Want to plan the perfect hiking trip to Tenerife or just add something exciting to your beach getaway? We've compiled 9 top hiking trails on the island, complete with detailed descriptions, trailhead maps, and routes. In our guide, you can choose the perfect trail based on difficulty, distance, views, and more.
Many visitors associate Tenerife mainly with beaches and resorts. While that's true, the island reveals a completely different side to those who explore its hiking trails. They pass through the green gorges of Anaga, the moon-like terrain around Teide, and lead to secluded black-sand beaches accessible only on foot.
For those planning to explore Tenerife's hiking routes, spring is the best time to visit, but even in summer, you'll have an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, even popular hiking trails in Tenerife are rarely crowded, so they can be a welcome change from long days at the beach and drinking cocktails.
We've compiled seven routes of varying difficulty, including easy coastal walks, multi-hour trails through mountain villages, and descents to wild coves. Each offers its own unique perspective on Tenerife's outdoor activities and is well worth your time.
You can reach most trails by TITSA bus, but if you want to head out early in the morning, catch the sunset, or simply have more freedom, we recommend renting a car. On Discovery Cars, you can compare rental prices and find the best deal.
1. Paisaje Protegido de la Rambla de Castro
Los Realejos · North Tenerife Coastal Hike - Mirador de la Gordejuela - Playa Castro
This is a moderate route, 8-10 km long, with relatively low elevation gain and a walking time of 3-3.5 hours along the island's northern coast.
The Rambla de Castro trail impresses from the very beginning and is considered one of the best coastal walks in Tenerife. From the start, you'll enjoy views of the Atlantic, lush banana plantations, and palm groves. Free Parking here.
One of the main highlights along the route is the ruins of the 📍Elevador de Aguas de Gordejuela. Built in 1903, it was the island's first steam pumping station, used to pump water up to the banana plantations.
The route then passes several other historic sites, including the 📍 Hacienda de Castro (the ruins of a 16th-century estate) and 📍San Fernando Fort, built to protect the coast from pirate raids. All of this is set against the backdrop of the ocean, plantations, and stunning views.
The trail goes through 📍Playa de Castro, a bay with black volcanic sand surrounded by palm trees, and ends in 📍Embarcadero.
Restaurant and nice view : check
Keep in mind that there are no restrooms or shops along the trail. We recommend heading out early in the morning, when it's least crowded.
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2. Las Carboneras – Chinamada – Mirador Aguaide Trail
Las Carboneras · Anaga Rural Park · PR-TF 10 · Cave Houses Hike
This is a challenging 10-11 km trail through the Anaga Mountains that takes almost five hours.
Anaga Rural Park is one of the oldest laurel forests in Europe and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This Anaga Mountains hike, starting in Las Carboneras, is one of the most rewarding hikes in the park.
The route runs along ridges with views of both coasts. Along the way, you'll see the lush green Anaga peaks shrouded in mist before reaching Chinamada. This is one of the best hikes for anyone looking to experience the off-the-beaten-path of Tenerife.
In the village of 📍Chinamada, some residents still live in traditional cave dwellings carved into the volcanic rock. Just 30-40 years ago, there was no electricity or road access here. Today, some houses have brick extensions, while others remain untouched. The 📍San Ramon Nonato Chapel and 📍Restaurante La Cueva are also well worth a visit.
The trail then leads to 📍Mirador Aguaide, a platform perched directly above 500-meter-high cliffs. Even experienced hikers may find the drop impressive, but when the mountains are shrouded in mist, the view becomes truly magical. It's no wonder that Anaga Rural Park trails are consistently ranked among the island's best hikes.
The hike starts in📍Las Carboneras. Make sure to bring water, and after your hike, you can head down to relax in the natural pools of Punta del Hidalgo.
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3. Afur to Playa de Tamadite Trail
Barranco de Afur · PR-TF 8 · Anaga Rural Park · Black Sand Beach Hike
This is a moderate-to-difficult trail. Depending on your choice, you can hike a shorter 5 km route or the full 13 km loop, which takes anywhere from 3.5 to 5 hours.
The trail passes through wild landscapes and the Barranco de Afur. In fact, this Anaga Rural Park trail is considered one of the most authentic on the entire island.
The PR-TF 8 trail begins in the village of 📍Afur and descends through the ravine. The first stop is near a small waterfall with a pool, and after 2.5 km, the trail reaches 📍Tamadite Beach. This black-sand beach is quite rocky with strong waves, so it's best to enjoy the view from the shore.
There are no facilities like umbrellas, bars, or showers here, but you can see the 📍Roques de Anaga in the distance. If you're an experienced hiker, you can complete the full loop through 📍Taganana and climb up to the village along the coastal cliffs.
Keep in mind that the section from the beach to Taganana is sometimes closed due to the risk of rockfalls. You can check the current status on tenerife.es. Good hiking boots with a solid grip are a must for this route, as the trail can become very slippery, especially after rain.
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4. Teide – Cañada Blanca – Montaña Majúa
Teide National Park · Trail № 19 · UNESCO World Heritage · Volcanic Landscape Hike
This easy-to-moderate hike in Teide National Park, located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, covers approximately 8 km and takes about two and a half hours.
The trail leads from the foot of Mount Teide through lava fields to 📍Montaña Majúa. Aside from the wind, the landscape feels almost lifeless, while the massive silhouette of Teide dominates the horizon. This volcanic landscape hike is one of the most photogenic on the island.
As you approach Cañada Blanca, the landscape comes alive. Here, you'll find retamas (local broom shrubs) that cover the slopes with white blossoms in May and June, creating a stunning contrast against the black lava. The final destination is the 📍Parador de Las Cañadas, a hotel in the heart of the park that offers excellent views of Teide.
To start, you can park near the cable car on the TF-21 (or start at Parador de Las Cañadas). Be sure to bring SPF 50, a hat, and water. At over 2,000 meters, temperatures can change quickly, even in summer, so don't forget to bring a jacket.
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5. El Sauzal – El Puertito – Rojas
Costa de Acentejo Protected Landscape · Easy Coastal Hike · North Tenerife Nature Walk
Not every hike in Tenerife has to be a challenge. This 5 km route takes a maximum of 2 hours, and the views are absolutely worth it. There’s no need to rush, and with no major climbs, it’s ideal for beginners.
The trail starts at 📍Mirador de las Breñas, where you can even spot Mount Teide on a clear day. Along the way, you descend gently toward the coastline. One of Tenerife's rarest endemic plants, the Lotus maculatus (Pico de El Sauzal), grows along this route. This small flower with orange-red petals is unique to the island. It's details like these that distinguish this off-the-beaten-path trail from standard tourist routes.
The end of the trail at 📍Rojas offers a view of the 📍Ermita de Rojas chapel, where you can enjoy a picnic right by the water. On the way back, you can stop by the 📍Casa del Vino Museum in El Sauzal.
Park at Mirador de las Breñas, and don't forget your sunglasses and water. This spot is especially beautiful at sunset, so it's best to start the hike in the late afternoon.
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6. PR-TF 57 Callejón del Teno
Teno Rural Park · El Palmar to Los Bailaderos · Northwest Tenerife Hiking Trail
This challenging 8-kilometer hike takes about 3 hours.
Teno Rural Park often goes unnoticed by tourists, and that’s too bad. It boasts a rugged landscape unlike the rest of Tenerife. Hiking here is the perfect choice for those who want to see a different side of the island.
PR-TF 57 Callejón del Teno begins in the picturesque 📍El Palmar Valley, which is covered in vineyards. The first stretch requires a rocky climb, but it’s the most challenging part of the route. After about an hour of climbing, the terrain flattens out, and you'll get a bird's-eye view of the valley.
The trail then continues along the Lomo los Acebiños ridge above the Los Cochos ravine and reaches the Los Bailaderos viewpoint. From here, you can continue to 📍Punta de Teno (the western tip of the island with the lighthouse) or to 📍Buenavista del Norte.
The trail starts at the Los Pedregales visitor center, with parking nearby. There are no cafes along the way, so bring water and snacks. Be careful on the descent and take it easy on your knees.
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7. Circular San Juan de la Rambla
Barranco de Ruiz Loop · Canarian Architecture · North Tenerife Coastal Walk
This 8 km route of moderate difficulty takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. At the time of writing, it is closed due to the risk of landslides.
📍San Juan de la Rambla is a small town in northern Tenerife with a charming atmosphere. It is known for its whitewashed houses with wooden balconies, the 17th-century 📍San Juan Bautista Church, and narrow streets.
The Circular San Juan de la Rambla hiking loop takes you through a mix of landscapes. First, you ascend into a gorge beneath the Risco de Masapé cliffs, then descend through the village of Las Aguas, and return along a coastal path. The route is well-marked and especially popular with locals on weekends, which is a good sign. The trail also passes through the Paisaje Protegido de los Campeches, Tigaiga y Ruiz, home to rare birds.
The route begins at the Barranco de Ruiz recreation area, where you'll find parking and restrooms. Note that the path here can be a bit overgrown. You can grab a snack at the bar in the village of Las Aguas.
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8. Roques de García Loop
Teide National Park · Iconic Rock Formations · Volcanic Hikeт
No hiking guide to Tenerife would be complete without the Roques de García trail. It is one of the island's most iconic hikes. The circular route is approximately 3.5–4 km long, takes around 1.5–2 hours, and requires a basic level of fitness.
The trail loops around the spectacular 📍Roques de García, a collection of volcanic rock formations shaped by thousands of years of erosion. The highlight is 📍Roque Cinchado, one of Tenerife's most recognizable natural landmarks. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of Mount Teide, lava fields, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Spring is the most colourful season thanks to the blooming Teide broom, while summer usually offers crystal-clear skies and outstanding visibility. Although the hike is relatively short, it shouldn't be underestimated. The route includes several steep climbs and descents, uneven rocky terrain, and reaches an altitude of over 2,100 metres. We wouldn't recommend it for families with very young children, visitors with limited mobility, or anyone unaccustomed to hiking.
The most convenient place to start the hike is normally the parking area at 📍La Ruleta Vista Point. However, as of July 2026, construction work is taking place there, so we started the route from 📍Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide instead. If you're visiting on weekends, it's worth arriving early, as parking fills up quickly.
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9. Barranco del Infierno
Adeje · Protected Nature Reserve · Waterfall Hike
Barranco del Infierno is one of Tenerife's most popular hiking trails. The route is approximately 6.5 km long, takes around 3–3.5 hours, and leads through one of the island's most impressive volcanic gorges.
The trail starts in the historic town of 📍Adeje and gradually climbs into a dramatic canyon surrounded by towering cliffs. Along the way, you'll cross small bridges, follow historic irrigation channels, and enjoy spectacular views before reaching 📍Barranco del Infierno Waterfall, one of the few permanent natural waterfalls on Tenerife.
The trail is well maintained and suitable for most visitors with a basic level of fitness, although there are several sustained uphill sections. Good walking shoes, drinking water, and sun protection are highly recommended.
As Barranco del Infierno is a protected nature reserve, the number of daily visitors is limited. Tickets must be booked in advance, particularly during spring and summer when they often sell out. Safety helmets are provided before entering the reserve. After the hike, you can explore the charming streets of 📍Adeje Old Town or relax on the nearby beaches of Costa Adeje, just a short drive away.
AllTrails Route
Why Tenerife Is One of Europe's Best Hiking Destinations
Tenerife might seem like an unexpected hiking destination, but the island has plenty to offer. Each route offers a unique blend of landscapes. By exploring a few of them, you can hike along a tropical coastline lined with banana plantations, walk down to a wild black-sand beach, pass through a village where people live in cave houses, and climb to the crest of a mountain range with views of the Atlantic on both sides.
Tenerife's trails are incredibly diverse, with each route bringing something completely new. Spring makes the experience even better, as the paths are rarely crowded, while lush plantations and flowing waterfalls enhance the view. Just bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, and a jacket, and you'll be well prepared for the island's trails.
Read our latest guide to get all the information you need for an unforgettable Tenerife trip in 2026.
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