The Best Natural Landscapes of Tenerife
Index
Natural Landscapes of Tenerife
Tenerife is much more than sun and beach. This island in the Canary archipelago is a true paradise for nature lovers. With a diversity of ecosystems ranging from lunar volcanic landscapes to humid laurel forests, Tenerife’s natural landscapes are surprising with their variety and beauty. The island offers unique corners that seem to be taken from another planet, all accessible in a relatively short time thanks to their compact size.
Thanks to its volcanic origin and its abrupt relief, Tenerife concentrates a wide variety of natural environments: mountains, ravines, cliffs, wild beaches, natural puddles and panoramic trails. This rich landscape makes the island an ideal destination for ecotourism, hiking, photography or simply to disconnect surrounded by nature.
In this article we present a selection of the best natural landscapes in Tenerife, those that you should not miss if you want to get to know the true essence of the island. Each place described represents a different face of Tenerife’s nature, from its peaks to the coast. Get ready to fall in love with this jewel of the Atlantic.
Teide National Park: Volcanic Wonder
To talk about the natural landscapes of Tenerife is to start with the most emblematic: the Teide National Park. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this unique volcanic environment is home to the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, at 3,718 metres in altitude. But its appeal is not limited to the top. The park as a whole offers an arid, rocky landscape with a colour palette ranging from black to red, passing through yellows and ochres.
The great caldera of Las Cañadas and its geological formations, such as the Roques de García, transport the visitor to a setting reminiscent of Mars. It is one of the most photographed spots on the island and also one of the most visited.
In addition to the cable car that ascends almost to the top, there are well-marked hiking trails that allow you to explore the area on foot and enjoy the endemic flora and the silence of the highlands. Mount Teide is also an excellent place for astronomical observation thanks to its altitude and low light pollution.
Anaga: Green Magic in the Northeast of the Island
The contrast with Mount Teide comes from the Anaga Rural Park, located in the northeast of the island. This enclave offers one of the most exuberant natural landscapes in Tenerife . Declared a Biosphere Reserve, Anaga is covered by a thick blanket of laurel forest, a type of subtropical forest that has survived since the Tertiary era.
Its steep mountains, deeply eroded by the passage of time, are crisscrossed by paths that connect small hamlets, many of them practically isolated. Walking through Anaga is to enter a magical world, humid and full of life.
Viewpoints such as Pico del Inglés or Cruz del Carmen allow you to contemplate panoramic views of great beauty. And if you are looking for contact with the sea, trails such as the one that goes down to Benijo beach will give you unforgettable views. This corner is ideal for those looking to disconnect and feel the connection with an ancestral nature.
Teno and its Rural and Wild Charm
In the northwest of the island, the Teno Massif is another of the natural treasures that top any list of the best natural landscapes in Tenerife. It is an area where time seems to have stopped, with small villages such as Masca that preserve their traditional architecture and offer spectacular views of the ravines.
The Masca ravine is famous for its spectacularity, and descending it to the beach (if it is open and in safe conditions) is an unforgettable experience. The path crosses vertical walls, native vegetation and corners of great beauty.
In addition, Teno is home to the Cliffs of La Culata and Los Gigantes, which we will see in the next section, and viewpoints such as Baracán, where you can contemplate the entire area from above. The hiking trails in Teno are ideal for those looking for tranquility and rugged landscapes.
The Cliffs of Los Gigantes: Imposing Nature
The Cliffs of Los Gigantes are one of the most impressive geological formations on the island. They rise vertically from the sea to 600 meters high, forming an impressive natural wall. They are a visual icon and one of the most visited natural landscapes in Tenerife .
The best way to appreciate its magnitude is from the sea. There are boat trips that allow you not only to admire the cliffs from below, but also to spot dolphins and whales, as these waters are one of the best places in Europe for whale watching.
From the mainland, there are also spectacular viewpoints and nearby coves where you can relax while contemplating this natural wonder. The Los Gigantes area combines the power of geology with the tranquility of the ocean, creating a contrast that is hard to forget.
Southern Landscapes: From Cañadas to Barrancos
Although the south of Tenerife is more arid, it also offers unique landscapes. From the high areas such as Vilaflor to the coast, the relief is marked by ravines, volcanic cones and steep slopes. One of the highlights is the Barranco del Infierno, a special nature reserve with a route that ends at a waterfall.
Another corner that deserves mention is the Montaña de Guaza, located next to Los Cristianos. This elevation offers trails with panoramic views of the sea and the south of the island, ideal for sunset hikes.
The southern area combines volcanic desert with vegetation adapted to the dry climate, and although it may seem less lush than the north, it has a sober and fascinating charm. You can also find old royal roads, caves and Guanche archaeological remains in this region, adding cultural value to the environment.
Natural Beaches and Volcanic Pools
Tenerife also offers beaches and bathing areas that deserve their place on this list of the best natural landscapes in Tenerife. On the northern slope we find wild beaches such as El Bollullo or Benijo, where the volcanic sand and wild waves create a spectacular atmosphere.
Also noteworthy are the natural pools formed by lava, known as charcos, among which the Charco del Viento (La Guancha), the Charco de la Laja (San Juan de la Rambla) and those of Punta del Hidalgo stand out. They are ideal spaces for a different bathroom and very connected to nature.
Unlike the beaches in the south, many of these areas have not been artificially modified, preserving their natural state. Tenerife’s coastal landscape combines cliffs, black rocks, coastal vegetation and a deep blue ocean that hypnotizes.
An Unforgettable Journey through the Natural Landscapes of Tenerife
To travel through the natural landscapes of Tenerife is to embark on a journey that crosses different worlds. From the volcanic immensity of Mount Teide to the lush forests of Anaga, from the vertiginous cliffs of Los Gigantes to the hidden beaches of the north, the island offers an endless palette of visual and sensory experiences.
Each area has its own personality and charm, and together they make up a territory where nature manifests itself with strength and diversity. This richness makes Tenerife a perfect destination for those who want to explore, breathe fresh air and marvel at what the land can create.
If you’re planning an island getaway, don’t stick to the conventional. Dare to discover these natural corners that will make your trip truly unforgettable. Because if there is one thing that defines the island, it is undoubtedly the stunning natural landscapes of Tenerife.