Hiking in Anaga: The Best Trails

In This Article

• What Is the Anaga Rural Park
• The Best Hiking Trails
• Sendero de los Sentidos
• Punta del Hidalgo - Chinamada
• Cruz del Carmen - Taganana
• Chamorga - Roque Bermejo
• Roque de Benijo Trail
• Preparation and Equipment
• Getting to Anaga
• Anaga's Secret Beaches
• Where to Eat in Anaga
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Anaga Rural Park: Tenerife's Ancient Forest

The Anaga Rural Park, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015, is one of the most extraordinary corners of Tenerife and an absolute paradise for hikers. Located at the northeastern tip of the island, this mountain massif harbours the largest expanse of laurel forest in Tenerife, one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the world — a type of subtropical woodland that covered all of Europe millions of years ago and today survives only on the Macaronesian islands.

Anaga is the opposite of tourist Tenerife: no resorts, barely any traffic, and villages that seem frozen in time. Sharp ridges rise between deep valleys draped in impossible green, mist plays hide-and-seek among ancient trees and the silence is broken only by the song of endemic birds. Walking through Anaga is like travelling millions of years back in time.

Did you know? The Anaga laurel forest is between 20 and 40 million years old — one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet, predating the formation of Tenerife itself as a volcanic island. Walking among these moss-and-lichen-draped trees is literally strolling through a prehistoric forest.

The Best Hiking Trails in Anaga

Anaga offers a network of trails to suit every level, from family-friendly strolls of an hour to demanding full-day routes. Here are the five must-dos, from easiest to hardest.

1. Sendero de los Sentidos (Easy - 1.5 km)

The Sendero de los Sentidos (Trail of the Senses) is the perfect gateway to Anaga. This circular route of just 1.5 kilometres is accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users on the first section. The trail runs through the heart of the laurel forest and its name invites you to experience the woodland with all your senses: the touch of moss on the trunks, the scent of damp earth, the sound of the wind through the leaves.

Easy
Difficulty 1.5 km
Distance 45 min
Duration Circular
Type

2. Punta del Hidalgo - Chinamada (Medium - 8 km)

This route connects the coastal village of Punta del Hidalgo with the troglodyte settlement of Chinamada, one of the last inhabited cave dwellings in Tenerife. The trail climbs along the northern slopes of Anaga with spectacular ocean views, crosses ravines draped in vegetation and finishes at a village where some families still live in homes carved into the volcanic rock.

Don't miss: In Chinamada there's a restaurant inside a cave that serves homemade Canarian food at incredible prices. The papas arrugadas with mojo and grilled cheese are memorable. Arrive early as it fills up. Medium
Difficulty 8 km
Distance 3-4 h
Duration Return
Type

3. Cruz del Carmen - Taganana (Medium-Hard - 10 km)

One of the classic Anaga routes, descending from Cruz del Carmen (the main park access point) to the picturesque village of Taganana, nestled between mountains and sea. The trail crosses the densest laurel forest in the park, traverses ridges with views of both sides of the island and drops down a ravine to reach one of Tenerife's most authentic villages.

Taganana was founded in 1501 (16th century), after the Castilian conquest of Tenerife, and was one of the island's first settlements; for centuries it was virtually inaccessible by land (the Bailadero tunnel that connected it by road opened in the 1940s). Today it retains its rural charm with white houses scattered across the hillside, vineyards on impossible terraces and a church housing a 16th-century Flemish altarpiece.

Medium-Hard
Difficulty 10 km
Distance 4-5 h
Duration One-way
Type

4. Chamorga - Roque Bermejo (Hard - 12 km)

For experienced hikers, this route to the easternmost point of Tenerife is an extraordinary adventure. The trail departs from the tiny village of Chamorga and descends through landscape alternating between wet forest, coastal scrub and dramatic cliffs until reaching the Anaga lighthouse, next to Roque Bermejo and its tiny pebble beach where the island literally ends.

The return along the same path is the main challenge: climbing back up the 500 metres you descended. But the reward is scenery of breathtaking beauty, with Roque Bermejo rising from the sea like a stone sentinel.

Hard
Difficulty 12 km
Distance 5-6 h
Duration Return
Type

5. Roque de Benijo Trail (Easy-Medium - 3 km)

A short but highly rewarding walk to one of Tenerife's most photographed viewpoints. From Benijo beach, with its rock formations rising from the ocean and powerful waves, the views are postcard-perfect. The trail descends from the road to the beach and continues along the coast with panoramic views of Roque de Benijo and the Anaga cliffs.

Magical sunset: Benijo is one of the best spots in Tenerife to watch the sunset. The sun sinks between the sea stacks while waves crash against the black sand beach. Arrive at least an hour before dusk to enjoy the walk and find a good spot.

Preparation and Equipment

Clothing and footwear

Waterproof hiking boots are essential — the laurel forest is frequently damp and the terrain can be slippery. Dress in layers: Anaga can go from sunny to thick fog in minutes. A lightweight rain jacket is a must year-round. Packing a dry change of clothes is a good idea.

Water and food

There are no fountains or shops on most trails. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person and some food. In the villages (Taganana, Chinamada, El Bailadero) there are small bars and restaurants to refuel, but don't count on them for the more remote routes.

Navigation and safety

Download offline maps before entering the park — mobile coverage is patchy. The trails are reasonably signposted but fog can disorient even on well-known routes. Tell someone your plan and estimated return time. In an emergency, 112 works even without full coverage.

Getting to Anaga

The main access to the park is via the TF-12 road from La Laguna, which leads directly to Cruz del Carmen (the visitor centre) in about 20 minutes. From Santa Cruz, the TF-12 climbs to the Mirador del Bailadero. For Taganana and the northern beaches, continue on the TF-134 descending towards the coast.

Public transport: TITSA buses (lines 076, 077) connect La Laguna with Cruz del Carmen; for Taganana and Benijo, line 946 departs from Santa Cruz (San Andrés). Service is limited (few buses per day), so plan schedules in advance. For linear routes, you can combine a bus there and taxi back.

If coming from the south of the island, allow at least 1.5 hours driving to Anaga. Consider staying in La Laguna or Santa Cruz to make the most of your day. Anaga is among the must-see destinations in northern Tenerife.

Anaga's Secret Beaches

Anaga hides some of the wildest and most spectacular beaches in Tenerife. These aren't sunbathing-with-parasol beaches — they're remote coves of black volcanic sand, powerful surf and dramatic beauty that takes your breath away.

Benijo Beach

The most accessible and photogenic. Black sand, sea stacks rising from the water and cinematic sunsets. Reachable by car with nearby parking. Watch out for currents — better for admiring than casual swimming. There's a rustic chiringuito serving fresh fish.

Almaciga Beach

Next to Benijo but more sheltered from the swell. Popular with local surfers and with a couple of fresh fish restaurants that are an open secret among Tinerfe locals. The grilled catch of the day is an experience.

Tamadite Beach

Only accessible on foot via a 30-minute trail from Afur. A completely wild cove wedged between cliffs. Bring everything you need as there's absolutely nothing there. Only recommended when the sea is calm.

Where to Eat in Anaga

Anaga's cuisine is the quintessence of rural Canarian cooking: local produce, centuries-old recipes and prices that would make anyone used to eating in tourist areas weep with joy.

Casa de la Playa (Taganana): Fresh catch of the day grilled with papas arrugadas. Simple, honest and delicious. Ask for vieja or cherne if available.

El Bailadero: Set at the viewpoint of the same name, with heart-stopping views. Speciality in grilled meats and queso asado with mojo. Perfect for refuelling between hikes.

Chinamada: The cave restaurant is an experience in itself. Homemade Canarian cooking in a troglodyte setting. The papas arrugadas are among the best on the island.

For more gastronomy in the area, explore our guide to Bodegas Monje, Tenerife's most visited winery, located in El Sauzal, in the north of Tenerife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to hike in Anaga?

No permit or reservation is needed for most Anaga trails. Just turn up and walk. The only exception is if you enter areas with special conservation restrictions, which will be signposted.

Is Anaga safe for beginner hikers?

Yes, there are trails for all levels. The Sendero de los Sentidos is perfect for beginners and families. For longer routes, some experience and proper equipment are important. The main concern is fog, which can be disorienting.

When is the best time to walk in Anaga?

Anaga is beautiful year-round. In winter and spring (November-May) the forest is greener and waterfalls may flow after rain. Summer is warmer but usually less foggy. Avoid storm days — the Anaga roads close in strong winds.

Can I combine several trails in one day?

Yes, if you start early. A popular combination is the Sendero de los Sentidos in the morning (1 hour), drive to Taganana for a fresh fish lunch, then head down to Benijo beach for sunset. For longer routes, dedicate the full day to just one.

Is there a visitor centre in Anaga?

Yes, the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre is at the main park entrance. Here you'll find maps, trail information, exhibitions about the laurel forest and staff who can advise you based on your level and available time. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

Discover Tenerife's Prehistoric Forest

Anaga is one of those places that changes how you see Tenerife. Far from the tourist beaches, this ancient forest offers magical trails, wild beaches and the most authentic Canarian cuisine. Lace up your boots and step into a world that's been waiting millions of years for you.

Want more hiking? Discover the Masca Trail or the complete guide to climbing Mount Teide.