Hiking on holiday is a really great way to see a different country. Feeling the ground under your feet, the warm air on your skin, with a rucksack packed with local snacks is surely one of life’s greatest pleasures for those who like to be outside.
Tenerife’s balmy year-round temperatures mean that every season is an opportunity to see the island in a new way. As one of the best value for money destinations on the Canary Islands archipelago, a holiday here can be done both on a budget and in true luxury style, meaning it’s perfect for all types of travellers.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just a beginner, here’s our complete guide to hiking in Tenerife.
Teide National Park
Teide National Park features the Teide Volcano, the highest peak on Spanish soil at 3718m, and it’s worth a visit to the area to see this alone. The park is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is known for its low-hanging cloud cover, often called the ‘sea of clouds’, which creates a moody atmosphere.
There are a range of trails available in the park, from easy loop hikes to more challenging routes. For those who want to get beautiful views without having to actually climb a mountain, check out the Roque de Garcia loop. This path allows you to take in Mount Teide, La Catedral rock formation, and Las Cañadas caldera (a crater known as ‘the Devil’s Cauldron’). It only takes one and a half hours, and there isn’t too much elevation change as you start from a high point, so it’s perfect to take in the sights and enjoy the landscape. Start at Mirador de la Ruleta.
Anaga Rural Park
Anaga is full of towering mountains covered in lush mossy greenery, and it is a protected rural park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, with the highest number of endemic species in Europe. It is extremely popular with hikers as it offers a different view of Tenerife than the dry, desert-style terrain, and there are walks that suit both experienced hikers and those with children and reduced mobility.
One of the most popular trails is the Taganana to Playa de Tamadite route, which is an out and back path, rather than a loop. It is 8.4km in total and takes around 4 hours to complete, meaning it’s perfect for a day hike. Taganana is a small village that is known for its traditional atmosphere and white houses, whilst Playa de Tamadite boasts unspoiled beaches, so make sure to take your swimming gear for a well-deserved dip before heading back.
To sum up
Besides the areas we’ve covered in this post, there are plenty of spots in Tenerife for hikers to go and explore, wherever you’re staying on the island. When hiking, make sure to check the weather forecast before you head off, and come prepared to be out in the sun for long periods of time, especially in the south of the island where it is warmest. Near Mount Teide, the weather can be changeable, so make sure you have the appropriate kit and ideally let someone else know where you’ll be if you’re going to be venturing off well-known paths.
