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Best Hikes in Tenerife: Trails for Every Level

Tenerife packs an extraordinary range of hiking terrain into a single island: a 3,715-metre volcano, primeval laurel forests, dramatic coastal ravines, and lunar pumice landscapes. This guide covers the best trails for every ability, from easy forest loops to serious summit climbs.

Wide landscape view of Mount Teide and Roques de García rock formations at sunset in Teide National Park, iconic hiking area in Tenerife.

Few European islands reward hikers as richly as Tenerife. The island's dramatic geology, spanning ancient volcanic massifs to a still-active stratovolcano, produces trail conditions that range from shaded forest paths to high-altitude moonscapes. Whether you are heading into the mist-draped ravines of Anaga Rural Park or tackling the summit of Teide National Park, the island's trail network covers something for every fitness level and available time. One practical note applies across many of Tenerife's most spectacular routes: permits are increasingly required to protect fragile ecosystems, so booking ahead through the official Tenerife ON platform is essential. Our Teide National Park guide covers the permit system in detail, and you can cross-reference the best time to visit Tenerife for trail conditions by season.

✨ Pro tip

Many of Tenerife's most popular trails now require advance permits via Tenerife ON (tenerifeon.es). Book up to 56 days ahead, especially for Masca Gorge and any Teide summit routes. Permits for Teide summit routes now carry an ecotax fee for most non-residents, and slots fill fast in peak season.

Volcanic Giants: Hiking in Teide National Park

Arid volcanic landscape of Teide National Park, showing Mount Teide summit in the background and Roque Cinchado rock formation under a blue sky.
Photo Andrea Imre

Teide National Park is the undisputed centrepiece of hiking in Tenerife. The UNESCO-listed caldera contains everything from a gentle 45-minute stroll around the Roques de García to a multi-hour summit climb requiring official authorisation. Trails here reward early starts: light is cleaner, crowds thinner, and cloud cover less likely to obscure the extraordinary views. Note that high-mountain routes on Teide's cone, including the summit trail PNT 10, are permit-controlled through Tenerife ON, while lower caldera trails remain freely accessible.

Mount Teide volcano rises above the vivid red and brown volcanic plains of Tenerife, under a blue sky with a few swirling clouds.

1. Hike to the Summit of Mount Teide (3,715 m)

Spain's highest peak demands a permit (€15 for most non-residents on daytime slots) for the final ascent (trail PNT 10) above the cable car station at 3,555 m. Book via Tenerife ON up to 56 days ahead. Altitude sickness is real above 3,000 m, so acclimatise first.

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A blue Teide cable car cabin travels up the volcanic landscape of Mount Teide with rugged mountains and clear sky in the background.

2. Ride the Teide Cable Car to the High-Altitude Trail Zone

The Teleférico climbs from 2,356 m to 3,555 m in 8 minutes. Without a summit permit you walk a circular viewpoint path at the top station. It is the easiest way to experience Teide's alien upper slopes without a full day's hike.

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Wide view of Roques de García volcanic rock formations with Mount Teide rising behind under a clear blue sky in Teide National Park, Tenerife.

3. Walk the Roques de García Circular Trail

This easy 3.5 km loop around the caldera's iconic rock formations is one of Tenerife's most accessible hikes, with no permit required. Volcanic sculptures, sweeping Teide views, and excellent photography light make it worthwhile at any pace.

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White pumice spires of Paisaje Lunar rise from a rugged slope surrounded by green pine forest in Tenerife’s Corona Forestal natural park.

4. Trek Through the Otherworldly Paisaje Lunar

Reached via a pine-forest trail from Vilaflor, this eroded pumice landscape looks like a film set. The return hike takes 3-4 hours and crosses fragrant Canarian pine woodland before opening onto the surreal white formations. Go on a clear morning.

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Ancient Forests: Hiking in the Anaga Mountains

Ancient, moss-covered laurel forest with gnarled tree roots and a dirt hiking trail winding through dense green foliage.
Photo Miriam Espacio

The Anaga Rural Park in Tenerife's northeastern corner is ecologically distinct from the rest of the island. Its ancient laurel forest (laurisilva) is a relic of a subtropical woodland that covered southern Europe millions of years ago, and the misty ravines and ridgeline trails here feel genuinely primeval. Trails in Anaga tend to involve significant elevation change on uneven ground, so good footwear matters. For context on what makes this area so special, see our hidden gems of Tenerife guide.

Wide landscape view of rugged green mountains and dramatic coastline in Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife, with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

5. Explore the Laurel Forest Ridges of the Anaga Mountains

The Anaga massif holds some of the most atmospheric hiking in the Canary Islands: mossy trails through ancient laurisilva, sharp ridgelines with Atlantic views, and deep ravines connecting isolated villages. Allow a full day to do it justice.

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Misty laurel forest footpath in Anaga, Tenerife, with twisted trees and a rustic trail winding between mossy slopes.

6. Walk the Enchanted Forest Loop in Anaga

A short, easy loop through ancient laurel trees draped in moss and lichen near Cruz del Carmen. The trail takes under an hour and is ideal for families or anyone wanting a taste of Anaga's magic without a serious hike. Atmospheric in low cloud.

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Trail signpost for PR-TF 8 showing distances to Taganana and Casa Forestal, set against sunlit rocky hills in Anaga Rural Park.

7. Descend the Dramatic Afur to Taganana Ravine Trail

This point-to-point route drops through a spectacular barranco from the village of Afur toward the coast at Taganana, crossing ancient laurel forest the whole way. The descent is steep in places; arrange return transport from Taganana in advance.

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Panoramic view of Chinamada Cave Village with traditional houses perched on terraced green hillsides in the Anaga mountains of Tenerife, under a hazy sky.

8. Hike to Chinamada's Cave-House Village

The trail to Chinamada, a village where residents still live in volcanic rock caves, is a rewarding half-day walk from Cruz del Carmen. The route passes through laurel forest before arriving at one of Tenerife's most genuinely singular communities.

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Aerial view of Taganana village perched dramatically on a cliff above the ocean, backed by lush Anaga Mountains and surrounded by terraced green slopes.

9. Use Taganana as a Base for Coastal Anaga Trails

Perched above a wild Atlantic coast, Taganana is the gateway to some of Anaga's best coastal paths. The village itself, with its 16th-century church and clifftop drama, is worth visiting before or after hitting the surrounding trails.

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The Teno Massif: Wild Trails in the Northwest

Dramatic rocky ravines and lush green slopes surrounding the small village of Masca in the Teno Massif, Tenerife, on a hazy day.
Photo Tanita Lupa

The Teno Rural Park and the area around Masca represent Tenerife's most dramatic and least-visited hiking territory. Ancient volcanic rock, vertiginous ravines, and a coastline of enormous sea cliffs create routes that feel genuinely remote. The access road to Masca and Punta de Teno is narrow and winding; check current access restrictions before you go, as Punta de Teno operates a regulated shuttle system during peak periods. For more on the wider area, see our Masca and Teno place guide.

A wide view of Masca village nestled in a dramatic volcanic gorge, surrounded by steep rocky cliffs, green vegetation, and the deep ravine leading to the sea.

10. Conquer the Legendary Masca Gorge Trail

Tenerife's most iconic hike drops from Masca village through a stunning ravine to a black-sand beach. The descent takes 3-4 hours and is one-way; a boat collects hikers at the bottom. Advance permits required. Book as early as possible.

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Masca village nestled on a dramatic ridge surrounded by steep ravines and lush greenery in the Teno Rural Park, Tenerife, with palm trees in the foreground.

11. Walk Into Masca Village on the Vertiginous Mountain Road Trail

Even without the full gorge descent, the walk into Masca from a higher road viewpoint is spectacular. The village sits on a knife-edge ridge surrounded by towering ravines, and the approach path rewards with some of Tenerife's most dramatic scenery.

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Rugged cliffs and winding road in the heart of Parque Rural de Teno, with dramatic, steep mountains and green slopes under a clear sky.

12. Explore the Remote Trails of Teno Rural Park

Teno's network of trails connects ancient villages, volcanic ridges, and coastal viewpoints with almost no crowds. Routes vary from easy ridge walks to challenging coastal descents. The park's isolation makes it the best hiking area for solitude on the island.

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View of Punta de Teno lighthouse atop rugged volcanic cliffs with bright blue Atlantic waters and clear sky, capturing Tenerife’s dramatic westernmost cape.

13. Walk to the Windswept Tip of Punta de Teno

The westernmost point of Tenerife combines a dramatic lava coastline with some of the island's most unspoiled scenery. Access is regulated and may require a shuttle bus from a nearby car park. The walk to the lighthouse takes around 20-30 minutes from the drop-off point.

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A dramatic view of Los Gigantes Cliffs rising vertically from the Atlantic Ocean under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

14. View the Los Gigantes Cliffs from the Teno Coastal Trail

The 600-metre sea cliffs of Los Gigantes are best seen by boat, but the Teno coastal paths offer dramatic elevated perspectives across the cliff faces. Combining a trail section with a boat excursion from Los Gigantes gives you both angles in a single day.

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South & East: Accessible Hikes with Volcanic Drama

A hiking trail winds through the lush green Barranco del Infierno gorge with cacti and rocky cliffs, iconic for south Tenerife hikes.
Photo Ronny Siegel (CC BY 3.0)

The south and east of Tenerife offer hiking that is generally more accessible in terms of weather (sunnier and drier than the north) and logistics. Trails here tend to be shorter and more family-friendly, though no less visually striking. The Barranco del Infierno near Adeje and the Montaña Roja volcanic cone near El Médano are two of the most popular day hikes for visitors staying in the southern resorts.

Lush green volcanic gorge with dramatic cliffs, hiking trail, and cacti along the Barranco del Infierno in south Tenerife under a cloudy sky.

15. Hike Barranco del Infierno to a 200-Metre Waterfall

The 9 km return trail through this dramatic gorge near Adeje ends at one of Tenerife's tallest waterfalls. A regulated permit system limits daily visitors, so book ahead via the official Barranco del Infierno website. Allow 3-4 hours return; the path is shaded and well-marked.

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Montaña Roja volcanic cone rises above the rocky shoreline and blue Atlantic waters on a clear day in southern Tenerife.

16. Summit the Red Volcanic Cone of Montaña Roja at El Médano

This short, steep ascent of El Médano's distinctive red cinder cone takes 45-60 minutes return. The 360-degree summit view takes in the southeast coastline, the sea, and Gran Canaria on the horizon. An ideal quick hike for south-coast visitors.

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💡 Local tip

Hiking in the south is best done early morning from October to April. Summer temperatures in the south regularly exceed 28°C by mid-morning, and trails like Montaña Roja have almost no shade. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person regardless of trail length.

Easy Walks & Viewpoint Trails for All Abilities

Coastal viewpoint in Tenerife showing lush green hillside, dramatic rocks, and sea stacks at sunset under a colorful sky.
Photo Sergey Guk

Not every day needs to be a serious hike. Tenerife has plenty of shorter walks and scenic viewpoint routes that deliver spectacular scenery with minimal effort. These are ideal for mixed-ability groups, rest days between harder trails, or visitors who want to explore on foot without committing to a full day. For ideas on combining easy walks with other activities, see our one week in Tenerife itinerary.

Dramatic view from Mirador de Masca overlooking the sharp Masca peak, gorge, green mountainsides, village rooftops, and misty coastline in Tenerifes Teno massif.

17. Take in the Masca Gorge Panorama from the Mirador de Masca

The viewpoint above Masca village requires no hiking at all, just the drive up the mountain road. The view straight down into the gorge and across to La Gomera is one of Tenerife's most jaw-dropping, and it is free and accessible at any time of day.

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The stone terrace at Mirador de Humboldt overlooks the green Orotava Valley and the Atlantic Ocean, with a bronze bust, hillside houses, and a cloudy sky.

18. Visit the Humboldt Viewpoint Above the Orotava Valley

Alexander von Humboldt stopped here in 1799 and was so moved he wrote about it at length. The panorama of the Orotava Valley with Teide rising behind it is one of the classic Canary Islands views. A short walk from the car park; pairs well with a visit to La Orotava.

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Rocky shoreline and dramatic sea stacks at Playa de Benijo, Tenerife, under a colorful sunset sky.

19. Walk to Playa de Benijo Through the Anaga Coastline

The wild black-sand beach at Benijo is reached via a short but steep path from the road above. The descent takes 10-15 minutes and opens onto one of Tenerife's most dramatic beaches, backed by volcanic cliffs and famous for sunset light. Worth combining with a longer Anaga loop.

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FAQ

Do you need a permit to hike in Tenerife?

Permits are required for specific routes, not all hiking. In Teide National Park, the summit trail (PNT 10) and several other high-mountain routes require authorisation from Tenerife ON (tenerifeon.es), bookable up to 56 days in advance and now subject to an ecotax fee for most non-residents. The Masca Gorge trail and Barranco del Infierno also require advance reservations. Most other trails on the island, including lower Teide caldera paths and Anaga forest routes, are freely accessible without booking.

What is the best time of year to hike in Tenerife?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable hiking conditions island-wide: moderate temperatures, lower tourist numbers, and cleaner air. Summer is fine in the north and at altitude on Teide, but southern trails can be very hot by mid-morning. Winter is generally good for south-coast walks and Teide caldera routes, though the summit above 3,000 m can have snow and ice from December to March.

Can beginners hike Mount Teide?

The Roques de García circular trail in the caldera (around 3.5–4 km, easy) is suitable for all levels. The cable car also takes visitors to about 3,555 m without any hiking. The full summit ascent via PNT 10 above the cable car station is a moderate but high-altitude trail requiring a permit; altitude sickness is a genuine risk above 3,000 m for anyone who has not acclimatised. Ascending on foot from the base via trail PNT 7 is a strenuous full-day undertaking suited to experienced hikers only.

What should I wear and bring for hiking in Tenerife?

Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots are essential for rocky volcanic terrain in Anaga, Teno, and Teide. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person on any trail, as natural water sources are rare and unreliable. Sun protection is critical year-round. At altitude on Teide, temperatures can be significantly lower than at sea level and wind chill is a factor, so bring a windproof layer even on warm days. A basic first aid kit and a downloaded offline map are also recommended.

How do I get to the main hiking areas in Tenerife without a car?

TITSA buses serve Puerto de la Cruz (for Anaga, accessible via buses from Santa Cruz), La Laguna (Anaga trailheads), and the Teide National Park visitor centre at El Portillo. The Masca and Teno area has limited public transport, making a car or organised hiking tour the practical options. For Barranco del Infierno, buses from Costa Adeje reach Adeje town, from where it is a short walk to the trailhead.

Related destination:tenerife

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