Natural Parks in Tenerife: Complete Guide

Natural Parks in Tenerife: Complete Guide

Tenerife is much more than sun and beach. Nearly half of its surface is under some form of environmental protection, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The island is home to a national park and two rural parks (Anaga and Teno), as well as several protected landscapes with ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.

Teide National Park

It is Europe's most visited national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At over 2,000 metres altitude, the volcanic landscape resembles another planet: lava flows, rock formations and the imposing Teide cone (3,715 m). Essential hikes:

• Roques de García: a 3.5 km circular trail around the most emblematic rock formations. Low difficulty.
• Montaña Blanca to Teide: the PNT 07 "Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta" trail is 8.2 km and about 5 hr 30 min of demanding climbing (high difficulty, 1,309 m of cumulative ascent) and it ends at La Rambleta, at 3,535 m, not at the summit. To reach the peak (3,715 m) you have to continue a further 0.69 km along the PNT 10 Telesforo Bravo trail. Both sections require a compulsory paid advance booking (the park describes it as "subject to public fees"), and if you walk up you need both permits. They are arranged on the Tenerife ON platform, with limited places, a maximum of 56 days in advance and new slots every Monday at 07:00 (Canary Islands time). You must carry the permit printed or on your phone together with your ID card or passport, and keep to the time slot assigned to you.
• Siete Cañadas Trail (PNT-04): about 16.6 km (one way), with an estimated duration of 4 to 5 hours, between the El Portillo Visitor Centre and the Parador / Cañada Blanca Visitor Centre. Spectacular lunar landscape.

Anaga Rural Park

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Anaga massif is home to one of the last laurel forests on the planet, a relic from the Tertiary era. Mist envelops centuries-old trees creating a magical atmosphere. Recommended trails:

• Sendero de los Sentidos: an easy, accessible trail through the laurel forest. 1.5 km.
• Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo: 12 km descent through forest and traditional hamlets.
• Chamorga to Roque Bermejo: a coastal trail with a secluded beach at the end. 10 km return.

Teno Rural Park

At the far northwest, Teno offers rugged landscapes with vertiginous cliffs, deep ravines and the isolated village of Masca. The road down to Masca is an experience in itself, with hairpin bends between vegetation-covered mountains.

Corona Forestal

The largest protected area in the Canary Islands surrounds Teide National Park like a green belt of Canarian pine. Its forests are ideal for hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching. The pure air and scent of pine make this park a perfect retreat.

Practical Tips

• Wear proper hiking boots and sun protection
• In Anaga and Teno, roads are narrow and winding — drive carefully
• The permit to climb Teide peak must be requested weeks in advance
• Bring enough water and food: there are no fountains or refreshment points on the trails. The few services are concentrated at specific spots by the road — in Teide National Park, the Cable Car Visitor Centre (km 43 of the TF-21), with a shop and restaurant-café that are free to enter, the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide and the vending machines at the Altavista Refuge — and in Anaga and Teno, in the hamlets the routes pass through. Once you are on a trail, you will not find anywhere to buy anything.