Hiking in Tenerife convinced us that the Canary Islands are one of the best hiking destinations in Europe, especially in winter.

From sweeping volcanic landscapes evocative of Mars to rolling verdant mountains that unfurl into the sea, this island enchants at every turn.

The most impressive hiking trails in Tenerife are concentrated in Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno mountains.

We recommend spending at least one week on the island to sample each of these regions, as outlined in this Tenerife road trip itinerary. 

This Tenerife hiking guide provides an overview of our favorite trails on the island, with links to more in-depth posts. 

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 Tenerife Mountains

1. Santiago del Teide to Masca in the Teno Mountains – This trail is currently closed due to construction (as of Aug 2022). Please reach out to the local authorities for trail updates.
2. Roques de García in Teide National Park
3. Parador Nacional to Guajara in Teide National Park
4. Benijo to Faro de Anaga Loop Trail in the Anaga Mountains 
5. Taganana to Playa de Tamadite in the Anaga Mountains 
6. Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada in the Anaga Mountains 
7. Roque de Taborno Circuit Trail in the Anaga Mountains
8. Camino del Risco – Teno Alto – Punta de Teno in the Teno Mountains
9. Igueste to Atalaya de los Ingleses in the Anaga Mountains
10. Tamaimo and Montaña de Guama Circuit Trail in the Teno Mountains

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Tenerife Hiking Map

Getting Around Tenerife

The most efficient way to travel between hiking destinations in Tenerife is with your own car. We’ve tied together all the best Tenerife hiking destinations in this 1 Week Tenerife Road Trip.

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.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your can rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here. 

Tips for Hiking in Tenerife

1. One of the most popular hikes in Tenerife is Pico del Teide (Mount Teide Peak). If you want to summit Teide, you need a permit. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about this hike in our guide to Visiting Mount Teide National Park.

2. Purchase a Tenerife hiking guidebook like the Tenerife Rother Walking Guide before you arrive in Tenerife. It’s really difficult to find helpful trail guides once you’re on the island.

3. Pack hiking snacks and sufficient water for every hike. Even though there are restaurants scattered across the Tenerife mountains, they’re not always open. 

4. Wear Grade B/C hiking boots like the women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX / Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (what Kati and I wear) or the men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX. You need sturdy shoes to tackle steep and slippery terrain (e.g. scree and wet leaves)

5. Use a mobile trail app with offline maps to locate trailheads. 

6. Base yourself in La Laguna for hiking in the Anaga Mountains, Buenavista del Norte or Los Gigantes for exploring Teno Rural Park, and Vilaflor for hiking in Teide National Park. Learn more in our guide to Where to Stay in Tenerife for Hiking.

1. Santiago del Teide to Masca

Teno Mountains

• Trailhead: Santiago del Teide
• Distance: 9.2 km point-to-point
• Time Needed: 4 hours
• Elevation: 574 m ascending / 905 m descending
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Min. Elevation: 588 m
• Max. Elevation: 1272 m
• Route: Santiago del Teide (930 m) – Degollada de la Mesa (1247 m)  – Pico Verde (1318 m) – Cruz de Hilda – Masca (620 m)
• Where to Stay: Hotel La Casona del Patio (midrange) in Santiago del Teide, or Sweet Home Masca (midrange) in Masca

The point-to-point hike from Santiago del Teide town to Masca village showcases the majesty of the Teno Mountains. It’s a walking route that we’d have gladly done again and again. 

You’ll initially ascend 388 meters to the Degollada de la Mesa col. From here, take a quick detour to Pico Verde, which serves up unbeatable views of the sinuous TF-436 cutting through the mountains to Masca. 

Returning back to the col, you’ll follow the ridge trail and ultimately descend through laurel forest to the Mirador de Cruz de Hilda lookout point.

The last stretch takes you to Masca village, where you can grab a bite to eat before shuttling back to Masca on Bus 355 (timetable)

Learn more about this hike: Hiking in the Teno Mountains

2. Roques de García

Teide National Park

• Trailhead: Mirador de la Ruleta 
• Distance: 4.2 km circuit
• Time Needed: 1:30 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 170 m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Min. Elevation: 2022 m
• Max. Elevation: 2183 m
• Where to Stay: Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide (luxury) in Teide National Park, or Hotel Spa Villalba (luxury) in Vilaflor

Pico del Teide gets all the press. After all, it’s Spain’s highest mountain.

However, if you look beyond the imposing volcano, you’ll find a plethora of hiking trails that traverse Las Cañadas caldera. One short and easy walk everyone should do is Roques de García.

With Mount Teide in full view, you’ll circuit the park’s most striking rock formation in just over an hour. The hike starts at the viewpoint Mirador de la Ruleta, directly across from Parador Nacional. 

From the Mirador de la Ruleta lookout point, you’ll see the impressive La Catedral rock jutting out of the Caldera floor. In the background, the caldera rim looks like a wall of stone.

Also Read: How to Visit Teide National Park

3. Parador Nacional to Montaña Guajara Circuit Trail

Teide National Park

• Trailhead: Parador Nacional (bus stop, hotel, gift shop and cafeteria)
• Distance: 10 km circuit
• Time Needed: 4:30 hours 
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 647 m
• Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult 
• Min. Elevation: 2126 m
• Max. Elevation: 2693 m
• Route: Parador Nacional – Degollada de Guajara (mountain pass) – Guajara (mountain) – Degollada de Ucanca (mountain pass) – Parador Nacional
• Where to Stay: Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide (luxury) in Teide Nationalpark, or El Tejar Hotel & Spa (midrange) in Vilaflor

Montaña Guajara is the highest mountain along the caldera rim in Teide National Park.

While there are a few ways to summit Montaña Guajara, we recommend starting at Parador Nacional. From here, it’s a slow and steady ascent to the Guajara plateau. Follow the circuit trail clockwise.

At the top, you’ll have a brilliant birds-eye view of the caldera landscape and Mount Teide. The whole circuit hike takes 4:30 hours. 

Learn more about this hike: Best Hikes in Teide National Park

4. Benijo to Faro de Anaga Lighthouse Circuit

Anaga Mountains 

• 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

The Anaga massif is the oldest part of the island and, in our opinion, the most beautiful range in Tenerife. The Anaga mountains feel like a living being, eternally gliding into the sea.

To get a substantial overview of this Tenerife mountain range, we recommend hiking this 6-hour circuit trail.

This Tenerife hike begins in the tiny hamlet of Benijo, close to Taganana. The trail follows the coast all the way to the Faro de Anaga lighthouse.

From the lighthouse, you’ll hike inland to the village of Chamorga, which is located at the very end of the Anaga Mountain Road. The trail then continues all the way back to Benijo. 

It’s also possible to shorten this hike. When you reach El Draguillo, turn right and hike uphill in the direction of Chamorga.

After about 270 meters of elevation gain (1 km), you’ll reach an intersection. Turn right and follow this scenic trail to Benijo.

Learn More: Benijo to Faro de Anaga trail guide

5. Taganana to Playa de Tamadite

Anaga Mountains 

• 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

The pleasant Tenerife walk from the remote village of Taganana to the beach Playa de Tamadite delivers nonstop brilliant views of the Anaga coastline in both directions. 

This is an easy walk with little grade variation. The only tricky part is locating the trailhead. We used Maps.me to find it. 

Early on, you’ll hike through the small wine-producing village called El Chorro. Before arriving at the Tamadite beach, you’ll descend to Barranco de Afur and cross a stream.

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

Note: it’s possible to extend this hike, as seen on the map.

We weren’t able to do this circuit, because the trail between Afur and Playa de Tamadite was closed. Get updates on the trail at the Cruz del Carmen visitor center. 

Learn More: Best Hikes in the Anaga Mountains

6. Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada and Carboneras

Anaga Mountains

• 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 Tenerife hiking trail is invariably the most popular walk in Parque Rural de Anaga. Most hikers will start at the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center and descend all the way to Punte del Hidalgo.

That’s probably the best way to do it, especially if you’re based in La Laguna. You can take a bus to the trailhead, and then return to La Laguna with another bus from Punta del Hidalgo. 

We did an out-and-point hike starting in Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada and Carboneras because we wanted maximum flexibility. From the coast, the trail steadily climbs up above Barranco del Río to the Troglodyte (cave) settlement Chinamada.

People still live in caves here, though they are modernized. When you arrive, head to Restaurante La Cueva for heartwarming Canary food. 

You can continue to Carboneras (not a must-do), or head back down to Punta del Hidalgo after lunch. For more details, read Best Hikes in the Anaga Mountains.

7. Roque de Taborno Circuit Trail

Anaga Mountains

• 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

Endearingly referred to as  “Tenerife’s Matterhorn,” Roque de Taborno is a thumb-shaped rock that rises 706 meters above sea level on the north coast of the Anaga peninsula.

A short trail circuits Tenerife’s Matterhorn, delivering godly views of the Northern Anaga Coastline. DO NOT MISS THIS HIKE!

This Tenerife hiking trail begins in the hamlet of Taborno in Anaga Rural Park. When you arrive, locate the chapel. You’ll walk along the right side of the tiny church and descend a few meters to a viewpoint.

Continue following the trail to Roque de Taborno. As you circuit the rock clockwise, the views dramatically crescendo. 

8. Camino del Risco – Teno Alto – Punta de Teno

Teno Mountains

• Trailhead: Barranco del Monte parking lot / Sendero del Risco Muertos (PR TF 58) Trailhead 
• Distance: 10.1 km point-to-point
• Time Needed: 4 hours (Hiking only) / 6 hours total (Lunch in Teno Alto + Lighthouse + Bus) 
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 617 m ascending / 786 m descending 
• Difficulty: Difficult 
• Min. Elevation: 0 m
• Max. Elevation: 782 m
• Route: Barranco del Monte – Teno Alto – Punta de Teno – Bus – Barranco del Monte
• Where to Stay: Viña Camello (midrange), or Meliá Hacienda del Conde (Adults only) (luxury) in Buenavista del Norte

To start this hike, head to the coastal town of Buenavista del Norte in the northwest of Tenerife. Continue driving in the direction of Punta de Teno and park at the Barranco del Monte parking lot, the entrance to Carretera del Faro de Punta de Teno road.

From here, look for the Camino del Risco trail sign, indicating 3.8 km to Teno Alto.

You’ll ascend to Teno Alto (2:30 hours) along PR TF 58, a steep and thrilling trail. 

Teno Alto is a remote hamlet in Parque Rural de Teno, consisting of a few scattered homesteads and lots of goats. After lunch in Teno Alto, the trail continues along the PR TF-51 to Punta de Teno.

Punta de Teno is a rocky headland that forms the northwestern tip of Tenerife. It’s crowned with a candy-cane-stripped lighthouse.

Punta de Teno is also one of the best places to admire the Los Gigantes cliffs (Acantilado de Los Gigantes).

You can return to the trailhead by bus.

9. Igueste to Atalaya de los Ingleses

Anaga Mountains

• 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

The hike to Atalaya de los Ingleses delivers sensational views of the Anaga mountain range and the rugged coast. Start this hike in the morning for the best light.

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.

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.

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. It’s possible to extend the hike all the way down to this beach.

10. Tamaimo and Montaña de Guama Circuit Trail

Teno Mountains

• Trailhead: Tamaimo 
• Distance: 4.8 km circuit
• Time Needed: 2:15 hours
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 425 m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Min. Elevation: 438 m
• Max. Elevation: 858 m
• Route: Tamaimo (570 m) – Cruz de los Misioneros (810 m) – Montaña de Guama (877 m) – El Agujero Viewpoint (optional) – Tamaimo
• Where to Stay: Hotel La Casona del Patio (midrange) in Santiago del Teide, or Royal Sun Resort (luxury) in Los Gigantes

The circular hiking trail above Tamaimo boasts some heavenly views of the coast and the Tamaimo valley. 

To find the trailhead, walk down Calle Santa Ana to the Iglesia de Santa Ana church. Next, follow Calle el Agua (a residential road) to the Barranco de Santiago stream. Follow signs for Cruz de Los Misioneros (PR TF 65.2). 

From the church, it’s a 220 m ascent (1.1 km) to the Cruz de Los Misioneros viewpoint. From here, you’ll continue on the main trail to the ridgeline. The views of Santiago Valley with Pico del Teide off in the distance is well worth the effort.

The highest point of the ridge is Montaña de Guama, a small rocky outcrop marked by a white cross. 

Following the ridgeline on the left side, you’ll see the rugged coastline, Barranco Seco, and La Gomera. 

There’s an optional detour to the El Agujero Viewpoint (no signage). After following the ridge trail for about 500 meters, you’ll see a trail fork right. It’s a good 25 minutes to the viewpoint from this intersection.

As you descend to the viewpoint, you’ll see the coastal resort towns of Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago, the Gigantes Cliffs, and Barranco Seco. 

The main trail descends to Degollada de Tejera. From here, the trail departs the ridge and heads down to Santiago Valley. Follow the valley trail (PR TF 65) back to Tamaimo.

The final slow ascent along the valley floor takes about 30 minutes (1.2 km).

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Tenerife and Spain Hiking & Travel Guides

Tenerife: Learn about visiting Tenerife in winter in our guide to The Best Things to Do in Tenerife in January. To access all our Tenerife content, head to our Tenerife Blog Archive.

Gran Canaria: Plan a winter sun hiking trip to Gran Canaria with Best Hikes in Gran Canaria and this 7-Day Gran Canaria Road Trip.

Mallorca Trip Planning: Read Where to Stay in Mallorca for a summary of the best regions, villages, and accommodations in Mallorca. We’ve tied together these top destinations and our favorite Mallorca hiking trails in our 1 Week Mallorca Road Trip Itinerary. To access all our Mallorca content, head to our Mallorca blog archive.

Spain: Read all our guides about Spain in our Spain Travel Guide and Spain blog archive.

Hiking in Europe: We’re passionate about writing about the most beautiful and interesting hiking hiking trails in Europe:

• Best Hikes in Malta
• Best Hikes in Portugal
• Best Hikes in Slovenia
• Best Day Hikes in Austria
• Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
• Best Day Hikes in Europe