If Tenerife is famous for its beaches and volcanoes, then Anaga Rural Park is its hidden treasure. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the island’s northeast is a land of misty laurel forests, dramatic cliffs, and tiny hamlets that feel frozen in time. For hikers and nature lovers, it’s paradise.
Here’s how to spend a day in the enchanted forests of Anaga.
Here’s how to spend a day in the enchanted forests of Anaga.
Morning: Hike Through the Laurisilva Forest
Start at the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre, where you’ll find trail maps and viewpoints. From here, several walks lead through ancient laurel forests - a type of subtropical greenery that has disappeared from most of Europe but thrives here.
- Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) – short, family-friendly walk with wooden walkways and viewpoints.
- PR-TF 10 to Taganana – a longer hike through ravines to the coast.
Why Go:
Step into a fairytale forest that feels more like Madeira than Tenerife.
Try:
The Path of the Senses if you want a short but magical experience.
Good For:
Families, hikers, photographers.
Midday: Visit Taganana Village
Drive (or hike) down to Taganana, a whitewashed village perched on the cliffs. It’s famous for its seafood restaurants and rugged coastline.
- Try lunch at Casa Africa or Restaurante El Frontón - both known for fresh fish and papas arrugadas.
- The roads are winding, so take it slow.
Why Go:
It’s one of Tenerife’s oldest villages, offering a glimpse into traditional island life.
Try:
Grilled vieja (parrotfish) with mojo verde sauce.
Good For:
Foodies, cultural explorers, romantic couples.
Afternoon: Hidden Beaches
From Taganana, continue toward the wild beaches of Playa de Benijo or Playa de Almáciga. These black-sand beaches are stunning but have strong currents - more for photos, sunsets, and long walks than swimming.
- Surfers love Benijo, while Almáciga is a bit calmer.
- Both beaches have small bars serving cold drinks and local snacks.
Why Go:
Wild, unspoiled beaches with dramatic backdrops.
Try:
Stay for golden hour when the cliffs glow.
Good For:
Surfers, landscape photographers, romantic sunset seekers.
Whether you’re wandering enchanted forests, tasting fresh fish in Taganana, or watching the sun dip over Benijo beach, Anaga feels like another world within Tenerife. And the best part? It’s still largely untouched by mass tourism.
While this list is based on personal visits, we’re open to featuring more great spots.
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📌 Roads are narrow and winding - confident driving (or patience) is essential.
📌 Weather in Anaga is cooler and cloudier - bring a jacket, even in summer.
📌 Mobile signal is patchy - download offline maps before visiting.
📌 Weather in Anaga is cooler and cloudier - bring a jacket, even in summer.
📌 Mobile signal is patchy - download offline maps before visiting.
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