Ancient laurel forests cover the steep mountains of this protected Tenerife wilderness, where narrow hiking trails wind through misty valleys and rocky peaks.
Parque Rural de Anaga covers the northeastern edge of Tenerife, defined by sharp volcanic mountains, deep valleys, and sections of forest dating back millions of years. Recognized by UNESCO in 2015, the park spans 14,419 hectares and includes trails through environments shaped by both nature and human activity over centuries. Walk paths lined with ancient ferns near El Pijaral, visit the white-painted houses of Taganana, or spend time on Benijo Beach, where dark sand meets rough ocean waves. Twenty-six small villages dot the area, connected by walking routes that take you from seaside cliffs to elevated fog-covered forests. This landscape provides tangible connections to the island’s geology, ecology, and farming traditions.
Walking paths in Anaga vary from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs. The Bosque Encantado trail, located within the El Pijaral reserve, takes you through tall ferns and laurel trees under a dense canopy. You must get a free permit online from the Canary Islands government before starting this route. If you prefer ocean scenery, try the Benijo to Faro de Anaga hike, which weaves past volcanic rocks and quiet beaches. Shorter walks like the Sendero de los Sentidos near Cruz del Carmen have signs describing local plants and wildlife. Trails here often pass terraced fields where farmers still grow crops using traditional methods.
Driving the TF-12 and TF-134 roads lets you see Anaga’s varied terrain. At Mirador del Risco Mogote, you’ll see steep ridges meeting the Atlantic. On days with clear skies, Mirador de Jardina provides a distant view of Mount Teide. The Cruz del Carmen area, reaching 920 meters above sea level, has a visitor center with hiking information and displays about the park’s formation. Near Taganana, Mirador Pico del Inglés offers an unobstructed look at the ocean and Gran Canaria island to the south.
Small communities like Taganana and Chamorga maintain farming practices unchanged for generations. In Taganana, walk through narrow streets bordered by vineyards growing grapes used to make local red wines. Chinamada has homes built into volcanic rock walls, some now serving simple meals like wrinkled potatoes with spicy mojo sauce. From Afur, a trail leads to Tamadite Beach, a small stretch of dark sand reachable only by foot. Many villagers farm terraced plots or herd goats, preserving a way of life closely tied to the land.
Altitude differences in Anaga create distinct habitats. Higher areas with frequent mist support laurel forests home to rare species like the Anaga giant lizard. Lower, drier zones have succulents and dragon trees adapted to scarce rainfall. Over 1,000 insect and snail species live here, including slugs found nowhere else. Birds such as Scopoli’s shearwaters nest on coastal cliffs, while Barbary falcons hunt overhead. The park’s biodiversity reflects its position as a crossroads between African and European ecosystems.
Begin your visit at the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center for maps, permits, and weather updates. Roads inside the park are narrow, so arrive before mid-morning to find parking at busy trailheads like Roque de Taborno. Public buses run from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to villages like Taganana, but renting a car makes exploring easier. Bring water, food, and clothing for changing conditions—sunny coastal areas can shift to cool, foggy highlands within minutes. Stay off trails during heavy fog, as wet paths become slippery and markers hard to see.
Anaga’s coast alternates between steep cliffs and small beaches. Las Teresitas Beach, near San Andrés, has yellow sand and gentle waves suitable for swimming. For quieter spots, walk 45 minutes from Afur to Tamadite Beach or take the steep descent to Roque de las Bodegas Beach, where casual seafood spots grill octopus caught nearby. The Anaga Lighthouse stands at the peninsula’s eastern edge, a landmark visible from trails tracing the shoreline.
Overnight options within the park include basic guesthouses like Montes de Anaga Hostel in El Bailadero. For hotels and restaurants, stay in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a historic town 30 minutes away by car. In Anaga, Restaurante Cruz del Carmen near the visitor center prepares traditional stews. Historias Para no Dormir in Taborno serves dishes like salads with goat cheese and local honey. Some villages have family-run guachinches offering meals on irregular schedules—always carry euros for these stops.
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