Corona Forestal y senderos hacia la cumbre

Updated 2 August 2026

Arafo

Next to the largest protected area in the Canary IslandsTrails that ascend along the ridge to the central summit of the island (around La Crucita), with peaks like Montaña de Ayosa (~2,076 m), the highest point of the municipalityCanary pine forest leading to the badlands

Above the town of Arafo stretches the Corona Forestal Natural Park, the largest protected area in the Canary Islands, which surrounds Teide National Park. From the municipality, roads and trails climb up the ridge to the summit, crossing a magnificent Canary pine forest that gives way, at high altitude, to the badlands and panoramic views of Teide. It is an ideal territory for hiking and cycle touring, with routes that connect the agricultural midlands and the former communal woodlands reforested in the mid-20th century.

The contrast between the coast, the flower-filled town centre, the Añavingo ravine and the high mountain makes Arafo a natural gateway to the heart of Tenerife and the Teide area.

Essential information

Accessibility

By car from the center of Arafo, take the TF-523 road (Arafo–La Cumbre), which ascends through the pine forest of the Corona Forestal until it connects with the TF-24 dorsal road near La Crucita; along its route, there are turn-offs to recreational areas (e.g., Los Frailes, with a turn-off at km 5.5 via the Camino de Los Frailes) and trailheads where you can leave your car in designated areas or on the side of the road. Another common access point is the Mirador de La Crucita (TF-24, km 30.1), from where the Camino a Candelaria / Ruta de Los Peregrinos to Arafo begins (La Crucita–Arafo section, about 7 km); there is no verified bus service to these summit points (parking at the viewpoint is very limited) nor specific PMR accessibility facilities.

Risk Level

These are long mountain routes with steep elevation at high altitudes (around 1,500–2,100 m): bring enough water, wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing, check the weather forecast, and avoid the area in fog, storm, haze, or fire risk conditions.