Arenas Negras: an extraordinary trail
The black sands (or black beaches) are a unique spot in Teide National Park, located just south of Garachico. They’re the perfect place for a trekking adventure!
The black sands are a prep area, often seen in mountain zones, just a step away from the green, but you can totally live and explore them. In this area, especially, there are tons of trekking options.
All the trails here aren’t particularly tough; in fact, the area is basically flat, but they’re super enjoyable and really relaxing. Just watch out for the heat!
We should never forget that even if you’re a step away from the forest, you’re entering a desert, so don’t expect much besides sand, rocks, and a stunning view of the Teide Volcano!
Trekking in Arenas Negras
There are some “typical” routes that go through the Arenas Negras area. A lot of them aren’t officially recognized, but that doesn’t stop hikers and organized trips from hitting the trails every day.
The most famous route is to follow a ring trail, about 8 km across the plains, taking roughly 3 hours to complete. While it’s not super complicated, the views are priceless. From the highest point of the trail, you can see the entire Teide National Park, along with the beautiful La Orotava Valley, the island of La Palma, and its stunning surroundings.
When it comes to the trail, you’ll find pretty sparse vegetation. But hey, this is a desert area! Over the 8 km route, you’ll have a fun hike with about 350 m of ups and downs.
Another awesome route starts in the mountains and takes you to Arenas Negras. This trail is well-known, stretches just 2.5 km, and the estimated travel time is under an hour.
In this area, you’ll find not just trails, but also campsites, refreshment spots, and places where you can chill for a few minutes in peace.
