Here’s a list of popular hiking and walking trails in Tenerife that will appeal to those who want to discover the beauty of Tenerife.
🌄 Teide National Park (Central Volcano Region)
Roques de García Trail
- Region: Teide National Park
- Distance: ~4 km (2½ mi) loop
- Time: ~1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Stunning volcanic rock formations, including Roque Cinchado, la “Cathedral,” and La Cascada
- Transport: Accessible by car or bus from Vilaflor; parking available near Mirador de la Ruleta
- Facilities: Visitor centre, restroom facilities at parking area
- Best time: Spring/autumn; morning for best light
- Tip: Start early in the morning to catch the sunrise illuminating the rock formations. Bring a camera for stunning photos!
Pico del Teide via Montaña Blanca
- Region: Teide National Park
- Distance: ~8 km up to cable car (extendable to summit)
- Time: ~4–5 hours (longer if summit permit used)
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Highlights: Summit of Spain’s highest peak, dramatic lunar landscape, cable-car option if descending
- Permits: Required for summit; book in advance online (free but limited)
- Transport: Road TF‑21 to Montaña Blanca parking; bus service to Parador or via Vilaflor for Guajara start
- Facilities: Altavista shelter, visitor centre at Parador, parking
- Best time: Spring/autumn; weather can be cold and windy at altitude
- Tip: If you plan to summit, acclimatise by spending time at higher altitudes beforehand. Dress in layers, as temperatures can drop significantly.
Guajara Summit Trail
- Region: Teide National Park
- Distance: ~4–5 km (north trail via hotel Parador)
- Time: ~2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Spectacular crater rim views, lesser crowds, nearby observatory
- Transport: Buses from north and south serve Parador; parking available
- Facilities: Hotel Parador amenities, toilets
- Best time: Spring or autumn; midday to avoid high winds
- Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds. The views from the summit are especially breathtaking at sunset.
🌿 Anaga Rural Park (North-East Forest Region)
PR‑TF‑8 Loop: Afur – Taganana – Tamadiste
- Region: Anaga Mountains, north Tenerife
- Distance: ~14 km (9 mi) circuit
- Time: ~5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Coastal cliffs, ancient laurel forests, ocean views, rural villages
- Transport: Bus line 946 to Taganana from Santa Cruz; limited parking at Afur; remote roads
- Facilities: Rest areas, cafés in Taganana, public toilets at village
- Best time: Spring or autumn; mornings to avoid coastal fog; early season advisable
- Tip: Stop in Taganana for local seafood at a small restaurant. The fresh catch is a must-try!
PR‑TF‑4 (El Bailadero – Taganana)
- Region: Anaga region
- Distance: ~8 km one way
- Time: ~3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Ridge views, panoramic ocean outlooks, laurel woodland
- Transport: Bus 946 to Taganana; return hike or taxi transfer required
- Facilities: Limited – plan water and snacks
- Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic viewpoints along the trail. The views are perfect for a break.
Other Trails in Anaga
- Additional routes include Taganana Interpretive Trail, Afur‑Chinamada circuits, and others around Cruz del Carmen—known for peaceful forest scenery and varied path types. Start points commonly accessible by bus or taxi, though many need private transport for convenience.
- Tip: Explore the lesser-known trails early in the morning for a peaceful experience. The forest is magical with morning mist.
🌊 Teno Rural Park (North-West Rugged Region)
Masca Gorge (Barranco de Masca)
- Region: Teno Massif, north-west Tenerife
- Distance: ~8 km (5 mi) one way to beach and return up canyon (~16 km total)
- Time: 3–4 hours descent; return & transfer time extra
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard (rocky, steep descent)
- Highlights: Dramatic gorge, cliffs, descent to black-sand beach, geological interest
- Transport: Narrow winding road TF-436 to Masca village; no direct public transport—tour or taxi recommended
- Permits & restrictions: No permit but limited infrastructure and restricted access on safety/weather grounds
- Facilities: Café in Masca village; water and rest areas minimal
- Best time: Early morning, with stable weather in spring or autumn
- Tip: Consider taking a guided tour for safety and to learn about the area’s geology and history. Bring plenty of water!
Punta de Teno & Viewpoint Hikes
- Region: Western tip of Teno Rural Park
- Distance: ~5–10 km depending on exact route
- Time: 2–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Lighthouse at westernmost point, sea views, less-travelled paths, coastal terrain
- Transport: Access restricted; local taxi / guided tour needed; limited parking near Teno lighthouse
- Facilities: Very limited; bring own supplies
- Tip: Check the weather before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly. The lighthouse is a great spot for sunset views.
🥾 Long-Distance Trails
GR‑131 Camino Natural Anaga–Chasna (North‑South Traverse)
- Region: Crosses entire island from La Esperanza to Arona
- Distance: ~90–180 km depending on route stage (~5–8 days)
- Time: ~8–10 days for full traverse; can do shorter sections
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard (variable terrain)
- Highlights: Covers laurel forests, volcanic scenery, coastal and mountain environments
- Transport: Multiple trailheads served by road and towns; public transport to major stops like Arona, La Esperanza
- Facilities: Villages en route offer lodging, food; camping only in spots without huts
- Best time: Winter to spring (December–April) to avoid summer heat and trail closures
- Tip: Plan your stages carefully and consider staying in local accommodations along the route. The villages offer a glimpse into local life.
🌊 North Coast Coastal Walks
Rambla de Castro (Los Realejos to Playa de Castro)
- Distance & Duration: ~9.3 km round-trip (~3 hrs)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with some climbs and stair sections
- Highlights: Coastal cliffs, banana plantations, palm groves, black-sand beach at Playa de Castro, old fort and viewpoint displays
- Transport & Parking: Bus #363 to start or end, parking at Mirador de San Pedro and near Playa de Castro
- Tip: Look for the old fort ruins along the way; they provide great photo opportunities and a bit of history.
Cruz del Carmen – Punta de Hidalgo (PR‑TF‑10)
- Distance & Duration: ~10 km linear, ~4 hrs
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to descent (~900 m)
- Highlights: Transitions from thick laurel forest to rugged coastline, wonderful ocean views, laurel flora diversity
- Transport & Facilities: Start at Cruz del Carmen (accessible from La Laguna); end in Punta del Hidalgo with limited services; return via bus or taxi
- Tip: Bring a light jacket, as the coastal winds can be chilly, especially in the afternoon.
Coastal Walk in the North (Guided)
- Distance & Duration: ~11 km, about 4–5 hrs
- Difficulty: Moderate, ~375 m ascent/descent
- Highlights: Banana groves, historic fort, black shale beaches, rich views of Atlantic cliffs and coastal villages
- Transport: Often includes resort-area transfers (Los Cristianos/Playa de las Americas) arranged by guides or tour services
- Tip: Ask your guide about local flora and fauna; they often have fascinating insights about the region’s biodiversity.
Sendero El Sauzal (El Sauzal to coast)
- Distance & Duration: ~several kms along coastal vineyards, irrigation channels, beaches
- Difficulty: Moderate; gentle terrain with scenic elevation changes
- Highlights: Vineyards, ocean views from cliffs, small pebble beaches, remnants of traditional irrigation systems
- Access: Trailhead in El Sauzal with parking or local bus options
- Tip: Visit during the grape harvest season (late summer) for a chance to taste local wines at nearby vineyards.
☀️ South Coast Coastal Walks
Los Cristianos to Playa de Las Américas to Costa Adeje
- Distance & Duration: ~3 km from Los Cristianos to Las Américas (~1 hr) or extend toward Playa del Duque (~up to ~6–7 km total)
- Difficulty: Easy — entirely paved promenade, stroller and wheelchair friendly
- Highlights: Resort beaches (Los Cristianos, Las Vistas, El Camisón, Las Américas, Puerto Colón), sunset vistas, abundant cafés/beach bars
- Transport & Facilities: Well-served by bus and taxis; many benches, toilets, lights, shops along route
- Tip: Enjoy a sunset stroll along the promenade; the atmosphere is lively with street performers and beach bars.
Coastal Hike from Los Cristianos to Palm-Mar / Las Galletas via Montaña de Guaza
- Distance & Duration: ~9 km loop (~4 hrs)
- Difficulty: Medium — mix of paved promenade and dirt sections with some steep stretches
- Highlights: Coastal panoramas, cacti-covered volcanic terrain of Guaza Natural Monument, seabirds, small secluded coves, the coastal village of Palm‑Mar
- Transport & Parking: Street parking in Los Cristianos; walk south past Playa de los Tarajales via dirt paths toward Montaña de Guaza and loop back via Palm-Mar
- Tip: Look for hidden coves along the way; they’re perfect for a quick dip in the ocean.
Barranco del Infierno Gorge (son + coastal end)
- Distance & Duration: ~6.5 km out & back (~3.5 hrs total)
- Difficulty: Moderate — managed path inside a canyon; visitor limit applies
- Highlights: Tropical ravine, dragon trees, waterfall at trail end, archaeological sites (Guanche caves), then optional walk out toward sea
- Permits: Online reservation required; limited daily entries; helmets mandatory inside the gorge
- Tip: Book your permit well in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as spots fill up quickly.
Camino del Risco to Punta de Teno
- Distance & Duration: ~10 km (~4 hrs) linear route
- Difficulty: Moderate–hard — steep inclines and exposed coastal ridges (~617 m elevation change)
- Highlights: Spectacular westernmost coastal views, cliff edges, sweeping ocean scenes, remote lighthouse at Punta de Teno
- Transport & Access: Start near Buenavista del Norte; end at Punta de Teno where road is restricted—local taxi or guided return required
- Tip: Bring a good pair of hiking shoes; the terrain can be rocky and steep in places. The views are worth the effort!
✅ Useful Notes & Safety Tips:
- Check official sites or the Tenerife ON app before hiking—some trails may be temporarily closed due to reforestation or maintenance. Trespassing into closed zones can result in fines or rescue charges.
- Permit requirements: Both Barranco del Infierno and Pico del Teide summit require advance booking.
- Best seasons and times: Coastal breezes in the north are cooler year-round; in the south, spring and autumn offer the best walking comfort. Avoid mid-afternoon in summer along exposed promenades or ridge lines.
These coastal walks, from relaxing promenades to more challenging sea cliffs, are perfect for showcasing Tenerife’s contrasting coastal environments.
