Anaga rainforest: trails, laurels & mist

The Anaga Massif is a prehistoric world within Tenerife: a rugged mountain range of razor-sharp ridges and deep ravines that emerged from the Atlantic Ocean over seven million years ago—long before Mount Teide was formed. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015, this north-eastern wilderness shelters Europe's finest surviving remnant of the subtropical laurel rainforests that blanketed the Mediterranean basin before the Tertiary ice ages.

The lifeblood of this enchanted jungle is a constant meteorological phenomenon: horizontal precipitation. Moisture-laden trade winds blowing off the Atlantic collide against high mountain crests between 600 and 1,000 metres above sea level, producing dense, swirling fog. The leaves of laurels, tilos and giant heathers condense millions of water droplets that drip continuously onto the forest floor, creating a lush emerald wonderland while Tenerife’s south coast basks in brilliant sunshine.

The Path of the Senses: the forest gateway

For first-time visitors, the ideal entry point is the Cruz del Carmen Visitors Centre. From here departs the Path of the Senses (Sendero de los Sentidos), laid out over an ancient royal bridle path that historically linked Anaga's farming settlements with the colonial city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

• Route 1 (Awaken your senses): An accessible 340-metre boardwalk promenade, fully adapted for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Route 2 (Let yourself go): A 540-metre circular loop descending gently beneath gnarled heather and laurel trees draped in moss and lichens.
• Route 3 (Captivate your soul): A 1.3-kilometre trail with greater gradient leading to the Llano de los Loros viewpoint over the Tahodio gorge and Santa Cruz harbour.

El Pijaral and the Enchanted Forest: compulsory permit

El Pijaral is the most pristine and strictly guarded wilderness in the entire massif. Named after the *pijara* (*Woodwardia radicans*)—a giant Jurassic fern whose arching fronds exceed two metres in length—it forms a dense understorey beneath moisture-dripping tree canopies.

Remote hamlets and traditional food

Descending from misty summits towards coastal valleys reveals isolated rural villages where Canarian traditions have endured unchanged for centuries:

1. Taganana and the Wild Coast Oldest village in the massif · Reached via mountain tunnel

   Founded in the 16th century, its whitewashed houses terrace steep hillsides overlooking rugged black-sand volcanic beaches at Benijo and Almáciga, world-famous for massive ocean waves.

2. Chinamada Cave Dwellings Aboriginal troglodyte heritage

   A remote hamlet where residents still inhabit traditional homes carved directly into volcanic tuff rock, maintaining a natural indoor climate of 18 °C all year round.

3. Afur and Tamadite Canyon Classic ravine trekking trail

   A peaceful cluster of stone cottages set in a deep gorge, serving as the trailhead for a scenic hike following a mountain stream down to the wild pebble beach of Tamadite.

Guided hiking and tours in Anaga

Tradition trail through cave houses

A 5–6 hour guided hike through Anaga’s cave houses. Age 16+, moderate.

5–6 hours From €50

Coastal hike on the Rambla de Castro

A 5–6 hour coastal hike on the Rambla de Castro: pirate lore, Viera y Clavijo and thermophile palm…

5–6 hours From €40

Driving advice and mountain gear

• Narrow mountain roads (TF-12 and TF-134): The ridge road snakes along narrow clifftops with blind corners. Sound your horn gently before blind curves and always yield to public TITSA buses.
• Sudden thick mist: Cloud cover can reduce visibility to under ten metres within minutes. Switch on fog lights and drive cautiously.
• Waterproof layers and trail boots: Fog drizzle dampens clothes as quickly as light rain. Wear proper trail footwear with aggressive grip to avoid slipping on damp roots and muddy clay.
• No petrol stations: There are zero fuel stations inside the rural park. Fill your tank completely in La Laguna or Santa Cruz before ascending.