Stunning Anaga Rural Park in the northeast of the island of Tenerife offers misty woodlands, laurel forests, sculpted ravines and spectacular scenery. This Canary Island may be popular for its beach resorts, but head north and you will discover an authentic rural side to the island.
Parque Rural De Anaga was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in June 2015. Sharp peaked mountains reaching to the clouds, cavernous ravines and Mercedes Forest carpeted with moss, lichen and lianas, all waiting to be explored.
An ideal trip through rural de Anaga Park should include a stop at the visitors centre at Cruz del Carmen, on the TF-1 road. Take a walk-through lush laurel forest and refuel with a plate of fresh fish at Benijo beach.
Visit for a few days and spend the night at one of the many rural hotels or bed and breakfasts in the park. While we recommend at least 2 full days here, there is so much that can be packed into a full day trip.
HOW TO VISIT ANAGA RURAL PARK, TENERIFE
As a lot of visitors to Anaga Tenerife have limited time, we hope the following recommendations will help you plan your visit more efficiently.
If you have a good orientation of Anaga prior to your visit, you can better enjoy Parque Anaga and its flora, fauna, view-points and hikes.
WHAT IS PARQUE NATURAL DE ANAGA?
Anaga Rural Park was formed by volcanic eruption millions of years ago. The resulting mountainous area is a protected “Rural Park” with over 120 animal and vegetation species. Some of these are extremely scarce and endangered.
The Macizo de Anaga mountain range coversland and sea. It includes the Anaga Country Park, together with the Integrated Nature Reserves of Ijuana, el Pijaral and Roques de Anaga within its borders.
Laurisilva forests grow in areas of high humidity and mild temperatures. Largely evergreen, the trees have long glossy leaves.
A visit to this beautiful area, has to be one of the best things to do in North Tenerife.
HOW TO GET TO ANAGA PARK
Anaga Parque has numerous access points but no official park gate or entrance. While having your own vehicle gives you greater flexibility, parking can be problematic.
To overcome this issue and to cut down on the excessive number of vehicles within the park, the use of public transport is recommended when possible.
Getting to Anaga Rural Park By Bus (Guagua):
The downside of using public buses as a mode of transport, is limited routes and sticking to timetables.
If you only want to visit one part of the park such as the Centro de Visitantes del Parque Rural de Anaga in Cruz del Carmen, then the bus is a viable option. From here, you can take several different trails.
- From Santa Cruz main bus depot, you can take buses 946 and 947.
- From San Cristóbal de La Laguna, buses are more frequent and include 076, 077, 273, 274 and 275.
- Check bus timetables and prices on Titsa Bus official site.
- For a full list of trails and the bus lines available for the round trip, check either online or at Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center.
Reaching Anaga Rural Park By Car:
For flexibility the best way to visit the national park is with your own vehicle. Not only can you drive along scenic roads and stop off at various viewpoints, you can also travel between trailheads with ease.
We use Discovercars.com for ease of use and the best prices on rental vehicle. Check out our full guides for Driving In Tenerife and Renting A Car In Tenerife which provide all the information you need.
- FROM SANTA CRUZ: Follow TF-11 along the coast to San Andrés. Head inland to Taganana via TF-12 and TF-134.
- FROM LA LAGUNA: Drive the stunning TF-12 Anaga Mountain Road which heads deep into the park, continuing all the way to Chamorga. The road itself is narrow and winding in places, but the views to the left and right of the road are really phenomenal.
Which Is The Best Route Through Anaga National Park?
We recommend starting at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and travelling to San Andrés. A worthwhile detour is to continue along the coast on TF-121 to Playa de las Teresitas.
From here, head back to San Andrés and continue on the TF-12 and TF-134 up to Benijo. The scenery and viewpoints are wonderful, and you can complete a hike to El Draguillo (PR-TF 6.3)
Continue your journey via TF-12 from El Bailadero, to the visitor centre at Cruz del Carmen. Here enjoy the Path of the Senses Trail, before continuing to La Laguna via TF-113.
THINGS TO DO IN ANAGA RURAL PARK
When it comes to experiencing the wonders of the park, you have several options. You can explore a network of trails, explore tranquil beaches, and find out about local vegetation, fauna and traditions at the visitor centre and small museum.
If you are looking for something less energetic, why not enjoy one of several scenic driving circuits throughout the park. Let’s look into these options in more detail.
ANAGA HIKES – RECOMMENDED ANAGA HIKING TRAILS
Anaga rural park trails are varied and extensive, with walking being the best way to explore Anaga Hills.
Whether you are looking for accessible footpaths or more dramatic Anaga Tenerife walks, there’s a route for everyone. A starting point for some walks, is Anaga Rural Park visitor center, where there is parking, a restaurant, and toilets.
Pick up an Anaga Tenerife hiking map and get suggestions from specialised staff.
Below is a list of some recommended Anaga hiking routes you may enjoy:
** Always check the status of the trails and possible temporary closures due to construction or landslides**
1. SENDERO DE LOS SENTIDOS (Path of the Senses)
- Starts: Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre
- Parking: At the visitor center
- Distance: Path 1 (340m), Path 2 (544 m), Path 3 (1.72 m) circular route
- Elevation Gain: minimal
- Difficulty: Easy to medium
- Time Needed: 10 – 30 minutes.
The route through rural park Anaga follows the old road that once connected the houses of Anaga, with La Laguna. There are three paths to follow, each guiding you to enjoy the smells, colours and sounds of a laurel forest.
Follow Trail 3 which is the longest route as it incorporates trails 1 and 2 also. This circular route is uphill, ramped with steps and transports you deeper into the forest.
You will also get to see Cruz del Carmen and Llano de Los Loros viewpoints along the way.
2. BOSQUE DE LOS ENIGMAS (The Enigma Forest)
- Starts: Cruz del Carmen Visitor Centre or Mirador de Zapata (TF-143)
- Parking: At both starting points
- Distance: 5km circular route
- Elevation Gain: 600 meters between ascent and descent
- Difficulty: Easy, except for a few steep stretches and risk of slipping
3. EL PIJARAL (The Enchanted Forest)
- Starts: Bosque Encantado (La Ensillada) along TF-123
- Parking: Past the sign indicating “El Pijaral”, on the left, is a small car park and wooden barrier. A sign states you must have a permit to follow the route. This is where the trail begins and ends.
- Distance: 7km circular route
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 3 hours.
This prehistoric path leads to one of the best-preserved laurel forests in the world. To preserve this special environment, you must obtain a permit to walk this route, which reduces the number of visitors per day to just 45 visitors per day.
The permit is free and can be obtained online up to 15 days in advance. It is important to know that if you walk without a permit, you could be fined.
While the permit is free, bear in mind that spaces fill up quickly, especially during the holidays.
Walk through tunnels formed by moss-covered tree branches, paths lined by giant ferns and thick laurel forest. The El Pijaral Reserve, is subject to characteristic winds that bring a large presence of mists and clouds, making the whole atmosphere eerie and mysterious.
The route passes by places of interest such as Roque Anambro, Mirador del Tejo, with views over the hamlets of Roque de las Bodegas, Almáciga and Benijo, before returning to the starting point.
4. BENIJO TO CRUZ DEL DRAGUILLO (PR-TF 6.3)
- Starts: Near Restaurante El Frontón in hamlet of Benijo
- Parking: In the narrow street past the restaurante or in a local parking lot for 2 euros
- Distance: 2.3km out and back
- Elevation Gain: 450-500 meters
- Difficulty: Medium, steady climb
- Time Needed: 1.5 hours.
To reach Benijo, you will already have passed through Anaga mountains and the scenic road to Taganana. The views along this steadily steep hike are stunning. Hugging the coastline, you are afforded views of the black sand of Benijo Beach, Roques de Anaga and El Draguillo.
At a signed junction you can take the right-hand path towards Chamorga if you wish.
Don’t be put off by the difficulty of this trail as you can turn around at any point. However, with incredible views of ocean, beaches and the Anaga massif, hiking doesn’t come much better. Enjoy solitude, and arguably the best views of Tenerife’s coastline.
Find full descriptions of all walks on the Anaga rural park official website.
PARQUE RURAL ANAGA BEACHES
The coast of Anaga Rural Park is bathed by the infinite Atlantic with charming little beaches of fine, shiny black sand dotted along the coast. Some of these tranquil beaches and natural pools are accessed by road, others on foot or by boat.
Below is our list of some of the more scenic beaches and natural pools that you can explore:
PLAYA DE BENIJO
Open, isolated beach with intense waves, located in the north of Anaga Park Tenerife. Accessible by road and a steep wooden staircase. With the high tide its area of black sand disappears. Camping activity on the beach is prohibited.
ROQUE DE LAS BODEGAS
Semi-urban beach, with a family atmosphere, located on the Taganana coast, in the north of Anaga country park. Of black sand, it can present waves of a certain intensity, making it popular among surfers.
ALMACIGA BEACH
Wide open beach with fine black sand and strong currents. Popular with surfers, it combines areas of black sand with areas of stones. Camping on the beach and its immediate surroundings is prohibited, and motorhome activity is also controlled.
PLAYA DE ANTEQUERA
Secluded black-sand beach accessible by boat or multi-hour hike, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, making it peaceful and quiet. You can hike here from Igueste.
PLAYA DE ROQUE BERMEJO
Beautiful black sand beach accessible by picturesque hike, at the foot of the Anaga Lighthouse.
PLAYA DE LAS TERESITAS
Beautiful wide golden sandy beach. Almost no waves, perfect for children. Lots of free parking, facilities and accessible by bus. Located north of Santa Cruz by San Andrés.
LAS GAVIOTAS
Black sand beach located on the coast of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, accessed by a winding road leading to Igueste de San Andrés. It is a cove about 250 meters long, with moderate waves. Nudism permitted.
PISCINA NATURAL PUNTA DEL HIDALGO
This natural pool also called del Arenisco, is located on the coast of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Of Blue Flag distinction, the water quality is great and equipped with a safe bathing area, showers and access adapted for people with reduced mobility.
PISCINA NATURAL DE BAJAMAR
Another natural pool with easy parking in the village. Numerous clean pools, lifeguard and bars and restaurants.
SCENIC DRIVING ROUTES IN PARQUE RURAL ANAGA
Whilst the roads are narrow, steep, and winding, driving through Anaga hills is a great experience. With numerous viewpoints to enjoy the stunning landscapes, if you are not a fan of hiking, these circuits mean you don’t miss out.
Read our post “Driving in Tenerife” to give you an idea of what to expect of the island’s roads.
TOP TIP: Plan your trip with an early start as viewpoints can get crowded quickly, making it difficult to stop and pull over. Get an Anaga Rural Park map from the visitor center.
Or better still, why not base yourself in the north of the island so that you can also visit the attractive town of La Orotava and the mighty Mount Teide.
Some scenic circuits by car include:
ROUTE 1: San Andres-El Bailadero-Lomo de las Bodegas-Chamorga
ROUTE 2: Las Mercedes-Cruz del Carmen-Las Carboneras-Chinamada-Taborno-La Laguna
ROUTE 3: Las Mercedes-Cruz del Carmen-Roque Negro-Afur
ROUTE 4: San Andres-Taganana-Almaciga-Benijo
Just prior to reaching “Mirador del Risco Mogate”, you will see a brown road sign saying “Megoje”.
You are requested to restrict your time here to 5 minutes and pull right through to allow other vehicles to park behind you. The views of Roques de Anaga to the right, and Taganana below are stunning.
ROUTE 5: Las Mercedes-El Batan-Bejia-Pedro Alvarez
ROUTE 6: Anaga Mountain Road
From La Laguna to Chamorga, the Anaga Mountain road follows the main ridge of the mighty Anaga Massif. While viewpoints are plentiful, you can also veer off to explore the small quaint villages of Afur, Carboneras and Taborno.
WHERE TO EAT IN PARK RURAL DE ANAGA
Be aware that outside the main tourist season, restaurants can be closed or have reduced opening hours. Check beforehand or better still, do as we do and pack a picnic!
Here are some options to check out:
- Casa Santiago – Along TF-12, serving traditional Canarian food.
- Restaurante El Fronton – TF-134 at Benijo, with car park and terrace affording great views.
- Casa Paca – Along Caserio Benijo, a small family business offering local dishes.
- Restaurante La Ola – Opposite Playa de Almaciga (TF-134) with traditional dishes and great views.
- Guachinche Bibi y Mana – Tananaga
- Restaurante Cruz del Carmen TF-12 across from the visitor center.
ANAGA RURAL PARK TIPS
Park Entrance Fee – There are no entrance fees or parking fees.
Information – Centro de Visitantes del Parque Rural de Anaga in Cruz del Carmen has staff to advise visitors on hiking trails and transit in the park. You can also purchase trail maps and pamphlets at the visitor center too.
Permits | A permit is required for the Enchanted Forest Trail (El Pijaral Trail), be sure to secure your free permit 1-3 months prior to your visit.
Parking – Parking at trailheads is very limited, plus spaces at the visitor center fill up quickly. Get to where you want to park early.
Fuel – Within the limits of Anaga Rural Park there are no gas stations. The last ones where you can refuel before entering Anaga are on the Las Mercedes highway (TF-12) and on the San Andrés highway (TF-11) between Valleseco and María Jiménez.
Weather: Anaga mountains weather can be unpredictable, with fog and low visibility at times. Consult the Taganana Meteorological Station and Igueste de San Andrés Meteorological Station.
Safety – Bear in mind that Anaga has very steep areas, exposed to wind and rain. Walk on marked trails only, and check the weather forecast beforehand. On foggy days, driving can be slow and not without hazards. Plus, you won’t see much from the viewpoints!
Food & Drink – We recommend you bring snacks and water with you, as restaurant hours can change per season.
Theft – Rental cars are targeted because tourists leave their possessions in plain sight. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Essentials – Sunscreen, hat, waterproof jacket, water, food, and a mobile phone with a charged battery in your backpack. Dress in thin layers that you can easily remove if needed.
Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife is a wonderful area to explore. Whether you choose one of the driving routes or a hiking trail, you will be rewarded with great scenery. We hope you now have all the necessary information to plan your own trip to this beautiful diverse landscape.
MORE POSTS ON TENERIFE
There is SO much to discover on the island of Tenerife, so don’t miss our other in-depth guides to help you plan your trip.
- Exciting Tenerife Itinerary
- Travel Guide to Tenerife
- Best Villas in Costa Adeje
- Excursions from Tenerife
- Best Tenerife Villas
- La Laguna Tenerife
- Renting a Car in Tenerife
- Things To Do in South Tenerife
- Things To Do in North Tenerife
- Things To Do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- La Orotava Tenerife
- Visit Mount Teide
- Driving in Tenerife
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