Best hiking in Tenerife: Anaga – Taganana, Afur, Tamadite
If you love hiking, Tenerife is an island that offers tons of trails for you to enjoy.
Hiking trails for every taste and type. And for all levels and difficulties. From the ones that hug the sea and coast, to those that wind through deserts or completely green mountains, or even a mix of both!
I remember that in Masca, you could see the difference between one side of the mountain and the other, with the west-north side clearly greener than the southeast side. It’s a unique sight to see two different climates in one spot!
In Tenerife, just like any island or peninsula, there are lots of microclimates. But since it’s small, you can drive across it in half an hour. You’ll go from full-on sunshine to rain, clouds, or even chilly weather as you gain altitude, and in winter, you can see snow on the summit of Teide. I’ve seen documentaries where they even went sledding before global warming became a thing!
And then there are hiking routes—sorry, I’m Italian and we always say trekking for everything back home, even if we’re just taking the dog out! Just kidding, of course! These routes include both sea and mountain, and they’re absolutely stunning.
Especially when you start to catch a glimpse of the sea from the mountain in the distance. From some parts of the island, you can see the other Canary Islands—what a unique sight!
Seeing the other islands always makes me think about how deeply connected we all are. We’re all human, and just like islands, even though we’re far apart, we touch the same land beneath the sea.
But hey, aside from philosophizing and talking about how unique Tenerife is, I wanted to share one of the latest hikes I did. And like always, I thought to myself, “This is the best!” This is one of the best hikes in Tenerife!
Anaga Tenerife is a breathtaking paradise waiting for you to explore! This stunning area is packed with lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. Whether you’re into hiking, chilling at the beach, or just soaking up the incredible views, Anaga has something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience its unique charm and natural beauty—it’s a must-visit when you’re in Tenerife!
This majestic mountain range in the northwest of the island, close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna, is a magical spot in Tenerife. Its extraordinary landscapes, with outstanding natural and cultural values, have crossed the island’s borders.
With over 7 million years of history, Anaga is one of the oldest areas in Tenerife, boasting a landscape shaped by intense erosive activity: rock formations, peaks, waterfalls, and basalt cliffs. Its rugged terrain, with elevations over 1,000 meters, has limited human settlement, promoting a sustainable development that blends perfectly with nature.
Villages like Taganana, Afur, Taborno, Almaciga, Roque Negro, and Chamorga bring a dash of tradition to this beautiful area known as a Rural Park. With an overwhelming biological diversity across its 14,418 hectares, Anaga is home to laurel forests, juniper groves, and dry zone vegetation.
The colorful show you’ll see in Anaga any time of year makes it a hiker’s paradise, where peace and hospitality are treasures waiting to be discovered. Natural viewpoints invite you to pause and take in enchanted forests, hidden coves, cloud waterfalls, and a sea of pure blue, along with unique species found nowhere else on Earth. In short, Anaga is a true gift from nature. I absolutely love hiking in Tenerife’s Anaga because I feel connected to nature and it combines physical challenge with stunning scenery!
Taganana – Afur – Playa Tamadite – Taganana
You’ve gotta check out Taganana! This charming little village is perfect for soaking up the local vibe. Then, make your way to Afur, where the landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. Finally, don’t miss Playa Tamadite – it’s a hidden gem where you can chill on the beach and soak up the sun. Trust us, you won’t want to skip this adventure!
Distance: 14km
Difficulty: Medium
Height difference: 856m
Route type: Loop
Info about the route: Taganana – Afur – Tamadite – Taganana
Get ready for an epic adventure! This route takes you through stunning landscapes, charming villages, and breathtaking views. Starting in Taganana, you’ll head towards Afur, where the scenery is simply jaw-dropping. Then, make your way to Tamadite, a hidden gem that’s perfect for taking a breather and soaking in nature. Finally, you’ll loop back to Taganana, feeling accomplished and inspired by the beauty you’ve experienced. Grab your hiking boots and let’s hit the trail!
Check out this awesome video: https://youtube.com/shorts/AU1tr4oTpoI
Hiking Taganana is an absolute must! This stunning trail takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Tenerife. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking ocean views. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Grab your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and get ready for an adventure that’ll leave you in awe. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this gem!
And from there, we took the path to Afur, first filling our water bottles. Life always forms around springs, and Taganana is just another proof of that.
The trail is clearly marked and you can’t get lost. As we climb to the top, the view of Taganana starts to take our breath away, just like the hike itself, I must say, but it’s totally worth it!
Hike Afur
Get ready for an epic adventure at Afur! This stunning hike takes you through breathtaking landscapes where the mountains meet the ocean. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of nature, making it a perfect escape from the city buzz. The trails are well-marked, so you can easily find your way while soaking in the views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a chill walk, this place has something for everyone. Don’t forget to pack your camera—you’ll want to capture every moment of this jaw-dropping scenery! 🌄
We took a little break here and then set off on our hike to Afur, a cute little village in the mountains. I found out you can also drive there, and there’s a big parking lot too, which could save us some time next time if we just want to go to Tamadiste and then head back up (you can also do this from Taganana along the coast, just like our hiking route back).
Check out this awesome video! 🎥🌊 It gives you a quick glimpse of the vibes here. You won’t want to miss it!
In Afur, there was this cozy little café run by an 88-year-old man, we only asked him his age, not his name, mannaggià. I enjoyed a refreshing beer with lemon, and then we were back on our way down to Tamadiste beach.
Hike Anaga to Playa Tamadite! You’ll be blown away by the stunning views and fresh air. This trail takes you through beautiful landscapes, and when you reach the beach, it’s totally worth it. Perfect for a day of adventure and relaxation! Grab your buddies and hit the trail for an unforgettable experience!
On the way, we bumped into quite a few people heading up. Honestly, I didn’t expect that, but it was Sunday, and most of them were locals from Tenerife.
The views of this ravine on the way down were incredible! It’s hard to put into words, you really have to experience this hike in Tenerife for yourself to get it.
At one point, after washing my face in the clear and crystal water that joined us all the way down, I decided to jump in too. Please! Don’t copy everything I do!
Check out this awesome video! 🎥 It’s a quick glimpse into some amazing vibes and experiences waiting for you. Don’t miss it! https://youtube.com/shorts/Egxgv4tAQ_Y?feature=share
At the beach, we kicked back for a bit. Someone nibbled on a snack. We all soaked up the power of the ocean as it threw down tubular waves one after another—big, long waves! You can bet swimming was off the table!
Hiking is the perfect way to take in the stunning beauty around you!
And we started walking again on the hiking trails in Tenerife to complete the circle of our hiking routes. And once again, we were blown away by the beauty this amazing place has to offer!
As we walked, we chatted about cacti and all sorts of plants. Did you know that the family of these plants isn’t cacti and has no relatives in the world? They’re as unique in the world as this beautiful island. There’s only one other plant that looks like them in the Americas because they grow in the same conditions, but that’s it. How incredible is that?!
Check out this awesome video: https://youtube.com/shorts/SH2ZU5GCVFk?feature=share
If you love nature and hiking, you can’t miss Tenerife, one of the best hiking spots, especially the natural Anaga forest, famous for its hiking tours!
Check out this awesome video: https://youtu.be/kDo558rqaT8
Yes, the hiking trails are well-marked and pretty popular in Tenerife. If something goes wrong and you can’t continue, you’ll usually find warnings or closed paths with alternative routes. Just follow the signs and pay attention to the warning signs. If you’re going solo, always let someone know; I’d say that’s a good practice.
Which town in Tenerife is the best for starting hiking in Anaga?
Buses can take you to Bailadero, Afur, Almaciga, and Chamorga. From there, you can kick off your amazing hike to Anaga. Casa Forestal is also a great spot to hop off the bus and start your trek to Taganana, for instance. And Taganana itself, which we mention in this blog, is another fantastic starting point.
Where to hike in Tenerife in Anaga?
The truth is, anywhere you point in Tenerife, you’ll find something beautiful. But especially in Anaga, the hiking route to Playa Tamadite, the trek to Casa Forestal, the hike to Anaga Lighthouse, Chamorga with the Enchanted Forest, and Roque Bermejo beach are truly spectacular! And don’t forget Punta de Hidalgo—small but stunning!
And if you’re heading to Taganana in Anaga, don’t miss out on the beaches in northern Tenerife, especially Benijo Beach, which is a natural wonder born from the volcano and lifted by the ocean. On the opposite direction from the hike described here, you’ll find the enchanted forest and Dragillo with the Anaga lighthouse. Oh, and one thing I missed out on in Afur just because I didn’t know are the cave houses.
And take a selfie because we forgot to, but now I regret not capturing such a special day with my friends in a photo.
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