Anaga Rural Park: Tenerife's Ancient Forest
At the north-eastern tip of the island, Anaga rural park is a green, wild massif that contrasts totally with the beach south: sharp ridges, ancient laurel forests, isolated hamlets and black-sand beaches. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Anaga is a hiker's paradise. We haven't been ourselves yet; this guide gathers the essentials, verified and up to date, and complements our page on things to do in Tenerife.
The essentials at a glance
- Where: in the north-east of [[the island|/en/tenerife]], above Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
- Nature: the laurisilva, a relict laurel forest, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- To do: hikes (including the Sendero de los Sentidos), perched villages, wild beaches (Benijo, Roque de las Bodegas).
- Climate: often misty and humid; narrow, winding roads.
Our approach: verified research, not first-hand experience (yet)
- We haven't visited Tenerife ourselves yet. This guide is built from thorough research — official sources, attraction websites and up-to-date data — to help you plan your trip transparently.
- We'll enrich it with our own on-the-ground experience after our next visit. Until then, the prices, hours and terms quoted are indicative: confirm them before you go.
Why visit Anaga?
Because Anaga rural park offers a completely different Tenerife. Its jewel is the laurisilva, a humid laurel forest inherited from the Tertiary era, rare in Europe and now a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The ridges plunge towards the ocean, often shrouded in mist, in an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
The massif also shelters isolated hamlets such as Chinamada, with its cave houses, and Taganana, plus wild beaches battered by the waves. It's the realm of hikers and nature lovers, far from the southern crowds.
What to do in Anaga Rural Park?
Hiking is the best way to discover Anaga. The Sendero de los Sentidos ('trail of the senses'), an accessible path, winds into the laurel forest from Cruz del Carmen, where there is a visitor centre.
How to get to Anaga?
Anaga is easily reached by car from La Laguna or Santa Cruz, on narrow, winding mountain roads that climb towards the ridges. Car hire in Tenerife is strongly advised to explore the hamlets and beaches at your own pace.
Bring warm, waterproof clothing: Anaga is often cooler and wetter than the rest of the island, with frequent mist. Drive carefully on the winding roads.
Tips for the visit
Start at the Cruz del Carmen visitor centre to check the trails and path conditions. Set off early to enjoy the light and avoid the afternoon mist, common on the ridges.
To plan the rest of your stay, head to our Canary Islands guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Anaga laurisilva?
A humid laurel forest, a relic of the Tertiary era and rare in Europe, covering the Anaga massif. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
How do you get to Anaga?
By car from La Laguna or Santa Cruz, on narrow, winding mountain roads. A hire car is strongly advised to explore the massif.
What is there to do in Anaga park?
Hiking (including the Sendero de los Sentidos), visiting perched villages such as Chinamada, and wild beaches like Benijo and Roque de las Bodegas.
Do you need warm clothing for Anaga?
Yes: the massif is often cooler, wetter and mistier than the rest of the island. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, even in summer.
Is Anaga suitable for families?
Yes, with accessible trails like the Sendero de los Sentidos and spectacular beaches, provided you stay careful on the mountain roads.