One of the most mystical and naturally beautiful places in Tenerife is the Anaga Rural Park, home to the ancient laurisilva forest. A place between the sea and the mountains, so green that it seems to belong to other parts of the planet, where history, landscapes, and silence are compelling reasons to visit. This park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is your best option for disconnecting, taking unique hiking trails, and discovering viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic and Teide.
Discover in this article why you should include the protected natural space of Anaga Rural Park on your list of places to visit in Tenerife. We’ll tell you the best routes, the best viewpoints, the best ways to get there, and much more, including tips for your visit. Will you join us?
Main routes of the Anaga Rural Park
One of the great attractions of the Anaga Rural Park is its trails, surrounded by wild nature and almost infinite beauty. You will find hiking routes suitable for different levels: some are simply short walks, perfect for stretching your legs and moving a little; others are routes that can last several hours and, in addition to the physical challenge, allow you to truly disconnect.
One of the most recommended routes is called Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses). This route is ideal for families with children or for those looking for a pleasant walk through the primitive laurisilva forest, and is located in the Cruz del Carmen park. For travelers looking for a more demanding adventure, several hiking routes of greater difficulty start from this point, such as the route between Afur, Tamadite and Taganana, which descends through a spectacular ravine to the sea and combines different landscapes. Our last suggestion is the PR-TF 2 route, in the direction of Pico del Inglés, which offers fantastic views and allows you to visit some traditional villages.
Laurisilva forest and other landscapes
The laurisilva forest of Anaga Rural Park attracts thousands of travelers every year who want to explore this type of primitive subtropical humid forest, which is very difficult to find in other areas of Europe, besides the Canary Islands. It is a very old forest, from the Tertiary period, and has been in Anaga for millions of years with almost perfect conservation. Here you will find several types of trees and plants, a lot of humidity thanks to the winds and the mountains, and very green landscapes that strongly attract attention. Several interesting animal species also live here, such as birds and reptiles, which animate this unique ecosystem.
Best viewpoints of the Anaga Rural Park
If you have decided to visit the protected natural space of Anaga Rural Park, you are surely looking for the best viewpoints in Tenerife. The panoramic viewpoints in this area are unique: some offer clear views of the ocean, others of the interior of the island, including Teide, and all offer a lot of natural beauty. We highlight the Mirador Cruz de Carmen, the Pico del Inglés and the Mirador de Jardina: these are points where you can enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets and take incredible photos that will make your friends jealous. It is a great plan to combine a hiking route with one of these viewpoints, as it allows you to get to know the beautiful island of Tenerife much better.
How to get to Anaga Rural Park
It is quite easy to get to Anaga Rural Park by car, although some access roads may be slower, especially in high season, when the influx of visitors is higher. For this reason, it is highly recommended to plan your trip and check traffic conditions before leaving.
- From Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Cruz del Carmen, the journey takes about 30 minutes on the TF-5 road, which then connects with the TF-12.
- From San Cristóbal de La Laguna, it will take you less than half an hour, first on the TF-13 and then on the TF-12.
- From La Matanza de Acentejo, on the Acentejo coast, the journey also takes about 30 minutes on the TF-5 road.
As you can see, there are many ways to easily get to Anaga Rural Park by car from practically anywhere on the island. If you prefer to travel by public transport, no problem: there are bus lines that connect several areas of the park with the main cities of Tenerife. We recommend that your starting point be the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center, where you can get information and maps and start some of the routes of the Anaga Rural Park.
Tips for the visit
Although it is very easy to travel and enjoy Tenerife, these are our suggestions to make your visit to this island and the Anaga Rural Park a most pleasant experience:
- Choose hiking trails according to your physical level and experience.
- Wear suitable footwear for uneven terrain and long journeys.
- Check the weather forecast before starting a route, because the weather in Tenerife can change quickly.
- Carry water, food, sunscreen and some waterproof clothing in your backpack.
- Respect the environment and do not leave waste, do not leave the trails and avoid manipulating the fauna and flora of this special place in any way.
Prepare your fantastic trip to Anaga Rural Park
Plan your trip now to Anaga Rural Park, a magical place where nature has remained almost intact for millions of years and the natural beauty is unique. Take advantage of your trip to Tenerife to discover trails in ancient forests and explore small villages lost in the mountains. It doesn’t matter if it’s a getaway or a long vacation: Anaga Rural Park is a protected natural space that should be on your list of must-sees in Tenerife.
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