Hiking in Tenerife

Dreamlike views in splendid settings

Hiking in Tenerife for All Ages

Hiking in Tenerife has scenarios that you will fall in love with.

With walks for all ages, it is a perfect enclave for hiking alone or with the family at any level. The climate is ideal all year round to tour the island. In the north you can get lost in its forests that vary drastically from one area to another in both density and type of vegetation.

You will enjoy the endemic flora as well as other species imported by the Spanish after the conquest of the islands such as chestnut trees.

It feels good to get lost in the right direction.

Nowhere else will you see this variety of climates and vegetation in such a short time. You will be able to discover unique landscapes formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Teide combined with the inexorable wear and tear provided by the sea. Several hikes end or start at the beautiful beaches of the island. You will cross the bottom of some ravines where you will find the caves in which the ancient aborigines lived.

It will be easy for you to imagine what his life was like on the islands!

You can access a large number of these trails in Tenerife without the need for authorization. Many of these offer the services of a guide who will accompany you and provide details of the picturesque history of this land along with details about the fauna and flora. You won’t have to worry about the local fauna during your adventures in Tenerife since the greatest danger that the island presents are hares and rabbits.

Discovering the Trails of Tenerife

Among the most beautiful trails we have, we can mention the Alto de Guamaso, It provides an incredible view of the mountains and the sea of clouds. On the other hand, in the south of the island we have walks such as the one on Malpaís de Güímar: A circular route along the coast and its surroundings so that you can marvel at the volcanic landscape. Another of the most spectacular hikes is the one in the Lunar Landscape in Vilaflor…Really incredible!

In the Anaga Rural Park is The Path of the Senses: three short walks of different durations but staying at less than half an hour each. Ideal to enjoy with the little ones, with an abundance of viewpoints and information panels.

The Pista de las Hiedras is located in the same area and provides a luxury opportunity to get lost in the Laurisilva that characterizes the park.

In the centre of the island there are multiple hikes such as Las Siete Cañadas, a pre-Hispanic trail that crosses a large part of the Teide National Park. You will put yourself in the shoes of an aborigine trying to walk from the north to the south of the island and vice versa. During the journey you will be able to see the typical flora of the area such as the Tajinastes and the violets of Teide. In White Mountain, (the little sister of the famous Teide) being the most traveled path in the National Park, you will be surprised by the abundant amount of pumice in the area thanks to the violent explosions of the volcano. The hike will provide you with an awe-inspiring view of the island, the sea of clouds and, on clear days, other islands.

Hiking Trails in Tenerife in Detail

White Mountain: It is a highly difficult trail, approximately 5 hours long, with a slope of about 1.2 km. You will pass through its pumice paths surrounded by curious flora such as the Tajinastes. It ends at an altitude of 3.5 km, ending with unique views that you cannot miss. To do this trail you do not need a permit.

Caldera-Mamio: Located on the edge of the Corona Forestal Natural Park, this trail of approximately 6 km runs through a circular area that begins and ends in the recreational area of La Caldera, giving you a wide journey of about 2:30 hours through the mountains in the north of the island. Surrounded by dense nature and several places to rest along the way, you will have a relaxing experience and perfect to disconnect.

For the more adventurous…

Socorro-Pico del Teide beach: By far, the toughest challenge of hiking in Tenerife, with about 28 km of route and 3800 meters of accumulated elevation gain on the ascent. This hike starts at sea level and climbs to the peak of Mount Teide, taking you through different landscapes. We will start on the beach, climbing through towns and the slopes of the protected landscape of Los Campeches.

We will continue through the viewpoint of the Corona and the Asomadero, the mountain of the Corona Forestal Natural Park, the Teide National Park and from there to La Rambleta. This is how far you can get freely. To travel the last 600 meters you need a permit. We explain how to apply for it any day of the year on this page .

"There are hiking options in Tenerife for all tastes. Don't miss the breathtaking beauty of its varied landscapes"

Hiking in Tenerife all year round

Although we have only named one location that requires authorisation, for several of the paths that run along the peak, certain areas of Mount Teide and other natural spaces, it is necessary to have permission and access with a guide. You can request your pass to access the peak of Mount Teide.

You can also check the hiking map in Tenerife here. You will find your routes and you can download the map of the trails in Tenerife in PDF.

Any time of the year is good to come and hike on the island. Summer is usually a bit hot for some outings, mainly on Mount Teide and in the south of the island, which enjoys a more arid climate than the north. If you don’t mind company, the summer months are completely valid for practice. The rest of the year you will find fewer people on the trails, especially in winter.

Whatever your preference for hiking in Tenerife, we always have an option for you. Don’t hesitate to ask the locals, almost all roads have a steady flow of people all year round, so you’ll never be too far away from someone if you need anything. The whole family can find valid paths. The most practical are the circular ones and in the shade of the trees, so that returning to the car does not become another challenge. We hope you will come and take home a good memory of your experience in nature.

Other Activities in Tenerife