Anaga Rural Park: 2025 BEST Visitors Guide

Planning a trip to Tenerife and wondering if Anaga Rural Park is worth your time? You’re in the right place!

Anaga Rural Park is one of Tenerife’s best-kept secrets, often overlooked in favor of Mount Teide, but it quickly became one of our favorite spots on the island!

We spent a month exploring the Canary Islands, talking to locals, and discovering the best spots in Tenerife. But, we found it hard to gather concise information about this beautiful area before our trip.

In this guide, we’ll share the top things to do in Anaga Rural Park, including the best hikes, viewpoints, tours, beaches, and nearby places to stay.

Whether you’re an adventurer or just looking for a scenic escape, we’ve got you covered with all the details you need for an unforgettable visit.

Anaga Rural Park Overview

If you’re a fan of short and concise, here is a quick breakdown of our #1 recommendation for each category.

Best Hike 🥾	PR-TF 6.3 Benijo to Cruz del Draguillo
Best Tour 🚐	Anaga Experience
Best Place to Stay 🏨	OCEANO Health Spa Hotel
Best Overlook 🌄	Mirador Pico del Inglés
Best Beach 🏖	Playa de Benijo

We have many tips and bits of advice so keep reading for all the details!

What is Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga)?

Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga), located in Tenerife and designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2015, spans 48,727 hectares of land and marine areas.

This beauty of a park was formed by volcanic activity and has large ravines, ridges, and canyons to show for it.

Outside of the amazing views created by this geography, Anaga Rural Park is known for its rich and diverse plant life, especially its ancient laurel forests.

Some of the plant life you can expect to see are:

1. Laurel Trees: These ancient trees create a lush, green canopy, reminiscent of prehistoric times.
2. Heather: Adding to the dense, green vegetation, heather thrives in the park’s misty environment.
3. Ferns: The damp conditions of the laurel forests support a variety of fern species.
4. Canarian Pine: While more common at higher altitudes, you can find these pines in parts of Anaga.
5. Dragon Trees: These unique trees with their distinctive umbrella-like shape are a signature of the Canary Islands.
6. Cacti and Succulents: In drier areas of the park, you can find various cacti and succulent plants.

Anaga is among the most distinctive natural areas in Tenerife, having risen from the seabed between 10 and 15 million years ago, making it one of the oldest parts of the island.

🌟 Fun Fact – It has the highest number of species per square kilometer in Europe!

The park has an extensive network of trails winding through the forests and along cliff tops with breathtaking views. These paths range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, accommodating all levels of outdoor adventurers.

Anaga is not just a natural wonder but also a cultural one, with over 22,000 residents in charming villages that engage in traditional agricultural and herding activities, helping to maintain the area’s agricultural diversity.

Where is Anaga Rural Park? 

Anaga Rural Park is located at the northeastern tip of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands in Spain.

It is easily accessible from the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

How to Get to Anaga Rural Park by Car

Reaching Anaga Rural Park by car is straightforward from various parts of Tenerife.

From Santa Cruz, take the TF-12 road, which leads directly into the park, a journey of about 20 minutes.

From the popular tourist areas in the south like Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas, drive north on the TF-1 highway, switch to TF-2, and then continue on TF-5 and TF-13, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Each route offers scenic views and well-marked signs to Anaga.

🚨 NOTE: These are very windy, mountainous roads so take your time!

How to Get to Anaga Rural Park by Bus

Getting to Anaga Rural Park by bus is convenient from major parts of Tenerife.

From Santa Cruz, you can take bus 947, which offers direct access to the park. If you’re coming from La Laguna, bus 76 will take you there with ease.

For those in the southern part of the island, such as Playa de las Américas, you’ll first need to catch a bus to Santa Cruz and then transfer to the 947.

How to Get to Anaga Rural Park by Tour 

Below, we’ve provided the top trails in Anaga Rural Park and a 2 day itinerary, perfect for independent explorers.

But if you fancy a bit of local knowledge and guidance, taking a tour can add a whole new layer to your Tenerife adventure!

Starting at Mirador Cruz del Carmen, the Anaga Experiences hike is a 3.5-hour tour that showcases the Anaga Rural Park’s beauty and culture.

The path showcases the island’s northeastern cliffs and traditional hamlet life, while the guide shares insights into local customs and historical uses of the land.

This excursion wraps up with a lunch featuring local products, completing the authentic Canary Islands experience.

If that doesn’t sound like the right tour for you, here are a few others we’d recommend:

• If you prefer having a private tour on your own with a guide, Feel Tenerife offers an 8 hour private tour.

• You can opt for a shorter, 2-hour tour, or save money by choosing a small group tour without lunch included.

• If you’re up for a challenge, there’s a 7-hour tour covering 7km worth of hiking.

• And for those who prefer sightseeing over hiking, the 5-hour Half Day Tour Discovering Anaga Tenerife focuses on the park’s stunning overlooks, beaches, and notable spots.

Anaga Rural Park Cost – do you need a ticket or permit?

Anaga Rural Park is open to visitors free of charge.

However, some areas and trails, like El Pijaral Nature Reserve and Reserva Natural Integral de Ijuana, require permits to explore the general park areas. These spots are limited and need to be booked well in advance.

Anaga Rural Park Map

This map of Anaga Rural Park highlights its location in the northeastern tip of Tenerife, with key access points from nearby cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Anaga Rural Park Visitor Centre

The Anaga Rural Park Visitor Centre is a great starting point for your visit.

Here, you can find detailed maps, informative exhibits about the park, and guidance on the network of trails.

Knowledgeable staff are on hand to help plan your route and offer tips to make the most of your trip.

Facilities include restrooms, a permanent exhibition, a gift shop, and parking.

💡 Additionally, there is a pretty spectacular view here looking through the valley to San Cristóbal de La Laguna!

Best Anaga Rural Park Things to Do

When visiting Anaga Rural Park, you have your pick of the best hikes, stunning viewpoints, scenic drives, and charming nearby villages.

Here are our top picks, based on experience, for a complete and unforgettable experience.

Best Anaga Rural Park Trails and Hikes

There are many great hikes in Anaga Rural Park, so we’ve listed our favorite 8 trails, offering a range of difficulties to suit all hikers.

**Don’t forget to check at the visitor center before you head out to make sure the trails are open!**

Benijo to El Draguillo

🚶 Length: 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
⏱ Time: 2.5 hours
🥾 Route type: Loop
📍Location in Anaga Rural Park: North
💪Difficulty: Challenging

This 3.2 mile hike took us 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete, including a relaxing lunch on a rock at the top.

The lovely trail offers amazing views from the coastal area to the mountains of the Macizo de Anaga. Plus, you’ll hike through the small hamlet of El Draguillo!

The trail is pretty uphill in the 1st half but there are many lovely laurel trees to stop under for a rest.

We recommend starting early, as parking is limited and this is a very popular hike in the park.

Punta del Hidalgo – Chinamada

🚶 Length: 9 km (5.6 miles)
⏱ Time: 4 hours
🥾 Route type: Out and back
📍Location in Anaga Rural Park: Northwest
💪Difficulty: Hard

For a more challenging hike, this stunning 5.6-mile trail took us from the mountains of Punta del Hidalgo to the village of Chinamada.

This trail really has a bit over everything, making the steep incline well worth it!

Chinamada is known for its unique cave houses, with over a dozen still preserved and inhabited.

Using the bus system, you could make this a 1-way trail to be able to do more hiking.

There is a restaurant with a large terrace at the end of the hike in Chinamada you can visit as a break in the middle of the hike.

Roque de Taborno Loop

🚶 Length: 4 km (2.5 miles)
⏱ Time: 1.5 hours
🥾 Route type: Loop
📍Location in Anaga Rural Park: North
💪Difficulty: Challenging

We enjoyed this 2.5-mile hike around the impressive Roque Taborno. It’s a fun circular route that we’d recommend for experienced hikers.

The bulk of the hike is along a ridge so if you are not a fan of height/drop-offs, it might be best to skip this hike!

Some sections are steep and slippery, especially after rain, so following the AllTrails map is recommended to stay on track.

Mirador Aguaide

🚶 Length: 7.6 km (4.7 miles) OR 1.3 km (0.8 miles)
⏱ Time: 2.5 hours OR 25 minutes
🥾 Route type: Loop OR Out and Back
📍Location in Anaga Rural Park: Northwest
💪Difficulty: Moderate OR Easy

One of our favorite viewpoints that you will see further in the article is the Mirador Aguaide. This hike is an option for getting there!

To get to the viewpoint, you can start in Las Carboneras and continue around the Tenejías mountain on a 4.7 mile hike, or you can do a much shorter 0.8 mile hike that starts from the Centro Ciudadano de Chimanada.

Honestly, we recommend whichever you have time for. A good “3rd” option would be to do the loop part of the 4.7 mile hike.

This section has some of the best views!

Afur – Playa de Tamadite – El Chorro – Taganana Loop

🚶 Length: 11.4 km (7.1 miles)
⏱ Time: 4.5 hours
🥾 Route type: Loop
📍Location in Anaga Rural Park: North
💪Difficulty: Hard

Our longest hike on the list is a 7.1-mile route along a well-marked trail with awesome ocean views.

Starting in Afur, it winds through lovely forests to end in the town of Cumbrecilla.

The trail also passes Tamadite Beach, known for its volcanic sand and Canary eels. You should definitely plan to stop here or a bit to hand out!

Cruz del Carmen Family Hikes

🚶 Length: 5 km (3.1 miles) OR 1.4 km (0.9 miles)
⏱ Time: 1.5 hours OR 30 minutes
🥾 Route type: Loop
📍Location in Anaga Rural Park: West
💪Difficulty: Easy

There are two great easy hikes for families that leave from the parking lot of the Centro de Interpretación del Parque Rural de Anaga at Cruz del Carmen.

The Sendero El Bosque de los Enigmas is a 3.1-mile hike that ventures through the Laurisilva forest forests. You first go down into the forest then loop back up to the visitor center.

While not paved, the path is very well maintained and suitable for most.

The Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of The Senses) in Anaga offers three distinct trails of varying difficulty and length, each designed to enhance interaction with the natural environment through sensory experiences like hearing, seeing, touching, and smelling.

We really enjoyed the thoughtful placement of several signs along the Path of The Senses that encourage you to pause and engage with the surroundings using one of your senses.

Best Anaga Rural Park Viewpoints

There are an incredible amount of viewpoints in Anaga Rural Park!

Luckily, even if you don’t like hiking, you can still access a lot of these from the roads. Here are a few of our very favorites:

Overlook near Mirador Hacia Taganana

This overlook doesn’t even have a name or real parking, but there are some small spots to pull over on the road.

At this spot, you have a drop-off on either side of the road and a cool rock formation right next to the road. It’s one of our favorite viewpoints in Anaga.

Mirador De Jardina

Mirador De Jardina is situated near the entrance of Anaga Rural Park, close to the town of La Laguna.

This viewpoint provides stunning views of the valleys and town below, with the lush greenery of the park creating a beautiful contrast against the colorful houses and a great view of Mount Teide.

We saw it while some fog was in the area and it was still stunning!

Mirador Cabezo del Tejo

Mirador Cabezo del Tejo is a less-visited spot in the park, offering a peaceful experience with spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the deep ravines of the Anaga Massif.

It’s a great place for those looking to enjoy the park’s natural beauty without the crowds.

Mirador Cruz del Carmen

Mirador Cruz del Carmen is one of the most accessible viewpoints in Anaga Rural Park, located near the park’s visitor center.

It offers a great view of the La Laguna Valley, Mount Teide, and the dense laurel forests that cover the mountainsides.

Mirador Risco Amogoje

Mirador Risco Amogoje provides a stunning perspective of the dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Situated on the northern coast of the park, it offers a sense of the wild, untamed nature of the Anaga region and is perfect for capturing beautiful seascape photos.

Mirador de la Luna

Mirador de la Luna is a lesser-known viewpoint that offers a unique, almost lunar landscape view of the park.

It’s located in a more remote area of Anaga, providing a tranquil spot to appreciate the rugged terrain and volcanic formations of the region.

Mirador Aguaide

Mirador Aguaide is perched above the charming village of Taganana, offering sweeping views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s a fantastic spot to take in the vast, open sea and the contrasting green mountainsides that define Anaga Rural Park.

Mirador Bailadero

Mirador Bailadero is located along the main road through Anaga, offering stunning views of both the mountains and the coast.

This viewpoint is named after the traditional dances (bailes) that were once held here, and it provides a great snapshot of the park’s varied landscapes.

Roque de los Pinos

Roque de los Pinos is one of 17 volcanic domes in the northern half of the Macizo de Anaga, characterized by plug domes formed when lava hardens within a volcano’s structure.

It provides a unique vantage point over the Anaga Mountains and the surrounding forests.

Best Anaga Rural Park Drives

Exploring Anaga Rural Park by car offers a chance to enjoy some of the most scenic drives on Tenerife.

Here are three of the best drives in the park:

La Laguna to Punta del Hidalgo

This drive takes you from the historic town of La Laguna through the landscapes of Anaga to the coastal village of Punta del Hidalgo.

The road winds through laurel forests and past villages, offering spectacular ocean views and a chance to see the dramatic cliffs of the coastline.

Santa Cruz to Taganana

Starting from the capital, Santa Cruz, this route ascends into the mountains, providing panoramic views of deep ravines and hillsides.

The drive culminates in the quaint village of Taganana, where ancient traditions are still alive.

It’s a perfect route to appreciate the dramatic changes in terrain and biodiversity that Anaga offers.

Cruz del Carmen to Roque de las Bodegas

This route offers a mix of forest and sea views, beginning at the visitor center at Cruz del Carmen.

The drive takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the laurel forest before descending to the coastline where Roque de las Bodegas (Wineries Rock) sits.

This area is ideal for enjoying a coastal walk or a meal in a seafront restaurant.

Each of these drives provides a unique perspective on the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Anaga Rural Park, making them must-do activities for visitors.

Best Anaga Rural Park Towns

Anaga Rural Park is home to several charming towns that offer a glimpse into the area’s traditional lifestyle and culture.

Here are five towns worth visiting:

Taganana

One of the oldest villages in Tenerife, Taganana is known for its historic buildings, terraced landscapes, and stunning sea views.

It’s a great spot to sample local cuisine.

San Andrés

Located near the entrance of the park in the south, San Andrés is famous for its golden sandy beach, Las Teresitas, and is a popular place for seafood lovers.

Chinamada

This small hamlet is known for its cave houses carved into the rock, offering a unique insight into traditional living arrangements still in use today.

Benijo

Known for its remote feel and beautiful black sand beaches, Benijo is ideal for those looking to escape the busier tourist spots and enjoy some tranquility.

El Bailadero

El Bailadero offers spectacular views of the park and is the starting point for several trails, making it a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Best Anaga Rural Park Beaches and Swimming Spots

Anaga Rural Park is home to several stunning beaches and swimming spots that are perfect for visitors looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Here are some of the best:

Benijo Beach

Known for its dramatic black sands and striking rock formations, Benijo is ideal for photography, sunsets, and surfing.

The currents can be strong, so swimming should be approached with caution.

Almáciga Beach

A less crowded option compared to Benijo, Almáciga offers a peaceful setting with similarly impressive views and good conditions for surfers.

Tamadite Beach

Accessible via a hiking trail, Tamadite is a secluded spot perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

The journey there is as rewarding as the beach itself, with stunning scenery along the way.

Las Gaviotas Beach

This beach offers a more sheltered swimming experience with its gentler waves. It’s a favorite among locals for sunbathing and enjoying a quieter beach day.

Best Anaga Rural Park Animals

Anaga Rural Park is great for wildlife enthusiasts since there are a variety of animals that thrive in its unique ecosystems.

Some of the most notable species you might encounter include:

1. Laurel Pigeon (Paloma Turqué) – This elusive bird, often spotted in the laurel forests, is native to the Canary Islands and a symbol of the area’s unique biodiversity.
2. Tenerife Lizard (Gallotia galloti) – Frequently seen sunning on rocks, this striking reptile is known for its vivid coloring and is endemic to Tenerife.
3. Canarian Long-eared Bat (Plecotus teneriffae) – An important pollinator within the park, this species is crucial for maintaining the health of the local ecosystem.
4. Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs canariensis) – The Canary Islands’ variant of this common European bird is adapted to the life in the dense forests of Anaga.
5. Teide Stick Insect (Bacillus lynceorum) – Although more challenging to spot, this fascinating insect is an intriguing part of the park’s biodiversity, demonstrating the unique adaptation of local fauna.

These animals, along with many others, make Anaga Rural Park a compelling destination for wildlife observation.

Best Anaga Rural Park Magical Spot

Túnel de las Hadas, also known as the Tunnel of the Fairies, is a unique and enchanting part of the Anaga Rural Park.

This natural tunnel is formed by dense, overhanging trees, creating a magical, shaded pathway that’s a refreshing break from the sun.

Walking through the tunnel feels like stepping into another world, making it a must-see spot for anyone exploring the park.

Ultimate 2 Day Anaga Rural Park Itinerary

In case you can’t tell, we are big and of Anaga Rural Park. It is truly stunning!

We would recommend dedicating 2 days to exploring the area during your Tenerife trip. Here is our ideal itinerary:

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Anaga

• Morning:
  • Cruz del Carmen to Punta del Hidalgo Hike – Start your day early at the Cruz del Carmen viewpoint and visitor center. Walk the Sendero El Bosque de los Enigmas trail and the Sendero de los Sentidos. Pack a light snack and plenty of water.
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch and Visit to Taganana – After the hike, drive to the quaint village of Taganana. Stop at the Mirador Bailadero along the way. Enjoy a hearty meal of local dishes like papas arrugadas at Casa Picar. Spend your afternoon wandering through the village, exploring its historic church and small local shops.
• Evening:
  • Relax at Benijo Beach – Conclude your day with a visit to Benijo Beach. Relax on the black sand or dip your toes in the Atlantic as the sun sets. It’s a serene spot to unwind after a day of hiking.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Leisure

• Morning:
  • Afur Village and its Trails – Head to the village of Afur, where you can take an awesome hike through the valley. This area offers beautiful views of both mountains and coastline. The round-trip hike is about 4-5 hours.
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch and Roque de las Bodegas – Drive to Roque de las Bodegas (stop at Mirador Risco Amogoje along the drive) and have lunch at Restaurante La Ola. Known for its fresh seafood, especially octopus and cannelloni, it’s a great spot to refuel. Post-lunch, enjoy some time on the beach here or explore more of the coastal area, including this hike if you have enough time.
• Evening:
  • Dinner at Los Pinchitos – Los Pinchitos Restaurant is a great choice for dinner. Located near Anaga Rural Park, it’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying a meal after a day of exploring. The menu features a variety of traditional Canarian dishes with fresh seafood and mojo, making it a must-visit spot for a taste of Tenerife.

This itinerary blends the natural beauty of Anaga with its cultural highlights, ensuring a memorable and diverse experience.

Where to Stay for Parque Rural de Anaga

OCEANO Health Spa Hotel is our top choice for those seeking relaxation and wellness near Anaga Rural Park with stunning ocean views and easy access to the trails.

The hotel has a great spa facility, a good restaurant, and super comfortable rooms, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to unwind and revitalize during their stay.

Anaga Rural Park Weather

The weather in Anaga Rural Park is quite variable due to its diverse terrain and elevation. Generally, the area enjoys a mild, subtropical climate year-round.

Summers are warm but not excessively hot, with temperatures typically ranging from 18°C to 25°C.

Winters are cooler, with occasional rainfall, especially in the higher areas, where temperatures can drop to around 11°C.

It’s wise to prepare for changing conditions and carry layers when visiting.

Top Tips for Visiting Anaga Rural Park

Here are some top tips for visiting Anaga Rural Park:

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The terrain in Anaga can be uneven and rugged, so sturdy hiking boots or shoes are recommended.
2. Check Weather Conditions: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Always check the forecast and prepare for rain or cooler temperatures, even if it’s sunny when you start.
3. Start Early: To make the most of your day and avoid crowds, start your hikes early in the morning.
4. Stay on Marked Trails: To protect the park’s delicate ecosystems and for your safety, stick to the marked paths.
5. Bring Water and Snacks: There are few facilities once you venture deep into the park, so carry enough water and some snacks.
6. Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter and do not feed them.
7. Take Your Trash: Maintain the park’s cleanliness by taking all your trash with you.
8. Visit the Visitor Centre: Stop by the Visitor Centre to gather valuable information and make the most of your visit.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while helping to preserve the natural beauty of Anaga Rural Park.

FAQs for Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga)

In Conclusion: Anaga Rural Park (Parque Rural de Anaga)

We hope you have the best time exploring Anaga Rural Park and the beautiful island of Tenerife!

With its stunning hikes and breathtaking viewpoints, there’s so much to see and do.

We’re glad our guide could help you pick the perfect trails and spots to visit. Enjoy your adventure, take in the incredible views, and make unforgettable memories. Safe travels and happy hiking!

We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!” 

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