Tenerife attracts visitors with a wide range of options for both active and relaxing holidays. You can enjoy the beach, play volleyball, sunbathe, or explore historic towns and even desert areas with your children. But for those who love nature, discovering the island’s best hikes and walking trails is a must.
Here are our top 15 hikes in Tenerife that you can complete without special training or equipment. From the island’s peaks, you’ll find the best views of cloud forests, mountains, cliffs, the coastline, and the ocean.
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The Rambla de Castro Trail passes through one of the greenest areas in northern Tenerife. The path follows the cliffs and leads through palm groves and quiet natural surroundings. This route is considered easy, with a few moderate climbs, and the trail is well-maintained. Along the way, you’ll also find historic sites, including an old manor house, ruins of fortifications, and abandoned water structures.
Along the route, you can also see one of the island’s most iconic abandoned structures — the historic Gordejuela water pumping station, standing on the cliffside above the waves.
If you like hidden gems, you can descend to Playa de Castro, a wild and atmospheric black-sand beach surrounded by tall cliffs and lush vegetation. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the area.
It’s best to start in the morning because the trail is less crowded and the sun is not burning. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as some sections are rocky, and bring enough water.
Start/Finish: Parking at C. de las Palmera to Embarcadero.
Link to All trails route
What you’ll see: Elevador de agua de Gordejuela, Mirador de la Gordejuela, Fortín de San Fernando, Playa de Castro, Caserío y playa de la Rambla de Castro, and palm groves, cliffs above the ocean, and bays.
Minas de San José is an easy and unique Tenerife nature trail that takes you through the moon-like landscape of Teide National Park. The ground here is light in color, and the sparse vegetation forms unusual shapes to survive in this environment. The route is only 1.5 km long and has minimal climbs, so it is suitable for children and those not used to long hikes.
Keep in mind that the trail is in a mountainous area, where the air is cooler, the wind is stronger, and the sun is more intense. It’s a good idea to bring warm clothing and sunglasses.
Start/Finish: Parking to Minas de San José Viewpoint.
If you prefer a comfortable visit with transportation included, check out the guided Teide tours on GetYourGuide — they’re one of the most popular options on the island.
What you’ll see: pale pumice fields, lava formations, panoramic views of the caldera and Teide, and rare mountain flora.
Another great option among Tenerife’s walking routes is the Mirador/Alto de Guamaso trail. It is short, easy, and surprisingly scenic. The trail leads to old volcanic landscapes of Tenerife with panoramic views of the La Orotava Valley, forested ridges, and a sea of clouds. The climb is gentle, and the path is wide, so it is highly suitable for families with kids. The scenery changes from open views to light fog and drifting clouds.
Visibility is usually better in the morning, and the wind is weaker, so it’s best to arrive early. The area is often covered in mist, so you can take warmer clothing with you.
Start/Finish: Parking at TF-24 (Mirador) → Circular route around the cone
What you’ll see: the crater, pine forest, panoramic views of Teide, the sea of clouds, and the La Orotava Valley.
Another easy hike in Tenerife takes you through a dense laurel forest, where it is almost always cool, damp, and very quiet. Strolling through the Anaga Rural Park trail, you can feel the ancient nature of the island and see what Tenerife looked like thousands of years ago. Fog, moss, thick tree canopies, and a mystical atmosphere surround the trail. From the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint, you can enjoy beautiful views of the valley and the Anaga peaks.
This short route is suitable for all levels. The paths are well-maintained and equipped with handrails and signs.
Start/Finish: Mirador Cruz del Carmen → Short loops of Sendero de los Sentidos.
Difficulty: Easy
One of the most scenic walks in Tenerife is the northern route from the city beach of Playa Martiánez to the wild and atmospheric black-sand beach of Bollullo. The path follows the ocean, partly on paved sidewalks and partly on unpaved sections. At several points, you can enjoy views that combine the city, nature, and beautiful coastal panoramas.
As you continue, the scenery opens up to rocky shores and the wild Atlantic Ocean. Playa Bollullo is a highlight of the route and is considered one of the most stunning natural bays on the island.
It is an easy trail, but there are a few short climbs and stairways along the way.
Start/Finish: Playa Martiánez to Playa Bollullo.
If you're staying in the area, explore the best Puerto de la Cruz hotels on Booking.com — it's a perfect base for coastal walks like this one.
What you’ll see: Mirador a la Laja de Sal, Punta de la Laja de la Sal, coastal cliffs, vineyards, viewpoints, the black-sand beach of Bollullo, breakwaters, and lava formations.
Those who enjoy outdoor activities in Tenerife should also take a walk along the El Sauzal coast. There are many natural viewpoints and well-maintained paths along the cliffs. The area is known for its panoramic views of the northern coast and its calm atmosphere, as it is less crowded than the popular areas around Puerto de la Cruz.
The route features botanical corners, viewpoints, and quiet streets overlooking the Atlantic.
It’s perfect for a relaxed walk and great photos, especially at sunset. The route is fairly easy, but there are a few steep sections because of the hilly terrain.
Start/Finish: El Sauzal Coastal Trails to Ermita de Rojas / Zona Recreativa de la Costa de El Sauzal
What you’ll see: ocean panoramas, cliffs, viewpoints, and native vegetation
The route from the small village of Las Aguas to La Rambla is very short and easy. There are some elevation changes, but the trail is well-marked and maintained. The path runs mostly above the ocean.
This is one of those coastal walks in Tenerife where you can really experience the atmosphere of small Canarian villages. Take a relaxed stroll and enjoy the old houses, narrow streets, and rural scenery. Along the way, you’ll also pass banana plantations and sections with lava stone walls.
Start/Finish: Las Aguas to Ermita de la Virgen del Rosario
What you’ll see: cliffs, the ocean, rural scenery, banana fields, and village streets.
The Arenas Negras hike circles an old volcano and passes through a pine forest that was partially damaged by fires. The forest is now recovering, and the contrast between the dark soil and the bright green pines creates a unique landscape. The weather here can change quickly, with fog, cool temperatures, and stronger winds than on the coast. This route is relatively short with moderate elevation gain, so most hikers can complete it.
Start/Finish: Arenas Negras Recreational Area.
What you’ll see: pine forests, dark volcanic fields, black sand.
This easy coastal route runs along old salt pans in the westernmost part of Tenerife. The trail is clear and open with almost no climbs. You walk between wild lava formations and sparse coastal vegetation, and if you listen closely, you can hear nothing but the ocean and the wind. This route is a great choice for those who want to explore a quieter and less touristy part of the coast at a relaxed pace.
One of the highlights of this walk is the scenic view over the Buenavista Golf, which creates a striking contrast between the green fairways and the wild volcanic shoreline.
It is better to go in the morning, when the waves are calmer and the sun is softer. There is very little shade, so bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
Start/Finish: Parking to Playa de las Barqueras
What you’ll see: old salt pans, Spectacular seaside golf, lava formations, ocean waves, coastal cliffs, and views of Teno.
You can stroll through Taganana and experience the charm of the oldest village in Anaga. The route winds through narrow streets, old houses, and small paths. Along the way, you can stop at traditional taverns (Guachinche Bibi y Mana) serving local wine and fresh fish. The village is surrounded by green peaks, and on a clear day, you can see the northern coastline.
The difficulty is low, though there are a few stairs and short steep sections. This route is ideal for a leisurely stroll with a camera.
Start/Finish: Parking to Small viewpoints around the village
If you want to explore Anaga at a slower pace, Taganana is a great place to stay . Check out the best accommodation options near Taganana on Booking.com — perfect for hikers who want to enjoy the village, the coast, and the surrounding trails.
What you’ll see: old Canarian houses, rural streets, vineyards, panoramic views of Anaga, and ocean views.
This is one of the most enjoyable forest trails in the northern part of the island. The path winds through a dense laurel forest, with wooden walkways in some sections. The main attractions are the historic lava caves and old water channels, once used to collect water. The forest is vibrant, full of birds, moss, ferns, and damp, secluded spots.
It is always cooler here than on the coast, making the walk comfortable even in summer. After rain, the trail can be slippery, so shoes with good traction are recommended.
Start/Finish: Agua García Recreational Area to Circular Trail
What you’ll see: laurel forest, caves, water tunnels, ferns, wooden walkways, and viewpoints.
The Montaña Roja Circuit is an easy walk along sandy and volcanic trails near El Médano. The area is known for its red slopes, which contrast beautifully with the bright beaches. The route is simple, but the wind can be strong in some sections, as this is one of the windiest areas on the island. This trail passes by a nature reserve, where you can see rare dunes, dry coastal plants, and quiet coves.
The best times to visit are in the morning or at sunset. Wear closed shoes, as the sand can be hot and shifting.
Start/Finish: La Tejita Beach Parking Lot to Montaña Roja Circuit (Mirador Montaña Roja).
What you’ll see: the red volcanic massif, dunes, beaches, coves, strong ocean winds, and views of El Médano , Playa la Tejita, and the south Airport.
In Teno Alto, the trail passes through high-altitude areas where pine trees stand among unusual erosion formations that resemble towers and undulating rock shapes. The route is moderately difficult: it is longer than it appears, and some sections have significant elevation gain, but the views are worth the effort. Visitors are rare here, giving the area a tranquil and almost wild atmosphere.
The weather can change quickly, with fog, wind, or cold possible at any time of year. It’s best to hike in the morning and bring water and warm clothing.
Start/Finish: Teno to Upper Teno Moonscape.
What you’ll see: erosion formations, pine forests, mountain plateaus, and views of the Teno Massif and the ocean.
The route around Chinyero Volcano is one of the best walking trails in Tenerife, if not the very best. Here, you can see the young volcanic fields formed after the 1909 eruption. The trail passes through a pine forest before opening onto the lava fields. The weather in the Chinyero area is often cool and windy, especially in the shade of the trees.
This route is ideal for those who want to experience volcanic landscapes without high altitudes or difficult terrain.
Start/Finish: Mirador de los Poleos to Chinyero Circular Trail.
What you’ll see: pine forests, the 1909 lava fields, Chinyero Cone, views of Teide, and vast black landscapes.
There is one more trail on Tenerife’s northern coast that’s hard to miss. Along this route, you can see both the green Anaga Mountains and the rugged ocean cliffs. The trail passes old farms, natural pools, and narrow paths along the cliffs. The ocean here is strong, and the waves are large, so it’s important to stay a safe distance from the edge and consider the weather conditions.
Part of the route runs along a well-maintained seafront promenade with smooth paving, ocean viewpoints, cafés, a children’s playground, and a natural seawater pool — a great spot to relax before continuing into the wilder coastal paths.
The trail is especially beautiful in the morning when warm light falls on the cliffs.
Start/Finish: La Punta del Hidalgo to trail towards Punta del Hidalgo Lighthouse or coastal paths.
For those planning to explore the northern trails, Punta del Hidalgo offers great accommodation options — check out the best stays on Booking.com.
What you’ll see: ocean cliffs, Punta del Hidalgo Lighthouse, natural pools, farms, green slope terraces, and panoramic views of Anaga.
Our list of the easiest and most family-friendly scenic walks in Tenerife has come to an end. We hope you find the perfect route for your trip. You can get more information from the interactive map at the bottom of the page and from our YouTube video. We wish you happy hiking and the chance to discover all the beauty Tenerife has to offer along its trails.
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