Hiking in Tenerife: 5 Must-Do Trails

📋 In this article

1. 1. Anaga Trails — Ancient laurel forest
2. 2. Masca Gorge — The star route
3. 3. Teide — Volcanic trails
4. 4. Teno — Cliffs and rural villages
5. 5. Practical tips for hikers

Tenerife is a hiking paradise. From ancient laurel forests to lunar volcanic landscapes, the island offers trails for every level across just 2,034 km². With over 300 sunny days a year, every path is a new adventure.

1. Anaga Trails — Ancient laurel forest

Anaga Rural Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with one of the world's best-preserved laurel forests.

Recommended trails

• Sendero de los Sentidos — Easy, 2km. Perfect for families.
• Chinobre Trail — Medium, 5km. Panoramic views of both coasts.
• Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo — Hard, 12km. The great Anaga traverse.

📌 Practical info — Anaga

Difficulty: Easy to demanding Duration: 1-6 hours Best time: Year-round Access: Cruz del Carmen: bus 273 from La Laguna bus station (or 076, La Laguna - Cruz del Carmen - Afur). There is no direct bus from Santa Cruz: you have to go to La Laguna first

2. Masca Gorge — The star route

The descent through Masca Gorge is Tenerife's most famous hike. From Masca village (630m) you descend through a vertical-walled canyon to the ocean. Since April 2025, access requires a mandatory shuttle bus from Santiago del Teide, plus a 28€ entrance fee (non-residents) and 10€ for transport, booked at caminobarrancodemasca.com. Return by boat to Los Gigantes.

🥾 Masca options

• Guided Masca Gorge Hike
• 📸 Visit Masca Village Free

3. Teide — Volcanic trails

Teide National Park offers hiking through an otherworldly landscape of lava flows and rock formations.

• Roques de García — Easy, 3.5km loop. Most popular trail with views of Roque Cinchado.
• Montaña Blanca to Altavista Refuge — Hard, 8km. Classic Teide ascent with overnight at the refuge.
• Cable car to summit — Permit required. The final ~160m of ascent from La Rambleta (3,555m) to the summit (3,715m).

🌋 Teide by Night with stargazing

4. Teno — Cliffs and rural villages

The Teno massif in the northwest is one of Tenerife's wildest and least visited areas. Vertical cliffs, deep gorges, and charming villages.

🚣 Combine hiking with kayaking at Los Gigantes

5. Practical tips

• Footwear — Hiking boots essential. Volcanic terrain is rough and abrasive.
• Water — Carry at least 1.5L per person. No fountains on most trails.
• Sun protection — High altitude means stronger UV. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are musts.
• Layers — Temperature can vary 15°C between coast and mountains in a single day.
• Permits — Masca and Teide summit require advance online booking.

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❓ FAQ

What is the best hiking trail in Tenerife?

Depends on your level: families love Sendero de los Sentidos in Anaga; for the full experience try Masca Gorge; for volcanic landscapes head to Roques de García.

Can you hike in Tenerife year-round?

Yes. The climate allows hiking all 12 months. The north is cooler and wetter, the south drier. Snow is possible on Teide above 2,000m in winter.

Do I need a guide?

Recommended for Masca and challenging routes. Well-marked trails like Anaga or Roques de García can be done independently.

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