The perfect place for people who love walking. Here are three of the most spectacular trails on the island for exploring on foot!
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3 trails you must do in Tenerife
Perhaps due to the influence of the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria, Tenerife is often thought of as a beach destination. I also thought this for a long time, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Sure, there are magnificent beaches of white sand, especially in the south of the island, but to be honest, there is much more to do on Tenerife than to go swimming in the sea. In addition to the colonial beauty of Laguna, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and not counting the carnival season, when the whole island completely changes, Tenerife is, above all, the perfect place for people who love walking. Here are three of the most spectacular trails on the island for exploring on foot!
1
Trail 9: Pico Viejo - Las Narices del Teide
Still within the Teide National Park, Sendero 9 (Trail 9) is magnificent in every way. Teide’s volcanic landscapes are breathtakingly and bleakly beautiful and other-worldly. It is, without doubt, one of the best hiking routes on Tenerife.
It is not often that I cry at the beauty of a landscape, but that’s exactly what happened when I walked this trail. The route takes you from the Pico Viejo lookout point to the Las Narices del Teide lookout point, descending on paths of lava and loose stones.
It is certainly difficult. However, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful hikes I have completed so far – and one that no lover of mountain trekking will want to miss.
2
PR-TF 8 Afur – Taganana – Afur
With its place guaranteed on the list of the island’s most beautiful trails , PR-TF 8 runs through part of the breathtaking Anaga Rural Park in the northeast of the island. The trail officially starts – and ends – next to the car park in the village of Afur, which is easily accessible from the historic settlement of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which is also one of the best places to stay on the island. Being circular, you can begin this path at any point, such as at Taganana or at the main road that goes through Anaga.
I chose to start PR-TF at the official starting place in Afur – simply because it was an easy place to park the car. I went round the trail in a clockwise direction. The route is suitable for those who are used to walking and who have no mobility problems – however, it could be too difficult for anyone else. If you feel up to it, then don’t think twice!
3
Roques de García
We begin with one of the most beautiful and easiest trails on Tenerife - a trail that is easily accessible to all. From small children to more mature adults, this is one of the most accessible and popular walking routes in the Teide National Park. It even has a section that has been adapted for use by people with reduced mobility.
The Roques de Garcia Trail is beautiful and peaceful, and one that should be part of any trip to Tenerife. It is an excellent introduction to the landscape, fauna and flora of the Teide National Park. For those who don’t have the chance to take the Teide cable car to the more spectacular (and demanding) hike from Pico Viejo to Las Narices del Teide, Roques de García is unmissable. And not just for the view of the famous Roque Chinchado, which is undoubtedly worth the effort.
It is not often that I cry at the beauty of a landscape, but that’s exactly what happened when I walked this trail. The route takes you from the Pico Viejo lookout point to the Las Narices del Teide lookout point, descending on paths of lava and loose stones.
It is certainly difficult. However, it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful hikes I have completed so far – and one that no lover of mountain trekking will want to miss.