who has completed the second hike will be bored at the Sendero de los Sentidos. I have marked the hiking route and all the important destinations on the map.
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1,3 km
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↑↓ 85 m
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Easy
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Anaga Park Visitor Center
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Forest path, wooden stairs
Getting to the Trail of the Senses in the Anaga Mountains
The circular hiking trail starts directly at the Anaga Park visitor center, which is located about 10 minutes from the start of the TF-12 mountain road coming from La Laguna. Free parking is available directly at the visitor center. However, these are quickly filled, so you should arrive early or late.
In addition, buses on lines 76, 77, 273 and 275 run between La Laguna and the visitor center. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs around one euro. You can find more information on the Tenerife public transport website.
Magnificent views of the Teide at Cruz del Carmen
The Mirador Cruz del Carmen viewpoint is located right next to the visitor center parking lot. From there, on a clear day, you have an excellent view of Mount Teide and the breathtaking nature of the Canary Islands. The low clouds that accumulate on the slopes of the mountains and lay a white carpet over the landscape of Tenerife are particularly impressive. This viewpoint in Anaga Park is very popular and therefore always well visited.
Three hiking trails to choose from at Sendero de los Sentidos
There are a total of three hiking trails of varying difficulty and length (0.34 km, 0.55 km, 1.3 km). I opted for the longest trail. During the short hike, you are invited to experience Tenerife’s nature with all your senses by means of symbol boards. If you’re up for it, it’s certainly a great experience in Anaga.
Nature trail through the fairytale forest of Anaga
The whimsically shaped branches of the laurel trees tower over the well-maintained hiking trails, which are always downhill at the start. Halfway through the hike, I reach the Mirador del Llano de los Loros viewpoint. From there, there is a magnificent view of the jagged peaks of the Anaga mountains and the blue coast of Tenerife.
I hike almost the same way uphill back towards the visitor center and enjoy the mystical laurel trees that always accompany me. To sum up, the Trail of the Senses in Anaga Park is a hiking route for everyone. The area is accordingly crowded and touristy. If you want more peace and quiet and want to go deeper into the beautiful fairytale forest, I recommend my second hike, for example. However, you should definitely not miss the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint at the starting point of the hike on your trip to Tenerife.
If you are looking for more hikes on the Canary Islands, then take a look at this book. The book is small and handy, offers useful information on hiking and detailed descriptions of the hikes.
Conclusion on hiking in the Anaga Mountains on Tenerife
Hiking in the Anaga Mountains on Tenerife is an unforgettable experience for every nature lover and hiking enthusiast. The breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains, the lush vegetation and the numerous hiking trails offer a diverse selection of outdoor activities. The area is ideal for hikers looking for new challenges, but also for beginners and families with children who simply want to enjoy nature. The trails are well marked, but also demanding and require a certain level of physical fitness. Overall, hiking in the Anaga Mountains is an unmissable experience for any visitor to Tenerife who wants to experience the beauty of nature and the challenge of hiking. For me, the Anaga mountains were an absolute highlight of my trip to the Canary Islands.
I hope you enjoyed my travel report about the hiking opportunities in the Anaga Mountains. On my travel blog, I show you other beautiful destinations on the Canary Islands and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Spain. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be delighted if you would recommend my travel blog, leave a comment or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your Canary Islands vacation.
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