With an altitude of almost 4,000 meters, Tenerife is a paradise for hikers. The island offers a large variety of trails that cater to every level, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, Tenerife’s diverse landscapes offer stunning scenery. You can enjoy everything from rugged mountains to lush forests. Here are some top picks to inspire your next adventure.
Easy Trails: For those seeking a relaxed experience, there are plenty of small, gentle walks to choose from. Within Teide National Park, you can do a section of the Siete Cañadas trail. This trail starts right at the Parador Hotel and offers an accessible path. You can also check out the Alto de Guamaso Trail or the accessible part of Roques de García. At the coast level, try the Rambla de Castro trail or explore the Buena Vista Golf Trail. Another easy, family-friendly choice is the Coastal Royal Road in Las Aguas, perfect for leisurely enjoyment of Tenerife’s natural beauty. In Anaga Rural Park, El Bosque Encantado (The Enchanted Forest) provides an easy, immersive experience in Tenerife’s ancient laurel forests. Below: El bosque encantado.
Moderate Trails: If you’re ready for a bit more adventure, explore the trails in Teno or Masca. Beyond Masca Canyon, Teno offers various trails, including the scenic Madre del Agua road that connects to Erjos. There are also several trails around Teno Alto. For an excellent view, try the circular trail from the Alto de Baracán lookout to Teno Alto. The peak of Cumbre Bólico, covered in dense laurel forest, is also ideal for a moderate hike. In Anaga Rural Park, Antequera Beach is a must-see, though it’s seasonal. You’ll need to book a boat in advance to avoid hiking back up. Below: Alto de Baracán and Teno Alto trail.
Advanced Trails: For experienced hikers, climbing Mount Teide is the ultimate challenge. Be sure to book the peak access 2-3 months in advance. You can hike Mount Teide from the Montaña Blanca side. Then return via Pico Viejo. This route covers nearly 20 km of raw volcanic landscape. In La Orotava, La Caldera is home to the impressive Los Órganos trails. The cliffs offer great views of the pine forest and also views of Teide. In Anaga, the route from Cruz del Carmen to Punta Hidalgo passes via Chinamada. It showcases a dramatic forest transition from above 1,000 meters to the coast. In Teno, Cuevas Negras trail is steep and challenging. It takes you through water-carved canyons. This hike is ideal for those seeking a physically demanding adventure with unparalleled scenery. Below: Los Órganos trail.
Tenerife truly has something for every level. You may know Tenerife is touristic. Amazingly, you can hide from the touristic crowds. You just need to do what most do not do. Lace up your boots and discover the island’s diverse hiking opportunities!
Playa de Bollullo is far from the popular tourist beaches of Puerto de La Cruz. It offers a peaceful retreat with black sand. The views are stunning. Parking can be a hassle, it is minimal and costs a flat fee of 5€. Instead, consider hiking from Puerto de La Cruz along the coastline. Start your hike at Playa Martiánez. The narrow access roads help keep this beach quieter than the main tourist spots. Perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters, but I encourage you to avoid weekends and midday crowds.
This is a small, lesser-known fishing village on the north coast. It provides a serene beach experience away from the hustle and bustle. You can enjoy a scenic hike connecting La Caleta de Interián with nearby Los Silos. Alternatively, you can hike to Buenavista along the coastline. The mix of rocky shores and calm waters makes it ideal for those who want to experience Tenerife’s coastal charm. It’s also a great spot for trying fresh, local seafood. Visit at sunset for a peaceful and scenic view.
For hiking lovers and nature enthusiasts, the Rural Park of Teno is a must-visit. Some guides have even coined it the “Patagonia of the Canary Islands.” With its changing altitudes, soft rains, winds, and pristine cloud forests, it offers an unforgettable hiking experience. Start your journey at Las Portelas. It has plenty of parking available in the morning. Alternatively, head up to Teno Alto. Walk through the highlands and enjoy local cheese. The park offers breathtaking views. It has rugged cliffs and quiet trails. This setting is perfect for disconnecting and fully immersing yourself in Tenerife’s untouched nature. Plenty of local restaurants offer authentic Canarian dishes like conejo al salmorejo (rabbit stew).
Tenerife’s festivals are vibrant celebrations of life and tradition. The most famous is Carnaval, held every February, scheduled according to the Full Moon, 40 days before Easter. While the most famous celebration is in Santa Cruz, other towns host important parades too. Los Realejos, Puerto de La Cruz, Candelaria, and Adeje are notable examples. If you decide to join, don’t forget your fancy dress! It’s a must if you want to interact with locals. Santa Cruz Carnival is the second-largest carnival in the world. Expect a large crowd of people laughing. They will be role-playing and embracing the spirit of the festival.
Don’t miss Romerías (traditional pilgrimages) in smaller villages. Locals celebrate the island’s agricultural roots with food, music, and folklore. From April to September, Romerías occur in many towns. The most famous ones are in Tegueste, Los Realejos, and La Orotava.
Tenerife’s cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. “Papas arrugadas” with “mojo” sauce are a must-try, but be sure to ask if the potatoes are true Canary varieties. Often, you’ll be served potatoes from the UK or seeds imported from there. To be sure, ask: Are these Papas Bonitas? Canary Islands boasts 29 potato varieties. This includes Azucenas, Bonitas, Roja Palmera, or Pelucas. Sixteen of these varieties are exclusive to Tenerife. These potatoes are a true gem of the island, a cultural treasure completely unknown for tourists.
Besides potatoes, fresh seafood from coastal towns can be found in Cofradías de Pescadores. Avoid the fried calamari and go straight for a boiled Vieja or Cherne. Visit local markets like the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz. You can also explore those in La Laguna, Tacoronte, La Guancha, and La Orotava. Buy and taste local cheese, wine, vegetables, and fruits. Eating in small guachinches (family-run restaurants) offers an authentic taste of Tenerife’s homemade dishes. You’ll need to do a deep search to find the real ones.
Winter in Tenerife is like nowhere else. Yes! It can snow above 2000m, while the coast is warm at 21ºC. Ethernal spring! While much of Europe shivers, Tenerife enjoys mild coastal temperatures. This is true whether you are in the north or south of the island. Be aware that the higher you go away from the coast, the colder it gets. These are perfect conditions for hiking and trekking. And if you love stargazing, don’t miss the unforgettable experience in Teide National Park. Crystal-clear and dark skies give perfect conditions for watching the stars. Just be prepared for real cold up there. Outside of the Christmas season, the island is quieter, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Spring brings blooming flora and fewer tourists to the island. The core of the Milky Way starts to be visible pretty late at night. For us guides, it’s the official low season. It’s an excellent time to explore the lush Anaga Rural Park. We can also take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island is less crowded, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. If you’re a flower lover, visit in late May. The stunning Tajinaste flowers bloom like red spikes in Teide National Park for just a few weeks.
Summer is high season for Spanish tourism, and for good reason. The island’s beaches, like Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa del Duque, are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Tourists and locals blend at these spots. The coastal areas are lively. You can still find hidden gems like La Tejita, El Bollullo, or natural pools in the north. Here, the crowds thin out. Early mornings and late afternoons are your best bet for a quieter beach experience. Keep in mind that the north is more likely to be cloudy during this season. This is due to the Azores Anticyclone, which regulates the island’s mild weather year-round.
Autumn is a hidden gem in Tenerife, and for us guides, it’s the official second low season. The weather remains warm. The north side of the island gets sunnier. Soft rains bring rainbows. The sea experiences what locals call “la calma”. The ocean temperatures are still perfect for swimming. This is the ideal time for visitors who want to experience the island without the summer rush. It’s also a great time for wine lovers. The local wine harvest festivals take place during this season. Wineries start offering the new young wine.
