Hiking in Tenerife

Tenerife is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts! Nowhere else packs such wild variety into such a compact space – from dramatic ravines and volcanic moonscapes to mystical laurel forests and breathtaking coastal trails. And with spring-like temperatures all year round, the conditions couldn’t be better. Whether you're exploring solo, as a couple, with children or as part of a group – you're sure to find your personal hiking highlight right here.

Over 1,000 km of hiking trails
Routes for all fitness levels
Diverse and dramatic landscapes
Pleasant climate all year round
Only 4.5 hours from mainland Europe
Just 1 hour time difference from mainland Europe

Why Go Hiking in Tenerife?

The largest of the Canary Islands combines striking natural beauty, a huge variety of hiking experiences and mild temperatures – even in the winter months. Whether you’re after a leisurely coastal walk, a challenging summit hike or a family-friendly circular route, Tenerife has something for every level of fitness – all the way up to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide.

The island boasts an extensive network of officially signposted and well-maintained hiking trails, following the PR and GR route system.

Where’s the Best Hiking Area in Tenerife?

That’s a tough one – because despite its size, Tenerife offers an impressive range of landscapes, and each hiking region has its own unique character. The three main hiking areas are the Teno Mountains in the northwest, the Anaga Mountains in the northeast, and the Teide National Park in the centre of the island.

Add to that a number of breathtaking coastal trails and the GR 131 long-distance path, which crosses the island from north to south – and the variety is truly unbeatable. Let yourself be inspired!

ANAGA

TENO

TEIDE

Looking for a well-located base for your hiking holiday in Tenerife?

The Teno Mountains – Wild, Rugged and Breathtaking

The dramatic Teno mountain range forms the “local backdrop” to Villa ARTE – and is just a short drive from Garachico. With long ridges offering sweeping views, misty laurel forests and picturesque mountain villages, this 1,300-metre-high massif is a paradise for hikers. Its steep cliffs, deep ravines and lush green slopes create a landscape that feels wonderfully untouched – perfect for nature lovers and those seeking quiet, scenic trails. Many of the routes reward walkers with panoramic views of the coast, terraced fields and the Atlantic – and on clear days, even of the neighbouring islands. One of the best-known villages in the Teno Mountains is the idyllic Masca. While the village is popular with hikers, it also attracts quite a few cars and tour buses. We recommend timing your walk so you pass through Masca early in the morning or later in the afternoon – that way, you can soak up the unique atmosphere in peace. Masca is also the starting point of the famous Masca Gorge hike down to the sea. Access to the gorge is limited, so you’ll need to book a ticket in advance – and don’t forget to reserve a place on the water taxi that takes you back to Los Gigantes after your walk.

5 Popular Hikes in the Teno Mountains

The Best Time to Go? Anytime! Tenerife enjoys spring-like weather all year round – making it a great hiking destination in every season. The northeast tends to get a bit more rainfall, while snow is even possible on Mount Teide in winter. So be sure to pack according to your planned routes – and always check the daily weather forecast before setting off!

Teide National Park – A Surreal Volcanic Landscape

Walking through the Cañadas del Teide for the first time is nothing short of breathtaking. This vast high-altitude plain, framed by mountains at around 2,000 metres above sea level, feels like a stage set for nature’s rawest forces – with the towering Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 metres, rising majestically at its centre. The Cañadas are the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater and today form one of the island’s most extraordinary hiking areas. Here, you’ll find frozen lava flows, ash fields and surreal rock formations such as the iconic Roques de García. Stark, open landscapes are interrupted by bursts of colour – red, yellow, black and even green – creating scenery that looks more like a painting than a place. Well-marked trails range from gentle walks to full-day hikes – for example to Montaña Blanca or across the moonlike expanse of the Llano de Ucanca.

5 Popular Hiking Routes in Teide National Park

Teide – Conquering Spain’s Highest Peak

The hike to the summit of Mount Teide is long and physically demanding, requiring a good level of fitness. The official trail, PNT 07 Montaña Blanca – La Rambleta, requires a permit – which you can either reserve yourself or obtain by booking a guided tour with one of the many hiking-focused tour operators on the island. A more comfortable and less strenuous option is to take the cable car, which takes you up to 3,555 metres. From the upper station, several scenic trails lead off into the surrounding landscape. Important: If you wish to continue from the cable car station to the summit crater, you’ll need one of the strictly limited daily permits – these should be reserved well in advance. That said, even without reaching the very top, the views from La Rambleta station or the nearby Mirador de Pico Viejo (around 30 minutes on foot) are absolutely spectacular!

Corona Forestal – Encircling the National Park

The Corona Forestal is the largest protected natural area in the Canary Islands. Strictly speaking, it’s not part of the national park, but a vast pine forest belt that wraps around Mount Teide like a green crown – which is exactly what its name means. The landscape is a beautiful mix of pine woodland, lava fields, deep ravines and wide-open views.

One of its defining features is the Canarian pine, with its long needles and unique ability to draw moisture from the mist. Trails such as PR TF-72 and routes near La Caldera, Aguamansa or Vilaflor offer peaceful, shaded hikes – often with sweeping views down to the coast or up to Mount Teide. Located between 1,200 m and 1,800 m above sea level, the Corona Forestal offers fresh mountain air and comfortable temperatures – perfect for relaxed half-day walks and a great alternative when there’s snow higher up the mountain.

Bonus tip: For a completely different forest experience, head to Forestal Park in the Esperanza forest. This high ropes adventure course lets you climb across suspension bridges, whizz down zip lines and balance your way through the treetops of the Canarian pines. A great activity for active couples, families with older kids or small groups – with different difficulty levels to suit everyone.

5 Popular Hiking Routes in the Corona Forestal

Permits for Restricted Hiking Routes within Tenerife’s hiking network can be booked online via the TenerifeON portal. Every Monday at 7 am (Canary Islands time), new time slots for the following two weeks are released. Please note: Permits for popular trails are often snapped up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead if you’ve set your sights on a specific dream hike.

Anaga Mountains – Hiking Through a Fairytale Landscape

Step into the Anaga Mountains in the northeast of Tenerife, and you’ll feel as if you’ve entered another world. Narrow trails wind through ancient laurel forests, past moss-covered trees, drifting mist and dramatic ridgelines. The damp, green landscape has a magical feel – as though an enchanted village might appear around the next bend. Anaga is one of the oldest regions on the island and now a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s criss-crossed by a dense network of trails connecting remote villages, coastal paths and mountain ridges. Sometimes you’re walking through almost tropical greenery; moments later, the view opens up to rugged cliffs, the wide Atlantic or deep, untouched valleys. Popular starting points include Cruz del Carmen, Taganana and Afur. In the far northeast, the remote hamlet of Chamorga offers access to wild and panoramic ridge and coastal hikes – far from the crowds. Highlights include the cave village of Chinamada, the coastal trail to Roque Bermejo, and the dramatic ridge route from Las Carboneras.

Tip: One of the most impressive routes is through El Pijaral, a strictly protected laurel forest often cloaked in mist. This so-called “Bosque Encantado” (enchanted forest) can be extended to the Mirador Cabezo del Tejo, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Anaga’s jagged peaks and the ocean. A free permit is required – be sure to book well in advance.

5 Popular Hiking Routes in the Anaga Mountains

Coastal Hikes – Sea Views at Their Best

If you love hiking with the scent of salty sea air in your nose, you’ll fall for Tenerife’s coastal trails. Many routes follow dramatic cliff edges, wind through palm groves and historic farmland, or lead past hidden coves. Along the way, you’ll not only enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic, but also gain fascinating insights into the island’s nature and cultural heritage.

A real highlight in the lush north is the Rambla de Castro near Los Realejos. This well-maintained path takes you through a historic estate lined with palm trees, tropical vegetation, ancient water channels and the ruins of an old mansion. The views of the rugged coastline and open ocean are particularly stunning. On the eastern side of the island, in the Anaga Mountains, you’ll also find spectacular coastal hikes – such as the route from Taganana to Playa de Tamadite. This narrow trail winds along the cliffs with dizzying sea views, ending at a remote black lava beach. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter a herd of goats along the way.

Tenerife’s coastal hikes are often quieter than the better-known mountain routes – but just as memorable. They combine the vastness of the Atlantic with the island’s raw, authentic charm.

Long-Distance Trail: Hiking the GR 131 Across Tenerife

For anyone wanting to discover Tenerife step by step, the GR 131 long-distance trail is the perfect choice. It stretches from the northeast to the southwest of the island – starting in the laurel forests of the Anaga Mountains, climbing up towards the Teide massif, and descending again towards Arona in the south. In total, it covers around 84 kilometres, typically divided into five stages, which can be hiked individually or as a continuous route. The charm of the GR 131 lies in its diversity: The journey begins in the misty forest near Cruz del Carmen, then continues over remote highlands, across dry lava fields, and down into the vast caldera of the Cañadas del Teide. From there, the trail winds downhill through the pine forests of the Corona Forestal, passes through Vilaflor – the highest village on the island – and ends beneath palm trees in sunny Arona. The GR 131 is well signposted throughout, incredibly varied in scenery, and offers experienced hikers the chance to experience the full spectrum of Tenerife’s natural beauty – all on foot.

Lace up your boots – your hiking adventure starts here!

Your Base in Garachico

Instead of anonymous hotel blocks, the five self-catering apartments at Villa ARTE offer the perfect blend of comfort and the charm of a lovingly restored historic building. Located in the heart of Garachico, the villa is just a few steps from the natural lava pools of the Atlantic on one side and the cobbled streets of the historic town centre on the other. A true highlight: the panoramic rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the sea and old town. Set in the lush green north of the island, Garachico is an ideal base for hikes across Tenerife – and at the same time, a wonderful place to unwind after a long day on the trail. Enjoy a good meal, a glass of local wine or cold beer, and simply let your mind and body relax.

Loft Rojo

Ático Exclusivo

Apartamento Amarillo

Suite Azul

Estudio Verde

The TenerifeON website offers the official hiking trail network, plenty of route suggestions and reservation options for restricted-access trails.