Five Unmissable Walking Routes in Tenerife

With a blend of stark volcanic calderas and lush, shady laurel forests capped by Spain’s highest peak, Tenerife offers some of the most dramatic, varied, and all-round best walking in the Canary Islands.

Whether you’re trekking beneath the imposing shadow of Mount Teide, winding through the ancient woodlands of Anaga, or climbing from coastal towns to lava-scarred highlands, the diversity of landscapes you come across is genuinely remarkable.

Spectacular scenery aside, Tenerife is also a great choice for autumn and winter walking, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable year-round access to trails. 

Whatever the weather, though, from high-octane climbs to gentle woodland strolls, there should be something for everyone in our pick of five of the best walking routes in Tenerife.

Las Lagunetas / Montaña Chica Circular

This quiet half-day loop through the pine forests of Las Lagunetas to the north of the island is one of the more inviting easy walks in Tenerife. The circular trail climbs up to Montaña Chica, a modest peak with panoramic views across the island’s central spine, over the north coast and out to the immensity of the Atlantic beyond.

Well-marked and shaded for much of the way, the route showcases the wide range of wildlife - particularly of the birds and bugs variety - of Tenerife’s mid-altitude zones. Keep an eye out for Tenerife goldcrests, Bolle's pigeons, Carabus faustus beetles, and dazzling yellow and orange Canary brimstone butterflies (Gonepteryx Cleobule) flitting about under the shady forest canopy. 

Need to know: distance: 9 km; walking time: 3–3.5 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑↓ 400 m; difficulty: easy. Trailhead: Las Lagunetas Recreational Area (Maps.app.goo.gl/). 

Las Portelas to Masca

This dramatic point-to-point trail leads from the high village of Las Portelas, through the wild landscapes of Teno Rural Park (Webtenerife.co.uk), to the pretty - and spectacularly located - hamlet of Masca. It’s a route of constant contrasts, shifting from cloud forest to rocky ridges, with far-reaching views over gorges, peaks, and craggy sea cliffs.

The path climbs steadily to the mountain pass of Degollada de la Mesa, before descending sharply through the Barranco de la Mota. Dropping down into Masca on foot offers one of Tenerife’s most iconic views, with the final approach revealing a cluster of houses tucked improbably into a steep, palm-lined volcanic valley.

Need to know: distance: 10.5 km; walking time: 4.5–5 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑ 550 m / ↓ 900 m; difficulty: challenging. Trailhead: Las Portelas village (Maps.app.goo.gl/). 

Cruz del Carmen to Chinamada

The Anaga Natural Park is a special place. Contained within the UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve (Unesco.org) in the far northeast of Tenerife, it stretches over 14,500 hectares of soaring mountain peaks, deep, shady gorges, and 'laurisilva', the island’s ancient, fairytale-like laurel forests.

This route cuts a swathe through the heart of it. Starting at Cruz del Carmen, it follows paths that wind their way through the green, moss-clad trees, past the tiny mountain hamlet of Las Carboneras, and finally on to the cliffside village of Chinamada with its intriguing cave dwellings and spectacular views out over the rugged northern coast.

Need to know: distance: 9 km (out-and-back); walking time: 3.5–4 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑↓ 450 m; difficulty: moderate. Trailhead: Mirador Cruz del Carmen (Maps.app.goo.gl/). 

Garachico to Chinyero

This route starts out in the picturesque fishing village of Garachico in the northwest corner of the island. It snakes its way up from the coast and the adjoining terraced farmland and banana plantations, through pine forests, and finally to the black lava fields that surround the base of the Volcán de Chinyero. 

It’s a route that gives you a real sense of how Tenerife’s volatile geology has shaped its landscapes and history. Chinyero was the site of Tenerife’s last eruption in 1909 (Wikipedia.org), while the village of Garachico was all but wiped out by lava when the Arenas Negras (or Trevejo) volcano blew its top in 1706 (Wikipedia.org).

Need to know: distance: 12 km; walking time: 4.5–5 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑ 950 m / ↓ 250 m; difficulty: moderate to challenging. Trailhead: Garachico natural swimming pools (Maps.app.goo.gl/). 

Siete Cañadas Trail

Running across the base of Teide National Park, the Siete Cañadas trail (PNT 04) is one of the most accessible yet impressive walking routes on Tenerife. 

Following the ancient muleteers’ trail of the Camino de Chasna, it skirts around the lower folds of the Caldera de Las Cañadas through an arid landscape of rock and scrubland punctuated by otherworldly-looking desert plants - including the Canary-endemic bright Red bugloss (AKA 'Tower of Jewels') which can grow up to two metres high.

Though a long trail, the path is relatively flat and easygoing - making it ideal if you’re looking to experience the volcanic landscape up close, without having to scrabble around too much to do so.

Need to know: distance: 16 km (one way); walking time: 5–6 hrs; ascent/descent: ↑ 250 m / ↓ 150 m; difficulty: moderate. Trailhead: El Portillo Visitors Centre (Maps.app.goo.gl/). 

Planning a walking holiday to Tenerife? Check out our self-guided walking tour. 

Or for more trekking inspiration in the Canaries, see our other guides to the best La Palma walking routes and La Gomera walks.