Welcome to Anaga Rural Park, one of the most untouched landscapes on the island of Tenerife in Spain. This extraordinary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, formed by volcanic activity, is a must-visit for adventurers! Discover traditional mountain villages, ancient laurel forests, monolithic rock formations, and the most dramatic black-sand beaches on the island. Find out how to visit our favorite viewpoints, hiking trails, and restaurants on an epic day trip to Anaga Rural Park.
Anaga Rural Park
Anaga Rural Park is one of the most scenic things to do in Tenerife, offering a tranquil natural experience that’s a far cry from the beach resorts in the south. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or something a bit more challenging, you’ll find an option in our travel guide.
Anaga Rural Park Tickets
The best thing about Anaga Rural Park is that it’s free to visit! You do not need to pay for a ticket to enter; arrive whenever you want and enjoy all this beautiful scenery has to offer.
If you wish to visit the Enchanted Forest (El Pijaral), you will need to apply for an Anaga Rural Park permit. This is because the area is protected, and only a limited number of people are allowed to visit each day. The permit itself is free, but you’ll need to book it well in advance.
If you prefer not to plan ahead for your visit, in our guide, we’ve listed spots and magical hikes that don’t require a permit.
Anaga Rural Park Map: Recommended Route
Some parts of Anaga Rural Park are very remote, and you won’t have cell phone reception. It’s best to download your Anaga Rural Park map before you visit — just in case. We’ve pinned all our favorite things to do in the park on our Google Maps to make it easier.
We spent the day in Anaga Rural Park and followed this route:
- Morning: Mirador de Jardina + Sendero de los Sentidos Hike
- Lunch: Restaurant Casa Santiago
- Afternoon: Roca de Taborno
- Early Evening: Taganana Village
- Sunset: Playa Benijo
Morning: Mirador de Jardina
Set your maps for Sendero de los Sentidos and add a stop at the beautiful Mirador de Jardina, one of the best viewpoints in Anaga Rural Park — if not on the whole island! You’ll have panoramic views of La Laguna, Mount Teide, and the Anaga Mountains, as well as the coastline in the distance. It’s the perfect place to soak up the tranquillity of this stunning natural landscape before you head deeper into the park’s greenery.
Tip: Early riser? If you can arrive early, Mirador de Jardina is one of the best spots for photography at sunrise.
Short Hike: Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses)
Next up is your morning hike: Sendero de los Sentidos. This circular route is only 30 minutes and is very easy, making it the perfect morning activity! There are three routes to choose from, each designed to engage all five senses. As you walk, you’ll see interactive panels with noses, hands, and eyes that encourage people to engage with their senses in the forest.
- Path 1: Awaken Your Senses (340 metres) – a very short linear route with a runway and terrace.
- Path 2: Be Amazed (544 meters). This is the route we chose; it’s a loop that takes you over cute bridges and steps carved into the path. You’ll also pass through the famous moss-covered laurel forest (one of the oldest in the world!) with ancient trees hanging over the path.
- Path 3: What the Evergreen Forest has to Hide (1,272 meters). This route is also circular, but it’s a bit more challenging, as it involves a steeper uphill climb.
The humid and cool weather found here in Anaga Rural Park causes a breathtaking natural phenomenon: low-lying clouds move among the twisted tree trunks, giving them the name ‘Cloud Forests’. We were lucky enough to experience this, making our hike even more magical than it would have been on a clear day.
Getting there
- Park at the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center. Note: Parking can be limited here, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible. Buses also stop here from places such as Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna, and Santa Cruz. However, the journey may not be direct. (Plan your route here)
- From here, walk up Mirador Cruz del Carmen. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Teide! Unfortunately for us, there was no view at all because of thick mist.
- On the opposite side of the road, you can stop and have a coffee or use the restrooms at Restaurante Cruz del Carmen.
- Start your short hike: Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses). It’s a 30-minute easy loop through a photogenic laurel forest that will bring you back to this spot.
Lunch: Restaurant Casa Santiago
After your morning of exploring, it’s time to take a break for a well-deserved lunch. This was well-timed for us because, as we finished Sendero de los Sentidos, it started to rain, and thick fog rolled in, preventing us from seeing the views.
While we waited for the clouds to pass, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Restaurant Casa Santiago, just a short 8-minute drive away. This mountain-top restaurant served delicious local food in an authentic atmosphere. There are also scenic terrace views (if you’re lucky with the weather!).
I ordered the Tuna steak in a rich tomato salsa, which was incredibly tasty. However, they also have other traditional dishes on the menu, such as the famous Papas Arrugadas, wrinkly potatoes in a mojo rojo sauce.
Note: During our time in Anaga Rural Park, we checked the cloud radar on here for the most accurate weather forecast
Nearby Viewpoints
After your delicious lunch, drive 10 minutes to Mirador Pico del Inglés —where you’ll get panoramic views of the jagged green peaks of Anaga Park. The viewpoint looks down to the ocean, and on a clear day, you can see Santa Cruz in the south. You might also see other Canary Islands on the horizon, like Gran Canaria and La Palma.
A few hundred meters further, discover this unique photo spot in Tenerife: Camino Viejo al Pico del Inglés, an old, abandoned road flanked by moss-covered walls. The laurel trees overhang the wall, creating a mystical tunnel you can walk through.
Afternoon: Roca de Taborno (Must-Do Hike)
Ready for your must-do hike in Tenerife? Roca de Taborno was an absolute highlight for us, a stunning hike that circles the base of a mammoth monolithic rock formation. The rock is so striking that it’s often referred to as Tenerife’s version of the Matterhorn!
The hike takes you along narrow trails with incredible 360-degree views of the mountains and coastline. It also showcases the very best of Tenerife’s flora, fauna, and wildlife! You’ll see interesting cacti, pretty yellow and purple flowers, island birds, and mountain goats; it really reminded us of some of the amazing hikes we did in Madeira.
Tip: You can also spot Los Roques de Anaga in the distance, two volcanic rocks that emerge from the Atlantic Ocean.
Discover our favorite things to do in Tenerife
Trail Directions
- From the village of Taborno, walk up to the small, terracotta-colored church and take the path on the right side.
- First check out Mirador Fuente del Lomo.
- Then, start your decline (which is only short) before following an easy path.
- Features include narrow trails with steep drops—make sure to stay focused on the trail.
Key Information
- Getting there: Enjoy a scenic drive down into the village of Taborno and park here. Taborno is small, so you may need to park on the side of the road. You can also take bus 275 from Laguna (see timetable). Otherwise, you can join a tour that includes your return transportation.
- Distance: This circular route is approximately 3.5 KM in length with moderate difficulty. It took us approximately 2 hours for the round trip.
- What to wear: Proper hiking shoes are recommended, as the path can be slippery and muddy. Bring enough water, suncream, and a waterproof jacket, as the weather in Anaga Rural Park can change from sunny to stormy in just a few minutes.
- Entry fee: Free! Unlike other hikes, no Anaga Rural Park Permit is required. This makes it a good option if you don’t want to plan your hikes in advance.
- Best time to visit: We visited at 3 PM at the end of March, and it was perfect. Spring is lovely for the weather and the flowers, and the late afternoon is peaceful. We walked alone for most of the hike!
Optional: The Enchanted Forest
If you’d like to do other hikes in Anaga Rural Park, you might also consider the famous Enchanted Forest. This circular hike (around 6.5 KM) takes you through protected Laurel forest and is one of the most magical on the island. Although we didn’t get to do this ourselves, we heard it’s a bit like the setting of Alice in Wonderland!
Note: The Enchanted Forest is home to the oldest ecosystem on the island. For this reason, it’s protected, with limited numbers of people allowed each day. You will need to plan well in advance for this hike by applying for an Anaga Rural Park permit online. It’s a relatively simple process and well worth it; failing to obtain a permit can result in a fine of €600.
Early Evening: Taganana Village
After a day in the wild landscapes of Anaga Rural Park, it’s time to explore the area’s remote villages. Taganana is particularly pretty, home to whitewashed houses nestled into the hillside. Surrounding the town are lush green mountains that slope down to the deep blue Atlantic.
The drive to reach Taganana is part of the adventure, taking you along the TF-134 road, which offers fantastic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. Be sure to stop at Mirador del Risco Mogote, which is a perfect outlook onto the Anaga Rocks and Taganana on the hillside.
Once you’re in the village, park the car and spend the early evening strolling through town. Look out for the traditional Canary architecture, such as the historic church.
Getting there: If you’re following this Anaga Rural Park itinerary, it’s best to travel by car. However, there is a bus that goes directly to Taganana from Santa Cruz (line 946).
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Playa Almáciga
Just a 5-minute drive from Taganana, you’ll also find one of Anaga Rural Park’s most beautiful beaches: Playa Almáciga. This is one of the island’s wildest and most remote coastal spots, featuring black volcanic sand, strong waves, and breathtaking views of the rugged northern coastline.
The waves also make it popular for surfing, but because of the currents it’s not recommended to swim here. For calmer waters, choose a beach like Playa de Las Teresitas, which has shallow waters and golden sand (located a bit further around the coast to the east)
Top tip: On the way to Playa Almáciga, add a stop at Roca de las Ánimas viewpoint. You’ll find a restaurant here where you can soak up an incredible view of Roca de las Animas, a huge rock formation that rises from the ocean. If you’ve follow our itinerary, you’ll probably arrive here around golden hour, when it’ll look its absolute best!
Bring your camera, as you’ll be able to capture some fantastic photos, especially of Los Roques de Anaga, some impressive rock formations located just off this beach. Due to the wild currents it’s not great for swimming, but it’s perfect for relaxation.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunset to avoid missing the changing colors of the sky. Bear in mind that you’ll have to take steep stairs down to the beach, and it’s a bit of a climb back up. It will also be dark after sunset, so be sure to have a torch or your phone with you.
Restaurants nearby: There are some great places to eat at Playa de Benijo, especially if you love fresh seafood like us! Restaurant La Ola, El Mirador, and El Fronton all offer fantastic ocean views and feature freshly caught fish on their menus. Please note that these are all lunchtime eateries, closing by 4 or 5 PM. Therefore, if you want to eat here, you’ll need to adjust your route slightly.
Best Time to Visit Anaga Rural Park
Anaga Rural Park is beautiful at all times of the year! However, it’s worth remembering that this area has a unique microclimate, meaning it gets more rainfall than other parts of Tenerife, especially in early Spring when we visited. It’s this humidity that makes it such a luscious natural area, and makes the cloud forest so breathtaking!
Before you visit, check the weather cameras to get a better idea of what to bring. Extra layers, sun cream, and a rain jacket are all essential, as the weather can be varied and cooler in the mountains.
Tip: For a peaceful hike without crowds, we recommend starting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is usually when you’ll have better visibility, too.
How to Visit Anaga Rural Park
By Car
Ideally, it’s best to visit Anaga by car, allowing you to be flexible with your route and reach all the most beautiful, remote spots.
The drive to Anaga Rural Park is absolutely magical. However, with great views usually comes steep drops! We think it’s worth it, but it’s good to be aware that these are typical mountain roads, which are narrow, meaning traffic can also get backed up easily at peak times. We recommend visiting before 9:30 AM or after 3:00 PM for a more relaxed experience.
Tip: Check the live weather cameras beforehand, as you may encounter foggy driving conditions.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Bus
If you’re not renting a car, the bus is also an option. However, there are only specific drop-off points within the park, such as the villages of Chamorga or Taganana. This means you have less flexibility to explore the park, and it can be more challenging to access the more remote trails.
Organized Tour
While it doesn’t offer as much flexibility, a hassle-free option is to book an organized tour to Anaga Rural Park. This typically includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation, lunch, a guide, and any necessary permits for hiking. See all tours to Anaga Rural Park.
Packing List for Anaga Rural Park
- Sturdy hiking shoes (many trails are narrow and uneven)
- Sunglasses
- Environmentally-friendly sunscreen (the sun is intense at high altitudes)
- Cap
- Plenty of water (in a reusable bottle — the perfect way to travel plastic-free!)
- Lots of snacks (there are very few facilities inside the park)
- Layers (definitely a jacket for the evening)
- Waterproof jacket (the weather can change quickly here)
- Your camera
- Anaga Rural Park Permit (if required for your hike)
Hotels in Anaga Rural Park
Staying close to Anaga Rural Park is an excellent option for your trip to Tenerife, especially if you’re interested in the more unspoilt nature in the north of the island. While there are a few options inside the park, you’ll find a broader variety of hotels in San Cristobal de La Laguna, which also has bus connections to Anaga.
We decided to choose hotels in Puerto de la Cruz in the north, which is only a 40-minute drive away. It also served as a good jumping-off point to explore other places on our Tenerife itinerary.
However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed beach trip, you might prefer to stay in Costa Adeje in the south, where there are many great beaches and boat trips. This is just over a 1-hour drive, but still a good option for a worthwhile day trip to Anaga Rural Park.
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