Hiking in Anaga: Tenerife's Laurel Forest
In the north-east of the island, hiking in Anaga immerses the walker in a world apart: a humid, misty laurel forest, inherited from the Tertiary era and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Ridge trails, isolated villages and descents to wild beaches make up an exceptional hiking terrain. We haven't walked it ourselves yet; this guide gathers the essentials, verified and up to date, and complements our hiking in Tenerife section.
The essentials at a glance
- Setting: the laurisilva, a relict laurel forest, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- Flagship trail: the Sendero de los Sentidos, accessible, starting at Cruz del Carmen.
- To combine: perched villages (Chinamada, Taganana) and descents to Benijo or Roque de las Bodegas.
- Climate: humid, often misty; trails can be slippery, bring good shoes.
Our approach: verified research, not first-hand experience (yet)
- We haven't hiked in Tenerife ourselves yet. This guide is built from thorough research — official national-park sources and up-to-date data — to help you plan your walks transparently.
- We'll enrich it with our own on-the-ground experience after our next visit. Until then, routes, times and rules are indicative: check trail status and permits before you set off.
Why hike in Anaga?
Because hiking in Anaga offers an experience unique in Europe. The laurisilva, a humid laurel forest millions of years old, forms a green, misty maze here, a world away from Teide's volcanic scenery or the southern beaches of the island.
The massif is criss-crossed by waymarked trails linking ridges, isolated villages and wild coves. It's a paradise for hikers seeking unspoilt nature, to discover as an extension of a visit to the Anaga rural park.
Which trails in Anaga?
Among the Anaga trails, the best known is the Sendero de los Sentidos ('trail of the senses'), an accessible loop starting at Cruz del Carmen, where there is a visitor centre. Ideal for a first immersion in the laurel forest, including with family.
Hiking down to the wild beaches
Several routes descend from the ridges to the north coast and its ocean-battered beaches. It's a chance to link forest and shore in a single walk, with spectacular panoramas along the way.
Benijo beach, wild and photogenic, is one of the finest arrival points, superb at sunset — but beware the currents for swimming.
Practical tips
Anaga is humid and often shrouded in mist: trails can be slippery and visibility reduced. Bring good shoes, a waterproof windproof and set off early to enjoy the light before the afternoon clouds.
Start at the Cruz del Carmen visitor centre to check trail conditions. Car hire in Tenerife makes it easy to reach the various trailheads. To plan the rest of your stay, head to our Canary Islands guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best trail in Anaga?
The Sendero de los Sentidos, an accessible loop from Cruz del Carmen, is the best known and best suited to a first taste of the laurel forest, including with family.
Is hiking in Anaga difficult?
There are trails for all levels, from family loops to demanding descents to the coast. The humid ground can be slippery: good shoes are essential.
Can you hike to beaches in Anaga?
Yes: several trails descend from the ridges to the north coast, notably to the wild beaches of Benijo and Roque de las Bodegas, with superb panoramas.
What is the Anaga laurisilva?
A humid laurel forest, a relic of the Tertiary era and rare in Europe, covering the massif. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, it offers a unique hiking setting.
How should you dress to hike in Anaga?
Anaga is humid and misty: bring good shoes, a waterproof windproof and warm clothing, even when the south is sunny.