The Anaga Mountains in Tenerife are the island’s green heart. They are famous with tourists worldwide for their stunning landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and unique viewpoints. In this article, we’ll show you the best routes for hiking, exploring the ancient forest, visiting volcanic-sand beaches, and discovering the peaceful villages of Chinamada and Taborno.
You can explore all the spots on a clear interactive Google map that helps you prepare your route in advance.
Tenerife has a place where the heat of the southern beaches fades away. Here, mist covers the laurel forest, and steep mountain slopes drop straight into the turquoise bays of the Atlantic. The Anaga Mountains are the island’s green heart and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Many endemic species live here, while winding roads, scenic viewpoints, and stunning forests make the landscape feel almost magical. In this article, we’ll share nine of the best viewpoints and hikes that everyone should experience.
The Anaga Mountains are best explored by car, as many hiking trails, viewpoints, and natural areas are spread across the region and difficult to reach by public transport.
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The Anaga Mountains in Tenerife are located in the northeast of the island, close to the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
You can get there:
By car🚙:The most convenient way is to take the TF-12 road, which winds through the Monteverde forests. It also leads to the Mirador de Jardina viewpoint.
By public transport🚌: TITSA buses run through the area and stop in small Anaga villages such as Taborno, Taganana, and others.
⚠️Some hiking trails require a permit, so it's best to check the official website of the reserve in advance
Nearby Towns and Villages
Anaga has several small and cozy villages that are often included in tourist routes:
Taganana village is one of the most popular places, which is surrounded by greenery, cliffs, and stunning ocean views.
Taborno is an old settlement hidden among the forests. It’s a great place to experience traditional Canarian life and walk through narrow streets.
Chamorga is one of the best starting points for hikes to wild coves, such as the trail to Benijo Beach.
Nearby, you can also visit the Punta de Anaga lighthouse, which is accessible on foot. The route is scenic but can be challenging for unprepared tourists in some of its parts.
🏨 Best base for Anaga hikes:
— OCEANO Health Spa Hotel in Punta del Hidalgo — sea views, spa, hiking trails from the door, 10 min from Anaga
Weather in Anaga Mountains & Winds Throughout the Year
Anaga has its own microclimate, and conditions change depending on altitude, terrain, and constant trade winds. In summer, temperatures are around 21°C (70°F), while in winter they can drop to 12–13°C (55°F). Summer also brings stronger winds, with gusts reaching about 50 km/h.
Monthly trends:
The driest month is July with only around 0.3 inches (8mm) of rain.
The wettest month is November with around 2.2 inches (56mm) of rain.
The best times to visit this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve are:
From May to July or September to October, the forest is warm and dry.
From December to April, the forest becomes especially lush, humid, and often covered in mist. There is dense fog, and everything is bright green - perfect weather to take mystical photos.
📌However, during the rainy season, trails can be slippery and cloud cover may be low. Good footwear and waterproof clothing are essential.
2. Mirador De Jardina
Mirador De Jardina
Mirador De Jardina
Mirador de Jardina is a viewpoint on the TF-12 mountain road. It is located right on a winding section of the way and offers wide views of the valleys, mountain slopes, and, on clear days, even Mount Teide. The viewpoint is right next to the road, so you can easily reach it by car, and the parking area is only a few steps away. TITSA buses also stop nearby.
📌On foggy or overcast days, visibility can be very limited.
Clouds often drop so low that they completely cover the view of the valleys, so it's better to wait for a sunny day. Here the parking is often a problem because the space is very limited.
3. Bosques de Anaga
Bosques de Anaga
Bosques de Anaga is an ancient laurel forest in Tenerife. It is almost always humid and has been growing here for millions of years. The area has kept its natural, untouched appearance. The trees have twisted trunks, thick moss covers everything, and fog is common. All of these conditions create the atmosphere of a true cloud forest.
This is a quiet path with few visitors, while the trails here are generally easy and suitable even for families with children. The main routes start at Cruz del Carmen, where you can park your car.
The easiest and most family-friendly trail is Sendero de los Sentidos. It’s a short circular route with almost no elevation gain. There are also lesser-known paths, such as Bosques de los Enigmas, which is also quite easy and leads through a fairytale-like mossy forest.
⚠️Some areas are protected, and certain trails, like El Pijaral, require a permit. The forest is cool and damp, so good footwear and warm clothing are recommended.
🥾 Explore Anaga with a local guide
If you prefer a deeper experience, guided hikes and nature tours offer insight into Anaga’s forests, viewpoints, and unique ecosystems.
Discover guided tours in Anaga Mountains onGetYourGuide.
4. Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglès & Mirador Pico del Inglés
Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglès & Mirador Pico del Inglés
Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés is an old stone path that runs through a dense "Laurisilva forest in Tenerife" and leads to one of the island’s best viewpoints. This Anaga Forest trail is rated easy to moderate and is slightly more challenging than the previous ones.
There are no major climbs, but the path is often wet and slippery because of the constant fog. Along the way, you’ll pass cloud forests, twisted trees, deep green ravines, and many other unforgettable views. This route is not crowded, so you can enjoy a quiet and relaxed walk.
The final point of the trail is Mirador Pico del Inglés. On a clear day, you can see both sides of the island and even the peak of Mount Teide. But on cloudy days, the scenery can feel even more dramatic. The viewpoint becomes a mystical place where clouds drift by at eye level. You can drive here, but hiking the trail gives you a much richer experience.
One of the best hikes in Anaga that doesn’t require special gear or preparation is the trail from the village of Taganana to Playa del Tachero. It begins in the old village of Taganana, set among steep green slopes. Here you’ll see narrow streets, white houses, calm surroundings, and beautiful ocean views. The path gently descends toward the wild Tachero Beach from the village.
Important: Playa del Tachero is not suitable for swimming. The waves are strong, the currents are dangerous, and rockfalls are common. It’s a place to admire from the shore, enjoy the scenery, and take photos — but not to enter the water.
Along the way, you can enjoy many views of the town, the coastline, and the Ermita de San Juan before reaching the beach. Tachero Beach is a small bay with black volcanic sand and strong waves. There are few visitors here, but the scenery is worth the walk. You can listen to the surf, look at the cliffs, and enjoy complete solitude.
📌It’s best to hike in the morning. On rainy days, the path can be wet. The full route can be found here.
6. Benijo - Cruz del Draguillo Hike
Benijo
Benijo
Hiking in Anaga can be very diverse, and the Benijo – Cruz del Draguillo trail proves that fact. The route starts near the famous Benijo Beach, which is known for its steep, ship-like cliffs and strong waves. From the very beginning, the trail climbs green slopes featuring panoramic views of the Atlantic, the black sand beaches, and the Anaga cliffs.
Along the way, you will also see small farmhouses, terraced banana plantations, and remote coves. The trail ends at Cruz del Draguillo, a small mountain village that looks much like it did years ago. It is a perfect place to rest before returning. Enjoy the peace, fresh air, and stunning scenery.
📌The part of Playa de Benijo is closed at the time of publication. For more information, visit the official website. The trail is rated moderate. At the start the route features steep climbs, then gradually shifts into a more gentle and comfortable section to walk. It is best to go hiking in the morning and avoid the trail after rain. It’s best to hike in the morning and avoid the trail after rain.
🏨 If you’re looking for accommodation surrounded by greenery and mountain views.
OCEANO Health Spa Hotel in Punta del Hidalgo — sea views, spa, hiking trails straight from the door.
7. Playa Benijo & Playa de Almáciga & Playa del Roque
Playa de Almáciga
Playa del Roque
Playa Benijo
One of the things to do in Anaga is to visit three beautiful, wild beaches that are unique to this area.
Benijo, Almáciga, and Roque form one of Tenerife’s most untamed and stunning coastlines:
Playa Benijo is the most famous of the three, with powerful waves, rocky outcrops in the ocean, and black sand. It offers amazing photo opportunities and a rare sense of solitude. Swimming here can be dangerous because of the strong surf, so it’s best to just watch and stroll along the shore.
Playa de Almáciga is a more open and spacious beach. You’ll often see surfers and travelers who enjoy the big waves and wide shoreline. Lifeguards are rarely on duty, so only experienced swimmers should enter the water.
Playa del Roque is the quietest of the three. This hidden cove has rocks and coarse volcanic sand and is often deserted. It’s perfect for strolling and enjoying the ocean views.
📌All three beaches are best visited at low tide, and comfortable shoes are recommended because some parts of the shore are rocky.
9. Aguaide Viewpoint
Aguaide Viewpoint is located right on the edge of a cliff, about 500 meters above sea level. From here, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, the Roque de los Hermanos cliffs, and Punta del Hidalgo. Reach the viewpoint on foot through the picturesque village of Chinamada, where the cave dwellings are also worth visiting.
Although the area closest to the cliff is partially restricted for safety reasons, the viewpoint remains one of the best spots to see wildlife and the dramatic landscapes of Tenerife’s coast.
The village of Chinamada in Tenerife is famous for its cave houses, some of which are carved directly into the volcanic rock. The village is incredibly charming, and people still live here as they did years ago, so you’ll see traditional narrow streets and terraces filled with plants.
Nearby is Taborno, which can be reached on foot via a very scenic route. Along the way, there are many viewpoints offering unique views of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
Both villages are perfect for a quiet getaway away from the tourist crowds. You can follow the full itinerary here, or shorten it by staying in Taborno.
Beyond the Anaga Mountains, Tenerife offers a wide variety of attractions — from volcanic landscapes and coastal viewpoints to traditional villages and cultural landmarks.
👉 Explore more attractions, activities, and experiences across Tenerife on GetYourGuide.
Final Words
Immerse yourself in island life and explore the most scenic routes in northern Tenerife. We hope this article helps you choose your next destination.
Anaga's best trails, viewpoints, and beaches are spread across the region and difficult to reach by public transport. Compare rental car prices on DiscoverCars — find the best deal across all major providers for your dates.
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