When we think of Tenerife and nature, the first thing that comes to mind is Teide National Park. However, the largest natural park in the Canary Islands is another: the Corona Forestal Natural Park, a protected area of immense natural beauty and great importance for biodiversity, water conservation, and the island’s ecological balance.
Its name has a simple yet beautiful explanation: this park acts as a green crown or ring around the Teide volcano, protecting the soil, fauna, and flora of the region. It spans over 46,000 hectares with Canary pine forests, a tree known for its fire resistance and adaptation to difficult conditions.
In this article, discover one of travelers’ favorite places for hiking and connecting with nature in Tenerife.
Essential Routes and Trails in Corona Forestal Natural Park
This is a fantastic place for hiking: it boasts an extensive network of trails through green forests, volcanic areas, and privileged spots that serve as some of the island’s viewpoints. Corona Forestal Natural Park is the largest in Tenerife, but not the most visited, which guarantees a quieter experience and a deeper connection with nature. There are routes with various difficulty levels, mostly well-marked, so dare to explore Tenerife in a very special way, or check out some of the best hiking trails in the northern part of the island.
Vilaflor’s Lunar Landscape
This is perhaps the most popular route in Corona Forestal Natural Park, an easy trail that leads us to a unique landscape with rock formations that look like they belong on the moon or another planet.
Route from Arafo
If you start from Arafo, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you’ll find a route that climbs higher and higher to the highest part of the park, giving you that feeling of conquering the terrain and observing how the landscapes gradually change with altitude.
Corona Forestal Natural Park Routes to Teide
This is a very demanding route, only suitable for experienced hikers, but it is possible to walk from this park to Teide National Park, the most famous place in Tenerife. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds!
Flora and Fauna of Corona Forestal Natural Park
When it comes to biodiversity, Corona Forestal Natural Park is an unmissable spot in Tenerife and the Canary Islands, as it is home to several endemic species that have perfectly adapted to the characteristics of the island and its environment. Firstly, and as the dominant species, we have the large Canary pine forests, a tree with the fantastic ability to regenerate after a fire, making it essential for this ecosystem. They are accompanied by other endemic species that make up the Monteverde, a wetter forest area characterized by laurel forests and fayal-brezal.
The fauna is also of great interest due to the unique species it harbors: blue chaffinches and Canary tits, which fly among the tree branches, and Tenerife lizards, among other reptiles, hiding among the roots. In terms of animal conservation, the Corona Forestal Natural Park of Tenerife is of great importance. Finally, we must highlight the fundamental role of this territory in water capture and conservation, which helps to feed the aquifers, so vital for this volcanic island.
How to Visit Corona Forestal Natural Park in Tenerife?
You’ll have no problem visiting Corona Forestal Natural Park, as it is very well connected to many points on the island, such as La Orotava or Arafo. Furthermore, these roads are part of the spectacle, with their viewpoints and access points to several worthwhile hiking trails. The ideal way to get here is by car, without a doubt, so you can move at your own pace, go wherever you want, and have the flexibility to change your destination at any time.
Another option is to join an organized excursion that will comfortably take you to the most interesting places in Tenerife’s Corona Forestal Natural Park, with experienced guides who will ensure everyone’s safety and share their knowledge about this fantastic place.
Practical Tips for Your Excursion
Before embarking on a trip to a wild environment like Corona Forestal Natural Park, it’s important to consider a few things for a positive experience:
- This park has high-altitude areas, so the weather can change quickly, and temperatures are lower than in other parts of the island.
- It is advisable to bring an extra layer of clothing.
- You won’t find many services once you venture into the park, so you should bring enough water and something to eat.
- Wearing hiking footwear is very important to tackle uneven terrain and prevent foot injuries.
- Corona Forestal Natural Park deserves to be well cared for: stay on the trails, do not litter, observe the fauna and flora from an appropriate distance, and always respect existing signs.
If we keep these simple tips in mind, we can enjoy unique moments in this beautiful place.
Discover the Beauty of Corona Forestal Natural Park
Visiting Corona Forestal Natural Park should be an essential activity for anyone traveling to Tenerife. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by Teide National Park, it has plenty of reasons to merit our attention, and in the end, why not visit both places? Both are fantastic in their own way. If you love nature and prefer a quiet environment with fewer tourists, Corona Forestal Natural Park should be in your plans.
If you are planning a trip to Tenerife’s Corona Forestal Natural Park, you will need a place to rest and relax with all the comfort you deserve. At Sansofé Stay, we have fantastic accommodations at the best price, in a quiet setting, with views of Teide and the sea. You can book online without complications, and we will do our best to give you the best experience on this magical island.
