Hiking - Trekking

It's hard to imagine a more suitable place for hiking enthusiasts than the Canary Islands. Mountain trails and off-road paths, rocky beaches, and countless gorges—barrancos, which are actually mountain riverbeds.

Naturally, Tenerife has developed various hiking and trekking routes, making up the most popular hiking trails.

Hiking - Los Gigantes

Los Gigantes pārgājiens

The Unknown of Los Gigantes

We will start this route in the charming village of Tamaimo, where our excursion begins.

We will embark on a mountainous trail for approximately a 4-hour hike.

Along the way, we will explore the mountain irrigation system, a man-made pedestrian tunnel carved into the rock, an agricultural village, and breathtaking landscapes from the top of the cliffs.

After overcoming a steep ascent, we will reach an unmarked trail, where our guide will lead you to a unique geological formation – the rock window.

This impressive arch offers a postcard-worthy view of the Atlantic Ocean, the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes, and the distant island of La Gomera.

Afterward, we will descend to the village of Puerto de Santiago, where we will enjoy a swim at the black lava sand beach.

Private guide
4-hour hike
Aqueducts and water tunnels
Swimming at a black sand beach
Transport from the hotel/back

The excursion is suitable for people who are in very good physical shape and equipped with non-slip mountain hiking shoes.

Hiking and Trekking in Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for nature trails and thrilling hikes. Thanks to the island's diverse terrain, everyone can find a route that suits their fitness level – from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain trails.

Hiking and Trekking: What’s the Difference?

Hiking – usually refers to easy or moderate walks on well-maintained trails that last from a few hours to a day.
Trekking – involves a longer and more challenging hike, often over several days, crossing rugged terrain and mountainous areas with higher physical demands.

Popular Hiking Routes in Tenerife

1. Teide National Park

Route: Pico del Teide
Difficulty Level: High
Description: This is one of the most impressive hikes in Tenerife, leading to Spain's highest peak – the Teide volcano (3,718 m). The route requires good physical fitness, and a special permit is needed for the upper sections.

2. Masca Gorge

Route: Masca - Playa de Masca
Difficulty Level: Medium
Description: This trail starts in the picturesque village of Masca and winds through a stunning gorge down to the Atlantic Ocean. Sturdy footwear and a good water supply are essential, as the route can be challenging.

3. Anaga Laurel Forests

Route: Cruz del Carmen - Chinamada
Difficulty Level: Medium
Description: A hike through the Anaga Biosphere Reserve offers breathtaking views of ancient laurel forests and mountainous landscapes.

4. Roque de Taborno

Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Description: Often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of Tenerife," this hike offers incredible views and is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.

5. Barranco del Infierno

Difficulty Level: Medium
Description: This popular trail in the Adeje area winds through an impressive canyon and ends at a small waterfall. Advance booking is required.

Useful Tips for Hiking in Tenerife

Dress appropriately for the weather – it can be cooler in the mountains than on the coast.
Carry enough water – dehydration can occur quickly in the dry climate.
Use sunscreen – UV radiation is strong even on cloudy days.
Assess the difficulty of the route – choose a trail that matches your fitness level.

For Active Travel Enthusiasts

Hiking is very popular, so it's up to you to decide how difficult the routes should be and how to plan your trip. This article provides useful tips for an active holiday in Tenerife.

Book tours in advance and check if they are guaranteed to avoid last-minute cancellations. Having a backup plan is advisable. Weather conditions are the most common reason for cancellations – some trails become too dangerous after or during rain. In low season, tours may be canceled due to a lack of participants.

For self-planned hikes, guidebooks, maps, or Wikiloc trails can be useful. Some routes can be downloaded to your phone for a fee and used as a navigation tool.

Some tour operators offer hiking boot rentals, but availability may be limited, especially for larger sizes (45–46). If you travel with only hand luggage, hiking boots may take up too much space. For easy trails, regular sports shoes may suffice, but for rocky, mountainous terrain, proper hiking boots with ankle support are recommended to prevent injuries.

Hiking boots can also be purchased locally in Tenerife South and Puerto de la Cruz, with stores like Intersport (Mercadona shopping center) and Der Wanderstab (a small outdoor shop, 10-minute walk from the city center).

South vs. North Tenerife Tourism

Southern cities have more tourists and a wider range of tour agencies and activities.

Puerto de la Cruz, in the north, is less touristy but still a great base. Finding hikes from here online can be tricky, as some agencies only accept bookings for groups of 8+ people.

Organized Tour vs. Self-Guided Hike?

Organized Tour

Ideal for solo travelers or small groups, those who want to learn more about the route, or those who prefer not to plan everything themselves. This is particularly useful for trails like Masca Gorge, which involves multiple transport connections (bus/car to Masca, hike, boat to Los Gigantes, then return to accommodation).

Guides provide insights into the island's history, culture, and attractions. Group tours offer a chance to meet people from different countries and exchange travel experiences.

Self-Guided Hike

Research your route and essential gear before departure. Weather changes quickly, so follow safety guidelines.

Public transport is available but limited on weekends and holidays. Check TITSA bus schedules instead of relying solely on Google Maps. Alternatively, renting a car or taking a taxi can be cost-effective for groups. Tenerife's roads can be challenging, so confident driving skills are recommended.

If visiting Tenerife, don't miss hiking opportunities to explore unique spots, especially Masca Gorge!

Check out more articles on Tenerife and the Canary Islands for better trip planning!