If you're looking to stretch your legs in the winter sunshine, this Tenerife hiking guide has everything you need to know to access this incredible volcanic island's national parks and best hikes. The Canary Island is the perfect destination for spring, autumn and winter to escape the cold and enjoy some of the best walks and trails across diverse landscapes. I was blown away on a recent visit with hikes through incredible gorges, along the towering cliffs and coastline, high above the clouds, up the volcanoes and through landscapes that felt like the Moon. Make sure you pack your hiking boots, sunscreen and lots of water as you embark on a hiking adventure to an island in an area known as the "Hawaii of Europe".
Not sure if Tenerife is the right destination for your next outdoor adventure? Here's what the Canary Island has to offer:
- Over 1,500km of official footpaths and 43 protected natural areas to hike and explore
- Road cycling at altitudes varying up to 2,000m from sea level to the foot of Mount Teide
- More than 200km of forest tracks for mountain biking
- Tandem paragliding for adrenaline seekers
- More than 40 diving sites with the deepest visibility at 30m deep
- Kayaking through caves and natural coves
- A surfer's paradise with more than 30 spots around the island with great waves all year round
- 300 days a year of wind - perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing and windfoil
Tenerife's hiking is suitable for all abilities with easy 5km walks on flat ground with amazing views to hikes that involve a bit of a scramble across the rocks, to those epic volcano summit climbs. Expect diverse landscapes that will blow you away as you hike and explore the volcanic island's national parks on hikes you will never forget.
Plan Your Tenerife Hiking Trip:
- 3 Best Areas for Hiking in Tenerife
- Booking Cheap Flights to Tenerife
- Where to Stay for a Hiking Holiday in Tenerife
- Hiring a Car for a Tenerife Hiking Holiday
- The Best Travel Insurance for a Hiking Trip in Tenerife
- 6 of the Best Hikes in Tenerife
- Solo Hiking In Tenerife
- Group Hiking in Tenerife
- Tenerife Hiking Guide FAQs
- Can you walk up the volcano in Tenerife?
- Do I need hiking boots for Tenerife?
- Is Tenerife safe to hike?
| Essentials for Tenerife Hiking Trips |
| Find cheap flights to Tenerife |
| Find hotels or hostels |
| Find activities and tours for Tenerife |
| Get an eSIM for Spain |
A press trip with Visit Tenerife
3 Best Areas for Hiking in Tenerife
Tenerife has some incredible and diverse landscapes for hiking, so be sure to explore different areas during your trip. Make time to explore both Tenerife North and Tenerife South to truly experience the biodiversity the island has to offer. Here are some of the most popular areas for hiking on the volcanic island:
Anaga Rural Park – Parque Rural de Anaga
This lush, biodiverse natural forest is high in the north of Tenerife and is full of lush vegetation plus hikes with incredible ocean views. Anaga Rural Park is the perfect place for a gentle hike and features the mountains of La Laguna and Santa Cruz. Expect deep ravines and gorges, laurel trees and tiny villages scattered across the mountains. If you're visiting there are different areas to explore such as Cruz del Carmen and the laurel forest, the network of trails in Anaga Rural Park and the wild beaches in the area.
- You could try the Circular de Taborno hike
Teide National Park – Parque Nacional del Teide
In complete contrast, Teide National Park is just an hour's drive away but is known for it's harsh, arid environment. Used as a filming location for Planet of the Apes, Clash of the Titans and One Million Years BC, the national park's dramatic an volcanic landscapes quite literally look like another world. As well as hiking, you can also go climbing with a view of the volcano! Pack your sunscreen and plenty of water, the air is much drier and the heat more intense than Anaga.
- You could try the Roques de García hike
The Teno Mountains – Teno Rural Park
Tucked away in the north-west corner of Tenerife is this incredible mountainous area of the island, set at 1,300m above sea level. Teno was once a separate island which joined with several other pieces of land to become part of Tenerife as we know it today. This part of the island is almost entirely surrounded by sea and this geographical isolation has created a unique biodiversity, architecture and customs unique to this part of Tenerife.
- You could hike Teno Rural Park
Booking Cheap Flights to Tenerife
If you're planning a hiking holiday on the Canary Island, you'll want to find cheap flights to Tenerife. The cheapest months to travel are December and January when flights start from £34. When booking flights, be sure to check which airport is closer to your accommodation – Tenerife North or Tenerife South and make sure your hire car is available to pick up at the same airport. The flight from the UK to Tenerife takes around 4 hours and 51 minutes, and there are over 600 flights per week from the UK. Direct flights are available with Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, British Airways, Qatar Airways, BA Euroflyer and Iberia.
Where to Stay for a Hiking Holiday in Tenerife
No matter what your budget for travelling to Tenerife, there's an accommodation to suit your needs. Here's my top options for budget backpackers and digital nomads, to mid-range budget travellers, to those with a taste for luxury:
Best Accommodation for Backpackers and Digital Nomads
If you're travelling on a lower budget and are keen to meet other travellers during your visit, why not choose a hostel or budget accommodation with co-working options? Tenerife has some great options:
- Ocean Nomads Co-working is perfect for digital nomads – it's right on the beach but close to lots of great hiking spots in the South of Tenerife including Parque Nacional del Teide.
- Hostel Tenerife is a popular choice for hikers – its a 100-year-old Canarian house in a traditional neighbourhood in the North of Tenerife. It's in the middle of the three main hiking areas: Anaga, Teno and Teide and you can also borrow hiking gear if you need to.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation for a Hiking Holiday in Tenerife
- If you're a group – I recommend looking at apartments and villas for a hiking holiday in Tenerife as these will also come with a kitchen so you can prepare food to take on your hikes. There are lots of options for all budgets.
- If you're looking for a high-end experience, book a stay with MYND Adeje. It's 500m from the beach with a rooftop pool and amazing breakfast, perfect for unwinding during your hiking trip.
Hiring a Car for a Tenerife Hiking Holiday
Tenerife is a big island, so to make the most of your hiking holiday, I really recommend hiring a car or some kind of transport so you can easily get around. If you're planning to do hikes in various areas around the north and south of the island, this will be the most time and cost-efficient way to access the hikes. I book my hire cars through Discover Cars and pick up /drop off at the airport to make it as easy as possible. Car hire starts from just £7 a day. >> Book a hire car in Tenerife
The Best Travel Insurance for a Hiking Trip in Tenerife
It's always a good idea to have travel insurance, particularly if you love outdoor adventures. A good travel insurance policy will cover you for any lost luggage, flight delays and of course, if you are injured or need assistance during your trip. World Nomads are my go-to for adventure travel insurance and they offer a hiking and trekking travel insurance policy with various packages available. These also cover emergency medical assistance, gear protection, trip cancellation and delayed and lost baggage cover.
- Find out more about the best solo travel & adventure travel insurance providers
6 of the Best Hikes in Tenerife
Pico del Teide via Montaña Blanca (Mount Teide Peak) – Teide National Park
- Distance: 5.82 miles
- Elevation Gain: 4,275 ft
- Permit required (FREE)
- Time Needed: 5-6 hours
Without a doubt the most epic hike on the island, Mount Teide Peak provides the opportunity to summit the highest mountain in Spain in the heart of Teide National Park. Please note that you will need a permit to summit Teide, so you will need to organise this in advance as there are only 200 daily permits available. There are various routes for reaching the summit of Mount Teide in Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide) including the single trail that sets off from Montaña Blanca by the road, which is a 5-6 hour walk. There is a cable car which you can use to return.
Roques de García – Teide National Park
- Distance: 4.2 km circuit
- Elevation Gain/Loss | 170 meters
- Time Needed: 1:30 hours
An easy hike but a great one to show off the spectacular rock formations and volcano views in Teide National Park. You will feel like you're walking across Mars! From the Mirador de la Ruleta lookout point, La Catedral rock sticks out of the Caldera floor. There are lots of hiking trails to explore nearby if you wish to extend this hike. You can also go climbing in the national park.
Punta del Hidalgo to Chinamada and Carboneras
- Distance: 15.6 km lollipop-circuit
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1577 meters
- Time Needed: 7 hours
The most popular walking trail in the Anaga Mountains and a perfect way to get a taste for the incredible landscapes of Parque Rural de Anaga. Start the hike from the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center and descend all the way to Punte del Hidalgo, before continuing towards Chinamada and Carboneras. This is a difficult hike so go prepared.
Parque Rural de Anaga – circular between Afur and Taganaga
- Distance: 9.59 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
- Time Needed: 6-7 hours
This is a challenging circular hike which requires a good level of fitness. It takes you from Afur through the Tamadite Gorge to the beach. Afterwards you will go up the steep coast towards Taganana. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes, I recommend hiking boots, and pack sunscreen and lots of water. Download the route here.
Macizo de Anaga – circular via the Pijaral Trail
- Distance: 4.02 miles
- Elevation Gain: 700 ft
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Santiago del Teide to Masca– Teno Mountains
- Distance: 9.2 km point-to-point
- Elevation Gain: 574 meters
- Time Needed: 4 hours
This is an easy hike to explore the Teno Mountains and witness the dramatic scenery. This hike is also accessible by public transport via Bus 355.
Solo Hiking In Tenerife
Tenerife is one of the safest places in Europe, so if you're thinking of solo hiking, it's a great place to start. If you're nervous about hiking solo, particularly my solo female travellers, then make sure you start by following my tips for safe solo hiking:
- Share your location using Whatsapp with a friend/family member
- Let someone at your accommodation know your hiking plans for the day
- Pick a well-marked and busier hiking trail if you're new to solo hiking
- Always have an eSIM for Spain so you can easily navigate and call for help
- If any situation ever makes you feel uncomfortable – leave!
Read these articles before travelling or hiking solo:
- Solo Hiking – Staying Safe & Planning Your First Hike
- How to Safely Solo Travel as a Woman – a Solo Travel Expert
Group Hiking in Tenerife
If you're a solo traveller who loves hiking but doesn't fancy going it alone, why not join a group hiking adventure? G Adventures have a 6-day trip available – Hiking the Canary Islands: Tenerife, Anaga, and Beyond! Explore the island and work up a sweat with a group of like-minded travellers and hike from Puerto de la Cruz to Costa Adeje before relaxing with a wine tasting and beach time. If you're looking to take the pressure off organising this trip solo, it's a great option.
- Check out my article with G Adventures – 5 Ways to Beat Loneliness as a Solo Traveller
Tenerife Hiking Guide FAQs
Can you walk up the volcano in Tenerife?
Looking for a hiking challenge? Hiking Mount Teide is the ultimate Tenerife hiking adventure and can be attempted by both beginners and advanced hikers. There are various routes for reaching the summit of Mount Teide in Teide National Park (Parque Nacional del Teide) including the single trail that sets off from Montaña Blanca by the road, which is a six-hour walk. You can also reach the summit by cable car, which takes you as far as La Rambleta and is a 40-50 minute walk to the summit. Mount Teide is a difficult trail but it is a non-technical climb. It is always important to check the route before you travel, this hike is inaccessible at certain times of the year due to snow and ice, the weather also changes very quickly so always do your research and book a guide if you need to.
tenerife hiking anaga rural park
Do I need hiking boots for Tenerife?
You don't need hiking boots for most hikes in Tenerife, however it is best to assess the hikes you plan to take on during your stay. Some of the more advanced hikes, or trails in particular areas which require climbing or scrambling, it might be better to wear boots for extra support. I personally wore hiking boots for every trail and found them far more comfortable than trainers.
Is Tenerife safe to hike?
Yes Tenerife is safe to hike, the island is considered one of the safest places in Europe with low crime rates. It's also home to the most marked trails (over 1,500km of official trails) of any of the Canary Islands which makes it very easy to explore with a friend or guide, or to try out solo hiking. Check out my solo hiking safety tips before trying a solo adventure for the first time, but enjoy this beautiful hidden gem hiking destination in Europe.
How long does it take to hike Tenerife?
Tenerife is a paradise for hikers with incredibly diverse landscapes. If you're a more advanced hiker and would like to take on hiking the entire island, it would take around 8-10 days to hike across the whole island and make sure you hit all of the hiking highlights this Canary Island has to offer.
