Hiking & Walking in Tenerife

The most important thing about guided hikes in Tenerife is to choose the route that suits your abilities best. We explain how you do this here.

This is how the wanderlust started

When there was no other means of transport than one’s own feet, nomadic peoples walked for miles to discover new horizons. After it was finally no longer necessary to walk, hiking developed as a kind of recreational fun. At first, however, it was reserved exclusively for wealthy people. The first hobby hikers were already documented in the Middle Ages. In the course of time, hiking became more and more popular and at the end of the 19th century it finally also motivated the common citizen to go outdoors.

The best time to go hiking in Tenerife

The climate in Tenerife makes it possible to go hiking all year round. The few exceptions are the extremely rare days of bad weather. In winter, routes may not be accessible due to weather conditions such as rain and wind. The same applies to storms and you shouldn’t forget the snow, which falls at higher altitudes, also on the Canary Island. And in summer, however, it can happen that a hike is cancelled due to the very high temperatures in the interior of the island.

How to chose the right walking route

The great advantage of this activity is that it is suitable for everyone. You basically just have to be able to walk. Of course, as with any outing that requires a minimum of physical exertion, you also need to be in good health. The only real challenge consists in choosing the right route. There are routes that are considerably easier than others. The degree of difficulty depends on the altitude, the terrain and the length of the route. And if you are afraid of heights you need to consider any gorges too. Information on the level of difficulty of the individual routes can be found on our website under “Please note!” and “Services and Prices”. The most important thing is that you evaluate your physical condition realistically.

The most popular hiking routes in Tenerife

Walking in Teide National Park

It is one of the most visited nature parks in Europe by hikers. There are around 37 official hiking trails to choose from, many of which require a permit from the relevant authorities to access. If you take part in a guided walking tour, the operator will take care of it for you.

There are more difficult routes such as the steep ascent to Degollada de Guajara and the high plateau of the same name at around 2,700 meters. Your efforts will be rewarded on the way with a wonderful view of the south of Tenerife and the other Canary Islands.

Another very difficult route is the one that leads from the Montaña Blanca to the Mirador de la Fortaleza. You will reach the limit of your strength, as it will take you up to 200 meters from the mountaintop of the Teide.

In January and February, the “Almond Blossom Route” turns into a colourful landscape, an easy trail that is suitable for the whole family. The contrast between the magnificent flowers and the lava remains of the Chinyero volcano is a unique natural spectacle.

Walking in the Anaga Rural Park

This extensive park has been declared a biosphere reserve. And not without reason! The enormously impressive collection of different natural beauties will inspire you. Imposing mountain ranges and deep gorges that lead to deep black sand beaches. Laurel forests in the mountains that tell stories from more than 40 million years ago. It is not for nothing that these popular routes have the meaningful names “Path of the Magic Forest” or “Path of the Senses”. Places like Chinamada in the Anaga massif invite you to enjoy the idyllic seclusion of the mountains.

Walking in the north of Tenerife

On an island as diverse as Tenerife, the paths in the northern part are of course correspondingly varied. The most popular hiking trails in this part of the island range from simple, such as the 3-hour “Descent of the Masca Gorge” or the “Water Route” hiking trail to the 7-hour “Erjos Circular” tour. The tour around the “Water Route” in the La Caldera recreation area in La Orotava is also quite easy. Due to the narrow path at a considerable height, it is not recommended for people with fear of heights or children, because it does not have a railing.

However, there is a hiking trail that exceeds all difficulty limits. We are talking about the famous route 040, which leads from a beach in Los Realejos to the very top of Teide.

Walking in the south of Tenerife

The landscape in this area is drier, but it has a charm of its own. Natural caves and dry ravines and some of them even have water springs. Volcanoes like the Montaña Roja, which is also a nature reserve. Not to be forgotten are the dunes (sandy areas) and the unique rock formations in the lunar landscape of Vilaflor.

In terms of hiking, the main attraction here is “El Barranco del Infierno” in Adeje. The name already suggests a lot, but it refers to the extreme landscape and less to the level of difficulty of the route, which is actually very easy. This is another nature reserve that has received the Special Natural Reserve rating for its geological and archaeological value and is protected consequently by the island’s government. In addition to the endemic flora and fauna along the way, at the end of this tour you will discover mystical indigenous caves, mountain ranges, steep gorges and a large waterfall.

The flora and fauna in the different areas of the island

According to its altitude and nature, there is a great variety of endemic flora and fauna on Tenerife. In fact, 6 different types of ecosystems are distinguished on the island according to their vegetation:

• Succulent Landscape
• Thermophilic Forests
• Laurel Forest
• Bush Forest
• Pine Forest
• High Mountains

In the south and in the Central Plateau, you will find well-known species such as the palm tree basically everywhere. There are also the following plants:

• Succulents
• Mallow
• Dragon trees (symbol of the island)

In the Teide gorges you will find:

• Straw grass
• Teide violets
• Canary pine
• Red Wildprets

In humid areas and pine forests in the interior of the island there is:

• Laurel
• White Bush
• Fern (Píjara)

In terms of fauna, invertebrates like lizards of various species are the most common to see when hiking.

You will also find very small beings, but they are of great importance in the ecosystem:

• Black Scarab
• Butterflies like Vanesa Vulcania
• Snails

The vertebrate family is mainly represented by birds:

• Blue finch
• Great Spotted Woodpecker,
• Moorish Bird
• The Osprey, Guincho (critically endangered)

But there are also other animals such as:

• Bats
• Rabbits
• Hedgehog
• Goats

The advantages of guided walking tours

• Instruction: Thanks to the extensive knowledge of the local guides, you will receive excellent advice and useful tips.
• Risk minimization: The specialist knows the hiking trails very well and therefore there is no risk of getting lost. The guide can also correctly assess the degree of difficulty of a route. In the event of an accident, he can help or call for help quickly.
• Route planning: The condition of the hiking trails changes constantly due to the weather. The hiking guides are always up to date and this means that unwanted surprises are virtually impossible.
• Transport service: access to the best routes is usually difficult to find. Sometimes you even need an all-terrain vehicle, but you are not allowed to leave the paved roads with a rental car.
• Information: The guides know the nature of Tenerife very well. During the hike you will therefore learn a lot about the flora, fauna and geology of the island.
• Service: In addition to the transfer service, there are also snacks, drinking water, photos available and sometimes hiking boots and even hiking sticks. You can find this information in the section “Services and prices”.

What you must definitely take with you:

• Sturdy shoes: wear closed shoes, hiking boots are even better. A sure step is important in order to always feel comfortable during the hike.
• •Drinking water and snacks: It is very important to drink enough during the tour. One to two litres of water per person. We also recommend high-energy snacks.
• Sun protection and cap: sunscreen with a high factor is essential as the sun’s rays in the Canary Islands are always strong, even when it is cloudy. A UV-resistant T-shirt and a cap are the perfect accessories.
• Protection from the weather: Always keep in mind that the weather can change from bright sunshine to rain in just a few moments. Therefore, remember to take a jacket with you.
• First aid kit: The hiking guides always carry a basic set of emergency utensils with them, but we recommend that you bring the essentials with you.

Below you can see which guided hikes are available in Tenerife