The Anaga mountains make up the oldest part of Tenerife, Spain. Located in the northeastern tip of the island, this biodiverse region is one of the best places to hike in the Canary Islands.

From misty forest walks to exhilarating coastal trails, the Anaga massif offers scenic variety, solitude, and arguably the best views of Tenerife’s coastline. Anaga feels like a prehistoric paradise with its jungle-like laurel forest, whimsical dragon trees, and green-carpeted peaks and ravines. 

If you want to spend a few days in the Anaga mountains, we recommend basing yourself in either Santa Cruz de Tenerife or La Laguna.

Keep reading to discover our favorite trails. 

Important: Access to these trails keeps changing due to landslides and construction. We highly recommend reaching out to local tourist offices to confirm whether these trails are open during your visit.

Best Hiking Trails in the Anaga Mountains

  1. Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Trail
  2. Igueste to Atalaya de los Ingleses
  3. Punta del Hidalgo – Chinamada – Las Carboneras
  4. Taganana to Playa de Tamadite 
  5. Roque de Taborno 
  6. Path of the Senses Forest Walk

This post links to products and services we love, which we may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!! – Sabrina and Kati

Anaga Hiking Trails Map

Tips for Hiking in Anaga Rural Park

1. Pack your lunch and sufficient water.

2. Wear Grade B/C hiking boots like the women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX or Meindl Schuhe Island Lady and the men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX.

3. Don’t leave valuables in your parked car. 

4. Use Maps.me (offline maps app) to locate trailheads. 

5. Secure a free permit if you want to see El Pijaral (The Enchanted Forest, Bosque Encantado)

6. Purchase the Tenerife Rother Walking Guide. 

7. Be very cautious when hiking in the Anaga forest after rainfall. It’s slippery and dangerous. 

8. Rent a car if you want to do lots of hiking in Anaga Rural Park. 

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Tenerife. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Check car rental rates here. 

9. To get updates on trails including trail closures, visit the Centro de Visitantes del Parque Rural de Anaga at Cruz del Carmen. You can purchase trail pamphlets here as well. 

10. Integrate these trails in a Tenerife road trip. Here’s our 7-day Tenerife itinerary.

11. Base yourself in Anaga Rural Park, in La Laguna, or Santa Cruz de Tenerife for hiking in Anaga Rural Park.

1. Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Trail

Grand Faro de Anaga Loop Trail, Best Hikes in the Anaga Mountains, Tenerife, Spain
  • Trailhead: Benijo
  • Distance: 14.2 km circuit
  • Time Needed: 7 hours
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1432 m
  • Difficulty: Difficult 
  • Minimum Elevation: 79 m
  • Maximum Elevation: 640 m
  • Route: Benijo (hamlet) – El Draguillo (hamlet) – Las Palmas (hamlet) – Faro Punta de Anaga (lighthouse) – Tafada (mountain) – Chamorga (village) – Benijo (hamlet)
  • Where to Stay: Casanaga (budget) in Almáciga, or Vivienda Vacacional Casa Taganana (luxury) in Taganana

This spectacular hiking route takes you to some of the most captivating corners of Parque Rural de Anaga. You’ll see tiny coastal hamlets where time stands still.

You’ll walk by dragon trees and see unbeatable views of the Anaga coastline. This is a long hike with some tricky sections, due to slippery terrain (e.g. wet leaves). Please be cautious. 

The trail starts in Benijo. You’ll hike past the hamlets of El Draguillo and Las Palmas as you make your way to the Faro Punta de Anaga lighthouse.

From the lighthouse, you’ll continue to the village of Chamorga and walk through Laurel forest until joining a balcony trail back to Benijo. 

For a shorter version of this hike, you can do a mini-loop. When you get to El Draguillo, turn right and follow signs to Chamorga (instead of heading to Las Palmas).

You’ll hike uphill for almost 1 km (270 m elevation gain) to an intersection. From here, turn right, and start the glorious return journey to Benijo. 

Learn more: Benijo to Faro de Anaga Circuit Trail Guide

2. Igueste to Atalaya de los Ingleses

Igueste to Atalaya de los Ingleses Hike, Anaga Mountains, Tenerife, Spain
  • Trailhead: Igueste de San Andrés
  • Distance: 5.5 km out-and-back
  • Time Needed: 3 hours
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 691 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Min. Elevation: 14 m
  • Max. Elevation: 407 m
  • Route: Igueste (village) – Atalaya de los Ingleses (abandoned stone shelter) – Viewpoint – Igueste (village)
  • Where to Stay: Steps to the beach (midrange) in Las Gaviotas, or San Andres Beach Apartment (midrange) in San Andres

Igueste de San Andrés is a small village north of Playa de las Teresitas. Huddled around Barraco de Igueste, this white-washed village is an exciting back entrance into the Anaga mountains.

When you drive to Igueste, follow the road to the other side of the Barranco (ravine). You’ll see lots of street parking along Calle Manuel Vera Álvarez, near the bus stop. 

To find the trail, you’ll have to walk past a church and through a residential area. Initially, you’ll climb up a staircase and follow signs to El Semaforo on PR – TF 5.  Once you’re on the trail, it’s impossible to lose it. Maps.me will help you locate the trailhead. 

After steadily hiking uphill for about 300 meters (1.2 km), you’ll reach an intersection. Turn left here, following the sign to Atalaya de los Ingleses.

The right path will take you to El Semáforo de Igueste, which is an abandoned building and viewpoint. The views at El Semáforo are okay, not outstanding. So, no need to detour here. 

Though short, we really loved this hike, because of the vegetation and the marvelous views of Igueste and the Anaga coastline.

As you gain elevation, the village looks like a white pearl mounted on a bloodstone setting. It’s spellbinding. You’ll see Mount Teide and Santa Cruz off in the distance. 

The trail eventually plateaus. You’ll ascend along a ridge to a stone shelter called Atalaya de los Ingleses. From here, it’s a quick walk to an obvious lookout point.

At the lookout, you’ll be able to see Playa de Antequera. If you’re interested in a longer hike, you can continue all the way down to Playa de Antequera. 

Tip: Start your hike in the morning for the best light and temperature. There is no shade along this trail, so you’ll be fried by the sun if you get a late start on a sunny day. 

3. Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada and Las Carboneras Hike

Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada and Las Carboneras Hike, Anaga Mountains Best Hikes, Tenerife
  • Trailhead: Punta del Hidalgo 
  • Distance: 15.6 km lollipop-circuit
  • Time Needed: 7 hours
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1577 m
  • Difficulty: Difficult 
  • Min. Elevation: 22 m
  • Max. Elevation: 744 m
  • Route: Punta del Hidalgo (village) – Chinamada (hamlet) – Las Carboneras (hamlet) – Chinamada (hamlet) – Punta del Hidalgo (village)
  • Where to Stay: Punta Paradiso (midrange) in Punta del Hidalgo, or Sunset Dream Bajamar (midrange) in Bajamar

This Anaga hiking trail combines rugged mountain scenery with interesting cultural sites. You’ll get a glimpse into rural life in Anaga Rural Park as you walk past cave dwellings and terraced fields. 

There are a few different ways to do this popular hike. You can do an out-and-back hike starting and ending in Punta del Hidalgo (what we did). Or, you can start in Cruz del Carmen and hike all the way down to Punta del Hidalgo.

If you’re interested in the second option, park in La Laguna and take the bus to Cruz del Carmen. When you finish the hike, take another bus back to La Laguna. 

From the lookout area Mirador Punta Del Hidalgo, follow the road towards Roque dos Hermanos. Continue on the walking path until you see a semi-derelict building, located at the floor of Barranco del Río.

From here, you’ll cross the stream and initially take the right trail (left leads to the beach) uphill. Next, take the broad hiking path (to the left) and start the steady ascent to Chinamada (2 hours needed), a village that’s famous for its cave dwellings.

As you gain elevation, you’ll pass a few lookout points. Shortly before arriving in Chinamada, you’ll pass some terraced farmland.  When you arrive at Chinamada, treat yourself to a simple but delicious lunch at Restaurante La Cueva. 

From Chinamada, you have a few options. You can detour to the Mirador Aguaide lookout point. You can also continue your hike to Las Carboneras, another remote hamlet in the Anaga mountains, which isn’t a must-do. 

To get to Las Carboneras, follow the trail through las Escaleras to Degollada de las Escaleras. At the intersection, make a left and follow the trail for 20 minutes (710 m) to a paved road.

Turn left on the road and head down to Las Carboneras (~10 min). Walk through the hamlet and follow the road back down to Chinamada. The best part of this extension is seeing the terraced fields around Las Carboneras. 

From Chinamada, head back to Punta del Hidalgo the same way you ascended. 

Tip: After your hike, take a dip in the natural pool (Piscina Natural) in Punta del Hidalgo. 

Shorter Alternative Hike: Punta del Hidalgo – Chinamada: 9.4 km out-and-back; 3:30 hours; Elevation Gain/Loss: 990 m;

4. Taganana to Playa de Tamadite

Taganana to Playa de Tamadite, Best Hikes in the Anaga Mountains, Tenerife, Spain
  • Trailhead: Taganana 
  • Distance: 10 km out-and-back
  • Time Needed: 4:45 hours 
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 767 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Min. Elevation: 24 m
  • Max. Elevation: 330 m
  • Route: Taganana (village) –  El Chorro (hamlet) – Playa de Tamadite (beach) – El Chorro (hamlet) – Taganana (village)
  • Where to Stay: Casanaga (budget) in Almáciga, or Vivienda Vacacional Casa Taganana (luxury) in Taganana

When we visited the Anaga Rural Park Visitor Center (Visitantes del Parque Rural de Anaga) at Cruz del Carmen, we were informed that the route from Afur to Playa de Tamadite was closed.

Our original plan was to do the loop trail that starts in Afur and leads to Taganana, then to La Cumbrecilla, and ultimately back to Afur (13,1 km circuit; 5:45 hours; Elevation Gain/Loss: 1070 m).

With the trail closure, we opted for an out-and-back hike from Taganana to Playa de Tamadite.

The hike from the village of Taganana to the beach Playa de Tamadite hugs the coast the whole time, delivering continuous views of the spectacular Anaga coastline. 

When starting in Taganana, the only tricky part is finding the trailhead. We parked near the village pharmacy. From here, it’s a 20-minute uphill walk to reach the trailhead.

Signage is very poor, so we relied on Maps.me. We didn’t drive all the way to the trailhead, because the village roads are very narrow and steep. 

When you do find the trailhead, just continue straight, following the coastline. You’ll hike through a small wine-producing village called El Chorro. Shortly before arriving at the beach, you’ll cross the Barranco de Afur stream.

Playa de Tamadite is the perfect place to eat lunch and take a break, before starting the return journey back to Taganana. 

5. Roque de Taborno

Roque de Taborno Hike, Anaga Mountains Hiking Trails, Tenerife, Spain
  • Trailhead: Taborno 
  • Distance: 4 km lollipop-circuit
  • Time Needed: 1:50 hours 
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 381 m
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Min. Elevation: 505 m
  • Max. Elevation: 635 m
  • Route: Taborno (hamlet) – Mirador sobre Barranco La Fajana (lookout point) – Era de los Cardos (lookout point) – Taborno (hamlet)
  • Where to Stay: La Laguna Gran Hotel (midrange), or Hotel Boutique San Diego – Adults Only (luxury) in San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Roque de Taborno is a thumb-shaped rock that rises 706 meters above sea level on the north coast of the Anaga peninsula.

While seeing “Tenerife’s Matterhorn” is certainly a highlight, the real treat is the dramatic coastal views. It looks like the Anaga mountain range is rippling into the sea. 

To start this hike, head to Taborno, a tiny hamlet located deep in the Anaga Rural Park. In this tiny settlement, you’ll find a bar (Casa Hilario), a restaurant (Historias para no dormir), and a small chapel. 

From the village’s main road, continue walking to the chapel. After passing on the right side of the chapel, descend a few meters to a viewpoint.

The trail continues to another viewpoint Mirador sobre Barranco La Fajana. You’re going to follow the circular route around Roque de Taborno clockwise. 

When you’re about 180 degrees around, there’s a spectacular vantage point of the craggy Anaga coast. Complete the circuit and follow the trail back to Taborno. 

6. Path of the Senses Forest Walk

Path of the Senses Forest Walk, Cruz del Carmen, Anaga Forest, Tenerife

Directly from Cruz del Carmen, you can embark on a short hike through Anaga’s lush laurel forest.

Starting from the parking lot, look for signs to “Trail of the Senses.”

You can choose between 3 walks, all with varying lengths. The longest walk is 30 minutes.

Best Base for Hiking in the Anaga Mountains 

San Cristóbal de La Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, or simply La Laguna, is located inland, 10.5 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

If you stay in La Laguna, you’re well-positioned to reach Punta del Hidalgo, Cruz del Carmen, and the Anaga Mountain Road. You can also use local buses to reach trailheads and do point-to-point hikes, like Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo.

Furthermore, La Laguna is one of Tenerife’s most charming cities, offering plenty of dining options amidst Spanish colonial architecture. During your visit, don’t miss out on the city’s bustling marketplace: Mercado Municipal de San Cristobal de la Laguna.

Budget | Casa Del Casco Historico is a centrally located guesthouse in La Laguna, walking distance to many restaurants and cafés in the historic center. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, lounge, garden, and terrace. Coffee, tea, and cookies are provided.

Midrange | La Laguna Gran Hotel is a top-rated hotel in the heart of La Laguna’s old town, featuring a stylish lobby entrance, clean and spacious bedrooms, a rooftop pool (seasonal), and an on-site restaurant. Highlights of staying here are the central location, breakfast buffet, and the warm and friendly atmosphere. You can park in the hotel’s parking garage (extra charge), or in a free car park behind the hotel. 

Luxury | ​​Hotel Boutique San Diego – Adults Only stands out with its elegant, yet cheerful interior design, intimate atmosphere, and lovely gardens. Guests love the breakfast featuring local products, the spacious and modern bedrooms, and the helpfulness of the hosts (booking dinner reservations and taxis, personal recommendations). The hotel is a 10-15 minute walk to the old town.

Look for accommodation in La Laguna.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife 

Though not as photogenic as La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife feels genuine and local. Seeing the sunrise over the ocean each morning was a real treat.

Also, if you stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it’s easy to access Playa de Las Teresitas (Tenerife’s most beautiful beach), the white-washed village of Igueste de San Andrés (trailhead), and TF 134 (scenic road to Taganana and Benijo).

Budget | Casa Weyler is a friendly and centrally located bed and breakfast in Santa Cruz. Guests have access to a large communal kitchen and lounge and balcony (6th floor) with mountain and sea views. 

Midrange | EDI Astoria impresses easily with its bright and cheerful interior. Each modern unit has it’s own fully equipped kitchen and dining space. EDI Astoria is located in the center of the city, which is very convenient, but it can also get noisy at night. 

Luxury | Monkey House (3 nights minimum stay) is the best option for a family. This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment is modern, impeccably clean, and well-equipped. Free private parking included.

Look for accommodation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Read Next: Where to Stay in Tenerife for Hiking

If you thought this post was helpful, follow us on Instagram @moonhoneytravelers

Tenerife:

Hiking in Spain:

Hiking in Europe: