Guide to exploring the Anaga Rural Park
Index
Tenerife is much more than just sunny beaches and coastal towns. In the northeastern tip of the island, one of the most magical, green and ancestral corners of the archipelago is hidden: the Anaga Rural Park. This natural paradise is a must-see for lovers of hiking, biodiversity and landscapes that seem to come out of a fairy tale. In this guide we will tell you everything you need to explore the Anaga Rural Park completely and safely.
Where is the Anaga Rural Park?
The Anaga Rural Park is located in the mountain massif of the same name, occupying part of the municipalities of La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tegueste. It extends over more than 14,500 hectares of land ranging from the summits to the coast, including deep ravines, dense laurel forests and charming villages.
This protected area was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2015, thanks to its ecological and cultural richness. To explore the Anaga Rural Park is to discover an almost unspoilt environment, where nature follows its own rules and time seems to stand still.
How to get to Anaga Rural Park
The most common way to access the park is from the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife or from San Cristóbal de La Laguna. From both points you can reach it by car in less than 30 minutes. If you do not have a vehicle, there are also bus lines that reach strategic points such as the Mirador de Cruz del Carmen or Taganana.
To explore the Anaga Rural Park more freely, it is ideal to rent a car. Many of its routes and trails begin in remote places that are not always served by public transport.
Unique flora and fauna
Exploring the Anaga Rural Park is also discovering a unique biodiversity. More than 120 endemic species of flora and fauna live here, some of them exclusive to the park. These include the blight lizard, the Anaga perenquen (a type of gecko) and birds such as the turqué pigeon and the yellow-tailed pigeon.
The vegetation varies from the humid forest of the highlands to the cardonales and tabaibales of the lower areas. In spring, the ravines are filled with wildflowers.
What to see and do when exploring Anaga Rural Park
1. Hiking through the laurel forest
The botanical jewel of the park is the laurel forest, a humid and lush forest typical of subtropical climates, which covers a large part of the highlands. Walking among its millenary moss-covered trees is like entering an enchanted forest.
The most popular trails for exploring Anaga Rural Park on foot include:
Path of the Senses (Cruz del Carmen): perfect for families and beginners. Very accessible and with interpretive panels.
PR-TF 10 Cruz del Carmen – Punta del Hidalgo: a route of medium difficulty with breathtaking views that descends from the forest to the coast.
Chamorga – Roque Bermejo: one of the most spectacular, with views of the sea and cliffs, passing through traditional farmhouses.
2. Towns with history
Anaga is also home to traditional villages and hamlets that preserve the rural soul of Tenerife. When exploring Anaga Rural Park, you can’t miss:
Taganana: one of the oldest villages on the island, famous for its traditional architecture, local wines and its proximity to pristine beaches.
Chamorga: starting point of many routes and example of rural isolation between mountains.
Taborno: Known as the “little Machu Picchu” for its spectacular mountainous setting.
3. Unforgettable viewpoints
The steep relief of Anaga gives rise to some of the best viewpoints in Tenerife. Among the most recommended for those who want to explore the Anaga Rural Park are:
Jardina viewpoint: ideal for seeing Mount Teide over a sea of clouds.
Cruz del Carmen viewpoint: with views of the valley of La Laguna.
Pico del Inglés viewpoint: one of the most photographed, with panoramic views that range from Santa Cruz to the north of the island.
4. Wild beaches
Although not a conventional sun and beach destination, Anaga offers some of the wildest and most beautiful beaches in Tenerife. Some require walking to get there, but the reward is worth it:
Benijo Beach: iconic for its volcanic rocks and spectacular sunsets.
Almáciga Beach: popular with surfers and nature lovers.
Roque Bermejo: a secluded cove that can only be reached on foot or by boat.
Practical tips for exploring the Anaga Rural Park
Plan your route: check maps and difficulty levels before you head out.
Check the weather: The weather in Anaga can change quickly, especially in the highlands.
Wear appropriate footwear – trails can be slippery or stony.
Respect the environment: do not leave garbage or alter the ecosystem. It is a protected area.
Hydrate and bring food: there are not many points of sale on the routes, especially in the most remote hamlets.
Conclusion
To explore the Anaga Rural Park is to discover one of the most fascinating and authentic areas of Tenerife. Its paths between laurel forests, its villages frozen in time and its cliffs that fall into the ocean invite you to experience the island from another point of view: more natural, deeper, more real.
If you are looking for a different experience, away from the conventional tourist routes, Anaga awaits you with open arms.