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Explore the 3 Best Hiking Trails in Tenerife if you Love Nature

Tenerife is a beautiful island with stunning landscapes that are best experienced on foot. The island has a wide variety of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. We will share the three best hiking trails in Tenerife that will take you through some of the island’s most breathtaking natural scenery. We will indicate the duration and level of difficulty, so you can see what fits best for you.

This was our first time visiting Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. We were absolutely surprised by all the beauty and variety nature has to offer on Tenerife. Therefore, in this post we chose our 3 favorite hiking trails in Tenerife with the biggest difference in landscapes. From a green mountain hike, to volcanic landscapes and pine trees to a mystical forest. We guarantee you will love these hikes just as much as we did.

Of course there are many more hiking trails to discover. We will share some other favorites at the end of this post. We only chose trails that don’t need reservations. We will give you some tips on trails that require a (free) online reservation at the end of this post as well. So lace up your hiking boots and enjoy Tenerife’s nature to the fullest.

Things to do in Tenerife Los Gigantes
Things to do in Tenerife Masca
Stunning Nature on Tenerife

What are the best hiking trails in Tenerife?

We will first share our three favorite Hiking Trails in Tenerife, that will offer you the most variety in nature and landscapes. After that we will discuss some of the other favorite trails on the Island.

Chinamada Trail from Punta del Hidalgo

  • Length: 9.2 km return / 5.71 miles return
  • Duration: 4 to 5 hours (depending on number of stops)
  • Elevation: 627 m / 2057 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate (to hard: a lot of climbing, but worth every step)
  • Starting Point: Punta del Hidalgo

The Chinamada Trail from Punta del Hidalgo is a moderate hike that takes you through a beautiful valley and will show you the stunning cliffs and ocean. The trail starts in the village of Punta del Hidalgo and follows a well-marked path through lush green and stunning mountain scenery. The highlight of the trail is the small village of Chinamada, which is known for its traditional cave houses that are built into the side of the mountain. The village is a great place to stop for a break and to take in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

This was by far our favorite hike on Tenerife. The beauty of the valley and all the vegetation was amazing. It is a lot of climbing, so make sure to bring enough water. We added a google maps link to the parking area in Punta del Hidalgo in the information box above. You can drive there but also take the bus.

If hiking the 5km up to Chinamada (and 5 down) is a bit too much, then you can also do half of the trail. It will lead you in a bit over and hour to a few amazing miradors (viewpoints) where you can enjoy the views over the cliffs and ocean. You can then go back down in a little less than an hour.

If you only have time to do one hike during your trip to Tenerife, than we advice this to be the one.

Things to do in Tenerife Chinamada Trail
Things to do in Tenerife Chinamada Trail
Things to do in Tenerife Chinamada Trail
Things to do in Tenerife Chinamada Trail
Things to do in Tenerife Chinamada Trail
Things to do in Tenerife Chinamada Trail
Chinamada Trail from Punta del Hidalgo

Chinyero Trail

  • Length: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles (loop trail)
  • Duration: 2 to 2,5 hours
  • Elevation: 215 m / 705 ft
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Starting point: Parking for Chinyero Trail (from there it is a 500 m walk to the start of the trail)

The Chinyero Trail is an easy hike that takes you through the beautiful Chinyero Nature Reserve, an area that is home to a variety of unique plants. You can actually start this loop trail from various points. It follows a well-marked path through a diverse landscape of volcanic rock formations, pine forests, and lava fields. We added the link to one of the parking spots in the information box above.

The highlight of the trail is the stunning views of the Teide National Park and the surrounding countryside. Circling around the Chinyero Volcano was very satisfying for us. The landscape changes a lot along the route.

Things to do in Tenerife Chinyero Trail
Things to do in Tenerife Chinyero Trail
Things to do in Tenerife Chinyero Trail
Chinyero Loop Trail
Booking.com

What is the best Hiking Trail in the Anaga Forest?

Anaga Rural Park is our third pick for hiking. In the north of Tenerife there is this magical forest area with trees hanging over your head and moss growing from every branch. This was such a huge difference from the Chinamada and Chinyero trail landscapes. We loved it.

For hiking in the Anaga Forest we have two options for you. The Las Vueltas trail, which is a moderate trail with lots of climbing. Then there is the Path of Senses which is very easy with almost no climbing at all and much shorter.

Las Vueltas de Taganana Trail

  • Length: 8 km / 5 miles (loop trail)
  • Duration: 4 to 4,5 hours
  • Elevation: 700 m / 2300 ft
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Starting point: Parking for Las Vueltas Trail

The Las Vueltas Trail is a moderate hike that takes you through the stunning Anaga Forest, one of the most beautiful natural areas on the island. This loop trail starts with a big descend. But what goes down, must come up. So prepare for some climbing on the way back up.

But this trail is definitely worth it. Walking in the Anaga forest is so magical and mystical. It is a huge change from the volcanic landscapes the South of Tenerife has to offer. Verns and moss everywhere as you walk around a huge valley.

We indicated the parking area and start of the trail in the information box above. It will show you the spot on Google Maps. But be aware that there is not that much parking space, so you might have to park somewhere along the road.

Things to do in Tenerife Anaga Forest
Things to do in Tenerife Anaga Forest
Things to do in Tenerife Anaga Forest
Las Vueltas Trail in Anaga Rural Park

Path of Senses

If all the climbing in the Las Vueltas trail is not for you, we have a perfect alternative: The Path of Senses. This trail is an easy hike that takes you through the beautiful Los Realejos area. The trail is designed to stimulate your senses, with a series of interactive installations that allow you to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the surrounding landscape. The trail starts at the parking lot as indicated below and follows a well-marked path through beautiful gardens, streams, and forests, with stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.

We can definitely recommend this hike if you want to enjoy the mystical Anaga Forest, but don’t have that much time or energy for the longer trails.

Things to do in Tenerife North
One of the Viewpoints from the Path of Senses Trail in the Anaga Forest

What about hiking in Teide National Park on Tenerife?

If you’re planning a hiking adventure on Tenerife, Teide National Park is a must-visit destination. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers stunning volcanic landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and breathtaking views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. The park has a range of hiking trails for all levels of experience, from easy walks to challenging routes that will take you to the summit of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 meters.

Along the way, you’ll encounter lava fields, craters, and rock formations that were shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Teide National Park is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

We definitely recommend visiting Teide National Park and spending a full day there. But since there are so many amazing spots to stop along the route, we suggest you getting up there with a car. This will allow you to stop wherever you want and take some short hikes whenever you want. This is the reason we didn’t include Teide National Park in our top 3 favorite hikes. But the park is a must-see place that needs to be included on your Tenerife itinerary.

If you want to visit the top of Mount Teide, you’ll need to book a free permit online before visiting. Make sure to not wait too long, since availability is scarce.

Do you want to see the best sunset in Teide National park (and the best spot on Tenerife), go to Mirador de Chimague and the Mirador de Chipeque next to it. This was by far the most amazing sunset we had even seen in our lives.

Tenerife Roques de Garcia
Tenerife Sunset El Teide Mountain
Things to do in Tenerife Teide National Park
Take some time to explore Teide National Park

We have a few additional hiking trails in Tenerife for you. These are also very popular among nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Masca Trail

A very popular trail is the Masca Gorge, which winds its way through a dramatic canyon in the Teno Mountains before ending at the picturesque village of Masca.

The Masca Trail is a challenging moderate hike. The trail starts in the small village of Masca and follows a steep and winding path through the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail ends at the picturesque village of Santiago del Teide, where hikers can take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal at one of the local restaurants.

You can also hike from Masca Village down to Masca beach. Another stunning option. Make sure to check if the path is open, since it has an schedule per week.

Hiking in the Enchanted Forest in Tenerife

We have an alternative hike for you in the Anaga Forest: The Enchanted Forest trail (Bosque Encantado)
This ancient laurel forest is located in the northeast of the island and features lush vegetation, towering trees, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from the island’s bustling tourist hotspots.

The hiking trails wind through the forest, past streams and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the sea.

Unfortunately, we were not able to do this hike, since we were not able to get a free permit online. Click on the link to apply for one yourself. Make sure to be in time, since availability is limited.

Check out our video on the Best Hiking Trails in Tenerife.

To sum up: Go Hiking on Tenerife!

Tenerife is a hiker’s paradise, with its rugged volcanic landscapes and stunning natural beauty. The island’s mild climate means that hiking can be enjoyed year-round, although it is best to avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day during the summer months. Hiking on Tenerife is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to explore the island’s natural beauty and stunning landscapes.

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