Anaga Rural Park

Anaga Rural Park is a rugged, ancient laurel forest that blankets the northeastern tip of Tenerife, offering some of the most dramatic hiking and untouched landscapes in the Canary Islands. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this mountainous park is a world away from the island's beach resorts, with mist-shrouded peaks, deep ravines, and remote hamlets that seem frozen in time. For nature lovers and hikers, it's an essential day trip or multi-day exploration.

Highlights & What to See

• Sendero de los Sentidos (Trail of the Senses) – A short, accessible boardwalk loop through the cloud forest, perfect for spotting endemic flora like the Canary Islands dragon tree and giant ferns.
• Chamorga to El Bailadero hike – One of the park's classic routes, winding through laurel forests and offering jaw-dropping coastal views; the path passes through the hamlet of Chamorga, where you can refuel at a local bar.
• Mirador de Jardina – A lookout point with sweeping views over the Anaga massif and, on clear days, the neighbouring island of La Palma.
• Tagana – A small village where you can sample traditional Canarian cuisine, including papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, at a family-run guachinche.
• El Pijarral – A beautiful black-sand beach nestled in a ravine, accessible via a steep but rewarding hike from the village of Benijo.

Suggested Time to Spend

Anaga Rural Park deserves at least a full day to appreciate its trails and hamlets. If you're short on time, a half-day can cover the highlights: drive to the Mirador de Jardina, walk the Sendero de los Sentidos, and grab lunch in Tagana. For serious hikers, two to three days allow you to tackle the network of trails, stay overnight in a rural guesthouse, and explore the wild northern coastline. Self-drivers will find the park easily accessible from Santa Cruz de Tenerife (about 30 minutes) or La Laguna (20 minutes).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• La Laguna – The historic UNESCO-listed city, a short drive from Anaga's western edge, with cobbled streets, colourful colonial architecture, and a lively tapas scene.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The island's capital, offering museums, the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, and excellent seafood restaurants; an ideal base for a day trip to Anaga.
• Las Teresitas Beach – A golden-sand beach near Santa Cruz, perfect for a relaxing afternoon after hiking in the mountains.
• La Orotava Valley – A fertile valley with traditional Canarian villages, banana plantations, and the Teide National Park beyond; combine with Anaga for a diverse Tenerife itinerary.

Please check official sources for current details.