Discover the original Tenerife off the beaten path! The Anaga Rural Park is a jewel of the Canary Islands – a biosphere reserve with breathtaking landscapes, hidden villages, and hiking trails that lead you through laurel forests, rock formations, and to spectacular viewpoints. This guide shows you how to experience the real Tenerife: with detailed routes, culinary insider tips, and expert knowledge for hikers and nature lovers.
Why Anaga Rural Park is a must-see
The Anaga Park in northeast Tenerife is one of the most pristine and greenest areas on the island. Here you will find: ✅ Untouched nature: Laurel forests, steep cliffs, and secluded beaches. ✅ Authentic villages: Cave settlements like Chinamada and Taborno, where time seems to stand still. ✅ Spectacular Miradores (viewpoints): Panoramic views of Mount Teide, the coast, and the green heart of the island. ✅ Local cuisine: Fresh fish, goat cheese, and traditional dishes in family-run restaurants.
“As a long-time Tenerife insider, I have been hiking through the Anaga Mountains for over 30 years – especially in spring, when the Canary Island bellflower and the Tajinaste transform the slopes into a sea of blossoms.” – Joe Schacher
Recommended route: Roads & highlights
The perfect day route takes you over picturesque mountain roads and through the most beautiful corners of the park. Here are the most important stages:
🚗 Route (approx. 220–280 km, depending on stops)
- Start in Santa Cruz: TF-1 towards La Laguna (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- TF-13 → TF-12: Entrance to the Anaga Rural Park – the first stop is the Mirador de Jardina with views of La Laguna and Mount Teide.
- TF-123 to Chamorga: Past the Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest) and the cave villages.
- TF-134 to Taganana & Benijo: Spectacular coastal road with a turn-off to Playa de Benijo.
- TF-11 to San Andrés: Return trip via Playa de las Teresitas (golden sand beach).
Tip: Start early! From 2 PM, traffic on the TF-1 and TF-5 can collapse – especially in winter.
🌿 Places and villages worth seeing in Anaga Park
Charming villages
| Location | Special feature | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Las Carboneras | Cave houses and traditional agriculture | Try the local goat cheese! |
| Chinamada | Hiking start to hidden viewpoints | Cave hike to Mirador Aguaide (1 hr). |
| Taborno | Secluded mountain village with sea views | Chiringuito Hilario for fresh fish. |
| Afur | Starting point for hikes | Casa José Cañón – House wine & Canarian cuisine. |
| Taganana | Surfer’s paradise and black sand beach | La Ola for grilled octopus (pulpo). |
| Chamorga | Gateway to the Bosque Encantado | Apply for the hiking permit in advance! |
🔍 Viewpoints (Miradores) – The best photo spots
- Mirador Pico del Inglés – 360° view over the Anaga Mountains. https://maps.app.goo.gl/dAVHB1svMRmPJ7c18
- Mirador de Jardina – Panorama from La Laguna to Mount Teide https://maps.app.goo.gl/7CEQSDRy7z2QrF7W9
- Mirador Playa Benijo – Wildly romantic coast with surf https://maps.app.goo.gl/mSRUBxsmYS4QLTHH8
- Mirador Bailadero I & II – Breathtaking cliffs with views of Taganana. https://maps.app.goo.gl/HYiK7THSCGKsYzBp9
“My personal favorite? The Mirador hacia el Roque de los Pinos – (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ehYgdfKZX4YtcS8J6) a hidden viewpoint that only locals know. The hike from Chinamada is well worth it!”
🍽️ Culinary insider tips: Where the locals eat
| Restaurant | Location | Specialty | Opening hours | 📍 Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Ola | Taganana | Grilled octopus, Papas arrugadas | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (closed Sat/Sun) | Map |
| Roque Las Ánimas | Benijo | Fresh fish, seafood | 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (closed Fri) | Map |
| Casa José Cañón | Afur | Goat cheese, house wine, Ropa Vieja | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Map |
| Chiringuito Hilario | Taborno | Fish of the day, paella | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mon/Tue) | Map |
“In autumn, I collect figs, almonds, and chestnuts here – perfect for homemade desserts!” – Joe Schacher
🥾 Hiking highlights: Bosque Encantado & more
1. Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest)
- Distance: 7 km circular hike (2 hrs, demanding).
- Start: Chamorga (Permit required! → tenerifeon.com).
- Highlights: Mystical laurel forests, moss-covered trees, panoramic views.
2. Chinamada → Mirador Aguaide
- Distance: 1 hr (easy, but not barrier-free).
- Reward: View of the Roque de los Pinos and the north coast.
3. Playa de Benijo
- Caution: Currents! Only for experienced swimmers.
- Tip: Surfers love the waves here – ideal for photos at sunset.
🌦️ Weather and best time to travel
- January – February: Almond blossoms (the area around Santiago del Teide is famous, hundreds of trees decorate the barren volcanic landscape with white and red spots)
- Spring (March–May): Sea of blossoms (Canary Island bellflower, Tajinaste, Capusin)
- Autumn (September–November): Fig and chestnut season – perfect for hiking.
- Winter: Changeable (rain, fog, sun – always pack a jacket!)
Something is always blooming in Tenerife; in January – February it’s the almond blossom, in February – March the Capucine or nasturtium bloom and transform the fields into a golden-yellow dream, in May – June the Tajinaste or bugloss
📌 Practical info for your trip
- Permit for the Bosque Encantado: Apply online for free (tenerifeon.com).
- Traffic: Start early (traffic jams on TF-1/TF-5 after 2 PM!)
- Equipment: Sturdy shoes, rain jacket, water – the weather can change quickly!
- Distance: 220–280 km (depending on the route).
💬 Your experiences?
Have you already explored the Anaga Mountains? Which village or restaurant impressed you the most? Share your tips in the comments!
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